Journey through the Himalayan Foothills

Journey through the Himalayan Foothills

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13 Days From

$3304

Journey through the Himalayan Foothills

13 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India

Visiting: Amritsar, Wagah, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Kangra Fort, Palampur, Pragpur, Shimla, Delhi

Tour operator:

Cox & Kings

Recommended For:

50 plus, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 19

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$3304 (USD) including Flights from the UK

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

In the shadow of the world's tallest peaks, you'll find charming hill stations, Buddhist enclaves and narrow-gauge railways. This tour visits northern India's Himalayan highlights.



Travel to the holy city of Amritsar and McLeod Ganj, home to the Tibetan government-in-exile. Continue through the foothills of the Himalaya to Shimla, once the 'British Jewel of the Orient'. Along the way, appreciate the cultural diversity of the region through its temples, monasteries and museums.

Highlights

  • Heritage walk through Amritsar

  • Ride on the Kangra Mountain Railway and the toy train to Solan

  • Visit a local family in Dharamsala

  • Explore Chandigarh's local market & Rock Garden

  • Stay in 3- & 4-star accommodation

  • Small group size - 12 people (maximum 19)

  • No single supplement on selected departure dates (limited availability)

Places You'll See

Journey Through The Himalayan Foothills

Journey Through The Himalayan Foothills

Journey Through The Himalayan Foothills

Journey Through The Himalayan Foothills

Journey Through The Himalayan Foothills

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Fly To Amritsar Via Delhi

Location: Amritsar

Accommodation Name: None

Meals Included: No Meals

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Amritsar, via Delhi, with British Airways.

Day 2 : Amritsar

Location: Amritsar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Amritsar

Meals Included: Dinner

On arrival, transfer to the Hyatt Amritsar for a 2-night stay. Evening visit to the Golden Temple for the auspicious Palki Sahib ceremony to witness the evening kirtan (devotional prayers). The temple is profusely lit and the lights are beautifully reflected in large water tanks surrounding the sanctum. A welcome dinner will be held this evening.

Day 3 : Amritsar - Wagah

Location: Amritsar, Wagah

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Amritsar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning visit to the Golden Temple and its vast community kitchen (langar). Take a guided heritage walk passing the Gurudwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the heroism of the 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs Battalion who lost their lives in 1897 as they defended their posts against Afghan soldiers. Weave your way through Qila Ahluwalia, a fort replete with colonial architectural features, before arriving at the Jalebiwala Chowk with its jalebi shop selling delicious sticky sweets. Late afternoon visit to Wagah, situated on the border with Pakistan, for the unmissable Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Day 4 : Mcleod Ganj

Location: McLeod Ganj

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fortune Park Moksha

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel by road to McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala. McLeod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and is the centre of Little Tibet. This afternoon, visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s monastery, Tsuglag Khang. Continue with a tour of McLeod Ganj, visiting the handicrafts centre and local markets. Stay 2 nights at the Fortune Park Moksha.

Day 5 : Dharamshala

Location: Dharamshala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fortune Park Moksha

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture and the Thosamling Nunnery. Visit a local family to see the regional Gaddi dress. Later, take a gentle walk through traditional Gaddi settlements to Naddi village, enjoying spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range as the sun sets.

Day 6 : Kangra Fort - Palampur

Location: Kangra Fort, Palampur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Taragarh Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive to Kangra to visit its impressive fort and the Bajreshwari Temple. Continue to Palampur for an overnight stay at Taragarh Palace. Afternoon visit to Tashijong monastery.

Day 7 : Pragpur Via Kangra Mountain Railway

Location: Pragpur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Judge’s Court

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning visit the Shiv Baijnath Temple, carved from rock and inscribed in sanskrit. Drive to Baijnath to board the Kangra Mountain Railway for the 1.5-hour scenic ride to Nagrota. Travel to Pragpur for a 2-night stay at The Judge’s Court, a delightful old manor house, converted into a hotel.

