




Discover the spiritual significance of Northern India among the mighty Himalayas

- Start
- Delhi, India
- End
- Delhi, India
- Destinations
- India
- Meals
- 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Transport
- Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Train, Heritage Train, Metro, Cycle rickshaw, Taxi
- Accommodation
- Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Heritage Hotel (1 night)
- Days
- 13
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Ages
- Min 15
- ThemeOur themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Original
- Physical ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- See the Himalayas from a new angle on a scenic ride on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘toy train,’ enjoying the cool mountain air and impressive views.
- Explore the home of the Dalai Lama – Dharmasala. This highland haven is the ideal place for an enlightening experience of Tibetan spirituality, culture and history.
- Observe a unique ‘performance’ of the flag ceremony at India and Pakistan's Wagah border – a daily practice conducted since 1959, drawing crowds for its unconventional ritual.
- Learn about Sikhism on an included visit to one of its most sacred monuments – the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Unwind in the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ – Rishikesh. Walk along the holy Ganges and explore the famous mural-lined walls of the Chaurasi Kutia ashram.
Itinerary
Inclusions and activities
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Train, Heritage Train, Metro, Cycle rickshaw, Taxi
Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Heritage Hotel (1 night)
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip involves some long train rides, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential Indian experience. Your overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar takes approximately 10 hours. Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender. Long-distance and overnight trains can often be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog between December and February. Read more about what to expect on an overnight train https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/
- Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visit several temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it's hot.
- This trip travels into the Himalayas, where temperatures can get very low. We don't run the trip in winter, but ensure that you're well prepared for cold weather at any time of the year (particularly from November to March). The sun can also be strong at higher altitudes, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen and any other sun protection.
- We'll be taking a private vehicle between Mandi and Dharmsala. The road through the mountains is rough and bumpy, but the scenery will (hopefully) distract you from any discomfort.
- As Rishikesh is a sacred town, no alcohol consumption is permitted during our time here.
- We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 9 (overnight sleeper train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please note that due to train arrival times there may not be any free time in Delhi at the end of this tour. We advise booking additional accommodation to extend your stay.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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