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Golden Temple and the Himalayas

Golden Temple and the Himalayas - 10 nights/11 days

Destinations of Golden Temple and the Himalayas - Delhi - Amritsar - Dharmshala - Manali - Shimla - Delhi

A journey of spirituality, religion, discovery and more - this trip takes you to Amritsar, famous for the Golden Temple and the most important pilgrimage centre for Sikhs. Next is Dharamshala, once a quiet hill station and now the home of the Dalai Lama and the center of Tibetan studies. Having traversed two religions there is plenty time to relax in the beautiful Himalayn hill stations of Manali and Shimla, before returning to New Delhi, India's modern and vibrant capital city.

Day 01 - Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 - Train Delhi to Amritsar (1630/2215 hrs)

A busy day of Delhi sightseeing that includes the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi and Raj Ghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi) The Hindu temple of Birla Mandir, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President's House), Qutab Minar and The Bahai Temple in New Delhi.

Later transfer to Delhi Railway Station for the 4.30pm train to Amritsar - Home to the Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple and considered the most important Sikh pilgrimage site. You will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay.

Day 03 - In Amritsar

Your sightseeing begins early with a visit to The Golden Temple - founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is here that people from all over the world come to pay their reverence to The Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for spiritual purification. Also in Amritsar is the Jallian Wala Bagh - notorious for the massacre that took place here under British rule. In 1919 General Dyer personally led the troops to this walled ground and ordered his men open fire on a group of peaceful protestors. At the east end of the garden there is a large memorial built in memory of those who died here.

Later this afternoon, visit the Wagha Border - the international border between India and Pakistan where the pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat & Change of Guard ceremonies make for a most charming spectacle. Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 04 - Drive Amritsar to Dharamshala (200 kms/05 hrs)

Morning drive to Dharamshala - home of the Tibetan leader The Dalai Lama and set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains. Dharamshala is a busy bazaar town and has established itself as a base camp for those who wish to explore the nearby mountains. On arrival you will be delivered to Chonor House for your 2 night stay in Dharamshala. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the surroundings on your own.

Day 05 - In Dharamshala

Day at leisure to explore Dharamshala.

Day 06 - Drive Dharamshala to Manali (265 kms/06 hrs)

This morning depart for Manali, with its spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as great countryside for those with a passion for adventure sports. On arrival, check in at your chosen Manali hotel.

Day 07 - In Manali

Depending on the weather and your mood you might like to head out ski-ing, hang gliding, river rafting, take a short hike, visit the Mountaineering Institute and the apple orchards or just relax in scenic surrounds.

Day 08 - Drive Manali to Shimla (260 kms/08 hrs)

Drive to Shimla, the British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations" and it is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. In spite of its modernization, it still retains a colonial flavour, and is one of Indian's most popular and biggest hill stations. Check in at your chosen hotel and head out to explore at your own pace.

Day 09 - In Shimla

A day to stroll the mall, rummage in the bazaars, visit smaller local towns and enjoy the mountain scenery. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 10 - Drive Shimla to Delhi (340 kms/08 hrs)

Drive to Delhi or alternatively, choose to take the picturesque Toy Train from Shimla to Kalka, a journey of 100 kilometers that takes just over four hours, and passes through quaint little towns and villages and over a hundred tunnels. Arriving in Delhi you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11 - Depart Delhi

You will be transferred to the International airport in time to board flight home.

GOLDEN TEMPLE AND THE  HIMALAYAS

* Small supplements may apply for travel between 25th October to 05th November'2009, 20th Dec'09 - 05th Jan'10 and during the month of February '2010.

Inclusions:-

# Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis at the hotels of your choice.

# All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation using an aircon car exactly as per the itinerary.

# Sightseeing tours along with a local English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments exactly as mentioned above in the Itinerary

# First class Aircon Chair car train tickets for Delhi - Amritsar