Tourism Scouts India

A Week Escape to little Himalayan Secrets (06 Nights / 07 Days)

Dharamshala
Himalaya is Idyllic for rejuvenation. Fresh water streams, tall pine trees, sprawling apple orchards, mist-filled valleys, pleasant weather and the vibrant culture of the ‘mountain people’. It’s much easier to find solace in the Himalayas because of the dominance of nature in these areas. Our ancestors have been visiting the Himalayas for ages to achieve ‘Moksha’ due to this very reason. The prayers of modern times seek peace and contentment which cannot be achieved until we slow down our lifestyle. The need of the hour to transit from the highway of commercialism and join the road headed towards the village trails in the mountains, which go on the path of sharing the resources of nature among its people. We bring you a specially prepared programme based on activities in the Himalayas which will bring you peace, happiness, and good health! Our idea is to experience the slow pace of life while exploring inner-self and celebrating being inhuman species on this beautifully crafted mother ‘Earth’. Highlights of the tour will be interacting with the locals in their small homes for tea & snacks or meals, getting inspired by their slow yet happy life, having ample sunshine and relaxing time, brilliant opportunities for photography and walking in the jungles spread over the valleys. But it doesn’t stop here.

Himalaya is Idyllic for rejuvenation. Fresh water streams, tall pine trees, sprawling apple orchards, mist-filled valleys, pleasant weather and the vibrant culture of the ‘mountain people’. It’s much easier to find solace in the Himalayas because of the dominance of nature in these areas.

Our ancestors have been visiting the Himalayas for ages to achieve ‘Moksha’ due to this very reason. The prayers of modern times seek peace and contentment which cannot be achieved until we slow down our lifestyle. The need of the hour to transit from the highway of commercialism and join the road headed towards the village trails in the mountains, which go on the path of sharing the resources of nature among its people.

We bring you a specially prepared programme based on activities in the Himalayas which will bring you peace, happiness, and good health! Our idea is to experience the slow pace of life while exploring inner-self and celebrating being inhuman species on this beautifully crafted mother ‘Earth’.

Highlights of the tour will be interacting with the locals in their small homes for tea & snacks or meals, getting inspired by their slow yet happy life, having ample sunshine and relaxing time, brilliant opportunities for photography and walking in the jungles spread over the valleys. But it doesn’t stop here.

