Hill Stations of the Himalaya

This morning you'll transfer to Delhi railway station for your train to Haridwar. You will be transferred to your hotel and have some time to unwind. Just upstream from Haridwar on the banks of the River Ganges is the holy town of Rishikesh, where the holy Ganges crashes down in full glory onto huge boulders and creates long stretches of white sandy beaches. The banks are lined with ashrams, where saints and holy men rest before beginning their arduous pilgrimage up into the snow-covered land of the gods. The town acquired prominence in the west when the Beatles visited to meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and begin their quest for spiritual salvation. Even today, foreign travellers visit the ashrams to study Hindu philosophy, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine. This afternoon can be enjoyed at leisure or with a gentle walk along the ghats to watch a bit of daily life in this fascinating region.

You will spend today exploring Rishikesh, also known as the 'place of sages'. Its many ashrams — some clearly humbly ascetic, with others verging on opulent — continue to draw devotees and followers from around the world. The whole place is considered to be sacred, as it is believed that meditation here leads to attainment of salvation. Visit Laxman Jhula, a hanging bridge on the river Ganga, and Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple in Rishikesh. Take a stroll around the market, where you can end at Parmarth Ashram, before returning to Haridwar in time for an evening aarti ceremony. The Ganga Aarti is an unforgettable spiritual experience, generally beginning at sunset, with sacred chants and a 'Yagna' or fire ceremony. The sounds and smells of this stunning performance, framed by the ripples of the setting sun in the flowing river, make it a real highlight, and a wonderful introduction to your journey.

You return north today and head for the tranquil setting of Shaheen Bagh, located just outside of Dehradun. Here you can relax in the gardens, or if there's time explore a little of the area, but overall this is the perfect stopover on your way to Shimla where you can enjoy a quiet setting and some downtime in between the longer drives.

Today is a long but beautiful journey, as you travel through some stunning Himalayan countryside, to the hill station of Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj. Along the way, you will have the chance to stop for a cup of tea and to take photographs in order to break up the journey, which usually takes around 8 hours.

Spend the day exploring the remarkable colonial heritage of Shimla — the Mall Road, Ridge, Christ Church, and the atmospheric old town. Visit the remarkable Viceregal Lodge, now the Institute of Advanced Study, with its spectacular views across the Himalayan ranges.

Drive north to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, the seat of the Tibetan government in exile and home to the Dalai Lama. The journey takes you down from the Shimla hills and north into the Kangra Valley before climbing once again into the Dhauladhar range.

A full day exploring McLeod Ganj and the Tibetan community — the remarkable Tsuglagkhang complex (the Dalai Lama's residence and temple), the Tibetan Museum of Arts and Culture, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, and the bustling market where Tibetan handicrafts, carpets and thangka paintings are sold.

Spend the day walking through the cedar and rhododendron forests of the Dhauladhar mountains above McLeod Ganj. The paths lead through birdsong-filled woodland to viewpoints with extraordinary panoramas across the Kangra Valley and the plains of Punjab beyond. Return to McLeod Ganj for a final evening with the Tibetan community.

Drive down through the Kangra Valley to Palampur, centre of India's Himalayan tea-growing industry, where small-scale tea estates cover the hillsides. Visit a tea estate to learn about cultivation and production of this remarkable high-altitude tea.

Drive through the Kangra Valley to Baijnath, home to an extraordinary 13th-century Shiva temple complex on the banks of the Binwa River, before continuing up into the mountains to Manali.

Explore old Manali — the ancient village above the new town, with its remarkable Hadimba Devi Temple (set within a remarkable cedar grove), the Vashisht hot springs, and the Buddhist monastery above the village.

Drive to Kullu airport or take the overnight bus/train back to Delhi. Farewell dinner in Delhi.

After breakfast the tour concludes. Airport transfers can be arranged.

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.