Journey through the Himalayan Foothills
Journey through the Himalayan Foothills
Journey through the Himalayan Foothills
13 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Amritsar, Wagah, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Kangra Fort, Palampur, Pragpur, Shimla, Delhi
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 19
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Luxury, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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From:
$3339 (USD) including Flights from the UKTourhub Members Discount - Sign In
Tour Overview
In the shadow of the world's tallest peaks, you'll find charming hill stations, Buddhist enclaves and narrow-gauge railways. This tour visits northern India's Himalayan highlights.
Travel to the holy city of Amritsar and McLeod Ganj, home to the Tibetan government-in-exile. Continue through the foothills of the Himalaya to Shimla, once the 'British Jewel of the Orient'. Along the way, appreciate the cultural diversity of the region through its temples, monasteries and museums.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Amritsar Via Delhi
Location: Amritsar
Accommodation Name: None
Meals Included: No Meals
Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Amritsar, via Delhi, with British Airways.
Day 2 : Amritsar
Location: Amritsar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Amritsar
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival, transfer to the Hyatt Amritsar for a 2-night stay. Evening visit to the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib ceremony to witness the evening kirtan (devotional prayers). The temple is profusely lit and the lights are beautifully reflected in large water tanks surrounding the sanctum. A welcome dinner will be held this evening.
Day 3 : Amritsar - Wagah
Location: Amritsar, Wagah
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Amritsar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning visit to the Golden Temple and its vast community kitchen (langar). Take a guided heritage walk passing the Gurudwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the heroism of the 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs Battalion who lost their lives in 1897 as they defended their posts against Afghan soldiers. Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah, situated on the border with Pakistan, for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Day 4 : Mcleod Ganj
Location: McLeod Ganj
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fortune Park Moksha
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel by road to McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala. McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and is the centre of Little Tibet. This afternoon, visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s monastery, Tsuglag Khang. Continue with a tour of McLeod Ganj, visiting the handicrafts centre and local markets. Stay 2 nights at the Fortune Park Moksha.
Day 5 : Dharamshala
Location: Dharamshala
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fortune Park Moksha
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture and the Thosamling Nunnery. Visit a local family to see the regional Gaddi dress. Later, take a gentle walk through traditional Gaddi settlements to Naddi village, enjoying spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range as the sun sets.
Day 6 : Kangra Fort - Palampur
Location: Kangra Fort, Palampur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Taragarh Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to Kangra to visit its impressive fort and the Bajreshwari Temple. Continue to Palampur for an overnight stay at Taragarh Palace. Afternoon visit to Tashijong monastery.
Day 7 : Pragpur Via Kangra Mountain Railway
Location: Pragpur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Judge’s Court
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning visit the Shiv Baijnath Temple, carved from rock and inscribed in sanskrit. Drive to Baijnath to board the Kangra Mountain Railway for the 1.5-hour scenic ride to Nagrota. Travel to Pragpur for a 2-night stay at The Judge’s Court, a delightful old manor house, converted into a hotel.
Day 8 : Pragpur
Location: Pragpur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Judge’s Court
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a walk to Garli Heritage Village and see an interesting fusion of architectural styles. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni temples, or spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9 : Shimla
Location: Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oberoi Cecil or upgrade to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall (Deluxe Garden View room)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full-day drive through the Himalayan foothills to the former British hill station of Shimla. On arrival, check in for 3 nights at the Oberoi Cecil.
Day 10 : Shimla
Location: Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oberoi Cecil
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Full-day tour of Shimla, including the Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum and the Gaiety Theatre. Later in the day, enjoy some time at leisure to stroll along the Mall and the Ridge.
Day 11 : Shimla
Location: Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oberoi Cecil or upgrade to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel on a first-class carriage on the Himalayan Queen ‘toy train’ from Shimla to Kandaghat (2 hours 15 minutes) to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery. This narrow-gauge railway is considered one of the finest engineering feats in India. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
Day 12 : Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Oberoi Maidens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel by road to Chandigarh (3 hours) to take the midday train to Delhi. Overnight at the Oberoi Maidens.
Day 13 : Fly To London
Location: Delhi
Accommodation Name: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight home with British Airways.
What's Included
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Small group size - average 12 people (max 18)
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3- & 4-star accommodation
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Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available
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International flights with British Airways
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Internal flights in India
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Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
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Travel outside Delhi by Toyota Crysta & Tempo Traveller
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Express train travel in air-conditioned executive class
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Experienced local tour manager
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11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
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What is the maximum group size?
All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.
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Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.
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What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
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When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
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When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms. The Solo Travellers collection of small group tours is specially created to include accommodation based on single occu
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
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What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
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When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
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What are the four tour categories
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
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Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
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What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 02, 2024 - Apr 14, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 21, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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