Foothills of the Himalaya
Foothills of the Himalaya
Foothills of the Himalaya
13 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, Rishikesh, Shimla, Palampur, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, Amritsar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AIQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Foothills of the Himalaya, where the vibrant culture of northern India meets the majestic mountain landscapes. This adventure takes you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene yoga capital of Rishikesh, where you can explore ancient temples and the iconic Beatles Ashram. Experience the charm of Shimla with a scenic 'toy train' ride and a visit to the historic Viceregal Lodge. Discover the spiritual town of Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama, and marvel at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Witness the spectacular Beating Retreat ceremony at the India-Pakistan border and enjoy the hospitality of local families. With comfortable accommodations and a variety of included activities, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural wonders, ensuring a truly enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Delhi; Free Afternoon To Explore New Delhi Or Rest
Location: Delhi
Welcome to Delhi. There are free transfers for everyone today from the airport to the hotel – check the Joining Instructions for details on how to book. The afternoon is at leisure and we have a welcome briefing later today, a good chance to get to know each other a little better and chat about our adventures ahead.
Classic accommodation: Hotel Bel Morris (or similar)
Day 2 : Train To Haridwar, Transfer Rishikesh; Evening Arti Ceremony
Location: Rishikesh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to New Delhi railway station, where we take the train (4hr 45min) to the city of Haridwar. Upon arrival, we continue by road to Rishikesh in the Himalayan foothills. This spiritual city is considered the yoga capital of the world, but also an adventure hot spot, acting as a gateway to the Himalaya.
In the afternoon, we take a leisurely 1mi (2km) stroll from Laxman Jhula to Ram Jhula, two iconic iron and cable suspension bridges that cross the holy Ganges River. We end the day at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, watching an evening arti (a Hindu worship ritual, in which light plays an important role).
Classic accommodation: Shivansh Green Resort (or similar)
Day 3 : Explore Ancient Temples In The Swarg Ashram Complex
Location: Rishikesh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to the eastern bank of the Ganges this morning to visit Swarg Ashram, a complex of ashrams and ancient temples dedicated to Hindu deities, who are depicted through exquisitely carved statues.
We also visit what’s left of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in 1968 and wrote songs for the White Album. After years of neglect, the ashram is now a melancholic set of semi-ruined buildings with interesting graffiti, though work is underway to renovate the property.
Classic accommodation: Shivansh Green Resort (or similar)
Day 4 : Transfer To Shimla; Visit The Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, And Enjoy Lunch At A Rural Women-Run Café
Location: Shimla
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We drive to Shimla after breakfast, a journey that takes seven to eight hours, but we have stops along the way. One of those is a visit to the Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, built in memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Sikh Guru. Here he is said to have written the Dasam Granth, a sacred collection of writings, plus we can see a palki (palanquin) made of gold.
After, we head to the She Haat Café in Sarahan for lunch. This vital women-run cooperative serves traditional Pahari food and was created to provide financial stability and independence to women living in rural areas.
This afternoon, we continue our drive to Shimla and check into our hotel, where we spend the next three nights. Shimla was once the summer capital of the British Raj, who moved here for relief from the scorching heat of the plains.
Classic accommodation: Zion Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 : Sightseeing Tour Of Shimla With ‘Toy’ Train Ride. Afternoon Visit To The Viceregal Lodge
Location: Shimla
Meals Included: Breakfast
We explore Shimla today. Our first stop is the Sankat Mochan Temple, which is located amid verdant greenery and dedicated to Hindu deity Hanuman.
After, we drive to Shimla railway station to take the Viceroy’s Toy Train to Tara Devi station in the town of Kalka. Our 50-minute journey is a memorable one, as the train steadily rolls through pine forests, which open to valley and hill villages. After disembarking, we transfer a little further up the hill for a picturesque view of Shimla followed by a short scenic walk back to our vehicle.
After, we transfer (40 minutes) to Shimla’s most impressive monument: the Viceregal Lodge, a seat of imperial power and location for crucial talks prior to independence. The building is now called the Indian Institute for Advanced Studies and is used by scholars, though the woodwork inside is kept as it was during British rule.
In the afternoon, we visit the Sanat Art Foundation. This gallery and residence for artists has a scenic spot among pine and cedar trees with a view of Chedwick Fall. During our trip, we enjoy tea and see the varied and well-displayed art collection.
Classic accommodation: Zion Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 : Visit Fagu Viewpoint; Explore Bazaars And The Mall Road
Location: Shimla
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a one-hour transfer to the Fagu viewpoint after breakfast, where we see apple plantations, sowing fields and the snow-covered Himalaya. We then drive back to Shimla and visit the Lower Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar, which cling to the hillside and show Shimla at its most vibrant.
We also take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road (the main thoroughfare in Shimla) to Scandal Point – make sure to ask your tour leader about the name. En route, you can take a look inside the historic Gaiety Theatre or the neo-gothic Christ Church. Alternatively, find a spot for refreshments while viewing snowcapped Himalayan peaks, if the weather is clear.
