Cycling India's Hill Stations

17 days
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Small Group Tour
A superb ride taking us through a huge variety of scenery and the endless variety of India - the incomparable Golden Temple of the Sikhs at Amritsar, the home of the Dalai Lama at McLeod Ganj, the fascinating Hindu temple town of Mandi and the magnificent former capital of British India at Shimla. In between are quiet country roads, frequent superb views ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • The Golden Temple at Amritsar
    • McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama
    • Cycle across the Jalori Pass (3223m)
    • The former colonial hill station of Shimla

What's this trip about?

    A superb ride taking us through a huge variety of scenery and the endless variety of India - the incomparable Golden Temple of the Sikhs at Amritsar, the home of the Dalai Lama at McLeod Ganj, the fascinating Hindu temple town of Mandi and the magnificent former capital of British India at Shimla. In between are quiet country roads, frequent superb views of the Himalaya glinting in the distance and the satisfaction of reaching the highpoint of the Jalori Pass.Cycle through stunning scenery

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAmritsar
End CityDelhi

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Delhi

Activities

  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • Transfer for group flights
    • Local bike hire

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

The group flight usually departs London Heathrow in the evening. **

Day 2 Arrive Amritsar.

The group flight will arrive in the afternoon and we transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel. In the evening we pay our first visit to the Golden Temple to experience the impressive evening ceremony.  *Standard Hotel*

Day 3 Visit Golden Temple; transfer to Pragpur.

In the early morning we will pay a second visit to the Golden Temple. Mid-morning we will transfer by road to Pragpur, India’s only UNESCO World Heritage Village (approx. 5 hours). The rest of day is free for you to explore Pragpur; the village is set on the southe...

Day 4 Cycle to Kangra through traditional villages and scenic valleys; optional visit to Kangra Fort.

We start our bike ride by cycling along the quiet backroads of the Kangra Valley, passing through a sub-tropical landscape of pine, sal and bamboo forest, cultivated fields and small villages. The terrain is undulating with short climbs and ascents; it is a great ...

Day 5 A long steady uphill climb to McLeod Ganj (2000m); late afternoon sightseeing.

A short but challenging day climbing over 1000m to the hill stations of McLeod Ganj/Dharamshala, home to the exiled Dalai Lama. We leave early to cycle in the cool morning and cross the last of the Kangra Valley to the base of the Dhaula Dhar, the outermost range ...

Day 6 To Andretta (1100m) via Norblingka Institute on the undulating back roads below the Dhaula Dhar range.

In the morning there is time to finish off any sightseeing (or shopping in the many handicraft stalls!) that we didn’t fit in yesterday. We then have our first great descent, back down the road to Dharamsala. We stay just above the true valley and follow quieter r...

Day 7 Continue towards Jogindernagar via Baijnath Temple.

A day of cycling through the lovely scenery of Himachal’s prime tea growing area. There is little of western tourist 'importance' on this route but there is a quietly famous Shiva temple in Baijnath. Dedicated to Shiva in the form of Vaidyanath, the Baijnath templ...

Day 8 Cycle to the historic temple town of Mandi; time to explore the town and old temples.

Today we leave the Kangra Valley behind and head for Mandi at the foot of the Kullu Valley. We are closer to the mountains now, with a different topography and vegetation as we move into the temperate zone. A beautiful quiet side road takes us past a Tibetan monas...

Day 9 An easier day cycling along the Beas River to Larji in the lower part of the Kulu Valley.

We cut though the Outer Himalaya following the course of the Beas River into the Kullu Valley. Its striking landscape makes it a popular Indian tourist destination though traditionally its economy has been based on agriculture; it is famous for its apple orchards....

Day 10 A challenging day cycling through traditional remote villages to Shoja (2600m).

From Larji we begin to climb slowly. We are on the fringes of the Great Himalayan National Park - home to bear, leopard, wild cats - and surrounded by temperate forest - pine, oak, horse chestnut. We pass through Banjar, with its attractive wood-fronted shops lin...

Day 11 Climb to the Jalori Pass (3223m) for fantastic views across the Pir Pinjal and the great Himalaya; downhill to Luhri.

