Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state in the Himalayas. It's home to scenic mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie and Dharamshala. Host to the Dalai Lama, Himachal Pradesh has a strong Tibetan presence. This is reflected in its Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as its vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations. The region is also well known for its trekking, climbing and skiing areas.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
Arrival in Amritsar
Arrive at Amritsar airport and transfer to your hotel to complete hotel check in formalities. Afternoon, proceed for Amritsar city tour starting with a visit with visit to the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. It was built by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dass, in the 16th Century. In 1604, Guru Arjan Dass completed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism. There are four doors to get into the Harmandir Sahib, which symbolize the openness of the Sikhs towards all people and religions. The Gurdwara is surrounded by a large lake or holy tank, known as the Sarovar, which consists of Amrit (holy water). Sri Harmandir Sahib is the heritage of the Sikh people gathered in their five hundred years old history. After lunch (on your own), visit Jallianwala Bagh which is a memorial to the countless numbers of innocent Indians who which were massacred by General Dyer on 13th in 13 April 1919 which happened to be 'Baisakhi', one of Punjab's largest religious festivals. Evening visit vibrant markets of Amritsar for shopping. Return to hotel. Overnight stay at Amritsar hotel.
Amritsar - Dalhousie (Approx. 5 hrs drive / 200 Kms)
Post buffet breakfast check out and transfer to Dalhousie. Arrive Dalhousie and proceed to your hotel to complete check in formalities. Day free at leisure. Overnight stay Dalhousie resort.
Dalhousie Sightseeing
Morning after breakfast proceed for a day visit to Khajjiar “known as Mini-Switzerland” (approx. 1hr drive) Khajjiar is among the 160 places in the world that was officially given the title because of its resemblance to the lovely landscapes in Switzerland. You can choose from various activities in Khajjiar: Horse Riding, Paragliding & Zorbing. Later, proceed to Chamera Lake (approx. 1hr 15 mins drive) to enjoy boat ride. Late afternoon return to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Optional Experience Bakrota Hills Excursion
Visit Bakrota Hills, it is another renowned place to visit in Dalhousie. It is also popularly referred to as Upper Bakrota. This name has been given to the place owing to the fact that it is Dalhousie’s highest area. The Bakrota Hills is beautifully and quite conveniently circled by a roadway, which further leads to Khajjiar.
Dalhousie – Dharamsala (4 hrs/120 kms)
Post breakfast checkout and transfer to Dharamshala. A city surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, this hillside city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The Thekchen Chöling Temple Complex is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism, while the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives houses thousands of precious manuscripts. Arrive Dharamshala and proceed to your hotel to complete check in formailities. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight stay at Dharamshala/Mcleodganj hotel.
Dharamshala Sightseeing
Post breakfast, proceed for a half day city tour of Dharamshala visiting Dalai Lama Temple, Church of St. John, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, War Memorial. Post this visit local markets of Dharamshala for your last minute souvenir shopping. Afternoon return to hotel to relax. Overnight stay at Dharamshala/Mcleodganj hotel.
Optional Experience : Day Adventure at Palampur
Morning after breakfast, proceed to GHAS (Great Himalayan Adventure Studio) in Palampur (1.5 hrs drive) to have an adventurous day by opting some activities in Palampur such as: Tea Garden Tour / ATV Ride. Also enjoy local Lunch at Adventure Studio.
Dharamshala
Post enjoying buffet breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to airport to board your flight for your onward destination.