You will be met & assisted on arrival at Dharamshala Airport and transferred to your pre-booked hotel.

A pristine green expanse ringed by the mist-shrouded Himalayas and a dense cover of oak, deodar, pine and conifers, Dharamsala (Dharamshala), in Himachal Pradesh, is a secluded natural retreat. While its pristine beauty leaves you in awe, its rugged terrain is ideal for adventure sports like trekking, paragliding or mountain climbing.

Dharamsala is renowned as the home of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist leader, and is a popular centre of Buddhism. Dotted with colourful monasteries, it offers a great opportunity to meditate and soak in the serenity and tranquillity of the surroundings.

From exquisite multi-hued Tibetan Buddhist thangka paintings and miniature Buddha statues to singing bowls and Tibetan handicrafts, the bazaars have a fine selection on display. Don’t forget to sample authentic Tibetan delicacies like thukpa (a soupy noodle dish), momos, golden fried baby corn, mittha (local sweet prepared with rice and raisins) etc.

Often fondly called the Little Tibet, tourists can set on a museum trail or visit the famous Norbulingka Institute that is said to be the gatekeeper of the art and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. You can also observe local artisans practising the art forms of thangka painting and appliquéing, statue-making and decorative wood carving, wood painting, weaving and tailoring.

Dharamsala was the summer holiday retreat for Britishers and grew as a Tibetan settlement in 1959, when the Dalai Lama was allowed by Indian Government, to stay in McLeodganj, in upper Dharamsala.

Rest of the day leisure to relax.

Post breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Mc Leodganj.

A serene hill town near Dharamsala, Mc Leodganj is bestowed with unparalleled natural beauty in the form of verdant landscapes and snow-capped mountains. This hill station, perched at a height of 1,770 m above sea level, is renowned as the home of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader. Because of its rich Buddhist heritage, Mc Leodganj is also called Little Lhasa (traditional capital of Tibet). Mc Leodganj has been named after Donald Friell McLeod, the then lieutenant governor of Punjab.

On arrival, visit Tsuglakhang complex the official residence of the Dalai Lama, Tsuglakhang is home to the replica of the original Tsuglakhang temple at Lhasa. It houses the Namgyal Monastery and several shrines in its premises, along with statues of Lord Buddha, Guru Rinpoche (an 8th century Buddhist master) and Chenrezig (a revered Bodhisattva).

Tsuglakhang would also appeal to art lovers as it boasts some of the most splendid artworks of the region.

Afterwards, visit 5000 years old Bhagsu Nag Temple, according to local legend, Nag devata, the snake god was drawn into a battle with a local king, Bhagsu, who stole water from the sacred Nag Dal Lake. King Bhagsu was vanquished and forgiven by the god, and the site was consecrated as Bhagsu Nag. The temple is a place of pilgrimage for the indigenous Gurkha people from the nearby villages of Bhagsu and Dharamkot. During monsoons, the Bhagsu Waterfall, located around 10 minutes from the temple, is a delightful sight with its full-bodied stream stretching well over 25 ft, enhancing the contrasting black and green colours of the rocks and vegetation.

Late afternoon, drive back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, visit The Norbulingka Institute, a unique, self-sustaining institute that has been maintaining traditions for generations. One can get a first-hand experience of Tibetan art here that is produced using methods that have been practiced and passed down for many centuries.

Built in the traditional Tibetan style, the institute is situated in a valley below the city of Dharamsala. Exploring the beautiful campus can be an occupying activity. You can interact with local artisans practising the art forms of thangka painting and appliquéing, statue-making and decorative wood carving, wood painting, weaving and tailoring, and buy great souvenirs. The Losel Doll Museum in the premises has over 150 dolls in traditional costumes from various regions of Tibet. These were made by artist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery as part of a project to support their monastery. Visitors can also get to the round-the-year open Hummingbird Café and enjoy a wide variety of delicacies. The flagship shop at Norbulingka offers a range of products created at the institute, from hand carved furniture to clothing line to thangkas.

Afterwards, proceed to visit, Kangra Art Museum. Kangra is a hub of art and culture of the state and the best of the exhibits have been displayed in the Kangra Art Museum. Located in Kotwali Bazaar, the museum is home to various arts and crafts of the Kangra Valley, including a gallery of miniature paintings. Some of the artefacts date back to the 5th century. A rich collection of pottery, sculptures and paintings can be seen here along with royal dresses, shamianas, coins, carvings, manuscripts and jewellery.

