Get off the beaten path and discover the charming and visually stunning region of Himachal Pradesh. The mighty Himalayas are home to some of India’s most spectacular hidden gems, including the natural wonder of the Great Himalayan National Park. Experience its beauty with a unique home stay in the Tirthan Valley where you can hike and marvel at the beautiful waterfalls, stunning forests and spectacular mountain views. Travel through heritage villages and across high passes before visiting to Shimla, known as the ‘queen of hill stations’. The picturesque capital of Himachal Pradesh offers stunning mountain and valley views as well as fascinating British era architecture.

As with all Ekno experiences, we select our hotels and locations with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into one fabulous experience. Discover India and relax safe in the knowledge that your security is foremost in our minds.

 

TOUR DATES

 May-October

TOUR COST

 A$3390 per person on twin share
A$1150 single supplement
* No fixed departure – price based on minimum 2 people

DURATION

 09 Days, 08 Nights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  •  Explore the riverside temples and ghats in Mandi
  • Enjoy a unique homestay in the picturesque Tirthan Valley
  • Discover the beauty of the Great Himalayan National Park with a day hike
  • Experience Himalayan village life
  • Take in the sights of the stunning Kinnaur region, including the Jalori Pass
  • Wander through the wide boulevards of Shimla, the queen of hill stations
  • Take a breathtaking journey on the famous ‘Toy Train

TOUR ROUTE

 Delhi  – Chandigarh –  Mandi – Tirthan Valley – Great Himalayan National Park – Rampur – Shimla – Kalka – Chandigarh – Delhi
Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Welcome to incredible India! Our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel upon your arrival at the airport in Delhi. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Our friendly guide will be on hand should you need any assistance.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 2

Delhi to Mandi

After breakfast we’ll take an early morning flight to Chandigarh. Upon arrival we’ll be met by our driver for the journey to Mandi. Formerly known as Mandav Nagar, Mandi is a major town in the Mandi District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Famed for its many temples dotted along the banks of the Beas River, it’s also known as ‘little Kashi’ after the holy Indian city of Varanasi. When we arrive in the afternoon we’ll settle into our hotel. In the early evening we’ll take a walking tour of Mandi bazaar and explore the ancient temples and ghats along the Beas River.

Overnight: Hotel, Mandi

Day 3

Mandi to Tirthan Valley

After breakfast we’ll start our journey to the Tirthan Valley. This unspoilt valley is home to traditional Himalayan villages, charming homestays, great walks, and spectacular mountain scenery. Our accommodation for the next two days is a Himalayan homestay right in the lap of nature. Spend the rest of the day in the village experiencing the traditional way of life.

Overnight: Homestay, Tirthan Valley

Day 4

Great Himalayan National Park

Today we’ll take an easy trek that explores the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). We’ll follow the river along a thickly forested trail as we make our way to a picturesque waterfall, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to our homestay. In the afternoon you can try your hand at trout fishing in the Tirthan River or head to the local market in Banjar village, which is known for traditional handmade woollens.

Overnight: Homestay, Tirthan Valley

Day 5

Tirthan Valley to Rampur

After breakfast we’ll drive to Rampur, a bustling bazaar town and the former winter capital of the Kinnaur district. This is a scenic drive that crosses the Jalori Pass and winds through Himalayan cider pine and conifer forests. At the high pass we’ll be able to stop and rest as we take in the wonderful views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. If the weather is good, we might see Himalayan griffon vultures, the largest birds in the Indian Himalaya. After checking into our hotel in the afternoon, we’ll visit the famous Bhima Kali Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the Himalayas, and built in the distinctive Kinnauri style. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight: Government Tourist Bungalow, Rampur

Day 6

Rampur to Shimla

After breakfast we’ll drive to Shimla. The journey starts by following the Sutlej River, one of the major rivers in Himachal Pradesh. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch in Narkanda, the main apple growing region of the Himalayas. After lunch we’ll drive through the apple orchids before continuing on to Shimla. Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India, and with its stunning views, wide boulevards and mist covered mountains it’s not hard to see why. The town is situated at an altitude of 2276 metres and was initially chosen as a sanatorium for invalid European officers, but soon developed into a large hill town, becoming the summer capital during the British Raj. We’ll arrive in the afternoon, and in the evening we’ll take a stroll along the Mall, a 7km traffic free promenade. Enjoy the atmosphere and choose from the many restaurants along this strip for dinner or a nightcap.

Overnight: Hotel, Shimla

Day 7

Shimla

This morning we’ll take a heritage walk that explores some of the many sights of Shimla. Wander along the Ridge Maidan and the Mall, pick up some crafts at Lakkar Bazaar, visit the historical Gaiety Theatre and marvel at the impressive neo-Gothic Christ Church. The afternoon is free for you to continue discovering the local area. You can take the steep hike up to the Jakhu Temple, thronging with monkeys; visit the bazaars for souvenir shopping or take it easy with a stroll along the Mall.

Overnight: Hotel, Shimla

Day 8

Shimla to Delhi

After breakfast we’ll leave Shimla and take a trip on the World Heritage listed KalkaShimla Railway. Known as the ‘toy train’, this route travels along a mountainous track known for its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built in 1898 to connect Shimla with the rest of the Indian rail system, and at the time of construction there were 107 tunnels and 864 bridges built. Sit back and enjoy the journey from Shimla to Kalka which will take around five hours. When we reach Kalka, we’ll drive to Chandigarh for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we’ll check in to our hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 9

Depart Delhi

Our tour ends after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your ongoing flight. We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno Travels experience soon.

INCLUDES
Met on arrival at the airport by an Ekno representative

Services of an English-speaking guide

Local guides in Mandi, Rampur, Shimla

6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast

2 nights’ homestay accommodation with all meals

1 day trek in the Great Himalayan National Park, including guide

All transfers and sightseeing by private AC vehicle as per the itinerary

Return domestic flights from Delhi to Chandigarh

Train (2nd class AC or AC chair class) from Shimla to Kalka

Entrance fees as per the itinerary

EXCLUDES
Return airfares to India

Cost of Indian tourist visa (on arrival)

Compulsory insurance of any kind

Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise specified)

Extra activities, optional items and transport not stipulated in the itinerary

Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs

Tipping

Donations

Great-Himalayan-National-Park2

You May Also Like

SouthIndiaBuddishtTour-002
$4,190

South India Pilgrimage

Buddha's Pilgrimage across South India is a sacred journey into the seat of Buddhist tradition.
14 days -13 nights
Exotic Marigold Hotel and Udaipur Short Stay
$1,590

Udaipur and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Unwind at The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, marvel at the desert scenery and soak up the atmosphere of the stunning lake side town of Udaipur.
4 days, 3 nights
Goan Cuisine
$1,290

Goan Cooking

Our Goan Cooking Tour will introduce you to the cultures and food that make this distinct and delicious fusion cuisine.
5 days, 4 nights