Off-the-beaten-track to the Golden Temple, residence of the Dalai Lama, hill stations and heritage hotels
(limited dates/availability)
10 September 2019 and 28 April & 8 September 2020
Flight - 1 night
Amritsar - 2 nights
Dharamsala - 2 nights
Pragpur - 1 night
Shimla - 3 nights
Delhi - 2 nights
India’s complex religious history is revealed in this arrangement for the returning traveller, examining the position of Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Sikhism, in Indian terms, is a relatively new religion. Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century as a reaction against the Hindu caste system, its holy shrine is the spectacular Golden Temple. Their holy book still moves daily in and out of the illuminated Temple in the devout Palki ceremony, whilst many thousands of pilgrims are fed daily in astounding volunteer kitchens.
McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), named after the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, is the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who claimed asylum in 1960 after the Chinese invaded Tibet, and a Tibetan community has developed not far from their Himalayan homeland.
Shimla enjoys stunning scenery and was the summer resort of choice for the government of the British Raj. Once a totally ‘white’ paradise, with only Indians of rank allowed on its Mall, part of its charm today is that children munch chapatis in Tudor tea rooms and Hindus visit the Christian Church. All may now enjoy the unforgettable narrow gauge ‘Toy Train’ built by the British traversing countless bridges, tunnels and bends.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
No Single Supplement
Solo Group Departures
1 Lunch and 5 Dinners
Local Expert Guide
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 - 12
Visit Kangra Fort on a rock dominating the valley, thought to be the largest and oldest fort in the Himalayas, and its museum with displays of the Maharaja’s possessions.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Amritsar via Delhi.
Day 2 Afternoon arrival. Transfer to the boutique hotel Ranjit Vilas for two nights. (D)
Day 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteer kitchens and Jallianwala Bagh, scene of the 1919 massacre. Optional early evening Wagah Border ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony at the India/Pakistan border (£14, bookable locally). Later, attend the Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple. (B)
Day 4 Drive to Dharamsala (5 hrs/1,700m) for lunch. Afternoon village walk with fine views. Two nights at the unpretentious, but scenically located, Cloud’s End Villa. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit the Tibetan monastery, museum, library and Norbulingka, which preserves Tibetan arts and crafts. (B, D)
Day 6 Visit Kangra Fort and Museum. Travel to Pragpur village. Evening village walk. Overnight at the heritage hotel Judge’s Court, a country manor built for Justice Sir Jai Lal. (B, D)
Day 7 Drive to Shimla (7 hrs/2,000m). En route stop at Garli heritage village. Stay three nights at the heritage Clarkes Hotel, located on the Mall. (B)
Day 8 Morning tour of Shimla including the Vice Regal Lodge, museum and the Mall. Afternoon free. (B)
Day 9 Day at leisure or optional tour to the surrounding area including high tea at Wildflower Hall and a gentle walk along Mahasu Ridge (2019 £32 and 2020 £42, bookable locally). (B)
Day 10 Take the Himalayan Queen ‘Toy Train’ to Kalka (5 hrs). Join the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi (4 hrs), with dinner on board. Two nights at the Maidens Hotel, a heritage property. (B, D)
Day 11 ‘Return to Delhi’ tour including Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, the Red Fort, Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell and the Railway Museum. (B)
Day 12 Fly to London Heathrow, arriving later the same day. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot over uneven surfaces and inclines.
Heritage properties are full of charm but rarely have lifts and rooms can vary in size and décor.
Travel beyond the main tourist routes in smaller vehicles (3 guests per car all with window seat).
Travel is not ‘off-road’ but these vehicles allow for greater contact with local people and easier access whilst still travelling with a small Jules Verne group through dramatic mountain scenery.
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A boutique family-run hotel with strong Punjab influences. Restaurant and WiFi (free) with 22 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities and TV.
Sprawled across a 9 acre property with its own step field, gardens and forests the Clouds End Villa is the residence of the Maharaja of Kangra and consists of 16 rooms with private facilities, fan, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. WiFi (free).
A heritage hotel located in the medieval hamlet of Pragpur, on the edge of the Himalayan mountains. Restaurant, bar, plunge pool and WiFi (free). 10 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe, mini-fridge, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Located on the Shimla Mall Road, Clarkes Hotel is an oasis of calm on the bustling promenade. This Heritage hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Shimla. Clarkes is known for its architecture dating from the colonial era. The hotel is within walking distance of many Shimla attractions. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 32 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Established in 1903 as one of the first hotels of Delhi and recognized as a Heritage Hotel in 1994. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 55 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
2019
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
| August 20 | £1795 |
| September 10 | £1795 |
| October 1 | £1895 |
| October 15 | £1945 |
| October 29 | £1995 |
| November 12 | £1995 |
| November 19 | £1995 |
2020
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
| January 21 | £1895 |
| February 11 | £1945 |
| February 25 | £1995 |
| March 10 | £1995 |
| March 24 | £1945 |
| March 31 | £1945 |
| April 14 | £1895 |
| April 21 | £1845 |
| April 28 | £1845 |
| September 8 | £1895 |
| September 15 | £1895 |
| October 6 | £1945 |
| October 20 | £1995 |
| November 3 | £1995 |
| November 17 | £1945 |
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Heathrow
(limited dates/availability)
10 September 2019 and 28 April & 8 September 2020
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Limited availability, on these dates:
2020: Mar 10, Apr 14, Sep 15, Oct 6 & 20
Solo Groups Departures
2019: Sep 10
2020: Apr 28 & Sep 8
Double for sole use:
£345 (Apr-Sep £295)
Flight Options
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £395
British Airways Club World from £1795
Optional Excursions
Wagah Border £14
High Tea Wildflower £39 (2020 £42)
Extension Options
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Privately Guided
2 guests - £250 per person
3-4 guests - £125 per person
5-9 - £55 per person
10+ - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £600
Arrival transfer add £22
Departure transfer add £22
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 5 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