A tough day as we head over the Jalori Pass at 3223m. A steady climb turns into a rather steep final ascent so there are no prizes for getting there first. Above 2500m, cool-temperate forests of fir and spruce or oak occur, whilst over 3000m, these forests grade g...

Day 12 Another climb to Narkanda (2700m) for stunning views of the peaks on the Tibetan border.

A brisk start for the long climb out of the Sutlej Valley. The ascent is nearly 2000m but the route is very pretty and with breathtaking views of mountain peaks, so plenty of excuses to stop for photos en route. Taking the support bus is, of course, always an opti...

Day 13 Cycle to the famous hill station of Shimla.

A great day of cycling to end our trip. From Narkanda we follow the main route contouring around the hills through the last simple villages and pine forest. There are great views into the deep Sutlej Valley and back to the snow-capped peaks, visibility permitting....

Day 14 Free day to explore Shimla.

A much deserved day of leisure to explore Shimla and its surrounds. There is time to visit the local sights of this faded colonial hill station and revisit some of the British Raj history - particularly the magnificent Viceroy's Lodge. Those wanting more exercise c...

Day 15 Take Viceroy's narrow gauge 'Toy Train' to Kalka; connect with onward train to Delhi.

Today we take the delightful narrow gauge train from Shimla through the foothills to Kalka. The line was completed in 1903 and runs 97km from Shimla to Kalka, taking approx. 5 hours. There are 107 tunnels and over 3km of bridges. At Kalka we connect with an onward train to Delhi, arriving late in the evening. *Standard Hotel*

Day 16 Free day to explore India's capital.

Today you are free to relax, explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish) or you can do some last minute shopping (our hotel is located in Karol Bagh, a bustling market area). Highlights of Delhi include a wal...

Day 17 Fly to London.

For those who are on the flight inclusive package we depart for Delhi airport in the morning for the day flight back to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after check out. **

Land Only

Day 1 Start Amritsar.

The group flight will arrive in the afternoon and we transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will join us at the hotel. In the evening we pay our first visit to the Golden Temple to experience the impressive evening ceremony.  *Standard Hotel*

Day 2 Visit Golden Temple; transfer to Pragpur.

In the early morning we will pay a second visit to the Golden Temple. Mid-morning we will transfer by road to Pragpur, India’s only UNESCO World Heritage Village (approx. 5 hours). The rest of day is free for you to explore Pragpur; the village is set on the southe...

Day 3 Cycle to Kangra through traditional villages and scenic valleys; optional visit to Kangra Fort.

We start our bike ride by cycling along the quiet backroads of the Kangra Valley, passing through a sub-tropical landscape of pine, sal and bamboo forest, cultivated fields and small villages. The terrain is undulating with short climbs and ascents; it is a great ...

Day 4 A long steady uphill climb to McLeod Ganj (2000m); late afternoon sightseeing.

A short but challenging day climbing over 1000m to the hill stations of McLeod Ganj/Dharamshala, home to the exiled Dalai Lama. We leave early to cycle in the cool morning and cross the last of the Kangra Valley to the base of the Dhaula Dhar, the outermost range ...

Day 5 To Andretta (1100m) via Norblingka Institute on the undulating back roads below the Dhaula Dhar range.

In the morning there is time to finish off any sightseeing (or shopping in the many handicraft stalls!) that we didn’t fit in yesterday. We then have our first great descent, back down the road to Dharamsala. We stay just above the true valley and follow quieter r...

Day 6 Continue towards Jogindernagar via Baijnath Temple.

A day of cycling through the lovely scenery of Himachal’s prime tea growing area. There is little of western tourist 'importance' on this route but there is a quietly famous Shiva temple in Baijnath. Dedicated to Shiva in the form of Vaidyanath, the Baijnath templ...

Day 7 Cycle to the historic temple town of Mandi; time to explore the town and old temples.

Today we leave the Kangra Valley behind and head for Mandi at the foot of the Kullu Valley. We are closer to the mountains now, with a different topography and vegetation as we move into the temperate zone. A beautiful quiet side road takes us past a Tibetan monas...

Day 8 An easier day cycling along the Beas River to Larji in the lower part of the Kulu Valley.

We cut though the Outer Himalaya following the course of the Beas River into the Kullu Valley. Its striking landscape makes it a popular Indian tourist destination though traditionally its economy has been based on agriculture; it is famous for its apple orchards....

