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Mystical journey through Mountain

Take a tour of India and be introduced to the Mountains and Mystics of this incredible country. This is a journey of the body and spirit as we travel through the foothills of the world’s highest mountains. These mystical lands look and feel very different from the rest of India – from the food and clothes to the crisp, clean mountain air and spiritual sway of the inhabitants. Discover the complex diversity of India and be enchanted by a land balanced between physical and spiritual worlds.

Travel Route

Delhi – Shimla -Mandi – Dharamshala – Amritsar – Rishikesh – Delhi

  • Explore Old Delhi by foot and cycle rickshaw, where ancient temples stand against extravagant billboards advertising Bollywood films
  • The colonial charm of Shimla Hill Station offers a great introduction to the Himalayas, and the World Heritage-listed ‘toy-train’ is a great way to get there
  • As the home of the Dalai Lama, tranquil Dharmasala is the ideal place for an enlightening experience of Tibetan spirituality, culture and history
  • Learn about Sikhism on a visit to the faith’s most sacred monument, the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar
  • Breeze through the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ in Rishikesh and camp along the banks of the holy Ganges River

Day 01- Arrive Delhi

Your journey begins before you land in India. Your thoughts are focused on the soon to have imagined the culture and the architecture, the food and the landscape and, as the plane lands in the capital city of Delhi, you are ready to experience it all.

Welcome to Delhi, a city that brings together its historic architecture and modern culture. You are met at the airport and escorted to your hotel by a private transfer.

Explore and discover the city’s ancient walls you can find in Chandni Chowk, the old market that continues to brim with life, filled with the enticing smoky aromatics of grilled kebab , street food and Spices . Stop at Jama Masjid was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees. The mosque was completed in 1656 AD with three great gates, four towers and two 40 m high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. The courtyard can accommodate more than 25,000 persons

From the old market to the Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, you venture through the new streets that eventually bring you to the Qutub Minar. You find the mystique of the seasoned structures alluring; the minaret climbs over 217 feet into the air, constructed almost a millennia ago.

Drive pass India Gate and Parliament , before you settle back into your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at hotel

Day 02- Delhi – Shimla   by train

Leave Delhi by a fast train for a 4-5 hrs journey to reach Kalka.  There is option of taking World heritage toy train enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains , villages and passing 107 tunnels.  On arrival you check in at hotel.  Evening free to explore and walk through the markets.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03- Shimla

Today you explore Mall Road, Shimla’s most popular shopping stretch. A nearby viewpoint also offers fantastic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Viceregal Lodge to witness where the partition agreement that separated India from Pakistan and Bangladesh was drawn up.  Shimla also offers an array of nature walks, enjoy an optional trip to the cinema and bop along to a Bollywood blockbuster.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04- Shimla  – Mandu by road ( 146 kms / 4 hrs Approx.)

Travel by jeep to the small town of Mandi situated on the Beas River, Mandi has a rich cultural heritage of both historical and theological significance. Once part of the salt route to Tibet, today it’s the gateway to the Kullu Valley. You can spend time at the bathing ghats along the river or a village walk or a hike to hilltop temples just outside of town.

Overnight at hotel

Day 05- Mandi  – Dharamshala   by road (127 kms  / 4 hrs Approx.)

 Today you will  drive to Dharamshala . This city is known as the home of the Dalai Lama. The scents of oak and conifer trees fill the city. You can see the rolling snowcapped mountains in the distance. The temple of Tsuglagkhang is also known as Dalai Lama’s temple. Many Buddhist pilgrims and interested people come to the temple to pay their respects to the religion and the Dalai Lama.

A 9-foot tall gilded statue of the Buddha is situated within the temple complex. There is compassion and tranquility in the complex that feels worlds apart from the fast paced streets Dharamsala. The images of Buddha are refined and historic. Monks stroll through the city and the temple in red robes.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06-Dharamshala

Today is at your leisure to experience the city as you prefer. The Gelug school of thought is the newest in Buddhist philosophy. The Namgyal Monastery was constructed in the 16th century and continues to teach the philosophies of the Gelug Sect. The charming building is set against the backdrop of snowy mountains. The essence of the monastery and the city lies in its surroundings and the perseverance of the culture.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07-  Dharamshala  – Amritsar by car  (207 kms / 4hrs Approx.)

Morning drive to  Amritsar ,this city was founded in the 16th century and is Sikhism’s holiest shrine. The Golden Temple is elegant and humbling. The city is divided into the new and the old. 12 gates surround the old city and encompass traditional bazaars and narrow laneways. Sometimes it feels like you have stepped back in time. In the evening you will follow the tiled walkway and enter through the archways of the Golden Temple. The arch is 203 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

Today you watch the Night Ceremony as the holy text is carried from the main shrine to the sanctum. Several people help support the palanquin that holds the book until the text is removed and surfs along the hands of the devoted followers.

Overnight at hotel.
Day 08-  Amritsar

The images of the previous night’s ceremony continue to replay in your head. The gilded temple was magnificent and the spectacle was one of a kind. Today you will venture through the old city to view the splendid history of Akal Takht, known as the Immortal Throne, located within the Golden Temple complex.

In the early afternoon you will venture to the Wagah Border to experience another truly unique moment special to Amritsar. The changing of the guard between Pakistan and India at this particular crossing has become an exhibition of energy and pride. People come from all around the country and the world to witness the rambunctious and fun display that has become the daily border closing.

Overnight at hotel

Day 09-  Amritsar  – Rishikesh by train

Today transfer to the train station to catch train to Haridwar. Soon you find yourself in the famous city of Rishikesh located on the banks of the River Ganges. The city is located 1,200 feet above sea level and has become a popular stopover for people ready to trek to the Himalayas.

In the evening you will stand on the riverbanks and listen to the enchanting hymns of the nightly Aarti ceremony. The water is rapid and sprays into the air. The mist is cold in the evening light. Much of the banks are paved with large rocks and the city looks like it is built between the trees. Visitors practice yoga on the softer shores in the distance and take large, slow breaths. The evening chants blend into the sound of rushing water and you find the combination soothing.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 10-  Rishikesh

Today you follow the regime of the Ashram , the day starts early morning with meditation , chanting and Yoga followed by day long activities. You get some time to explore local streets and temples  on your walk around the Ashram premises.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11- Rishikesh –Haridwar  – Delhi  by train

You wake up to another morning at the foothills of the Himalayas. Enjoy a rejuvenating stretch with a yoga session along the banks of the rushing river. Millions of Hindus each year come to the Ganges to absolve themselves of their sins.

Take a train to Delhi from Haridwar.

You are back to Delhi for an overnight stay or you can extend your wellness stay in one of the retreats in Rishikesh .

Day 12-  Leave Delhi