Western Himachal
Table of Content
Additional info :
Overview
India has always been a land of diverse faiths. From being the largest population of multi cultures where every few kilometres, cultures and dialects change to various ethnicities. This tour will be taking you across these cultures and faiths where each and every aspect will intrigue you with the true essence of Unity in Diversity. From the land of the Golden Temple that withstood one of the greatest massacres of Indian History to the land of the exiled Lama, you have it all in one trip sprinkled with beautiful sceneries of the Himalayas.
Highlights
Tibetan Culture & Himalayan Ranges, Boutique stays & adventure
Suitable For
Art enthusiasts, Friends, Family, Students, Couples
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1- Arrive in Amritsar.
Arrive in Amritsar today. You will be taken to your hotel for the evening. You may spend the rest of the day at your own leisure exploring the city.
Day 2- Amritsar local sightseeing
Today will be a day of complete explorations. After breakfast, you will be getting ready to indulge in some history, in some culture and in some art. Begin your day with the spiritual energies of the Golden Temple. Head toward, Jallianwalah Bagh and the partition Museum that has some emotional and heart wrenching stories of the history of India. Relish some delicious Amritsari lunch, mind you, don’t forget the thick creamy ‘lassi’ before you head towards Wagah border to witness the thrilling Guard ceremony at the India-Pakistan Border. Return to you hotel for the evening.
Day 3- Amritsar To Bir
Today we will start in the morning after having heavy breakfasts and will move towards Bir. On our way, we will visit the Kangra Fort, the ancient Jain temple in the fort and the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch museum. Upon reaching Bir, we will check- in the hotel and spend the rest of the evening in leisure.
Kangra Fort– Known impregnable in its time, Kangra fort is known to be one of oldest forts of India. Many rulers would come and fight for the control of the same as not only is the fort beautiful but is also strategically located as it overlooks its surroundings as well. Situated atop a hill, the fort lies between the Manjhi and the Banganga river. The fort is a unique blend of history, beauty and architecture.
Jain Temple– The Kangra Fort houses many ancient temples within and one of those temples is this Jain temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath and has a very attractive architecture. It aso hosts an ancient stone statue of Lord Adinath.
Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum– This museum is situated nearby the Kangra Fort and showcases the legacy of the Katoch dynasty. It is owned by the royal family of Kangra and depicts the lifestyle of the Katoch dynasty. It houses various things like beds and utensils that belong to the Royal family.
Day 4- Local Day in Bir
Bir is a beautiful hill town in Himachal Pradesh. Today we will schedule our day such that we head towards Chokling Monastery and Gunehar Waterfalls. After spending time here and indulging into the peace of nature and culture we will head to enjoy the actual essence of Bir. Bir is the Paragliding capital of India and if you don’t do it then your trip to Bir isn’t complete. In the evening, we will explore some local cafes here and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Day 5- Bir To Palampur
Famous location for many Hindi movies, Palampur is a home to some amazing Himachal tea Estates. Our main purpose to stay in Palampur is for this. After an early breakfast, we will check out from our hotel in Bir and head to Palampur. Upon arrival, we will check into one of these estates and indulge in some tea exploration for the day (Subject to timings, may be done on the next day). This beautiful estate will give you a laid back experience close to nature.
Day 6- Palampur To Dharamshala
Today, after a morning at your leisure, check out of your hotel and head to Dharamshala. As you drive through, you will gradually see the changing landscapes from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. Upon arrival in Dharamshala, check in to your hotel and rest for the evening. You can also choose to explore this town of lamas on your own.
Day 7- Mcloedganj sightseeing
Today is going to be a rather tiring day but full of smiles and fun. On the way to a fit life, we will take a trek to the Bhagsunag Waterfall. On our way, we will visit the Bhagsunag temple and have lunch at the very famous Shiva Cafe. This cafe will have us relish its famous Pizzas, sandwiches and falafels in a very chilled, peaceful ambience. After finally reaching the waterfall, we will also take a dip in the clear water of the waterfall and relax for a bit. After that, we will come back to our hotel and retire for the day.
