Mountains, Temples & Hill Stations

Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

Flights usually depart London in the evening. **

Day 2 Arrive Amritsar; evening visit to the Golden Temple.

We start in Amritsar and transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore or just recover from the flight. Those on Land Only arrangements will meet us at the hotel during the day.  This evening we will experience an impressive ceremony at the Golden Temple.  In Amritsar we stay in Mrs Bhandari's Guesthouse, with its fascinating Art Deco interior. Mrs Bhandari was born in 1906 into a wealthy Parsi family. She married out of caste to a Hindu and was virtually disowned by the family. After her husband died she was left to bring up their children on her own and started taking in guests to make ends meet. Mrs Bhandari lived to over 100 years and the guesthouse is now presided over by one of her daughters, Ratan. It is often said that there are two reasons to visit Amritsar, one is to see the Golden Temple and the other is to stay at Mrs Bhandari’s. The well preserved late-Raj family residence takes pride in the fact that ’nothing much has changed apart from a few new-fangled additions such as air conditioning’. *Standard Hotel*

Day 3 Visit the Golden Temple; heritage walk in Amritsar

This morning we head for the fabled Golden Temple that stands in the heart of this ancient city. The temple was built in the late sixteenth century and is as sacred to Sikhs as Mecca is to Muslims. Heavily gilded and beautifully decorated, the famous Hari Mandir is surrounded by a sacred pool and reached by a white marble causeway. After the temple we have a heritage walk through the surrounding streets, admiring the old buildings and narrow streets filled with shops selling local ware, from Sikh weapons, instruments and local garments. We also pay a visit to Jallianwalla Bhag, the site of the infamous massacre in 1919 which became the focus of the independence struggle.  *Standard Hotel*

Day 4 Drive to the Heritage Village of Pragpur in the Kangra Valley

After breakfast we then set off by road towards the twin Heritage Villages of Pragpur and Garli. The villages are set on the southern edge of the Kangra Valley in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range of mountains.  It is a wonderful area to explore local rural life. We stay in a Heritage Hotel in either Pragpur itself, or in the nearby Heritage Village of Garli.  The drive will take approx. 5-6 hrs. *Comfortable Hotel*

Day 5  A full day to explore the heritage villages of Pragpur and Garli

A full day to explore the remarkable villages of Pragpur and Garli, with their elegant havelis, mansions, Italianate buildings and traditional mud and slate houses along cobbled streets. Founded three centuries ago the villages have held onto the essence of an earlier era. Many of the inhabitants still produce traditional handicrafts and we will see weavers and silversmiths. Later in the day we can go down to the river to a remarkable Hindu temple to watch the sunset. *Comfortable Hotel* * *

Day 6 Drive to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj; afternoon orientation tour.

This morning we set out by road, climbing steadily through sub-tropical vegetation and terraced fields, towards pine covered mountains and the small town of McLeod Ganj. On the way we will stop to view the Pong Dam wetland wild bird sanctuary and picnic at the ancient rock temple of Masroor. Just before reaching McLeod Ganj, we drop in at the historic church of St John in the Wilderness. We will then have a quick orientation walk, leaving time to explore this lively market village in the evening. The total driving time today is approx. 3.5 hrs. *Standard hotel*

Day 7 Sightseeing in and around the famous hillstation of McLeod Ganj.

We spend the morning exploring the main Tibetan settlement of McLeod Ganj. The Dalai Lama settled here in 1960 after fleeing Tibet. Since then a Government in Exile has been created and schools, craft workshops and many monasteries have been built in and around the town. For those who wish, in the afternoon we can take a walk up out of the village, taking in the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts on the way, through the forest, enjoying stunning views of the mountain range, to the Tibetan Children's Village School, which is home to over 2,000 refugee children. *Standard hotel*

Day 8 Explore the fascinating Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture.

