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Explore Himalayan Foothills & Amritsar to Shimla
- AMRITSAR, SHIMLA & THE HERITAGE TOY TRAIN
- 13 Nights
- Prices start from £9995
Overview
Discover the cultural richness and mountain beauty of northern India on this elegant journey from Amritsar to the Himalayan hill station of Shimla. This carefully crafted itinerary blends powerful cultural encounters with breathtaking landscapes, offering a refined introduction to some of northern India’s most fascinating destinations.
Your journey begins in Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Sikhism and home to the magnificent Golden Temple. Here, ancient traditions, vibrant bazaars and the dramatic Wagah Border ceremony provide a captivating insight into the culture of Punjab.
From the fertile plains of Punjab, travel north into the serene foothills of the Himalayas. Explore the Tibetan spiritual centre of McLeod Ganj, discover the timeless heritage village of Pragpur and journey through the beautiful Kangra Valley before boarding the historic Kalka–Shimla railway, one of India’s most scenic mountain train journeys.
The tour concludes in Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. Surrounded by cedar forests and sweeping Himalayan views, this charming hill station remains one of India’s most elegant mountain retreats.
With business class flights, handpicked luxury hotels and private transfers throughout, this journey combines cultural discovery with refined comfort and exceptional service.
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Golden Temple & Wagah ceremony – profound Sikh heritage.
- Tibetan Buddhist culture in McLeod Ganj – Dalai Lama’s serene enclave.
- Heritage hamlet life in Pragpur – old‑world charm and craftsmanship.
- Kalka–Shimla toy train – scenic UNESCO mountain journey.
- Shimla’s colonial elegance – ridge top vistas, churches, hills and forest parks.
Includes
- Business Class Return flights from the UK
- VIP meet & greet
- Handpicked Luxury Hotels & Palaces
- Daily Breakfast
- Special welcome gifts
- Signature Experiences
- Private Chauffeur
- Private Sightseeing with Guide
- ATOL protection
- 24/7 Support
itinerary
Day 01 – Depart For Delhi
Begin your journey with a Business Class overnight flight from London to Delhi. Relax in comfort as you travel to India, ready to begin your luxury exploration of Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle.
Alternative carriers and UK departure points also available.
Day 02 – Arrive Delhi – Imperial Hotel
Arrive in Delhi where you will be met and transferred to the elegant Imperial Hotel, one of the capital’s most historic luxury properties. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey.
Overnight: The Imperial Hotel
Day 03 – Delhi To Amritsar – Taj Swarna Hotel
Fly to Amritsar this morning. After check-in at Taj Swarna, visit the magnificent Golden Temple to witness the sacred Palki Sahib ceremony, when the Guru Granth Sahib is ceremonially carried to its resting place.
Overnight: Taj Swarna Hotel
Day 04 – Amritsar
This morning return to the Golden Temple to experience its peaceful atmosphere before exploring the city. Visit the Jallianwala Bagh memorial and later attend the colourful Wagah Border ceremony where Indian and Pakistani guards perform the daily closing of the border.
- SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Private Golden Temple Dawn Ceremony
Experience the serene beauty of Amritsar’s Golden Temple at dawn, when the sacred shrine reflects in the still waters of the Amrit Sarovar and devotional hymns echo through the marble complex. Your guide will explain the traditions and spiritual significance of Sikhism’s holiest site.
Evening is at leisure or as an optional extra, you can enjoy a fabulous walking tour of Amritsar’s street food with your private tour guide.
Overnight: Taj Swarna Hotel
Day 05 – Amritsar To Pragpur – Judges Court Country Hotel
Today drive towards the Himalayan foothills to the charming heritage village of Pragpur. This beautifully preserved settlement is known for its cobbled streets, traditional houses and relaxed rural atmosphere.
Overnight: Welcome Heritage Judges Court Hotel
Day 06 – Kangra Valley
Explore the scenic Kangra Valley with a visit to the impressive Kangra Fort, dramatically positioned overlooking the valley. Later continue to a tea estate where the famous Kangra tea is grown.
- SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Kangra Valley Tea Estate Experience
Enjoy lunch at a Himalayan tea estate overlooking the dramatic Dhauladhar mountains. Learn about the cultivation of the famous Kangra tea and take in spectacular views across the valley.
Overnight: Welcome Heritage Judges Court Hotel
Day 07 – Pragpur To Dharamsala – Hyatt Regency Dharamsala
Continue your journey into the mountains to Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama and centre of Tibetan culture in India.
Visit McLeod Ganj and explore the Dalai Lama Temple complex.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort
Day 08 – Dharamsala
Enjoy a private guided tour of Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj including the Dalai Lama Temple, Norbulingka Institute and Bhagsu Nag Temple. Later explore the vibrant Tibetan markets.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort
Day 09 – Dharamsala To Shimla – Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Retreat
Drive through spectacular Himalayan scenery to Shimla where you will check in at Wildflower Hall, an Oberoi Resort, one of India’s finest mountain retreats.
Overnight: Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Retreat
Day 10 – Shimla - Exploration
Explore the colonial hill station of Shimla including the Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church and the famous Mall Road.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the views and cedar forests surrounding the resort.
Overnight: Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Retreat
Day 11 – Shimla - Toy Train Experience
Today enjoy the famous Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, one of India’s most scenic rail journeys winding through tunnels, forests and mountain villages.
- SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Kalka–Shimla Heritage Toy Train. Board the famous Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge railway for one of India’s most scenic train journeys. Travelling through forests, tunnels and mountain villages, the journey offers a nostalgic glimpse into the colonial era.
Overnight: Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Retreat
Day 12 - Shimla At Leisure
A full day to relax at Wildflower Hall or explore nearby mountain villages. Optional excursions include Kufri and Chail.
Overnight: Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Retreat
Day 13 - Shimla To Delhi
Enjoy the Toy Train ride down to Kalka where you will join your train back to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi late night and transfer to the hotel near IGI Delhi Airport.
Overnight: 5* Luxury Hotel near IGI Delhi Airport
Day 14 - Delhi To UK
India bids you farewell.
Destination Photos
Why Book This Tour
This beautifully crafted journey through Punjab and the Himalayan foothills combines spiritual discovery, colonial hill stations, Tibetan culture and mountain landscapes with private travel, luxury stays and exceptional comfort throughout.
Return Business Class Flights Included
Begin your holiday in complete comfort with return business-class flights from the UK, creating a smooth and relaxing start to this memorable North India journey.
From Sacred Punjab to the Himalayas
This itinerary offers a wonderfully varied route, from the spiritual energy of Amritsar and the Golden Temple to the cedar forests, hill stations and mountain scenery of Himachal Pradesh.
Iconic Cultural Experiences
Witness the moving Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple, experience the drama of the Wagah Border ceremony and discover the rich traditions, hospitality and heritage of Punjab.
Tibetan & Himalayan Heritage
Explore Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and a vibrant Tibetan community, adding a fascinating spiritual and cultural dimension to the journey.
Signature Toy Train & Wildflower Hall Stay
Enjoy the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Toy Train and stay at the legendary Oberoi Wildflower Hall, one of India’s most celebrated mountain retreats, surrounded by cedar forests and Himalayan views.
Private Transfers, Expert Guides & Seamless Support
With private transfers, expert local guides, VIP meet and greet, ATOL protection and 24/7 support, every detail is designed for a smooth, personal and reassuring travel experience.
Prices do not include :
- Entrances at monuments.
- Expenses of personal nature such as telephone calls, table drinks, laundry, tips etc.
- Any other services/expenses not mentioned above.