Destination Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Departure Dharamshala
Best Time to Visit May to November
Included
  • 06 nights of accommodation in handpicked hotels (A single room will attract an additional supplement).
  • Meals as mentioned in the program.
  • 01 experienced guide to provide local knowledge and support.
  • Snacks and soft drinks for each day’s ride.
  • Tourism Scouts India water bottles to keep.
  • Litter Bag.
  • A mountain bike with full mechanical assistance and spare parts.
  • Ground transfers as planned in the private vehicle program (if required).
  • Team: Mechanic, cook, Support vehicles driver, English-speaking tour leader, assistants.
  • A support vehicle to carry luggage, Stocks, Spare parts, etc.
  • Luxury Van (Tempo Traveler) will be all the time as a backup for taking a group from one place to another. If a guest decides not to ride, relax for the rest of the tour.
  • First Aid Kit and Oxygen Canister: for in case of emergency.
Excluded
  • Any kind of taxes.
  • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick up / drop off locations.
  • Lodging before and after the trip.
  • Personal items purchased during the trip.
  • Optional activities not scheduled by Tourism Scouts India.
  • On select trips, some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
Arrive Dharamshala airport and transfer towards Pong. Pong Dam also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar Wildlife bird sanctuary is indeed a spectacular sight to behold! You will get mesmerized by observing the 2 km long dam on the Beas River (longest dam in India), surrounded by Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary which have birds of numerous species. This place is also called as the haven for the migratory birds. Arrive Pong, check in and lunch. Free time at leisure to explore nearby areas. Dinner and stay at Pong Eco Village.
Today we will get up early morning to catch a glimpse of the sunrise at the dam shores. We would take a short walk through the forest to reach the beach side and catch the mesmerising sunrise. After returning we will have our breakfast and leave for a boating tour in which we will see the drowned Bathu temples, Ranser Island. Lunch at Pong Eco Village. In the evening proceed for birdwatching beside the lake. Back to the hotel and relax with a bonfire. Dinner and stay at Pong Eco Village.
Morning after breakfast proceeds towards Bir en route visiting Masroor Rock Cut Temples, Kangra Fort and Baijnath Temple. Dubbed the Himalayan Pyramid, Masroor Rock Cut Temple is a popular archaeological site in India is around 65 km / 02 hours from Pong Eco Village. A major part of the famous rock-cut temples is in ruins, yet one can study the relics clearly. A group of 15 monolithic rock-cut temples designed in Indo-Aryan style was built between the 8th-9th century AD. The main shrines contain the stone idols of Rama-Laxman and Sita. It is claimed that all 15 temples are carved out of a single rock. Continue to drive towards Kangra Fort (35 km / 01 hour). The Kangra Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra State (the Katoch dynasty), which traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. Lunch in Raja Sansar Chand Museum and café. After lunch proceeds towards Kangra Railway station to enjoy Toy Train ride up to Paprola (Leave your baggage in the vehicle only). The views all along are something that will keep you wide awake. You’ll cross tiny villages with streams flowing by, wooden bridges straight out of a fairytale, and the glorious Dhauladhar ranges in the backdrop to complete the picture. Get off at Paprola Railway station where the same vehicle will be waiting for you. Continue towards Bir enroute taking a stop at the highly popular Shiva Temple Baijnath as it houses one of the 12 holy jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in the country. The temple, was constructed in 1207 AD. The Temple redefines the Nagara style of architecture, which is highly popular in Himachal Pradesh. While the inner and outer walls of the temple boast exotic carvings and sculptures depicting incidents of Hindu mythology, the inner sanctum houses the holy Shivling. Surrounded by lush green gardens, the temple is destined to take your breath away as it overlooks the mighty snow-clad mountains while filling the air with spirituality. Arrive in Bir and check in at the hotel. In the evening free time to stroll in the local market of lower Bir. Nestled amongst the aesthetic natural bounties, Bir is a small village which is also known as the paragliding capital of India. Bir is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet amidst serene landscapes, snow-capped hills, and artistic temples. Apart from being known for paragliding, this place is also known for its Tibetan roots and is a great way to experience Tibetan culture. Dinner and stay at La Maison.
Wake up early and have your breakfast. OPTIONAL - Experience the thrill of paragliding in one of the best spots in India. Later depart for Palampur en route visiting Tashi Jong Monastery. Situated in the foothills of Kangra Valley this Monastery is a prominent place of reverence for Buddhists. A quiet walk through the pine forest with colourful Buddhist prayer flags on the sides of the road takes you to the gompa. Nestled deep inside the pine forest. It’s like a different world altogether in the middle of serene nature where cheerful kids, youth and old seem to be celebrating life. Arrive at Raipur Tea Estate Palampur for traditional Kangri Dham lunch. After lunch walk around the tea estate and experience tea tasting. Dinner and stay at Villa Tea Drops.
Morning drive towards McLeod Ganj enroute meet members of Jagori Rural Charitable Trust in Rakkar village to understand how rural ladies are working for women empowerment. The mission of Jagori is to create a just and equal society for all. In order to do this, they help address discrimination on gender, caste, religion, disability, and sexual identities. In order to strengthen the voices of women and girls and ensure people’s right to life and safety. After the meeting proceed towards Norbulingka Institute, this is the place you wouldn’t want to miss if you are a sucker of Tibetan culture. The Institute protects ancient Tibetan culture in the form of art, architecture, and paintings. Enjoy lunch at Norbulingka Institute (On direct payment basis). After lunch drive towards Mcleod Ganj after taking a stop at HPCA Cricket Stadium. Located at the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, is perched on the high slopes in the upper part of Kangra Valley. Head straight to this stadium and enjoy the cool salubrious air, stunning mountain scenery, serene ambiance and spellbinding views. Sitting at 1457 meters above sea level, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is widely known as one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world. Arrive McLeod Ganj, check in at Junglaat, freshen up and unwind. Hi Tea on the sun terrace of Junglaat and later 10 mins hike to admire majestic Himalayas on one side and Sunset on the other. After the sunset take a walk through Naddi Village and meet a local Gaddi Family (local shepherd community). This meeting will help to interact with locals and understand their lifestyles. Enjoy live cooking with the ladies and have a meal with the family. Stay at Junglaat
Early morning start a walk towards Dharamkot (45 mins). Dharamkot is a small village also known as Hippie Village as lot of Israelis and back packers visit this place. Reach Dharamkot and enjoy the views with a cup of tea in a local shop (On direct payment basis). Continue the walk towards Bhagsu Nag Village. Bhagsunag is a village situated about 7000 feet above the sea level, which makes it a perfect location to enjoy the beauty of a high-altitude spot. The prime importance of the place is due to the majestic Bhagsunag temple devoted to Lord Shiva, which adds beauty and mystic to the spot by making it extremely popular amongst worshippers. The stunning waterfalls, present at a walkable distance from the temple, is one of extreme grandeur. The view from the top of the sensational Kangra valley which surrounds the waterfalls is not one to be missed by any kind of nature lover or adventure fanatic. Back to Bhagsu Village where car will be waiting for you. Drive back to Junglaat for breakfast and freshen up. Proceed for half day sightseeing of McLeod Ganj visiting Namgyal monastery, also known as the 14th Dalai Lama’s monastery, is a sacred place where rituals involving various Buddhist practices such as the Kalachakra, Vajrakilaya, Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, and Chakrasamvara. It is also the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet (Presently Namgayal monastery is closed due to Covid restrictions). Outside the monastery is the main market of McLeod Ganj, where you can make a visit to Kalchakra Temple and also spend some time to buy souvenirs or to enjoy local cafés and pastry shops. Not far from the main square of the town, the Church of St John’s in the Wilderness is an important place to visit in McLeod Ganj. Constructed in 1852, the church was built on the lines of neo-gothic architecture and is dedicated to John the Baptist. The church is embedded amid a grove of Deodars, with a quaint graveyard lying in the same grounds. Lunch in local restaurant (On direct payment basis). Back to Hotel. Attend a session on Kangra miniature paintings and local Bamboo crafts. Kangra paintings are the pictorial art of Kangra, named after Kangra, a former princely state, which patronized the art. Bamboo is the most commonly used material in daily life in Himachal Pradesh. Products ranging from household implements to construction of dwelling houses to weaving accessories to musical instruments are made in bamboo. No mechanical devices are used in the craft, which is mainly a household industry. Besides basket-weaving, bamboo is used chiefly in the construction of houses and fencing. Live folk dance & music show followed by dinner. Stay at Junglaat.
OPTIONAL – Yoga session (01 hour). Leisurely breakfast. Check out and continue for your onward journey.

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