Himalayan Valley

Assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport

Arrive Delhi, the Political Capital of India. Delhi is history, and the monuments are tablets on which the history is written. Every conqueror did his best to possess Delhi and make it his capital. It is not a single city but a combination of eight cities that have been established here from as early as 900 BC to 1930 when the British completed the construction of New Delhi as the capital of Imperial India. It is therefore not surprising that the monuments of Delhi successfully mirror the development of the architectural styles in the country. On arrival, once you have completed the Immigration formalities and collected your baggage, please proceed to the arrival lounge where you will be welcomed by the TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive holding a placard who will assist you with a transfer.

Full day city tour of Delhi visiting Qutub minar, Jama masjid, Rajghat and rickshaw ride in Old Delhi

Morning proceed for sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. Begin with Old Delhi with a visit to Rajghat (Gandhi Memorial); the simple black marble slab honouring Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter drive pass Red Fort Palace to reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most exhilarating journey of the tour. A rickshaw ride will take you through markets buzzing with people going about their daily chores, vendors selling their wares and shops decorated and ready for business. Conclude your day with a visit to Qutub Minar; being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors and also inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran.

Train to Shimla Via Kalka

In time assistance for departure and transfer to Delhi railway station to board the train to Shimla via Kalka. THO executive will meet and assist you in Kalka railway station to change the train to Shimla. Shimla, dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks, accompanied by structures made during the colonial era, creating an incomparable aura. The magnificent old sites and structures hold the reminiscences of the pre-independence period when India was ruled by the British.

Assistance on arrival at Kalka and Shimla railway station

On arrival at Kalka railway station, you will be met by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive who will assist you to start your unforgettable journey with Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Shimla. Registered in The Guinness Book as the greatest narrow-gauge engineering achievement in India from Kalka to Shimla, the train passes through the breath-taking landscapes of majestic Himalayas with 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and more than 20 railway stations during the course of its entire journey. Enjoy the splendid views of snowclad ranges of the Himalayas, covered with thickly populated forests of pine and oak. On arrival at Shimla Railway station, you will be again met by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive and will assist you with a transfer to your accommodation.

Full day city tour visiting The Ridge, Mall Road, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Jakhoo Hill and Lakkar bazaar

Morning explore the rich heritage of Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. Start your day with visiting The Ridge, situated along the mall road, the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. While walking down the mall road, visit Scandal Point, where mall road joins ridge road. Visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, built-in 1884-1888, formerly the Vice-Regal Lodge. Walk uphill for a scenic view of the valley of Shimla from the top of Jakhoo Hill and Hanuman Temple at the very top, the highest point in Shimla. In the evening visit Lakkar Bazaar and shop for artefacts made from wood. Explore local markets or enjoy a stroll down The Mall road.

Travel to Manali

Assistance on departure and travel to Manali. Enjoy the scenic ride and breath-taking beauty of this hill station. The town is covered by high mountains surrounded by silent snow and deep boulder strews gorges. The Beas River rushes along its rocky course amid grassy meadows carpeted with wildflowers and wagtails hop along from stone to stone along the stream’s edge. There are beautiful flower lit green pastures very picturesque, and fruit-laden orchards to charm you.

Check in at Hotel

On arrival in Manali, check-in at your accommodation (No assistance required). Rest of the day is at leisure or for own activities.

Excursion to Rohtang pass

Early morning proceed for an excursion to Rohtang Pass for a panoramic view of Mighty Himalayas and glaciers covering it. At the top of the pass, the air seems to glitter against the snow as one looks down over the herringboned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. To the left of the pass lies the beautiful Doshohar Lake, where pilgrims come every year to take a dip on the auspicious day of the 20th Bhadon.

Travel to Dharamshala

Morning travel to Dharamshala, lying in the shadows of the mighty Dhauladhar Mountains range is the quaint town of Dharamshala. Divided in two half – the Kotwali Baazar and the skirting markets make up the lower Dharamshala which makes a dramatic transition that has thick pine, cedar and Himalayan Oak forest around the township of Mcleodganj.

Check in at Hotel

On arrival check-in at the accommodation. Rest of the day is free to relax or to do your own activities.

Full day city tour visiting Dalai Lama Residence, Bagsu Nath Temple, Tashijong Monastery followed by local market

Today we proceed for the sightseeing of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. The variety Dharamshala offers for sightseeing ranges from temples to monasteries and museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Make your presence at the residence of his Holiness, The Dalai Lama. This impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara. Further witness the different tradition during your visit to Bhagsu Nath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva located near the Bhagsu Waterfalls. Some of the other visits which will introduce you to the history of this region are State Museum. Also visit Tashijong Monastery, where the Tibetan arts and crafts of carpet weaving, Tangkha painting and block printing is undertaken. Later stroll in the central market to explore the displays of colorful outfits and other materials that are part of day to day life of the people here.

Travel to Amritsar

Morning checkout and travel to Amritsar, home to the most sacred shrine The Golden Temple, the most important holy place in Sikh Religion. Amritsar is a thriving city with important devout centres and historical sites. The Golden Temple is the cradle of Amritsar, with the city growing around it nurtured by its divine sanctity.

Assistance on arrival followed by visit to Golden Temple

On arrival, TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive will meet you holding a placard who will provide assisted transfer to your accommodation. Later pay visit to the most sacred shrine The Golden Temple considered the Sikhs spiritual and cultural centre. The temple is built on a 67-ft square of marble and is a two-storied structure. The top structure of the temple is covered with pure gold leaf, hence, the popular name, Golden Temple It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches, with the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance. You will get a chance to witness the Sikh temple tradition of offering daily Guru-Ka-Langar, a free, community meal that began in the 16th century.

Half day city tour visiting Jallianwala Bagh and retreat ceremony

Morning free to relax, afternoon visit the Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden and memorial of national importance in Amritsar, preserved in the memory of those wounded and killed in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that occurred on the site on the festival of Vaisakhi, 13 April 1919. It houses a museum, gallery and several memorial structures. Thereafter we travel to Wagah Border to watch the lowering of the flag's ceremony, which takes place each evening before sunset. Also referred to as the Beating Retreat border ceremony on the international level, this daily military ritual has been practiced by both India and Pakistan since 1959. Witness the brash parade of soldiers from both sides of the Wagah border, which once served as the only road linking the two countries.

Train to Delhi

In-time assistance on departure to the railway station to board the train to Delhi.

Direct departure to airport

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be assisted by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive for a direct transfer to the airport to board flight for onward journey.