Classic accommodation: Zion Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 : Drive To Palampur At The Himalayan Foothills; Walk Through Forest Villages
Location: Palampur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early morning drive (seven hours including lunch stop) takes us to Palampur in the Himalayan foothills, which is surrounded by tea estates, pine and deodar forests, and historic temples.
This hill station is blessed with a temperate climate and verdant landscape, interspersed by narrow rivulets and streams. Here you can marvel at the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar range (part of the Himalaya) or take invigorating nature treks through the numerous trails.
In the evening, you can join an optional walk through the forest villages to a nearby stream. Taking one to two hours (depending on the group’s pace), the adventure allows us to chat to the local people and hear about their daily lives.
Superior accommodation: Rakkh Resort (or similar)
Day 8 : Explore The Spiritual Hillside Town Of Dharamsala
Location: Dharamsala
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Home of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a spiritual town. Here, we visit the Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple, whose monks have a unique chanting style where they use their throats for amplification, causing an almost hypnotic effect on the listener. After, we visit the Norbulingka Institute, a tranquil space resembling a Japanese garden with neat winding stone paths, plus different workshops dedicated to Tibetan art and craft. Later, we continue to the Tibetan Museum, Namgyal Monastery (Dalai Lama Temple Complex), and Church of St John, which resides in a pine forest.
We then have a walking tour of Naddi, a forest-wrapped village with views of the Dhauladhar mountains. Walking through the narrow lanes of the village, you can observe the simplicity of the daily life here and admire traditional architecture. We see villagers engaged in farming, tending to their livestock and performing daily chores. Following our visit, we drive (1hr 30min) back to Palampur.
Superior accommodation: Rakkh Resort (or similar)
Day At Leisure; Enjoy Included Activities At The Resort
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is about choosing your own adventure. Optional activities, which you can book at the resort, include an immersive village walk, bird-watching trek, pottery and handloom weaving experience, an authentic Himachali culinary experience, or a guided yoga session.
Accommodation: Rakkh Resort (or similar)
Day 10 : To Amritsar; Visit A Typical Punjabi Village
Location: Amritsar
Meals Included: Breakfast
We drive (six hours, not including the comfort stops en route) to Amritsar. Founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, it is now the second-largest city in the Punjab state and important to the Sikh religion. The main attraction is the Golden Temple, one of the most revered sites in the Sikh religion. The city itself is named after the sacred tank (or Amritsar Sarovar) within, which is said to have healing powers.
In the afternoon, we visit a local Punjab village for a slow-paced exploration. Our tour starts with a tractor ride to a nearby farm to enjoy a sunset over the fields. We then gain a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle, interacting with the residents and watching (and joining) fun demonstrations.
Classic accommodation: BluSalzz Residence Amritsar (or similar)
Day 11 : Visit Jallianwala Bagh And The Golden Temple; Drive To The India-Pakistan Border For The Beating Retreat Ceremony
Location: Amritsar
Meals Included: Breakfast
We visit the Jallianwala Bagh memorial park this morning, the site of an infamous massacre, in which hundreds of innocent Indians were killed and wounded by British troops in 1919.
After, we head to the Golden Temple. Heavily gilded and beautifully decorated, it is surrounded by a sacred pool and reached by a white marble causeway. Inside is the Guru Granth Sahib, holy book of the Sikhs.
Take in the beauty and serenity of this very welcoming temple before visiting the community kitchen, which is manned by volunteers who feed up to 100,000 people every day. After our visit, we have free time to explore the local market.
Later, we drive to a stadium on the India-Pakistan border to witness the Beating Retreat ceremony, which takes place at sunset. During this event, the Border Security Force on the Indian side and the Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistani side put on a well-coordinated and spectacular display. Flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on, marking the end of the day.
Around 9pm, there is an option to return to the Golden Temple to witness the Palki Sahib ceremony, in which dozens of devotees act as a human conveyor belt to carry the Granth Sahib (a shrine containing the Adi Granth) from the main shrine to the sanctum, where it is kept until the opening ceremony the following morning. You may participate in the ceremony, taking your turn to shoulder the weight of the enormous shrine.
Classic accommodation: BluSalzz Residence Amritsar (or similar)
Day 12 : Amritsar To Delhi By Vande Bharat Express Train
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
We enjoy a cold breakfast at our hotel this morning before taking the 8.20am Vande Bharat Express train from Amritsar to Delhi. Arriving around 1.50pm, we are transferred (1hr 30min) to our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free to relax. There’s plenty to enjoy at the hotel, including rooftop dining and swimming with views over the city. There’s also Airia Mall next door with plenty of shopping and entertainment options.
