North India Tour

Mystical North India Journey

Upon arrival in Delhi, we will continue with a domestic flight to Amritsar. Once we land, we will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Amritsar, meaning “Pool of Nectar,” is home to the Golden Temple, which serves as the spiritual and leadership center for the Sikh faith.

In the afternoon, we will witness the colorful flag-lowering ceremony at the India-Pakistan border, a lively event with Indian soldiers facing off against their Pakistani counterparts, accompanied by enthusiastic crowds cheering for their respective sides.

Later in the evening, we will head to the Golden Temple for the traditional Palki Sahib ceremony, held twice daily. During this event, the holy scripture of Guru Granth Sahib is carried into the temple in a procession accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.
Overnight in Amritsar.

After breakfast, we will return to the Golden Temple, where we can admire its stunning beauty, stroll around and inside the temple, and encounter Sikh pilgrims coming to purify themselves in the holy waters of the pool. You will experience the sacred atmosphere that envelops this special place.

Next, we will visit the Jallianwala Bagh memorial, which commemorates the tragic events of the massacre that took place there in 1919.

Following our visit, we will embark on a approximately 6-hour drive to Dharamsala, located in the Kangra Valley’s mountainous region. The city is divided into two distinct areas: the lower city at 1,250 meters and the village of McLeod Ganj at 1,800 meters. This is the capital of the Tibetan exiles in India and the residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Buddhism, who resides at the Namgyal Monastery.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Dharamsala.

After breakfast, we will visit the Namgyal Monastery, the official residence of the Dalai Lama. Nearby, we’ll explore the main cathedral and the vibrant Tibetan market. Following that, we will head to the Tibetan Library to view ancient manuscripts and a collection of original texts.

Next, we will visit the beautiful Bhagsu Waterfalls, where we can enjoy the serene environment. After exploring the waterfalls, we will continue to the picturesque village of Dharmkot.
Overnight in Dharamsala.

After breakfast, we will embark on the trek to Triund, a viewpoint located at an altitude of 2,800 meters. From this vantage point, you will be treated to stunning views of the vast Kangra Valley and the majestic Dhauladhar Range.

We will begin with a short drive to the trailhead, followed by a hike of approximately 7-9 kilometers through meadows and wooded areas until we reach the Triund viewpoint, which serves as a base for climbing Mount Dhauladhar. After a brief rest and the chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air at the summit, we will descend back to the road and return to our hotel in Dharamsala.

The remainder of the day is free for your own activities.
Overnight in Dharamsala.

After breakfast, we will drive to Manali (approximately 8 hours, 270 km), passing through the beautiful narrow valley of Kullu, which is renowned for its fruit orchards and cannabis cultivation.

Nestled between towering mountains, coniferous forests, and rushing rivers lies Manali, a picturesque town surrounded by charming villages and hot springs.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Manali.

After breakfast, we will drive to the village of Vashisht, located at the foothills of Manali. Here, we will visit the local temple and see the hot springs where locals enjoy bathing and washing dishes.

Next, we will embark on a hiking trail towards Old Manali. We will pass by the beautiful Jogni Falls, crossing the river and the main road until we reach Old Manali. There, we will visit the Manu Temple and continue through wooded paths to the Dhamba Temple—an exquisite wooden temple built in 1553 AD.

As we make our way through the village of Nasogi, we will stop at a Tibetan temple established in 1969. Here, you can admire stunning wall paintings, woven carpets, and traditional handicrafts available for purchase.

Afterward, we will explore the vibrant market of Old Manali, located near the temple, which features restaurants and cafes. This market is a popular destination for backpackers and local visitors alike.
After enjoying some free time in the market, we will drive back to the hotel.
Overnight in Manali.

After breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour drive to Parvati Valley, nestled between towering mountain ranges, where we will enjoy a pleasant climate and breathtaking scenery. This valley is home to beautiful and tranquil villages.

Our first stop will be the hot springs in Manikaran, a sacred town known for its unique atmosphere, natural hot springs, and a beautiful Sikh temple. Here, you can experience the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

Next, we will continue our visit to Kasol, a quaint backpacker town in the Parvati Valley. This vibrant village is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, making it a popular stop for travelers.

In the afternoon, we will make our way back to Manali.
Overnight in Manali.

After breakfast, we will set off on a scenic drive of approximately 5 hours (180 km) to the village of Sarchu.
Along the way, we will make stops to visit local villages, immersing ourselves in the culture and lifestyle of the region.

