The Golden Temple's nightly illumination, the Ganges at Rishikesh, and the colonial hill town of Shimla.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive Amritsar and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon visit to the extraordinary Golden Temple — the most sacred shrine in Sikhism, its golden domes reflected in the sacred Amrit Sarovar. Evening langar (community meal) served free to all visitors regardless of religion.
Dawn visit to the Golden Temple when the devotional atmosphere is most intense. Afternoon at the Jallianwala Bagh memorial. Evening drive to Wagah Border for the extraordinary daily flag-lowering ceremony between Indian and Pakistani soldiers.
Drive to Delhi (5 hours) or take the Shatabdi Express train. Afternoon orientation drive through New Delhi's heritage — India Gate, Rajpath, Humayun's Tomb.
Morning Old Delhi by rickshaw — Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk. Afternoon Qutub Minar.
Drive to Haridwar on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Afternoon exploring the ghats. Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Full day in Rishikesh — the ashrams of the Beatles and the Maharishi, Laxman Jhula, the yoga centres, and the river. Evening Ganga Aarti.
Drive to Shimla through the Himalayan foothills. The old Vice-Regal capital retains its extraordinary colonial character.
Explore Shimla's remarkable colonial heritage — Mall Road, Christ Church, the Viceregal Lodge, and the Himalayan views.
Ride the UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway down through the hills. Transfer to Chandigarh or Delhi for departure.
About This Journey
A spiritual and cultural journey through North India — from the extraordinary Golden Temple at Amritsar, through Delhi, to the sacred Ganges at Rishikesh and the colonial hill station of Shimla. This private tailor-made journey traces the great spiritual sites of northern India combined with Himalayan scenery and the extraordinary colonial heritage of the hill stations.
Highlights
Golden Temple at Amritsar — the most sacred site in Sikhism and one of India’s most transcendent experiences. Wagah Border ceremony at sunset — the daily flag-lowering on the India-Pakistan border. Sacred Ganges at Rishikesh — ashrams, yoga and the evening Ganga Aarti. Shimla’s colonial heritage and the UNESCO toy train.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
The Claridges
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950s. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. In an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and Connaught Place, this four star hotel has 132 rooms and suites designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style, a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
June to September is the ideal window for Ladakh and the high Himalaya, when the passes are open and the weather is stable. Kashmir is beautiful from April to October, with October offering the famous chinar autumn colours. Winter travel is possible to Kashmir but the high passes close.
Parts of this itinerary reach significant altitude. We build in acclimatisation days with gentle activity, and our guides are experienced in recognising and managing altitude symptoms. Travellers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Yes — the tourist areas covered by this itinerary have an excellent safety record and are well accustomed to international visitors. We monitor conditions continuously and our local teams provide 24/7 support throughout.
Absolutely. This is an example itinerary and every element — hotels, duration, route and activities — can be tailored to your preferences and budget. Contact us to discuss your ideal journey.
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