Western Himalayas Tour 13 Nights / 14 Days

Morning transfer to the railway station in time for your train journey to Haridwar (5-1/2 hrs approx.). Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel in Rishikesh (25 kms north of Haridwar). Rishikesh, the ·place of sages" the celebrated town on the bank of the Ganga is surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. Afternoon is at leisure. Visit the Triveni Ghat or the Parmarth Ashram in the evening to see the arti /prayer ritual. The name Triveni Ghat is derived from the mystical confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati River. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast,enjoy a river rafting trip, where we shall savour the sights of this holy city including a visit to La k s h ma n Jhoola, the site where Lord Ram's brother, Lakshman crossed the river on a single jute rope. Afternoon is at leisure.

Drive to Shimla this morning, stopping at villages to meet the local peopld. Shimla, the Queen of Hills, is spread over the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas, 7,500 feet above sea level. Being the capital of Himachal Pradesh, it is the most important tourist spot in summer. The once summer capital of the British, Shimla has old British Raj charm and excellent views. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning, you Will visit the Ridge area, in the heart of the town for some excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the neo-gothic style Christ church and the neo­tudor library building are worth seeing. Just off the ridge, is the small bustling Lakkar bazaar, popular for it's woodcrafts.

This morning you will drive to Dharamsala, the seat of the liberal Government in exile and the temporary residence of his holiness - the Dalai Lama who rested here after fleeing from Tibet during the Chinese invasion. Throughout his more than 40 years of exile, for religious as well as practical reasons, the Dalai Lama has worked for a peaceful settlement with China in keeping with. his pacifist approach towards all personal and political conflicts in the world. Afternoon at leisure to explore the valley on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Today visit the monastery in McLeod Ganj which is built for the serious students of Tibetan culture and one can also visit the school of Tibetan Studies and it's library, one of the best in the world for studying Tibet and it's culture. If available, attend a lecture of His Holiness - the Dalai Lama. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will drive south into the beautiful Kangra Valley.You will visit the temple of Jwalamukhi, the goddess of light. Pilgrims descend into a tiny square chamber where a priest, while intoning a blessing on their behalf, ignites natural gas emanating from a copper pipe, from which a blue flame, worshipped as a manifestation of the goddess briefly flares. The temple is one of the most sacred sites in the Kangra Valley and is topped by a golden dome and spire, the legacies of Ranjit Singh and the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will drive to Manali via MandL Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. This morning we will drive to Nalagarh via Mandi and Bilaspur. Strategically placed at the foothills of the Himalayas, the Nalagarh Fort was built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand. It was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs who originated from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of Central India. A bejeweled Himachali girl Surrounded by endless acres of greenery, the fort and the palace of Nalagarh have a series of structures that are mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. These have been exhaustively renovated and are now a quality heritage resort ... an ideal retreat away from the madding crowd. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the resort.

This morning you will visit all the famous sites of the valley .... the Hadimba Temple known for it's superbly crafted four-tiered . pagoda and '. Exquisitely carved doorway . You will drive down the valley to visit the abode of the Russian painter émigré Nicholas Roerich and yesteryears cine-star Devika Rani with it's rare world famous Roerich paintings. Close by is the medieval Naggar Castle, perched high on a cliff with a magnificent view; this was the stronghold of the rulers of Kullu for over two centuries till they moved down the valley. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

A full day's excursion to the Rohtang Pass - the gateway to Leh and Ladakh at 4112m. A beautiful panorama on both sides .... the lush Kullu valley and the rugged snow-covered desert of the rain shadow area. The snow covered slopes provide a variety of snow sports and a jacket and a pair of dark-glasses are recommended for a frolic! Overnight at the hotel.

This morning you will drive to Nalagarh via Mandi and Bilaspur. Strategically placed at the foothills of the Himalayas, the Nalagarh Fort was built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand. It was ruled by the Chandela rajputs who originated from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of central India.Surrounded by endless acres of greenery, the fort and the palace of Nalagarh have a series of structures that are mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. These have been exhaustively renovated and are now a quality heritage resort ... an ideal retreat away from the madding crowd. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the resort.

Morning excursion to Anandpur Sahib, which has a number of historical gurudwaras. It was here that the 10th guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh gave the new form of baptism and called the baptized sikhs, Khalsa. Overnight at the hotel.

Depart Nalagarh for your journey back home or your onward destination.