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.
Destination |
Amritsar – Dharamshala – Manali – Shimla – Rishikesh |
Departure |
Amritsar |
Best Time to Visit |
May to November |
Included |
- 13 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 Amritsar. Afternoon proceeds to Wagah border for flag down ceremony. The Wagah Border Retreat ceremony is no less spellbinding than a theatrical play. Soldiers march in sync and bring down the national flag ritualistically. Evening visit the Golden Temple, with its magnificent beauty, the iconic history of the Golden Temple dates back 400 years. It is the most significant shrine in Sikhism.
Overnight at hotel
Morning after breakfast visit Golden temple (do not miss the langar – community kitchen meal), Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden and a memorial, It was built in the memory of those people who died on 13th April 1919 in the bagh. Also visit Durgayana temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Durgiana Temple or as it is popularly known as the Lakshmi Narayan temple is among the most popular places to visit in Amritsar. Later depart from Amritsar to Dharamshala by surface. On arrival check in at hotel. Dharamshala also known as little Lhasa, has been the seat of his Holiness, the Dalai Lama, the leader of the Tibetans, since 1960.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for full day sightseeing of Dharamshala. Visit The Namgyal Monastery. This is the largest Tibetan Temple that is located outside of the country of Tibet. However, more importantly, this is the home of the great Dalai Lama and over 200 monks practicing Buddhism in its purest form.
You must pay a visit to the Kalachakra Temple, whose name translates to the “Wheel of Time.” The temple is built as a tribute to the Buddha and contains murals and paintings of Avalokitesvara, of whom the Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation.
Visit St. John Church in the wilderness, which is tucked amidst the the lush green trails of deodar. The church exhibits the age-old architectural style of Gothics and owns a remarkable feature which is the Belgian stain glassed windows. This place is just apt if you are looking for a quiet place, where one can delve in a session of rediscoveries. Drive past Tea Gardens an inescapable part. Imagine strolling through the lush green tea estates, which are packed with the soothing aroma of fresh tea leaves!
Visit HPCA Cricket Stadium. This picturesque stadium is snuggled amidst the greens of the Himalayan range, and its lure is beyond one's imagination.
Visit War Memorial and witness the war tanks and also read out loud the names of valiant soldiers who fought for the fame of the land. From here you can also wander in the dense pine forest of the quarter, as it has hidden routes to them.
The Norbulingka Institute in Dharamshala is a true testimony to the great influence of Tibetan life and culture in India. It is an authentic representation of Tibetan art and craft, way of life, food, religion and culture. There is also a Tibetan temple located on the premises which is one of the most significant places to visit in Dharamshala if you are looking for a surreal spiritual experience.
Kangra Art Museum This is one of the museums which have paintings from the Kangra School, Chamba rural embroideries along with various traditional photos and costumes from the earthquake which shattered the place in 1905.
Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast depart to Manali by surface enroute visiting Baijnath temple. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, just 51 kilometers from Kangra, the famous Shiv temple is considered a holy site. The temple is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Dhauladhar range and offers spectacular views of various little mountain streams and crossing Kullu town. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Manali is located in the ancient Kullu valley, surrounded by towering peaks at an arm's length. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning after Breakfast proceed to visit Rohtang pass (Up to Snow line during winter due to heavy snowfall), which simply offers panoramic view of mountains rising far above the clouds, Afternoon visit to Solang valley (a famous picnic spot & ski resort in winter). Enjoy Skiing, Snowboarding (in winters), Rope way ride and Paragliding (at your own cost). Overnight stay at hotel.
**Rohtang / snow point visit subject to prior permission and weather conditions. It will remain cosed from Nov till Apr due to snowfall.
or
Morning after breakfast drive to Sissu (40 Kms / 1hr30 mins) via Atal Tunnel (28 Kms / 1hr15 mins). Atal Tunnel is also known as Rohtang Tunnel is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh. At a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in the world and is named after former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Continue drive to Sissu (10,235 ft), visit Sissu lake, where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
Overnight at Hotel.
Morning, after breakfast proceed to visit the Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery. Afternoon return back to Manali and proceed to Visit the 450 years old Hadimba Devi Temple, the oldest temple in Manali, Club House, Tibetan monastery and Vashisht village, known for its hot Sulphur springs.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Shimla via Rewalsar (also called Tso-pema). Rewalsar is located at an altitude of 1360 m above sea level. Lying in the Southern Himalayan belt, winters in Rewalsar can be freezing, while summers are generally pleasant. Rewalsar is sacred to adherents of three major religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. After visiting Rewalsar continue towards Shimla.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast proceed for local Shimla sightseeing. Visit Vice Regal Lodge, which now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies. Sitting on the flat top of Observatory Hill, this Elizabethan mansion was built in 1888. The grey building still retains its grandeur, with a lion and unicorn guarding the entrance, immaculate lawns and original brass fire hydrants from Manchester. Next visit Jakhu Temple, sitting on top of Jakhu hill at 2,455 meters which is the highest point of the city. Walk down on the mall, which is the main shopping area of Shimla. Visit Christ Church, which was consecrated in 1857. It is a prominent yellow painted building with a Victorian-Gothic spire. Next to the church is the mock-Tudor Library, built in 1910. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, afterwards drop at Shimla Railway station to board Kalka / Shimla toy train till Kandaghat station. This train and has been recently declared “World Heritage” train by UNESCO. Meandering on these trains one passes through the breathtaking landscapes of majestic Himalayas, tunnels / bridges and lush green valleys. The train was inaugurated by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon in November 1903, covering the distance of 96 km from Kalka through the curving tracks, up to Shimla hills. The train passes through 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and 20 railway stations in its entire journey. On arrival at Kandaghat, pick up and travel by road to Rishikesh.
Overnight at hotel.
Early morning visit Triveni Ghat, after breakfast leave for half day sightseeing of Rishikesh & Visit Geeta Bhawan, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Bharat Mandir & Tera Manzil Mandir. Evening experience boat ride and Ganga Arti.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast leave for Haridwar for full day excursion. Visit Haridwar Temples and Ashrams. Evening attend aarti on the banks at Ganga Ghat at Har Ki Pauri. Return to Rishikesh later.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast as per time schedule drop at Haridwar Railway station for onward journey.