Himalayan Odyssey - Incredible Experiences Incredible...

Join us on this memorable tour visiting highlights of the Indian Himalayas, and meeting the spiritual side of India. Visit the world capital of yoga, Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the holy Ganges, McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama, and the Sikh’s Holy Golden Temple in Amritsar. Hike through the hills around Chamba and Dharamsala and witness the spectacle of the daily closure of the India/Pakistan border. This trip is physically rewarding, spiritually and culturally fascinating and to top it off, we get up close and personal with the amazing Himalayas – abode of the Gods.

Starting and finishing in Delhi, this fabulous tour takes you to some of the Indian Himalayas most well-known sites as well as undiscovered gems where you have the opportunity to meet real people and experience authentic Indian hospitality and life. Price includes all local transportation, accommodation and included sightseeing, tour escort and local guides, all breakfasts and some other meals. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 Delhi
Arrival Day. After a group meeting to discuss the trip, we spend the afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi visiting the Jama Masjid, (the largest Mosque in India), the old Delhi spice market and Chandni Chowk, the busiest marketplace in Asia.

Day 2 Rishikesh
We take an early morning train to Haridwar and transfer by taxi to Rishikesh. Time to explore the market, take a dip in the holy Ganges, or watch the evening puja (prayer ceremony).

Day 3 Rishikesh / Overnight train
Time today to catch a yoga or meditation class, or perhaps take a white-water raft trip down the Ganges. There are plenty of walks and sights here in Rishikesh. Why not visit the ruins of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, where the Beatles once stayed, or hang out in the cafes with some wannabe yogis.

Day 4 Amritsar
We visit Jalianwala Bagh, sight of the infamous 1919 massacre, and drive out to Wagha to watch the very entertaining closure of the gates ceremony at the India/Pakistan border. Enjoy the evening ceremony at the Golden Temple, the holiest of places for the Sikh religion.

Day 5 Orchard Hut
This morning, we load our luggage into 4wd’s and drive to Chamba. From the road, we hike for 30min to our home for the next 3 nights, Orchard Hut, perched on the side of a mountain in spectacular surroundings.

Day 6 Orchard Hut
Our wonderfully friendly hosts offer plenty to do today, from relaxing in hammocks, lazing by the plunge pool, to taking treks up the mountain or along the valley. Enjoy a cooking class or a traditional local massage.

Day 7 Orchard Hut
After breakfast today, you have the option to travel to Chamba town to explore some of the oldest temples in India (dating from 1000AD) and the local markets. Explore the town and have lunch before returning for the evening at Orchard Hut.

Day 8 McLeod Ganj
Today we drive to McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. McLeod Ganj is a touristy, yet charming town nestled high in the Himalayas surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

Days 9-10 McLeod Ganj
Whilst we are here in McLeod Ganj, visit the Norbalinka Institute of Tibetan Handicraft, the Namgyal Monastery, and if possible, the Karmapa Lama. There are also plenty of walks on offer to nearby villages, or high into the mountains.

Day 11 Revalsar
This morning we drive to Revalsar, a wonderfully peaceful and beautiful town believed to be the place the Tibetan Guru Padmasambhava, (also known as Guru Rimpoche) flew from to Tibet. In the afternoon we walk around the lake and visit one of the monasteries in town.

Day 12 Shimla
Another incredible mountain drive takes us to Shimla, the one time summer capital of the British Raj. Shimla still contains remnants of the British life and although a bustling state capital, there is plenty for us to do, from walks, and temples to the Viceregal Lodge (the site of the signing of India’s Independence treaty in 1947).

Day 13 Shimla
Time to explore the ambiance of colonial India before taking in a Bollywood movie here in Shimla, experiencing the colour and spectacle that has made Indian films so popular around the globe.

Day 14 Delhi
This is a full day of travel as we take the quaint Toy Train down the mountain to Kalka from where we catch our Superfast Train to Delhi.

Day 15 Delhi
This morning we visit Humayans Tomb and New Delhi. There are loads of other options here in Delhi – including the Craft Museum, Red Fort, Purana Qila and the Lotus Temple. And don’t forget the shopping – so much to see and do here in India’s exciting capital city.

Day 16 Departure Day
There are no organised activities today. You are free to depart at any time.