The mighty Himalayas are home to some of India’s most spectacular hidden gems. Get off the beaten path with our insider guide, and discover this charming and visually stunning region. With over 20 years experience as a tour guide, Our Ekno guide invites you to share in the wonder and beauty of his home state. This tour has it all – quaint hill stations, serene tea plantations, heritage villages, Buddhist temples, breathtaking mountain views and a journey into the plains of the Punjab.
You will have the chance to experience two of India’s most diverse stations – Shimla and Dharamsala. Shimla is the picturesque capital of this North Indian state, and offers stunning mountain and valley views as well as fascinating British era architecture. In contrast, Dharamsala is known as ‘Little Lhasa’ as it is the home of the Dalai Lama as well as the Tibetan Government in Exile. Finish the tour with a visit to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, Sikhism holiest shrine.
With an expert Ekno guide, who lives and breathes Himachal Pradesh, you are in safe and capable hands for the duration of the tour. As with all Ekno experiences, we select our hotels and locations with an eye on combining luxury and comfort into one fabulous experience. You will not only discover hidden experiences unique to India, but you can also relax safe in the knowledge that your security is foremost in our minds.
Arrive Delhi

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi
Delhi to Shimla
You will take a train from North Delhi to Kalka before transferring to the narrow gauge Kalka – Shimla Railway, known affectionately as the ‘toy train’. This route travels along a mountainous track known for its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. This railway was built in 1898 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system. At the time of construction 107 tunnels and 864 bridges were built throughout the course of the track. Sit back and enjoy the views and listen as our guide shares his knowledge of this beautiful part of the world. We will arrive in Shimla in the early evening in time for us to check into our hotel and go out for dinner.
Overnight: Hotel, Shimla
Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India – and with its stunning views, wide boulevards and mist covered mountains its 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 big hill town and became the summer capital of the country during the British Raj. In the evening enjoy the jovial atmosphere of the town in one of the many Indian or international restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel, Shimla
Palampur

Overnight: Tea Estate, Palampur
Pragpur
In the afternoon we will travel by car to the heritage village of Pragpur (approximately 2 and half hours), arriving in time to check into the palatial Judges Court Hotel. Wander the grounds and soak the atmosphere of this country manor.
Overnight: The Judges Court, Pragpur
Sidhpur, Dharamsala

Spend the afternoon exploring – starting with a visit to the temple of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the Namgyel Monastery. Our guide will then lead the group to the Tibet Museum and the Tibetan Houses of Parliament. In the evening you will once again find plenty of lovely roof top restaurants to choose from; including Japanese, Indian and Tibetan.
Overnight: Norbulingka, Dharamsala
Dharamsala

Overnight: Norbulingka, Dharamsala
Optional - Day hike to Balh/Kareri Village or Leisure day
Today we will hike to Balh/Kareri village (1 hour). The gradual hike weaves you through thick pine forests, oak thickets, rhododendron, and rocky overhangs as the peaks of the Dhauladhar tower overhead. When we arrive our guide will take us to visit a local Gaddi shepherd family. We will enjoy a traditional ‘chai’ (tea) party and cook our own lunch on open fire. In the late afternoon we will return to our hotel.
Overnight: Norbulingka, Dharamsala
Amritsar

Overnight: Hotel, Amritsar
Delhi
In the early afternoon we will fly back to Delhi. The rest of the afternoon in Delhi is at your leisure to relax or shop for last minute souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel, Delhi
Tour End
We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno experience soon. Why not add on one of our extension tours so that you can see another exciting part of India, such as a trip to Udaipur and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel or to the holy city of Varanasi?
INCLUDES
Met at Delhi Airport by an Ekno representative
Services of Vikas as your guide for the duration of the trip
10 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
Train from Delhi to Shimla
Flight from Amritsar to Delhi
All transfers by private vehicle (Toyota Innova/Etios or similar) as per the itinerary:
- Pickup and drop off to Delhi Airport
- Sightseeing in Delhi
- Drop off to Delhi Train Station
- Pickup from the train station in Shimla
- Transfer from Shimla to Palampur
- Transfer from Palampur to Pragpur
- Transfer from Pragpur to Dharamsala
- Sightseeing around Shimla and Dharamsala
- Transfer from Dharamsala to Amritsar
Welcome and farewell dinners in Delhi
Lunch in Dharamsala with a local Gaddi family
Himalayan Tea tour and tea tasting in Palampur
Local guides in Delhi, Shimla & Amritsar
Entrance fees to all sights and monuments as per the itinerary
EXCLUDES
Return airfares to India
Cost of Indian tourist visa (on arrival)
Lunches and dinners unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs
Tipping
Camera and video entry charges at local sights and monuments
Occasional optional items not identified in the itinerary description
Compulsory insurance of any kind