Post, sightseeing drive back to hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, proceed to visit Dal Lake, one of the most picturesque spots of Dharamsala that looks like an emerald set amidst craggy mountains. The lake is fringed by a lush forest of deodar trees that make for a serene picnic spot.

Spend some time in the nature.

Afterwards drive back to hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure to relax.

Post breakfast, proceed to visit Bir-Billing, the Paragliding capital of India. Here you can see majestic Dhauladhar mountain range with snow caped mountains. If weather permits, you may enjoy a short paragliding ride (Direct Payment).

It’s a wonderful spot to take memorable pictures.

On the way back, visit Tashi Jong Monastery, famous for its ornamental terraces and beautiful decorative banners.

Afterwards proceed to Baijnath, situated on the banks of the pristine Gomti river, and best known for the famous 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Vaidyanath or the Lord of physicians. The Baijnath temple has been a significant spiritual site ever since its construction in 1204 AD. It is a beautiful example of early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. The two long inscriptions in the porch of the temple indicate that a temple of Lord Shiva existed on the spot even before the present one was constructed. Bajinath is set amongst the towering Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The entire area is dotted with temples dedicated to various deities that hold great spiritual importance for the local people.

Post sightseeing, drive back to Dharamshala with a stopover at famous Chamundadevi temple, on the banks of the Baner River. The temple, counted amongst 51 shakti peethas, is dedicated to Chamundeshwari Devi.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, head to Kangra Fort, one of the oldest forts in India, to get a virtual experience of time travel.

The perfect blend of rich history and scenic beauty, the Kangra Fort, was built by the kings of Katoch, one of the oldest living dynasties, the fort is said to be the largest fort in the Himalayas. Its strategic position atop a hill, overlooking the surrounding areas, made it particularly prominent.

From the fort, enjoy open vistas of the hilly landscape, arid at places and lush at others. Stand on its ramparts and gaze at the surrounding craggy peaks to understand why it was considered impregnable at one time!

Exploring the fort will take you straight into the pages of history. Surrounded by majestic gateways and doors, it boasts vast courtyards and ancient temples within its premises. A good solid hour would be enough to take a tour around the fort.

Afterwards, visit Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum, situated right next to the fort.

Post sightseeing, drive back to hotel.

Afternoon at leisure to relax.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, checkout and depart for Dalhousie. 

Perched atop a rocky ridge, with snow-clad Dhauladhar mountains and rolling emerald valleys adding to its natural beauty, Dalhousie, in Himachal Pradesh, is a quaint hill town perfect for a relaxing holiday.

Lined with tall pine and deodar trees and dotted with pristine lakes and waterfalls, Dalhousie mesmerizes you with its natural bounty. No wonder this secluded town was a favourite summer retreat of the British before Independence! The town preserves many remnants from its past, and various quaint churches are a testimony to the colonial era. Dalhousie was named after the then governor general of British India, Lord Dalhousie, in 1854. Sprawling colonial-era buildings, that are liberally scattered throughout the town, are a testament to Dalhousie’s Victorian charm. Its beauty is further complemented by River Ravi flowing close by. This hill station also offers amazing views of the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountain range. Pines, oaks, rhododendrons and a number of other types of trees cover the mountain slopes. An ideal place to unwind, the hill station is a treasure of ancient temples, art, handicrafts and a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved since the 6th century.

On arrival, check-into the hotel.

Afternoon at leisure to relax.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, proceed to visit St Andrews Church, an acclaimed landmark in Dalhousie with stunning glasswork and interiors. Established in 1903 at Ballon by Protestant Christians, the church is located in a cantonment area, and is popularly known as the Church of Scotland. Nestled among lush green surroundings with numerous pine trees, the quaint church paints a very beautiful picture. With surrounding natural beauty, simple yet detailed architecture and historic significance, the St Andrew’s Church of Dalhousie brings back nostalgic memories of the thriving town during the British rule.

Rest of the day leisure to explore the area on your own. You can explore the market and famous colonial landmarks of Dalhousie.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, proceed for full day excursion to Khajjiar and Chamba.

Situated at an altitude of 6,500 ft, Khajjiar is gifted with scenic beauty that is heightened by two serene lakes, namely the Khajjiar Lake and the Chamera Lake. The scenic grassland is located on the outskirts of Dalhousie and is widely known as the ‘mini-Switzerland’ of India. The entire region is covered with a thick growth of a wildflower known as vacha that gives it an almost sponge-like quality. Khajjiar takes its name from Khajji Nag Temple, which is said to be the oldest in the state. Built around 12th century AD and located near the lake, it is believed to be one of the most revered shrines in Himachal Pradesh.

