Cox and Kings India: Journey through the Himalayan Foothills

• Return international flights
• 3 & 4* accommodation
• Selected meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees included
• Express rail travel (in air-conditioned executive class)
• Porterage at hotels & railway stations

• Gain insights into Buddhism from a local monk
• Ride on the scenic Kangra Mountain Railway
• Visit a local family in Dharamsala
• Take a sunset walk through Gaddi villages
• Tour a tea estate with a tasting after

Day 1: Fly from London to Delhi
Fly from London to Amritsar via Delhi
(No meals)

Day 2: Amritsar
On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Evening visit to the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib night ceremony to witness the evening kirtan (devotional prayers). Enjoy a welcome dinner.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Amritsar • Wagah
Morning visit to the Golden Temple and the community kitchen. Take a guided heritage walk passing the Gurudwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the soldiers of the 36 Sikhs Battalion who lost their lives in 1897 as they defended their posts against Afghan soldiers. Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk. Late afternoon visit to Wagah, situated on the border with Pakistan, for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony.
(Breakfast)

Day 4: McLeod Ganj
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 and meet a local monk. Continue with a tour of McLeod Ganj, visiting the handicrafts centre and local markets,
(Breakfast)

Day 5: Dharamsala
After breakfast, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture. Visit a local family to see 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.(Breakfast)

Day 6: Palampur
Visit Kangra to see the ruins of the fort and the Bajeshwari Temple. Then drive to Palampur, stopping along the way to tour a tea estate. Arrive at your accommodation before visiting Tashi Jong Monastery.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 7: Pragpur via Kangra Mountain Railway
This morning, visit the Shiv Baijnath Temple before driving to Baijnath to board the Kangra Mountain Railway to Nagrota. From here, travel to Pragpur, where you’ll stay in a hotel converted from a manor house.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 8: Pragpur
Enjoy a morning at leisure or join an optional visit to the temples of Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni. In the afternoon, take a walk to Garli Heritage Village to admire the interesting architectural styles.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Shimla
Full-day drive through the Himalayan foothills to the former British hill station of Shimla. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day 10: Shimla
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.(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 11: Shimla
Travel on the Himalayan Queen ‘toy train’ from Shimla to Kandaghat (2 hours 15 minutes) to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery. Afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 12: Delhi
Travel by road to Chandigarh (3 hours) to take the train to Delhi.
(Breakfast)

Day 13: Fly to London
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(Breakfast)