Bhagsunag temple– It is said that this temple has been one of lord Shiva’s houses. This sacred temple is worshipped by Hindy pilgrims and is visited for the exciting history that it offers. Bhagsu Nag translates to the snake God and it is said that the temple was built 5000 years ago.
Bhagsunag waterfall- Situated amidst the serenity of Dharamshala, the Bhagsunag waterfall is one of the best places to sit back and relax in peace. The cold breeze of nature and the sound of the river flowing is a prayer itself to meditate and forget about all the worries in the world. Originating from the Dhauladhar valley, one can take a dip into the sacred water of the waterfall.
We will also drop by at the Namgyal Monastery and the Tibetan museum today.
Evening at leisure
Day 8 – To Dalhousie
Indulge in some morning adventure activities in Bir before you head to Dalhousie after check out. Upon arrival in Dalhousie, check in to your hotel and retire for the evening. You may also want to visit the famous mall road if you please. Dalhousie has always been a home to some of the most beautifully built colonial buildings in India. You may explore some amazing cafes at Mall road with a touch of colonialism.
Day 9 – Dalhousie Local Sightseeing
Today we will start in the morning after having tummy- filling breakfasts. This day is going to be a rather adventurous day because we will be visiting the Kalatop wildlife Sanctuary and then Khajjiar Both of these places are a treat to nature- lovers as not only will they find almost everything to love over here but they also find the peace of sitting underneath the lush green trees. After we are done visiting the two places, we will come back to our hotel and retire for the day.
Kalatop wildlife sanctuary– Also known as the Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, this wildlife sanctuary is situated on the slopes that lie between Khajjiar and Dalhousie. One of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh, the area of this sanctuary is covered with deodar trees. One can also spot Green Oak, Blue pine and Rhododendron trees. The beauty of this sanctuary is defined by the little streams that flow into the river Ravi. One can organise a picnic or a trekking session over here to refresh oneself. One can also go for a nature walk in the jungle if you have opted for the package but only with a trip captain or else you may get lost in the jungle.
Khajjiar– Also known as mini Switzerland, this place has big green grass lawns that give the place a look exactly like that of Switzerland. This small town is a unique blend of forests, pastures and lakes. One can do various adventure activities over here like horse riding and zorbing and the place also makes a great spot to get clicked pictures of yourself in Himachali clothes.
Overnight stay in Dalhousie
Day 10 – Departure transfer to Amritsar
Today, after this beautiful peace trail and cultural tour, we will head back to Amritsar for your departure back home.
Inclusion
- Accommodation : All stays with base category of rooms unless mentioned otherwise specifically.
- Amritsar: Ranjit Vilas / similar
- Bir : Autumn Home / similar
- Palampur : Little Mastiff / similar
- Dharamshala: Golden Rock/ Similar
- Dalhousie: Snow Valley Resorts/ Similar
- Meals – Breakfast at Accommodation (simple, veg, locally available and freshly cooked)
- Tourist vehicle depending on your group size (vehicle like xylo/innova to tempo traveller)
- Reliable experienced local resident driver cum guide with intense knowledge of area, terrain, people and culture
- Driver charges, Driver accommodation, fuel, inter-state toll, Parking charges during the journey
- Transfers as specified in itinerary and vehicle on non-disposal basis
Exclusion
- Travel ticket charges from home to Reporting point AND End point to home ie Flight, train, bus etc..
- Meals other than specified (First day Breakfast, all lunches & dinners )
- Camera fees, Monument entry charges, Rafting or other activities, Personal expenses, optional tours
- Room Service Fees, porterage charges, tips, phone calls, laundry, shopping or other personal costs
- Medicines, Travel insurance
- Cost arise due to any emergency, weather instability or political unrest or such unpredictable and uncontrollable situations
- Additional usage of vehicles to the sights not mentioned in the itinerary, market visits etc
- Any charges that are not mentioned in inclusions