Post Khajjiar, proceed to the picturesque town of Chamba, ensconced in the verdant valley of the gushing River Ravi, in Himachal Pradesh. From pristine lakes, scenic waterfalls to the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains and lush forests, Chamba is a tranquil retreat. Dotted with several ancient temples that echo with legends and myths, the town is a prominent spiritual centre and invites devotees from all over the region. Its numerous walking trails and waterfronts present ripe opportunities for adventure enthusiasts who can indulge in trekking, hiking, river rafting and camping. The rich history of Chamba is reflected in its various traditional arts and crafts like handkerchiefs, Pahari paintings, cast metalware and shawls.

Dating back to the 6th century, Chamba is known as the land of Lord Shiva and the Kailash Parvat (mountain). Set amidst the Shivalik hills, Chamba is said to have been founded by Raja Sahil Varman.

On arrival in Chamba, visit Laxmi Narayan Temple, constructed by Raja Sahil Varman. The temple is the main shrine in the town that has a group of six temples. Known for fine classical forms, the temple has been built in shikhara (spire) style with wooden chhatris (cenotaphs) and a shell roof.

Afterwards, proceed to Bhuri Singh Museum, founded in 1908 to preserve the cultural heritage of the region, Bhuri Singh Museum is situated at the heart of the town of Chamba. Named after the erstwhile ruler of Chamba state, Raja Bhuri Singh, the museum contains his inherited art collection. There are over 8,500 art objects and antiquities related to art, craft, archaeology, culture and history of the region. Most of the inscriptions housed are about the history of Chamba and written in Sarda script. The museum is also home to a number of unusual artefacts, including paintings of Ramayana and Bhagwat Purana that have been inspired by Basohli paintings. Old Chamba coins, jewellery, traditional costumes, armour, musical instruments used by the people of Chamba region are among the artefacts. The museum was set up with the help of Dutch Sanskritist and epigraphist, Dr J Ph Vogel, who worked with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), between 1901 and 1914. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Post sightseeing, return to Dalhousie.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, full free for independent activities.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast, checkout and drive to Amritsar.

A bustling city with an indomitable spirit, Amritsar holds one of the holiest of Sikh ethos at its heart – the Golden Temple. Covered in 400 kg of gold and surrounded by a serene Sarovar (pond), one is immediately swamped by the humbling sight of the glistening structure, which is also home to one of the biggest community kitchens (langar) in the country and serves about 20,000 people a day. Though visitors often make a beeline for the temple, the old-world charm of the city slowly sneaks up on them, making them fall in love with a city that buzzes with spirited and lively nuances. Be it the bullet-ridden walls of Jallianwala Bagh or the energetically charged scene of the Wagah Border, one has to step into the city to feel the passion.

Moreover, the city is known for its food pilgrimage that is undertaken in its frenetic and fantastic bazaars that win you over with their diversity and vibrancy. From an array of dishes like butter-drenched paranthas (Indian flatbread), creamy lassi (a drink made of yoghurt), dahi-balla and aloo-tikki (deep-fried savouries), the city’s food is rife with flavours and aromas. However, what makes travelling to the city truly unforgettable is the warmth of its people.

Amritsar gets its name from the holy tank called Amrit Sarovar, meaning pool of nectar, which surrounds the Golden Temple. Legend has it that the fourth guru of the Sikh faith, Guru Ram Das, founded the city around 1574 AD. It is said, Guru Amardas, the third Sikh guru, bought a piece of land, amid thick forests, to build a tank. But he died before it could be built. Folklore says Guru Ram Das invited 52 traders from nearby places to settle.

They built 32 shops, which still exist in Amritsar, and are popularly known as Batisi Hatta. The construction for Amrit Sarovar was completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev. Interestingly, Amritsar also finds a mention in the Hindu epic, Ramayana, as the place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita’s twin sons, Luv and Kush, were born. Amritsar was further developed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder and king (1801–39) of the erstwhile kingdom of Punjab.

On arrival, check-into the hotel.

Afternoon proceed, to Wagah Border to witness Flag ceremony on Indo Pakistan border.

Return back to hotel for overnight stay.

Post early breakfast, visit Golden temple and Jaliawala Bagh.

Afterwards, day at leisure to explore Amritsar on your own.

Post breakfast, checkout and transfer to Amritsar Airport for flight to onward destination.