Best of North India

Best of North India: Complete Itinerary

Day 01; Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi international airport by flight. Meet with our office representative assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free and easy for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02; Delhi

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Delhi visit Red Fort the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years, until 1857. Cycle rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk Bazar. Visit Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. Humayun’s Tomb an early example of Mughal architecture build by wife of Humayun, the second Mughal king. Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi which includes President House and Parliament. India Gate the 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. Qutab Minar the building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity, and revolutionizing the concept of worship. [Red Fort & Lotus Temple remain closed on Monday's]. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03; Delhi – Amritsar (Satabdi train)

Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board satabdi train for Amritsar. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel.

Later visit Golden Temple (Harmander Sahib) - famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The mandir is built on a 60-ft square of marble and is two storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had upper half of the building build with approximately 400 kg gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temple like the Durgiana Temple. The central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offer free food to around 20,000 people every day. The number shoot up to 1,00,000 on special occasions.

The Durgiana Temple - though a Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to the Golden Temple. This temple derives its name from the Goddess Durga, the chief Goddess deified and worshipped here. Idols of Goddess Laksmi (goddess of wealth) and Vishnu (the protector of the world) are also deified here and worshipped.

Rickshaw ride in the Bazaar of the old city.

Late afternoon excursion to visit Bagha border. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Amritsar – Dharamsala (210kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel morning time to visit Golden Temple.

Also visit Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum - Maharaja Ranjit Singh was called the lion of Punjab played a decisive role in Indian history and established very vast kingdom with the help of sword. Gobindgarh Fort - It was originally built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi, the local chieftain in the 18th century Gobindgarh was conquered and enhanced in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who renamed it after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

drive through Marhi, Koksar, Sissu, Lahaul and Tandi villages to Manali, en route visit Rohtang Pass 3980mt. Continue drive to, Manali via Baralacha pass 4900 mt. This day is going to be a wonderful Himalayan safari with stunning views on the way.

Afternoon drive to Dharamsala check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Dharamsala

Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing tour of McLeodganj, which is home to most of the Tibetan exiles. Tibetans have established many monasteries, schools and temples here. Mcleodganj is sometimes known as ‘Little Lhasa’, and has a distinctly different character, with its brightly painted buildings, Buddhist temples, prayer flags fluttering in the air and saffron monks and nuns hurrying along the streets. The main Buddhist temple or Tsuglagkhang (cathedral) is a five-minute walk from the main bazaar. Said to resemble the one in Lhasa, the temple is surrounded by red and gold prayer wheels that are set in motion by devotees to scatter prayers in the air.

Inside are images of Shakyamuni (Buddha of the past), Padmasambhava the propagator of Buddhism in Tibet, and Avalokiteshvara (the compassionate one). All the images are in a posture of meditation with offerings of fruits, incense sticks and prayer flags in front. In the courtyard of the temple a curious tradition is enacted every afternoon by lamas from the Namgyal monastery. Punctuated by lots of shouting and clapping, the monks conduct serious debates on various theological issues.

Dal Lake: lake surrounded by Deodar trees, with temple of Durgeshwara Mahadev by the lakeside. Bhagsunath Temple: old temple of Bhagsunath with a fresh waterspring. Further, about 0.5 km is beautiful Bhagsunath waterfall which is enough to sooth one’s eyes and mind. Church of St. John in the Wilderness, built in 1860. Worth a visit for its beautiful stained glass windows, the church was severely damaged in a major earthquake that rocked the region in 1905. Rebuilt subsequently, the church has old bells that had been cast in London and installed in 1915. Lord Elgin, one of the few Viceroys of India who died in office, lies buried here. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06: Dharamsala – Jwalamukhi Temple - Manali (245kms/ 7-8hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Dharamsala. Enroute visit Jwala Devi Temple, dedicated to the "Goddess of Light", the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. The temple is considered very powerful, hence count as one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India. Besides, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalji temple. Continue drive to Manali on arrival check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Manali

Breakfast at hotel, visit Hadimba Devi Temple: Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the Dhoongri Temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May.

Vashist Hot Water Spring & Temple: Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Manali (51kms one way)

Breakfast at hotel, half day excursion to visit Rohtang pass (3979 m): Rohtang Pass is 51kms from Manali on highway to Keylong / Leh. It offers a panoramic and spectacular Mountain View. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra River flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. Back to manali visit Tibetan Monastery: 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas River. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Manali – Kullu – Shimla (258kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandi Enroute sightseeing of Kullu (1,230mtr) the most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spread out its charm on either side of Beas River. The valley runs North to South of this river and is 80kms long and about 2kms at it’s broadest. The valley has awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by rushing streams and meandering brooks. It is also famous for its exquisitely woven colorful handmade shawls and Kullu caps. In the spring, Kullu is in most colorful shape. Early March, apricot and plum trees, dotted among the fields, burst into pink blossoms and wild meddler are crowned with white flowers. The higher slopes are soon aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons, white scarlet clusters of the smash blaze near the river, the terraced fields turning from green to gold. Continue drive to Shimla, check in at hotel.

Day 10: Shimla

Breakfast at hotel sightseeing in Shimla visit The Mall: an ideal spot for shopping and tourists have a major attraction to this place for the place besides catering  to shops also have a theater and a number of good eating joints. The Ridge- This ridge of Shimla gives a spectacular sight of the ice-covered mountain peaks. The Mall- an ideal spot for shopping and tourists have a major attraction to this place for the place besides catering to shops also have a theater and a number of good eating joints. Jakhoo Temple- The temple being situated at the highest peak of Shimla gives a stunning view of the Shimla town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. So tourists visit this place for offering prayers before the idol. State museum- This is the abode to excellent paintings, handicrafts, textiles and stone carvings. Rest time to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Shimla - Haridwar (290kms/ 7hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Haridwar check in at hotel.

Evening visit to Har-ki-Pori to attend evening Ganga Arti. Har ki Pauri: King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari's footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Haridwar / Rishikesh

Early morning Yoga and meditation: Yoga: one of the traditional systems of healing the mind and body is Yoga. Literally meaning union, yoga seeks to unite the individual soul with the universal Soul or God, not through any religious rites but through a sustained effort to control one's mental and physical faculties. For most people yoga is a form of exercise that benefits much more in the longer run as compared to aerobics while many view yoga as a spiritual experience also. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel city tour of Haridwar and Rishikesh. Visit Bharat Mandir: The Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh, near the Triveni Ghat. This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram.

Kailash Niketan Temple: the main temple at Laxman Jhool and one can see the sculptures of all Gods and Goddesses in this thirteen storey mansion. Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar: According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.Mansa Devi Temple: The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi. Maya Devi Temple: This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, known as one of the Siddhapethas. Said to be the places where the hearts and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Haridwar / Rishikesh – Delhi (220 kms/ 5hrs approx)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Delhi direct transfer to international airport to board flight for onward destination.