North India Himachal and Kashmir Tour

(24 Days / 23 Nights)

(Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Chandigarh-Shimla-Kalpa-Sangla-Sarahan-Manali-Dharamshala-Amritsar-Jammu-Patnitop- Gulmarg-Srinagar-Delhi)

In the North India Himachal and Kashmir Tour you will visit Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, Shimla, Kalpa, Sangla, Sarahan, Manali, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Jammu, Patnitop, Gulmarg and Srinagar.

Day 01: Delhi
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travelers. You are met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Haridwar (about 210 km)
In the morning, we will drive to Haridwar. Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region and is located on the foothills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of River Ganges. The River Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breathtakingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.

Day 03: Haridwar
Today we have sightseeing of Haridwar. We visit various places like Mansa Devi temple, Sapt Rishi, Daksha Mahadev temple, Kankhal etc. In the evening we will visit Har Ki Pauri again. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this Ghat.

Day 04: Haridwar - Rishikesh (about 20 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Rishikesh. Rishikesh represents the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri - Garhwal region of Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here. Rishikesh represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu. It abounds in natural splendour. The spectacle of the River Ganges rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples dot the banks of the River Ganges at Rishikesh. We will arrive in Rishikesh by the evening.

Day 05: Rishikesh
Today we have sightseeing of Rishikesh. We visit Swarg Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Trayambakeshwar Temple, Bharat Mandir, Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhavan, Parmarth Niketan etc. We visit the Triveni Ghat to witness yet another special prayer ceremony. It is very interesting to watch the prayer ceremony.

Day 06: Rishikesh - Chandigarh (about 210 km)
In the morning after having breakfast we will drive to Chandigarh. Chandigarh, derives its name from the Chandi Mandir temple located in the vicinity of the city and a fort or ‘garh" beyond the temple, called Chandigarh. Chandigarh is a union territory, administered by the Government of India and was designed by Le Corbusier. In the evening arrive in Chandigarh and transfer to the hotel.

Day 07: Chandigarh - Shimla (about 130 km / 3 hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to Shimla. The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations." Shimla is situated in the northwest Himalayas. It was the summer capital of India before independence and it is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala" the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century. Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular and biggest hill stations. 

Day 08: Shimla
Today we have sightseeing in Shimla. In our sightseeing we visit the Gothic Christ church. This Christ church is located on the Shimla’s prominent Ridge. Even today, the church has some interesting memorial tablets while the pews still mark the seats of British Viceroy of India, the Commander-in-Chief and the Punjab’s Governor. Later we visit the Jakhoo Hill. It is the highest point in Shimla and offers a spectacular view of the town, hills and distant mountain ranges. The peak has a temple dedicated to the Lord Hanuman. After visiting the temple we return back to hotel. In the evening we visit the Mall and Scandal Point for shopping. Scandal Point is the hub of Shimla’s social life and is said to be so named after a British Commander-in-Chief’s daughter eloped from the spot with the Maharaja of Patiala. 

Day 09: Shimla - Kalpa (about 238 km)
Today morning we proceed to Kalpa. Kalpa village is located in backdrop of Kinner Kailash mountain range. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of day free to explore Kalpa village. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Kalpa - Sangla - Sarahan (about 133 km)
Today we proceed to Sarahan via Sangla. Enroute we will enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Sangla Valley. The Sangla town is located on the banks of the Baspa River and gives a panoramic view of the Baspa Delta. The Sangla Valley is also known as the Baspa valley as the Baspa River flows through here. It is considered as one of the prettiest valleys in the entire Himalayas. We will enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Sangla Valley. Then we proceed to Sarahan.
Sarahan lies in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh at a height of 4500 feet on the Nahan-Shimla highway. It is basically a unique all-weather hill station. Its location and characteristics are beautiful enough to attract any visitor. It is important to note that Sarahan valley experiences snowfall too, which is very rare and unique because mountain heights in the bracket of 4500 ft. seldom receive snowfall. Sarahan is a very beautiful village, which gives a breadth taking view of the mighty Himalayan ranges. Sarahan valley has the famous "Bhima Kali temple" which is 800 years old and a splendid piece of architecture. In the evening we will visit this temple and explore the surroundings of the Sarahan valley. We will spend night in Sarahan.

Day 11: Sarahan - Jalori Pass - Manali (about 188 km)
Today we drive from Sarahan to Manali via Jalori Pass. Manali is also known as the Switzerland of India. In the evening arrive in Manali. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12: Manali
Today we have half day sightseeing in Manali and visit Hidimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Spring and Monastery. Hidimba Devi temple was built in 1553. This temple has a superbly crafted four-tiered pagoda roof and famous for its exquisitely carved doorway. Vashishth Hot Water Springs are the well known hot water springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashishth and Lord Rama. In the evening we visit a small Tibetan monastery which houses several Buddha images.

Day 13: Manali - Dharamshala (about 254 km / 5 hours)
Today we drive to Dharamshala. Dharamshala has one of the most spectacular settings for a hill station and split into two parts. The lower part is only known as Dharamshala and is about 9 kms away from the upper part, and known as Mc Leodganj. In Dharamshala there is a strong Tibetan influence. The Dalai Lama settled here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. 