Day 9 A challenging day cycling through traditional remote villages to Shoja (2600m).

From Larji we begin to climb slowly. We are on the fringes of the Great Himalayan National Park - home to bear, leopard, wild cats - and surrounded by temperate forest - pine, oak, horse chestnut. We pass through Banjar, with its attractive wood-fronted shops lin...

Day 10 Climb to the Jalori Pass (3223m) for fantastic views across the Pir Pinjal and the great Himalaya; downhill to Luhri.

A tough day as we head over the Jalori Pass at 3223m. A steady climb turns into a rather steep final ascent so there are no prizes for getting there first. Above 2500m, cool-temperate forests of fir and spruce or oak occur, whilst over 3000m, these forests grade g...

Day 11 Another climb to Narkanda (2700m) for stunning views of the peaks on the Tibetan border.

A brisk start for the long climb out of the Sutlej Valley. The ascent is nearly 2000m but the route is very pretty and with breathtaking views of mountain peaks, so plenty of excuses to stop for photos en route. Taking the support bus is, of course, always an opti...

Day 12 Cycle to the famous hill station of Shimla.

A great day of cycling to end our trip. From Narkanda we follow the main route contouring around the hills through the last simple villages and pine forest. There are great views into the deep Sutlej Valley and back to the snow-capped peaks, visibility permitting....

Day 13 Free day to explore Shimla.

A much deserved day of leisure to explore Shimla and its surrounds. There is time to visit the local sights of this faded colonial hill station and revisit some of the British Raj history - particularly the magnificent Viceroy's Lodge. Those wanting more exercise c...

Day 14 Take Viceroy's narrow gauge 'Toy Train' to Kalka; connect with onward train to Delhi.

Today we take the delightful narrow gauge train from Shimla through the foothills to Kalka. The line was completed in 1903 and runs 97km from Shimla to Kalka, taking approx. 5 hours. There are 107 tunnels and over 3km of bridges. At Kalka we connect with an onward train to Delhi, arriving late in the evening. *Standard Hotel*

Day 15 Free day to explore India's capital.

Today you are free to relax, explore the sites of New and Old Delhi (an optional sightseeing trip will be organised if you wish) or you can do some last minute shopping (our hotel is located in Karol Bagh, a bustling market area). Highlights of Delhi include a wal...

Day 16 End Delhi.

For those who are on the flight inclusive package we depart for Delhi airport in the morning for the day flight back to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after check out. **

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Dates & Availability

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Price per day$0
Last Updated: 12/30/2019

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
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A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great cycling, fantastic scenery.

The Golden Temple was a wonderful place to visit and a real highlight, make sure you have your best selfie smile as we got asked to be in lots of photos! The cycl...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Tough but Rewarding

A great trip with challenging cycling & beautiful views The encouragement of the group towards one another when cycling became difficult We had great tour lea...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

India Hill Stations

Wonderful cycling, wonderful scenery and wonderful guides. The people on the trip. A fantastic group of people. Sanjay and Manu were exceptional. Two fantastic lea...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

You cycle all the way!

One of the great joys of this trip was that you cycle for 10 days without having any transfers. There is, as has been mentioned, a fair amount climbing compared to...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Cycling India's Hill Stations

An excellent trip visiting key sights in North West India including Amritsar and Shimla and cycling through the villages, towns and high passes of the region. A r...

Write a Review

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Annie O'Reilly Hughes

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Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

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Very professional organisation

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request from GBP320)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

11 nights hotels, 3 nights lodge, 1 night homestay 10 days cycling with 100% vehicle support Approx. 90% tarmac, 10% unsurfaced roads Mostly undulating with some prolonged ascents and long downhill sections
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners included.  You should allow at least £10 (approx. US$16) per day for lunch and dinner when these are not included. 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 choice between Indian and Western style food however please note that this is not always the case; on some of the days cycling the choice of food is very limited. If you are a 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 £3 (approx. US$4.80). You can refill your water bottle with mineral water from the 20ltr containers located in the support vehicle.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 11 nights hotels, 3 nights lodge, 1 night homestay
  • 10 days cycling with full vehicle support
  • Group normally 6 to 16, plus local cycling leader and driver. Min age 16 yrs.
Trip ID
exodus-MIS

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