13Days Highlights of Punjab and Himachal

Price from: $ 4765 per person on twin sharing basis

Delhi – Chandigarh – Amritsar – Shimla – Dharamsala – Manali – Delhi

Discover Punjab, the land where spiritual aspirations arose. This heroic land bore numerous invasions, and after all its suffering, did not entirely lose its glory and its strength. Here it was that the gentle Nanak preached his marvellous love for the world. Here it was that his broad heart opened and his arms outstretched to embrace the whole world.

Bordering Punjab to the west, the landlocked state of Himachal Pradesh is one of great topographic diversity, from vast bleak tracts of rust-coloured high-altitude Trans-Himalayan desert to dense green deodar forests, apple orchards, cultivated terraces and, everywhere you look, sublime snow-capped mountains. This is also where you’ll find the largest concentration of Buddhists, their atmospheric gompas (monasteries) a total contrast to the pageantry of Hindu temples.

Highlights: Historical Delhi, Rock Garden, Golden Temple, Colonial legacy of Shimla, Dalai Lama’s hometown

Itinerary

Day 1

Delhi

Arrive at Delhi and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2

Delhi (B)

Cross the city into the walled gates of Old Delhi, visiting Jama Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk. Then we drive past the Red Fort (1639-1648) built by Shahjehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Later visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Father of the Indian Nation – Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon, proceed on a tour of New Delhi visiting the Qutub Minar. Drive through the Embassy area, Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital. Continue to Humayun’s tomb, also known as the forerunner to the Taj Mahal.

Day 3

Delhi-Chandigarh (B)

Drive this morning to Chandigarh, rated to be the most planned city of India renowned for its urban design, architecture and natural beauty. Afternoon city tour takes you to the world-acclaimed Rock Garden displaying art objects made from household and industrial waste, Sukhna Lake, Chandigrah Museum & Art Gallery, Rose Garden with over 1600 varieties of roses and Leisure Valley.

Day 4

Chandigarh-Amritsar (B)

Leave your Hotel today and drive to Amritsar, holy city of Sikhs. Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple. Afternoon free to explore this vibrant holy city on your own

Day 5

Amritsar (B)

Morning city takes you to the world famous Golden Temple, spiritual and cultural centre for Sikh religion. The peaceful and serene ambience of the Golden Temple contrasts sharply with the disturbing sight of the bullet holes in Jallianwalah Bagh, which is where General Dyer conducted the infamous massacre in 1919 on a peaceful congregation of Indian independence movement.

This afternoon, you will be taken to witness Change of Guards. Some distance from Amritsar lays the Wagah border- a ceremonial outpost on the India – Pakistan border. Every evening, at sundown, soldiers of both countries put up a change of guard ceremony in which they bring down the national flags of their respective countries and briefly shake hands.

Day 6

Amritsar-Shimla (B)

Drive this morning into Shivalik Hills resort city Shimla, also known as The Queen of Hills. Afternoon at leisure to explore The Mall, which still keeps the history intact with colonial buildings and landmarks. A great place for bargain hunters.

Day 7

Shimla (B)

This morning, proceed towards Vice Regal Lodge - one of the best attractions on Shimla atop Observatory Hill. It is a heritage buidling having an important piece in Indian History being the seat of British Raj. Continue to visit Indian Institute Of Advanced Studies, Sankat Mochan Temple, The Christ Church - iconic landmark of Shimla and 2nd oldest church in India built in 1857 and Lakkar Bazaar - famous for wooden works.

Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 8

Shimla-Dharamsala (B)

Leave Shimla this morning and proceed to Dharamsala nestled among Dhauladhar mountains. Dharamsala gained popularity a few decades back when Dalai Lama decided to make this little town his abode. Afternoon at leisure to explore this city on your own

Day 9

Dharamsala (B)

This full-day sightseeing tour of Dharamshala & Mcleodganj takes you to some of the most spell-binding landscapes. Mcleodganj is a serene hill station cozily settled in upper Dharamshala. It is also known as Little Lhasa and offers a breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains. During the tour, you will visit Namgyal Monastery, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Tea Gardens at Dharamshala.

Day 10

Dharamsala-Manali (B)

Drive this morning from Dharamsala to Manali, popular holiday resort town with snow-capped mountains surrounding the valley.

Day 11

Manali (B)

Half day sightseeing takes you to Manali’s most famous attraction, historically and archeologically important sight Hadimba Temple. Also visit Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture, Manu Temple and Gadhan Gompa. Afternoon free to explore Tibetan markets, the shopping galore.

Day 12

Manali- Delhi

Take a scenic flight from Kullu Airport to Delhi. Afternoon free in Delhi.

Day 13

Delhi (B)

Transfer to the airport to connect your onwards flight.

 

Private program - can start any day of the week and can be customised

Note: Contact us if you require more options on Hotel categories.

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes

Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2024. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.