Visit the Magnificent Golden Temple
Witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
This 12-day, culturally varied journey takes you through the Himalayan region of Punjab in north-west India. Visit the Punjabi capital of Amritsar before ascending through the green tea estates of the Kangra Valley, to reach the lofty heights of Dharamshala and Shimla.
This holiday idea is perfect for those who want to experience glorious mountain scenery, charming hill stations and key religious centres in the Himalayan foothills. Exploring by road, rail and on foot it showcases the best of Himalayan foothills.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Experience the Toy Train
Take a ride on a narrow-gauge Himalayan railway to view spectacular mountain scenery.
Visit the Home Town of the Dalai Lama
Converse with Buddhist monks at the Dalai Lama Temple in Mcleodganj, Dharamshala.
Explore the History of Shimla
Take a walk through Shimla with a historian, learning about the summer capital of British India.
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Day 1
Delhi - Amritsar
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Day 2
Amritsar
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Day 3
Amritsar - Palampur
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Day 4
Dharamshala
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Day 5
Palampur
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Day 6
Palampur - Pragpur
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Day 7
Pragpur
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Day 8
Pragpur - Shimla
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Day 9
Shimla
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Day 10
Shimla - Delhi
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Day 11
Delhi
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Day 12
Depart Delhi
Day 1
Delhi - Amritsar
Arrive into Delhi and connect straight through for onward flights to Amritsar. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your heritage hotel in the city. This evening travel to the Golden Temple to witness the vibrant ‘Putting to Bed’ ceremony – a nightly ritual that is fascinating to watch.
Day 2
Amritsar
Take an early morning walk to the Golden Temple, constructed from white marble and copper gilt, the temple is famous for its community kitchen where volunteers feed more than 30,000 people each day. In the afternoon witness the Wagah Border Ceremony, beautifully choreographed and packed with aggression, this ‘lowering of the flags’ ceremony, before sunset, culminates with the border gates between India and Pakistan closing for the night.
Day 3
Amritsar - Palampur
Journey overland to Palampur, a journey of around six hours. On arrival check into your lodge accommodation.
Day 4
Dharamshala
Visit Dharamshala for the day which is around 90 minutes drive from Palampur. Explore McLeod Ganj, the settlement of Tibetan Buddhists who sought refuge here in 1960 following their exile from Tibet. The Buddha Temple is opposite the Dalai Lama’s residence and around it are a monastery and a nursery.
Day 5
Palampur
Relax and enjoy some of the activities from your accommodation. Take a Toy train ride and disembark at Paprola to visit Baijnath temple. Visit Andretta village, take a cookery lesson or explore less trodden paths on foot via a range of treks to suit all abilities. This region offers some wonderful bird watching.
Day 6
Palampur - Pragpur
Drive around three hours to Pragpur and check into your accommodation. Take a walk through the narrow, car free streets and visit a local silversmith, passing traditional houses, many of which are being renovated.
Day 7
Pragpur
Continue exploring the area including the nearby, peaceful village of Garli, home to a local cobbler, biscuit maker and baker. We can also include a visit to the local school.
Day 8
Pragpur - Shimla
Journey overland to Shimla, a journey of around six hours.
Day 9
Shimla
Take a walk through Shimla with a historian, learning about the summer capital of British India.
Day 10
Shimla - Delhi
Transfer to the railway station to board the narrow gauge railway train from Shimla to Kalka, an important rail link built in 1924, and onwards to Delhi, a full days travel but a chance to relax and watch India pass by. On arrival transfer to your accommodation in the city.
Day 11
Delhi
Spend the day exploring Delhi either at leisure or with one of our expert guides.
Day 12
Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
More Details
Spiritual centre of the Sikh faith
Amritsar and the Golden Temple
A good place to start your Punjabi adventure is in Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple. Join the community kitchen in the early morning and help to make chapattis for the 30,000 people it feeds each day. Experience the evening ‘putting to bed ceremony’ of the holy book as it is ceremoniously returned to its resting place where it spends the night. The chanting, blessings and music are very special to be part of. For the theatre of it, visit Wagah near Amritsar on the Pakistan border, for the nightly ‘closing the border ceremony’.
From Shimla to Kangra
The Historical Toy Train Railway
Built in 1903 this narrow gauge railway line is 96 kilometres long and connects the heights of Shimla with the plains of Kalka. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it traverses 864 bridges, many Gothic in style, and 102 tunnels travelling through woods of maple, pine and ficus while showcasing wonderful views of the Himalayan foothills .
Tibetan India
The Dalai Lama and Dharamshala
Exchange Hindu shrines for Buddhist prayer flags at Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, the residence of the current 14th Dalai Lama. This area became a settlement of Tibetan Buddhism from 1960 following their exile from Tibet. The journey to reach Dharamshala is a beautiful drive, through cedar-covered hills with stunning views towards the Himalayan peaks. In contrast to Hindu/Sikh Amritsar, this region is predominately Buddhist. Converse with a monk and learn about life in this small corner of Tibetan India. During your stay, you will understand more of their quest to preserve their traditional arts, crafts and unique culture.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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The Langar Hall community kitchen at the Golden Temple in Amritsar is the world’s largest free community kitchen. Run entirely by volunteers, the kitchen serves around 100,000 people every day. Anyone is welcome to share a meal, a symbol of the Sikh commitment to selfless service and equality. This tradition of communities sharing food together, Guru ka Langar, dates back to the 1500s.
Visit the thriving markets of Pragpur and nearby Garli, where traditional arts and crafts are in abundance. Support local cottage industries by purchasing souvenirs directly from countless skilled craftspeople, weavers, tailors, painters and more. These artisans work tirelessly to preserve the cultural traditions that they rely upon for their livelihood.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway, opened in 1903, remains fully operational and continues to serve as an important supply route for mountain communities in the Himalayas. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a remarkable example of innovative engineering. Tourism on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train generates vital revenue for the railway’s routine maintenance, helping to sustain important links to mountain towns.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
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Suggested Extension
India: Shakti Village Walks
Combine driving through the western Himalayas with a few days of walking. The Shakti Village Walks were conceptualised to facilitate an authentic ‘underfoot’ experience and provide a snapshot of rural life in the Himalayan foothills. Offering a rare opportunity to discover the beauty of this region, combining an honest and sustainable approach with sophisticated simplicity and style. Spend 5 days traversing terraced foothills with overnight ‘homestays’ in various villages.
5 days. Price on request
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,295 Per person
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Holiday Inspiration
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