A world away from the hustle and bustle of India’s teeming cities, the mighty Himalayas present spectacular and diverse scenery – from high mountain ranges to sweeping valleys – and a variety of vegetation ranging from dense forests of the lower foothills to the desert environment of the higher alpine regions. The Himalayas are home to a variety of ethnic and tribal groups, each with their own distinct cultures and traditions.

This trip offers the opportunity to experience the pristine beauty and serenity of the Himalayas in an ‘up close and personal’ way, with numerous walks through forest, meadow and (manageable) mountainous terrain allowing you to interact with curious and friendly villagers. By combining walks with breathtaking journeys along some of the highest roads in the world, you will get both a first-hand and a panoramic glimpse of one of the world's unique natural environments.

Day 1 Delhi

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Delhi, India's capital and a city of more than 14 million people – half of whom appear to have come to the airport for your arrival – is a colourful, busy, chaotic city packed with museums, art galleries, historic sites, shops and bazaars.  Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2 Amritsar

Morning transfer to the station to board the train to Amritsar. Located in the northwestern state of Punjab, Amritsar is home to the majority of India’s Sikhs and site of one of India’s most dazzling temples. In the afternoon take a one hour drive to the Pakistan/India border to witness the sunset Wagah border closing ceremony, where the Border Security Force on the Indian side and the Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side perform a spectacular display.

Day 3 Hoshiarpur

This morning visit the beautiful and sacred Golden Temple, the most important gurdwara (temple) for Sikhs the world over. Later visit the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - now a Museum set in the lovely Ram Bagh garden. The Museum displays objects such as arms and armory, paintings and centuries old coins and manuscripts. Following the visit drive 2 hours to Hoshiarpur. This evening enjoy dinner around a citrus-wood bonfire with a Punjabi family.

Day 4 Dharamsala

After breakfast begin the 5 hour drive to Dharamsala with a stop enroute at the magnificently sited mountain top Kanga Fort. At the entrance is a museum containing some valuable old photographs of the fort prior to the devastating earthquake of 1905 and some exquisite stone sculptures, carvings, idols and other artefacts.  After lunch at the café in Kangra Fort, continue the drive to Dharamsala. Evening free to wander Mc-Leodganj.

Day 5 Dharamsala

Spend today sightseeing, including visits to Bhagsunag temple, St John’s Church, Namgyal and Nechung Monasteries and the Tibet Museum. Also take the Kora walk covering the Tsuglagkhang Complex (a 30 minute walk around the temple and residence of the Dalai Lama). Lunch at Norling Café at Norbulingka Institute and afterwards visit its workshops where you can observe Tibetan artisans practicing handicrafts such as wood carving, embroidery and thangka painting.

Day 6 Kullu

After breakfast commence the 6-7 hour drive to Kullu. Pass through the tea gardens of Palampur and stop en route to visit the temple of Baijnath via Mandi, through the picturesque gorge of the river Beas. Continue the drive along the meandering river Beas, passing by apple orchards, teeming bazaars and sleepy Himalayan villages. Late afternoon arrive in Raison and check-in to a riverside villa at Neeralaya, your home by the river.

Day 7 Kullu

Take an excursion to Naggar, the former capital of the Kullu Kingdom. Visit the 450 year old Naggar Castle, stroll around the village, and explore stone and wood carved temples dating back to the 15th century. Afterwards, visit Roerich Art Gallery or take a tour of a Himalayan cheese factory. Depending on the time of your stay, and the weather, you may choose to experience the thrills of white water river rafting down the chilly waters of the Beas.

Day 8 Kullu

This morning travel north to Rohtang Pass, from where you look onto two very different worlds - from the inviting lush green of the south, to the cold, bleak boulders and shale of the north, rising to a series of icy peaks as far as the eye can see. After lunch stop at Manali and visit the 400 year old Hadimba temple with its superbly crafted 4 tiered pagoda roof set amidst an ancient pine forest.

Day 9 Kullu

Today’s excursion to Jana Village is a 5 kms/3-4 hour trek. It begins with a jeep safari across suspension bridges, through fruit laden orchards, terraced fields, villages, pagoda temples and pine forests. Leaving the jeep, follow a dirt road traversing valleys, mountain springs, wild apricot trees and wooden houses along an easy trail. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of a pristine mountain stream. Afterwards continue the walk to Jana Village or return to Neeralaya by jeep.

Day 10 Shoja

After a leisurely breakfast set off for your next destination. Drive 3 hours to the end of the Kullu Valley, enter the Tirthan Valley gorge and drive on to Shoja just below the picturesque Jalori Pass.  After lunch take an easy and relaxing walk of about an hour through a forest featuring a wide variety of pines and many wide leaved higher Himalayan species. This evening enjoy a bonfire and BBQ dinner.

Day 11 Shoja

Today take a hike of 9 kms/4 hours to Seroslar Lake. After breakfast drive to Jalori pass, from where a well-defined trail leads to the lake. This is an enchanting walk through oak forest with clearings giving spectacular views down to the Sutluj valley, allowing you to observe the rich flora and fauna of the region. Enjoy an al fresco lunch on the banks of the crystal clear lake.

Day 12 Shimla

After breakfast begin the 6 hour drive to Shimla; a hill station located amongst forested slopes, this was the summer capital for the British Raj.  British soldiers, merchants and civil servants moved here each year to escape the heat and disease of summer in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Imposing Victorian monuments still dot Shimla bearing testimony to the pre-independence days of British rule in India.

Day 13 Shimla

Full day free at leisure to explore Shimla, which has retained a lot of its colonial charm. You may like to visit the Mall, Gaiety Theater , the Jakhu Hill Temple, the state museum and the Viceregal Lodge.

Day 14 Delhi

After breakfast transfer to Shimla railway station to board the Toy train for the scenic 5½ hour journey – renowned for its breathtaking views of the hills and surrounding villages - to Kalka. Upon arrival board the connecting Shatabdi Express for Delhi, arriving at in the evening. (You have the option of spending the night at Kalka and resuming your journey to Delhi tomorrow).

Day 15 Delhi

Transfer to the airport for your flight to another Indian destination or return international flight home.