Cycling India's Hill Stations
Overview
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?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
- All accommodation
- Transfer for group flights
- Local bike hire
Itinerary
The group flight usually departs London Heathrow in the evening. **
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*
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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*
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...
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
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*
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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*
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...
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
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Other Exodus Travels Reviews
Patient and knowledgeable operative
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...
Very professional organisation
Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...
India, the Tropical South
An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...
Tour Operator
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.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request from GBP320)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
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
-
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.
-
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.
- 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.
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