Day 14: Dharamshala
Today we visit the Namgyal monastery at Mc Leodganj. This monastery is the major attraction in McLeodganj and is located on the opposite side of the Dalai Lama's residence. This monastery contains large gilded bronzes of Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava. Afterwards we have a walk through McLeodganj and visit the St. John church. This church has attractive stained glass windows. Lord Elgin, one of the viceroy of the British occupied India was buried in this church. Evening at leisure to visit the markets at Dharamshala. 

Day 15: Dharamshala - Amritsar (about 200 km)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Amritsar, check in upon arrival and relax for the day. overnight stay at hotel in Amritsar.

Day 16: Amritsar
After breakfast at the hotel, we start our city tour with the blessings of Golden Temple, the most important Sikh Shrine. Visit Jallianwala Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit singh Museum. In the evening visit Wagah Border (India Pakistan Border) for retreat ceremony where Indian and Pakistani Soldiers perform parade together. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17: Amritsar - Jammu (about 210 km)
Today we drive to Jammu. The city of Jammu is the second largest in the state and is the winter capital of the government. The old town of Jammu overlooks the river Tawi. In Jammu we visit the Raghunath Temple of the 19th century and Ranbireswar Temple which is dedicated to God Shiva. We also visit the Dogra Art Gallery which is famous for its miniature paintings. Jammu is basically the Homeland of Dogra, the Rajput clan of the hill region in the north of the Ravi River.

Day 18: Jammu - Patnitop (about 112 km)
Today we drive to Patnitop. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau at a height of 2,024 mts on the Jammu–Srinagar highway. This place is enveloped by wooded forests. It is ideal for long walks, as a picnic spot and also offers breathtaking views of the mountain-scape of the Chenab basin. During winter skiing facilities are available here. Arrive in Patnitop by the evening and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 19: Patnitop - Gulmarg (about 232 km)
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers. During the British Raj, Gulmarg hosted the Britishers and Europeans and as such they created a European hill resort in Gulmarg. In Gulmarg you would be able to find European surroundings and 18 hole Golf Course. Arrive in Gulmarg by the afternoon. In the evening one can have a walk through the green meadows with the snow covered mountains all around. In Gulmarg while walking you only have to look down to have a complete view of the valley and Srinagar. In Gulmarg you can also have a fine view of Nanga Parbat, the naked mountain which is over 26,000 feet and dominates the entire region.

Day 20: Gulmarg - Srinagar (about 60 km)
Today we drive to Srinagar. Srinagar has been described by some visitors as the Venice of the East. A unique charm of Srinagar is its 1300 or more houseboats, the floating little hotels on the edge of the Dal Lake. Upon arrival in Srinagar you will be transferred to Hotel / Houseboat.

Day 21: Srinagar
Today we start our sightseeing in Srinagar. In our sightseeing we visit the famous Mughal gardens and Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar. First of all we visit the Shankaracharya temple. This temple is located on a sharp hill, 1,000 feet high and houses a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in memory of the great Shankaracharya who came to Kashmir from Kerala to revive Hinduism. From the top of the hills, you would be able to have a panoramic view of the Kashmir Valley. In the evening we visit the Mughal gardens. The two famous Mughal gardens are Nishat Bagh (the garden of Pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (abode of love) which are situated on the banks of Dal lake. Nishat Bagh is the larger of the two gardens and has an impressive plantation of Chenar trees on its highest terrace. Both the gardens are built on a symmetrical plan of central waterways with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces.

Day 22: Srinagar - Delhi (by air)
Today depending on your departure time you will be transferred to airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 23: Delhi
We will start our day with the sightseeing in Old Delhi. We take a Rickshaw ride parallel to the Red Fort through the old city and famous Silk Road and Silver Bazaar. Sightseeing of Old Delhi includes "Rajghat", the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and Jama Masjid, the great mosque of old Delhi. Today we also visit the famous "Humayun's Tomb" which is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India and "Qutub Minar" which is 71 meter high and was constructed in 1199. Before we proceed to the Hotel we will have a ride through New Delhi through the area of the Government Buildings and Embassies. Here we have a stopover at India Gate, the 42m-high stone arch or triumph. India Gate bears the names of 90,000 soldiers who died in the campaigns of the 1st world war.

Day 24. Flight to Home
Around midnight flight to home destination. (End of our Services)

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us an e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.

Our Services Include:
        Accommodation in double room on twin sharing basis with bath and WC in the
             chosen category. 
        American / Continental Breakfast.
        Rickshaw Ride in Delhi.
       Services of qualified local guides (English speaking or languages of your choice) at every place of sightseeing.
       All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo Vacations                representative.
        All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an air-conditioned Car with
driver. For groups an individual air-conditioned bus (Except Standard Hotels) will be
provided.
              
Exclusions:
        Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills and alcoholic
            beverages.
        Camera Fees (Still or Movie).
        Any Flight Charges.
        Monument Entrances.
        Unspecified Meals etc.