Footsteps of the Dalai Lama

India, 13 Nights

The Himalayas form the backdrop to the scenic north of India. This is a wonderful journey into the foothills, where you can trek to remote monasteries and temples and explore Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj.This journey takes you off the beaten track into some incredible scenic areas. This journey is fairly active, but every visitor will be rewarded with some breath taking sights of the Himalayas.

Day 1 - London/Delhi
Depart from London Heathrow on your flight to Delhi.

Day 2 - Delhi
Arriving in Delhi in the early hours, transfer to the Taj Palace Hotel for a morning at leisure. Later visit the impressive Red Fort and Rajghat and wander through Old Delhi's teeming bazaars.

Day 3 - Delhi/Nalagarh
Early morning train journey by Shatabdi Express brings you to Chandigarh, the new capital of Punjab. From here travel by road to the gateway of Himacal Pradesh, Nalagarh (60kms/1 1/2 hours) where you will overnight at the Nalagarh Fort Resort.

Days 4 to 5 - Nalagarh/Pragpur
A short drive takes you to Ramgarh Fort, the start of today's walk. This afternoon you will drive to Pragpur (190kms/7 hours) and check-in to the Judges Court for a two night stay. A day of trekking and exploring the market, ideal for silver trinkets and shawls.

Day 6 - Pragpur/Dharamshala
A 2km walk through attractive countryside to Garli, the sister village of Pragpur. From here you will drive  to Dharamshala (60kms/3 hours) via the Jwalamukl Temple. Home for the next two nights will be at Surya Resort.

Day 7 - Dharamshala
A full day trekking towards Triund permits views of the Dalai Lama's home and temple before returning to Surya Resort.

Days 8 to 9 - Dharamshala/Palampur
After a leisurely breakfast visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan culture. Then travel by road while enjoying the views of the Dhauladhar range (70kms/2 hours). Check-in to the Taragarh Palace for two nights. The following day, after a short drive, you will trek down a gentle descent through lovely Kangri villages to a Buddhist monastery.

Day 10 - Palampur/Naggar
Enjoy a morning pottery workshop at the local specialty ethnic clay potters or a gentle trek from Bir to Billing, a popular paragliding spot. This afternoon drive to Naggar (180kms/6 hours) and arrive at Naggar Castle for a two night stay.

Day 11 - Naggar
Today's six hour trek is pure delight, walking through unspoiled villages and taking in the stunning scenery.

Days 12 to 13 - Naggar/Shimla
After breakfast this morning you will drive to the Oberoi Cecil in Shimla (290kms/9 hours) for a two night stay.

Day 14 - Shimla/Delhi
Depart Shimla to Chandigarh and connect with the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi where you will have use of a room at the Taj Palace Hotel until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 15  - Delhi /London
Your flight departs early this morning, arriving back in London later the same morning.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, a 12 day journey in India will cost from £3,175 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.