We will cross the Lachulung La Pass, which stands at an impressive 5,065 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival in Sarchu, we will settle into our tent camp, where each tent is equipped with two field beds and blankets or sleeping bags.
Overnight in the tent.

**Please note that there are no attached bathrooms or showers available.
**Please note the altitude warning.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 6-hour drive to Leh (250 km). Today, we will cross the second-highest pass in the world, Tanglang La, which stands at an impressive 5,360 meters above sea level. As we continue toward the Ladakhi plateau, located on the southwestern edge of the Tibetan plateau, we will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Leh sits at a high and arid location, with the Indus River flowing through it, serving as a major source of fresh water and fertile alluvial soil, creating a sort of oasis in the region. The city is compact, with markets, restaurants, and other attractions all within walking distance. Leh is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Leh.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip around Leh. No visit to Ladakh is complete without exploring the monasteries known as Gompas. These monasteries are often perched on high locations, overlooking the villages that support them economically. Within the Gompas, one can find sculptures and paintings showcasing extraordinary iconographic wealth, some depicting themes of mortality to teach the principle of impermanence in the world.

Our first stop will be at Shey Palace, once the residence of royalty, symbolizing the feudal nobility that coexisted with the monastic orders. Next, we will visit Thiksey Monastery, located approximately 17 kilometers east of Leh. The main halls are situated at the highest points, featuring one of the largest and most beautiful statues of Maitreya (the future Buddha) in the region.

We will then continue to Hemis Monastery, about 40 kilometers east of Leh.

In the afternoon, we will hike to Leh Palace, constructed in the 17th century, resembling a miniature version of the Potala in Lhasa, Tibet. The palace stands high above the city, requiring a moderate climb, especially in the thin air of Leh. The ascent is worth it not just for the palace itself, which appears dilapidated up close, but for the stunning views of the city and valley it offers.

Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a stroll through the local bazaars of Leh.
Overnight in Leh.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 70 kilometers from Leh to the village of Alchi, located along the southern bank of the Indus River. Near the village lies the Alchi Gompa, built nearly a thousand years ago. This monastery is uniquely situated on flat land, unlike many other Gompas in the region that are typically perched on high hills.

Following our visit to the Gompa and the village, we will enjoy a two-hour hike to Rizong Gompa, which is nestled within a natural amphitheater, providing a serene backdrop for our exploration.

After our visit, we will return to Leh and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Leh.

Early in the morning, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, we will meet our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Delhi, the capital of India and a gateway for most travelers, is a vibrant tapestry of culture, attractions, shopping, and delicious food. It’s the place where you first encounter the essence of India and learn to fall in love with it.

After refreshing, we will embark on a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Lotus Temple, an impressive Bahá’í House of Worship shaped like a lotus flower. Next, we will visit Akshardham Temple, known as the largest Hindu temple in the world, and conclude our tour at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a significant Sikh temple.
Overnight in Delhi.

Early in the morning, we will transfer to the train station for our journey to Agra (approximately a two-hour ride).

Upon arrival, we will begin our tour with a visit to the Agra Fort, known as the Red Fort, constructed from red sandstone. Its construction was initiated by Emperor Akbar as a military structure, and it was later expanded by his grandson, Shah Jahan, who used it as a palace. At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned there following a coup, and it is said he spent his remaining days gazing at the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built for his beloved wife, from the fort’s confines. The fort is an impressive fortress with massive walls that enclose a mini-city.

Next, we will visit the Taj Mahal, renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This breathtaking monument, a symbol of love and an architectural masterpiece, was also commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.

After the visit, we will transfer back to the train station for our return journey to Delhi. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour that explores both Old and New Delhi. We will start in Old Delhi with a visit to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Mughal architecture. From there, we will take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi, bustling with markets, street performances, and unique shops. Our next stop will be Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

Continuing to New Delhi, we will reflect on the city’s evolution over the years. Our first stop will be the Qutub Minar, a historical minaret built from red sandstone. We will also visit significant British-era buildings from the 1930s, including the Presidential House and the Parliament. The tour will include a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, a beautiful structure surrounded by gardens, which began construction in 1564 by the emperor’s widow. We will conclude our day in the Main Bazaar, a vibrant area frequented by backpackers, featuring guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants.
Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast and according to your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for your return journey home.