Himalayan Hill Towns & Retreats
New
Kick off in Delhi – and wrap up back in Delhi – on a 12–day North India adventure mixing cities, mountains and monasteries. You’ll explore Delhi’s icons – Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Glide by train to Amritsar for the Golden Temple and the Wagah border ceremony. Then trade plains for pine forests in Dalhousie and the Tibetan flavoured McLeodganj, with temples and prayer flags. See sacred Rewalsar Lake and Jwala Devi Temple en route to Kullu and Manikaran’s hot springs, before lingering in Manali’s temples, cafes and Mall Road, plus a Rohtang Pass excursion.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
New DelhiEnds
DelhiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
R 78 505,00
R 9 999,00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
New Delhi
Delhi
Amritsar
Dalhousie
Dharamsala
Kangra Division
Jwalamukhi
Rewalsar
Kullu
Mandi
Pragpur
Manikaran
Manali
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - New Delhi - Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport, we’ll meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Standard check-in/out is from 1200 hrs – early check-in is subject to room availability. The rest of the day is at leisure, so you can relax and settle in. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Delhi - New Delhi
Breakfast at the hotel, then we set out on a full day exploration of Delhi. In Old Delhi we visit the Red Fort – home to the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years until 1857 – and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world. We take a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk to Khari Baoli Spice Market, where stalls brim with spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery and vivid saris, while narrow lanes are lined with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. We visit Raj Ghat, the memorial at Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Continuing into New Delhi, we drive past the President’s House, Parliament and India Gate, then visit Humayun’s Tomb – the subcontinent’s first garden tomb, commissioned in 1569–70 by Empress Bega Begum – Qutb Minar, a 73 metre minaret within the Qutb complex known for its Afghan architecture, and the Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship open to all. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Delhi - Amritsar
Breakfast at the hotel, then we transfer to the railway station to board the morning Shatabdi to Amritsar (Train No. 12029 Swarna Shatabdi, 07:20–13:45 hrs). On arrival, we are met at the station and transferred to the hotel. Later, we visit the Wagah Border to attend the Beating Retreat ceremony – a daily 30 minute display by Indian and Pakistani soldiers that formally closes the border and lowers the national flag before sunset, with crowds joining in with the national anthem, applause and Bollywood-style dancing to Hindi songs. We return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Amritsar - Dalhousie
Amritsar – Dalhousie (200 km – 5–6 hours approx). After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Golden Temple – famed for its gilded dome and one of Sikhism’s most sacred sites – including the Central Sikh Museum in the Clock Tower and the Guru ka Langar, which serves free meals to around 20,000 people daily, rising to about 100,000 on special occasions. We continue to the Durgiana Temple, a Hindu temple with architecture similar to the Golden Temple, then explore the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, noted for its collections of paintings, weapons and armour, manuscripts and coins. At Gobindgarh Fort – originally built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi and later strengthened by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and named for Guru Gobind Singh – we see references to its historic artillery, including the two renowned Zamzama cannons. We round off with a rickshaw ride and a walking tour of Amritsar’s old market. Later, we drive to Dalhousie and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Dalhousie
After breakfast, we set out on a city tour of Dalhousie – a high‑altitude town spread across five hills near the Dhauladhar range. We take in its colonial‑era architecture, including St Francis and St John’s churches from the British Raj period. You can choose to trek up Dainkund Peak to the Pholani Devi Temple, or head north to Subhash Baoli for pine‑fringed views. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Dalhousie - Dharamshala - Mcleod Ganj
Dalhousie – Dharamsala (120 km – approx. 4 hours) After breakfast at the hotel, we take a leisurely drive to Dharamsala and check in on arrival. The rest of the day is free – you can relax at the hotel and, in the evening, visit the McLeodganj market. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Dharamshala - Mcleod Ganj
DharamsalaBreakfast at the hotel. We spend the day exploring McLeodganj – home to many Tibetan exiles – where monasteries, schools and temples shape the neighbourhood. We visit the Tsuglagkhang (cathedral), a five minute walk from the main bazaar. Said to resemble the temple in Lhasa, it is surrounded by red and gold prayer wheels turned by devotees.We continue to Dal Lake, set among deodar trees, with the Durgeshwara Mahadev temple by the water. We then visit Bhagsunath Temple, known for its fresh water spring, and walk about half a kilometre further to Bhagsunath waterfall.We also visit the Church of St John in the Wilderness, built in 1860 and noted for its stained glass windows. Severely damaged in the 1905 earthquake and later rebuilt, the church has bells cast in London and installed in 1915. Lord Elgin – one of the few Viceroys of India to die in office – is buried here. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 - Dharamshala - Kullu
After breakfast in Dharamsala, we drive to Kullu – approximately 250 km and 6–7 hours. En route we visit Jwala Devi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Light, where there is no idol – the natural eternal flame is revered as the manifestation of the deity. The temple is counted among the 51 Shakti Pithas and its gilded dome was gifted by Emperor Akbar; nearby shrines include Gorakh Dibbi and the Chaturbhuj Temple. We also stop at Rewalsar Lake, a mid-altitude square lake at about 1,360 m, sacred to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, with three monasteries, three Hindu temples and a Sikh gurdwara along its shores. We continue to Kullu for check-in and an overnight stay.
Day 9 - Kullu - Manikaran - Manali
Breakfast at the hotel. We travel from Kullu to Manali via Manikaran – about 125 km, approximately 3 hours by road – with time to explore en route. We begin in the Kullu Valley, known for deodar and pine forests and views of snow-covered peaks at around 1,230 metres. We then continue to Manikaran in the Parvati Valley on the banks of the Parvati River, a pilgrimage site for Sikhs and Hindus. We visit Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib and local temples, and see the natural hot springs – three in total, including one inside the gurudwara and two attached to guesthouses – with separate bathing areas for men and women. The sulphur-rich water is believed to have therapeutic properties and is hot enough to cook food for langar. After the visit, we drive on to Manali and check in. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 - Manali - Kullu
Manali. After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Manali, a Himalayan resort town. We visit the Hidimba Devi Temple, an ancient cave shrine to Hidimbi Devi set within the cedar forest of Dhungiri Van Vihar. We continue to Vashisht Village to see its stone temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht and the natural hot springs traditionally regarded as medicinal. We call at the Tibetan monasteries of Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa – centres of worship and culture for the Tibetan community – where you can browse for locally made handicrafts. We then visit the Manu Temple, a historic Hindu shrine to Sage Manu noted for its traditional architecture and woodwork, with views of forested hills. We also cross to Old Manali on the far side of the Manalsu River – a laid‑back area with small markets and cafés. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or visit the Mall Road. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - Manali
Manali – Rohtang Pass – Manali (55 km – approx. 1.3 hours each way). After breakfast, we drive to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain gateway at 3,980 m on the eastern Pir Panjal range. The pass marks a natural divide between the Kullu Valley to the south and the higher, arid Lahaul and Spiti valleys to the north, and forms the watershed between the Beas and Chenab basins – the Beas emerges on the southern side, while the Chandra, a source stream of the Chenab, flows westward to the north. After time to take in the scenery, we return to Manali.The rest of the day is free – you can relax at the hotel or stroll along Mall Road. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Manali - Kullu - Delhi
Manali – Kullu Airport (50 km – around 1 hour 30 minutes) – Delhi by air. After breakfast, we transfer you to Kullu Airport in line with your flight schedule for your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, we provide a vehicle for transit use – you can visit any place of your interest before your onward connecting flight.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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