Himalayan Heritage – 11 Days

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi railway station to board the fast train to Kalka. Here begins the exciting part - board the famous UNESCO World Heritage 'Toy Train' to Shimla. This narrow-gauge railway winds through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges, offering stunning views of the mountains. Your guide will share stories about the railway's colonial history. Arrive in Shimla by evening and check into your heritage hotel, a former colonial mansion. Enjoy dinner on the terrace with views over the illuminated town.

Wake up to crisp mountain air and views of the Himalayas. After breakfast, explore Shimla on foot - it's best discovered walking. Stroll along the Mall Road, the town's main promenade, watching local life unfold. Visit the Viceregal Lodge, an impressive Victorian building where the partition of India was negotiated. After lunch at a local café, visit Jakhu Temple, dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman. The walk up offers beautiful views, and you'll meet plenty of friendly monkeys! Evening at leisure to explore Shimla's cafés and shops.

Today, drive through pine forests to explore traditional Himachali villages. Visit a local home where you'll learn to cook traditional mountain dishes like siddu (stuffed bread) and madra (chickpea curry). Meet shepherds and learn about their sustainable lifestyle. Return to Shimla for an afternoon walking tour of the lesser-known British buildings, each with its own story. Evening cultural performance of Himachali folk music at your hotel.

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Dharamshala (about 7 hours), home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Stop at beautiful viewpoints and local temples en route. Arrive in McLeod Ganj, Upper Dharamshala, by evening. Check into your hotel overlooking the Dhauladhar mountains. Take an evening stroll around McLeod Ganj, already feeling the strong Tibetan influence in the area.

Start your day early to hear the monks chanting at Tsuglagkhang Complex, the Dalai Lama's temple. If you'd like, join the locals in their morning kora (ritual walk) around the temple. After breakfast, visit the Tibet Museum to understand the history of Tibet and its people. Enjoy momos (Tibetan dumplings) for lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, join a Tibetan cooking class where you'll learn to make butter tea and thukpa (noodle soup). Evening meditation session with a Buddhist monk who will share insights into Buddhist philosophy.

After breakfast, take a gentle hike to Dharamkot and the serene Gallu Devi Temple (about 2-3 hours round trip). Your guide will point out local flora and birds along the way. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with spectacular views of the mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving Tibetan arts. Watch artisans working on thangka paintings and wood carving. Join a carpet weaving demonstration if you wish. Evening at leisure to explore McLeod Ganj's markets for Tibetan crafts and jewellery.

Begin your journey to Rishikesh (about 8 hours), watching the landscape change from mountains to forests as you descend to the Ganges valley. Stop at local temples and tea stalls along the way. Arrive in Rishikesh by evening and check into your peaceful riverside resort. Head out to witness the magical Ganga Aarti (river worship ceremony) at Parmarth Niketan, where hundreds of devotees gather with oil lamps as priests perform ancient rituals. Dinner at your resort with views of the illuminated Ganges.

Wake up to the sounds of temple bells and birdsong. Start your day with an optional yoga class - Rishikesh is the world yoga capital after all! After breakfast, explore the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band stayed in 1968. The abandoned ashram is now covered in fascinating spiritual artworks. Cross the iconic Laxman Jhula bridge and enjoy lunch at a organic café. In the afternoon, take a walk through the local markets and visit ancient temples. Optional white water rafting on the Ganges can be arranged. Evening meditation session by the river.

After breakfast, drive to nearby mountain villages to experience local Garhwali culture. Visit a local school (when open) and join in some games with the children. Hike to the beautiful Neer Garh waterfall, a perfect spot for a packed lunch. Return to Rishikesh for an afternoon Ayurvedic massage - perfect after your mountain adventures. In the evening, join a special farewell dinner at an ashram where you'll learn about ashram life and enjoy traditional sattvic food.

Early morning sunrise walk by the Ganges, watching Hindu pilgrims take their holy dip in the river. After breakfast, transfer to Dehradun airport (about 1 hour) for your flight to Delhi, connecting with your international flight home. Take with you memories of mountain vistas, spiritual experiences, and the warm hospitality of the Himalayas.