In the morning we drop in at the Tibetan Administrative area with its interesting museums and temple before driving down to and spending the night by the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture, a registered trust dedicated to preserving Tibetan literary and artistic culture. There we can see thangka painting, statue making and wood carving taking place in the Institute's workshops which are set in a beautiful garden. In the afternoon we take a short walk up the hill to visit Dolma Ling Nunnery in its tranquil rural setting. *Standard hotel*

Day 9 Explore Norbulingka; village walk

A leisurely day enjoying this wonderful, serene part of the world. We can take a village walk meeting locals along the way and learning more about Tibetan culture. This is a chance to really soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque countryside.  *Standard Hotel*

Day 10 Drive to Andretta, a craft and pottery village tucked away in the folds of the hills.

Leaving Norbulingka this morning we head east following the mountain range, through the tea gardens to Andretta, a small village tucked away in the folds of the hills, far from the tourist trail. The drive is approx. 1.5 hrs. Andretta is a tranquil place famous as a settlement of artists and craftspeople. Here we will visit the pottery set up by Sadar Gurcharan Singh, the first studio potter in India and you can try your hand on the wheel. Following a leisurely lunch we will take a stroll around the village.  *Homestay.* The Mirage (or similar) *Standard Hotel*

Day 11 To Mandi; explore the old trading town

Travelling by road, we head out through picturesque countryside and drive for 4 hrs towards the little visited town of Mandi. Situated on the Beas River at the foot of the beautiful Kulu Valley, this unusual town was once a halting point on the salt route to Tibet. Overlooked by most visitors, Mandi has over 80 temples and shrines including some impressive sixteenth century Nagari style temples. We take a walk through this fascinating town and we will have lunch at the Raja's palace. *Standard hotel*

Day 12 To Shimla; afternoon visit to The Ridge, Christ Church and Scandal Point.

We continue our journey to Shimla, India's largest and most famous hill station. Set deep in the foothills of the Himalaya, the route climbs steadily past steep river valleys, pine forests, terraced fields and orchards. At an altitude of 2159m, the Shimla ridge is a cool airy place offering an impressive vista across the countryside to the snowy peaks of the Great Himalaya. We spend the afternoon exploring the main areas of the Ridge and the Mall, including Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre and Scandal Point on foot. Standard Hotel

Day 13 A full day to explore historic Shimla; visit the former Viceregal Lodge

A full day to enjoy this historic town, the summer capital of British India. We start the day by walking the length of the Mall to Shimla's most impressive monument, the former Viceregal Lodge. This walk is 4km. This one time seat of imperial power was also the location for crucial talks prior to Independence. From its location on Observatory Hill, we have fine views across the region. Next, we visit the excellent State Museum nearby, housed in a colonial mansion. The museum has a varied and well-displayed collection of contemporary and ancient art. Of prime interest are the Pahari (or Hill) miniatures, fine examples of the last Hindu art form to flourish in North India. There are also examples of local wood carvings, ancient sculptures, deity masks from Kulu and temple bronzes. After lunch, we are free to explore the warren of bazaars that cling to the hillside, where Shimla is at its most vibrant. *Standard hotel*

Day 14 Take the Viceroy's 'Toy Train' to Kalka; then the evening train to Delhi.

A long, but interesting day today. We leave Shimla by a different route - the Viceroy's Toy Train. Completed in 1897 under the instruction of Lord Curzon, this 96km line with 103 tunnels and 24 bridges was a massive undertaking created to ease the previously arduous journey. The journey is truly memorable as the train steadily rattles its way through the stunning scenery.  It is a slow (5.5 hours) trip but a very memorable experience. The train leaves Shimla at 10.30am and arrives in Kalka at about 4.15pm and at 5.45pm we board the faster train to Delhi, which arrives into Delhi at 10pm. On arrival in Delhi we transfer to our hotel. *Standard hotel*

Day 15 Free day in Delhi for sightseeing or an optional day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal

Today is free for you to choose what you would like to do. There is plenty to see in Delhi including Humayuns Tomb, the India Gate and the Jama Masjid. You may want to wander round the older parts of Delhi and see the colourful bazaars. Your leader will provide suggestions for how to plan your time. For those who have not seen the magnificent Taj Mahal there is the option to do a day trip to Agra. You will take an early morning train and have the whole day to see theTaj Mahal and the Red Fort, probably one of the most impressive forts in India. You will return to Delhi by train later in the day. Your leader can provide information on this option and make arrangements for those who would like to go.  *Standard hotel*

Day 16 Fly to London.

Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. **

Land Only

Day 1 Start Amritsar; evening visit to the Golden Temple.

We start in Amritsar and transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore or just recover from the flight. Those on Land Only arrangements will meet us at the hotel during the day.  This evening we will experience an impressive ceremony at the Golden Temple.  In Amritsar we stay in Mrs Bhandari's Guesthouse, with its fascinating Art Deco interior. Mrs Bhandari was born in 1906 into a wealthy Parsi family. She married out of caste to a Hindu and was virtually disowned by the family. After her husband died she was left to bring up their children on her own and started taking in guests to make ends meet. Mrs Bhandari lived to over 100 years and the guesthouse is now presided over by one of her daughters, Ratan. It is often said that there are two reasons to visit Amritsar, one is to see the Golden Temple and the other is to stay at Mrs Bhandari’s. The well preserved late-Raj family residence takes pride in the fact that ’nothing much has changed apart from a few new-fangled additions such as air conditioning’. *Standard Hotel*

Day 2 Visit the Golden Temple; heritage walk in Amritsar

This morning we head for the fabled Golden Temple that stands in the heart of this ancient city. The temple was built in the late sixteenth century and is as sacred to Sikhs as Mecca is to Muslims. Heavily gilded and beautifully decorated, the famous Hari Mandir is surrounded by a sacred pool and reached by a white marble causeway. After the temple we have a heritage walk through the surrounding streets, admiring the old buildings and narrow streets filled with shops selling local ware, from Sikh weapons, instruments and local garments. We also pay a visit to Jallianwalla Bhag, the site of the infamous massacre in 1919 which became the focus of the independence struggle.  *Standard Hotel*

Day 3 Drive to the Heritage Village of Pragpur in the Kangra Valley

After breakfast we then set off by road towards the twin Heritage Villages of Pragpur and Garli. The villages are set on the southern edge of the Kangra Valley in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range of mountains.  It is a wonderful area to explore local rural life. We stay in a Heritage Hotel in either Pragpur itself, or in the nearby Heritage Village of Garli.  The drive will take approx. 5-6 hrs. *Comfortable Hotel*

Day 4  A full day to explore the heritage villages of Pragpur and Garli

A full day to explore the remarkable villages of Pragpur and Garli, with their elegant havelis, mansions, Italianate buildings and traditional mud and slate houses along cobbled streets. Founded three centuries ago the villages have held onto the essence of an earlier era. Many of the inhabitants still produce traditional handicrafts and we will see weavers and silversmiths. Later in the day we can go down to the river to a remarkable Hindu temple to watch the sunset. *Comfortable Hotel* * *

Day 5 Drive to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj; afternoon orientation tour.

This morning we set out by road, climbing steadily through sub-tropical vegetation and terraced fields, towards pine covered mountains and the small town of McLeod Ganj. On the way we will stop to view the Pong Dam wetland wild bird sanctuary and picnic at the ancient rock temple of Masroor. Just before reaching McLeod Ganj, we drop in at the historic church of St John in the Wilderness. We will then have a quick orientation walk, leaving time to explore this lively market village in the evening. The total driving time today is approx. 3.5 hrs. *Standard hotel*

Day 6 Sightseeing in and around the famous hillstation of McLeod Ganj.

We spend the morning exploring the main Tibetan settlement of McLeod Ganj. The Dalai Lama settled here in 1960 after fleeing Tibet. Since then a Government in Exile has been created and schools, craft workshops and many monasteries have been built in and around the town. For those who wish, in the afternoon we can take a walk up out of the village, taking in the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts on the way, through the forest, enjoying stunning views of the mountain range, to the Tibetan Children's Village School, which is home to over 2,000 refugee children. *Standard hotel*

Day 7 Explore the fascinating Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture.

In the morning we drop in at the Tibetan Administrative area with its interesting museums and temple before driving down to and spending the night by the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture, a registered trust dedicated to preserving Tibetan literary and artistic culture. There we can see thangka painting, statue making and wood carving taking place in the Institute's workshops which are set in a beautiful garden. In the afternoon we take a short walk up the hill to visit Dolma Ling Nunnery in its tranquil rural setting. *Standard hotel*

Day 8 Explore Norbulingka; village walk

A leisurely day enjoying this wonderful, serene part of the world. We can take a village walk meeting locals along the way and learning more about Tibetan culture. This is a chance to really soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque countryside.  *Standard Hotel*

Day 9 Drive to Andretta, a craft and pottery village tucked away in the folds of the hills.