Classic accommodation: Rhythm Gurugram Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 : End Delhi
Location: Delhi
Our adventure through North India ends today. If you’ve still a few pages left in your travel diary, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Delhi. Alternatively, catch your free transfer to the airport and begin your return journey home – remember to provide your details at least two weeks prior to arrival to secure your seat.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, three lunches and five dinners
The tour includes all breakfasts, three lunches, and five dinners.
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All accommodation
All accommodation throughout the tour is included.
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All transport
All transport during the tour is included.
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Entrances fees to monuments (as per itinerary)
Entrance fees to monuments as per the itinerary are included.
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Tour leader throughout
A tour leader will be present throughout the tour.
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
Free arrival and departure transfers are provided for everyone.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single supplement
A single supplement is not included and may apply if you require a single room.
Food
All breakfasts, three lunches and five dinners included.
Budget at least 850 Indian rupees (US$10) per person per day for lunch/dinner in the city or en-route (Veg & Non-Veg meals). You can eat out very cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In a lot of towns, there is a choice of restaurants and a selection between Indian and Western foods; however, this is not always the case. If you are vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations to travel to. Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A large bottle of beer is approximately 420 rupees (US$5). Mineral water is widely available. In a typical restaurant you can expect to pay approximately 20 Indian rupees (US$0.25) for bottled water (1 litre), 50 Indian rupees (US$0.60) for tea, and 100 Indian rupees (US$1.20) for coffee.
Accommodation
On this adventure through northern India, we have 3 Superior nights (cottages) and 9 Classic nights (hotels). The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are some of the notable places we stay.
Shimla: Zion Hotel (nights 4-6)
With a location high in the Shimla hills, the Zion is a tranquil retreat with views over the city and Himalaya peaks. There are plenty of spots to gaze over the mountains, but some of the best are found in Ananta, the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, and the Elixir Lounge, where you can sip cocktails, mocktails and more.
Palampur: Rakkh Resort (night 7-9)
Backdropped by the Dhauladhar mountains, Rakkh Resort is a well-equipped property with a beautiful location and all meals included during your stay. This off-grid eco resort encourages guests to unplug and relax. Better yet, the available activities are complementary to guests, meaning you can enjoy a guided village walk, birdwatching, yoga session or more on your last day at the resort (Day 9).
Amritsar: BluSalzz Residence Amritsar (nights 10-11)
On Ranjit Avenue, BluSalzz Residence is in a buzzy part of the city, home to stores, restaurants, bars and microbreweries. The hotel itself has modern rooms, while Café BluSalzz, the in-house restaurant, serves Punjabi delicacies and there’s a rooftop pool, bar and grill.
Worth knowing
Hotels in India usually do not have heating as there are really only a couple of months in the year when the weather can get rather cold. You can request more blankets or the hotel may be able to provide a standing heater for your room. Please talk to your tour leader if you need help in this matter.
Twin bedded rooms are limited at Rakkh Resort in Palampur, twin-share bookings will be given priority where possible.
Mode of Transport
Travel through northern India with a mix of scenic train rides, including the 'toy train' to Kalka and the Vande Bharat Express, complemented by comfortable road transfers and free arrival and departure transfers for all guests.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in Classic hotels for 12 nights. Notable accommodations include the Zion Hotel in Shimla, Rakkh Resort in Palampur, and BluSalzz Residence in Amritsar. These hotels offer a range of amenities, such as scenic views, multi-cuisine restaurants, and modern rooms.
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Are there any special activities included at the Rakkh Resort in Palampur?
Yes, the Rakkh Resort offers complementary activities for guests, including a guided village walk, birdwatching, yoga sessions, and more. These activities are available on your last day at the resort.
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What is the significance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar?
The Golden Temple is one of the most revered sites in the Sikh religion. It is heavily gilded and beautifully decorated, surrounded by a sacred pool, and reached by a white marble causeway. Inside is the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. The temple also features a community kitchen that feeds up to 100,000 people daily.
-
What can I expect during the Beating Retreat ceremony at the India-Pakistan border?
The Beating Retreat ceremony is a well-coordinated and spectacular display that takes place at sunset. The Border Security Force on the Indian side and the Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistani side perform the ceremony, which includes the ceremonial retrieval of flags and the switching on of lights, marking the end of the day.
-
What is the significance of the Jallianwala Bagh memorial park?
Jallianwala Bagh memorial park is the site of an infamous massacre in 1919, where hundreds of innocent Indians were killed and wounded by British troops. It serves as a somber reminder of this tragic event in history.
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What is unique about the Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple in Dharamsala?
The Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple is known for its monks' unique chanting style, where they use their throats for amplification, creating an almost hypnotic effect on listeners.
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What are some of the activities available during the leisure day at Rakkh Resort?
On the leisure day at Rakkh Resort, you can choose from activities such as an immersive village walk, bird-watching trek, pottery and handloom weaving experience, an authentic Himachali culinary experience, or a guided yoga session.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.