Leaving Norbulingka this morning we head east following the mountain range, through the tea gardens to Andretta, a small village tucked away in the folds of the hills, far from the tourist trail. The drive is approx. 1.5 hrs. Andretta is a tranquil place famous as a settlement of artists and craftspeople. Here we will visit the pottery set up by Sadar Gurcharan Singh, the first studio potter in India and you can try your hand on the wheel. Following a leisurely lunch we will take a stroll around the village.  *Homestay.* The Mirage (or similar) *Standard Hotel*

Day 10 To Mandi; explore the old trading town

Travelling by road, we head out through picturesque countryside and drive for 4 hrs towards the little visited town of Mandi. Situated on the Beas River at the foot of the beautiful Kulu Valley, this unusual town was once a halting point on the salt route to Tibet. Overlooked by most visitors, Mandi has over 80 temples and shrines including some impressive sixteenth century Nagari style temples. We take a walk through this fascinating town and we will have lunch at the Raja's palace. *Standard hotel*

Day 11 To Shimla; afternoon visit to The Ridge, Christ Church and Scandal Point.

We continue our journey to Shimla, India's largest and most famous hill station. Set deep in the foothills of the Himalaya, the route climbs steadily past steep river valleys, pine forests, terraced fields and orchards. At an altitude of 2159m, the Shimla ridge is a cool airy place offering an impressive vista across the countryside to the snowy peaks of the Great Himalaya. We spend the afternoon exploring the main areas of the Ridge and the Mall, including Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre and Scandal Point on foot. Standard Hotel

Day 12 A full day to explore historic Shimla; visit the former Viceregal Lodge

A full day to enjoy this historic town, the summer capital of British India. We start the day by walking the length of the Mall to Shimla's most impressive monument, the former Viceregal Lodge. This walk is 4km. This one time seat of imperial power was also the location for crucial talks prior to Independence. From its location on Observatory Hill, we have fine views across the region. Next, we visit the excellent State Museum nearby, housed in a colonial mansion. The museum has a varied and well-displayed collection of contemporary and ancient art. Of prime interest are the Pahari (or Hill) miniatures, fine examples of the last Hindu art form to flourish in North India. There are also examples of local wood carvings, ancient sculptures, deity masks from Kulu and temple bronzes. After lunch, we are free to explore the warren of bazaars that cling to the hillside, where Shimla is at its most vibrant. *Standard hotel*

Day 13 Take the Viceroy's 'Toy Train' to Kalka; then the evening train to Delhi.

A long, but interesting day today. We leave Shimla by a different route - the Viceroy's Toy Train. Completed in 1897 under the instruction of Lord Curzon, this 96km line with 103 tunnels and 24 bridges was a massive undertaking created to ease the previously arduous journey. The journey is truly memorable as the train steadily rattles its way through the stunning scenery.  It is a slow (5.5 hours) trip but a very memorable experience. The train leaves Shimla at 10.30am and arrives in Kalka at about 4.15pm and at 5.45pm we board the faster train to Delhi, which arrives into Delhi at 10pm. On arrival in Delhi we transfer to our hotel. *Standard hotel*

Day 14 Free day in Delhi for sightseeing or an optional day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal

Today is free for you to choose what you would like to do. There is plenty to see in Delhi including Humayuns Tomb, the India Gate and the Jama Masjid. You may want to wander round the older parts of Delhi and see the colourful bazaars. Your leader will provide suggestions for how to plan your time. For those who have not seen the magnificent Taj Mahal there is the option to do a day trip to Agra. You will take an early morning train and have the whole day to see theTaj Mahal and the Red Fort, probably one of the most impressive forts in India. You will return to Delhi by train later in the day. Your leader can provide information on this option and make arrangements for those who would like to go.  *Standard hotel*

Day 15 End Delhi.

Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel. **