Day 8 : Pragpur

Location: Pragpur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Judge’s Court

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Join a walk to Garli Heritage Village and see an interesting fusion of architectural styles. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni temples, or spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9 : Shimla

Location: Shimla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oberoi Cecil or upgrade to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall (Deluxe Garden View room)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Full-day drive through the Himalayan foothills to the former British hill station of Shimla. On arrival, check in for 3 nights at the Oberoi Cecil.

Day 10 : Shimla

Location: Shimla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oberoi Cecil

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Full-day tour of Shimla, including the Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum and the Gaiety Theatre. Later in the day, enjoy some time at leisure to stroll along the Mall and the Ridge.



Day 11 : Shimla

Location: Shimla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oberoi Cecil or upgrade to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel on a first-class carriage on the Himalayan Queen ‘toy train’ from Shimla to Kandaghat (2 hours 15 minutes) to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery. This narrow-gauge railway is considered one of the finest engineering feats in India. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.

Day 12 : Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oberoi Maidens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel by road to Chandigarh (3 hours) to take the midday train to Delhi. Overnight at the Oberoi Maidens.

Day 13 : Fly To London

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: None

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight home with British Airways.

What's Included

  • Small group size - average 12 people (max 18)

  • 3- & 4-star accommodation

  • Flexible - extensions, room & flight upgrades available

  • International flights with British Airways

  • Internal flights in India

  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles

  • Travel outside Delhi by Toyota Crysta & Tempo Traveller

  • Express train travel in air-conditioned executive class

  • Experienced local tour manager

  • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners

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What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Country Entry Visas

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.

  • Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?

    We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.

  • Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?

    Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.

  • What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?

    A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th

  • When will I get my tickets?

    Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.

  • When do I need to pay my final balance?

    Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.

  • Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?

    Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms. The Solo Travellers collection of small group tours is specially created to include accommodation based on single occu

  • Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?

    We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.

  • Do your prices include flights?

    All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do

  • What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?

    The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.

  • When will I get a detailed itinerary?

    If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.

  • What are the four tour categories

    ***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***

  • Do I need inoculations?

    Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.

  • What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?

    If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Susan Anne Sullivan  

Journey through the Himalayan Foothills

I have no complaints about of any of this tour. Co

I have no complaints about of any of this tour. Cox & Kings representatives were always on hand and our tour guide Kavi Sharma and driver Raj accompanied us from start to finish. The knowledge, temperament, professionalism and skills provided by them both were excellent. I have seen so many wonderful sights and learnt so much about the culture and history of these parts of India. I woud highly recommend this tour

Jessica  

Knowledgeable Staff and Excellent Service

Knowledgeable staff and excellent service that 'g

Knowledgeable staff and excellent service that 'goes the extra mile'. I have been on several holidays through Cox and Kings over the last 20 years and have always been more than satisfied.

Steven  

Well looked after before and during

We were well looked after before and during our va

We were well looked after before and during our vacation. Top class accommodation and guides.

Paul  

A Relaxed Way to Book a Holiday

Sue and I have travelled with Cox & Kings a numbe

Sue and I have travelled with Cox & Kings a number of times and have always booked direct with them. For this latest trip, I again contacted them direct and spoke to their travel advisor for the chosen area for a tailor-made holiday. I found him empathetic, knowledgeable and understanding of my requirements. An initial itinerary was prepared which after due consideration and discussion was cheerfully amended and agreed on. There was no pressure put on me and I found it, as usual, a good experience. Holiday now booked and I am looking forward to the trip.

Yvonne  

Great itinerary and great service

Great itinerary and great service from Cox & Kings

Great itinerary and great service from Cox & Kings. I will definitely use them in the future.

Haig  

Exceptional Service

I have frequently used Cox and Kings and they nev

I have frequently used Cox and Kings and they never disappoint. They organise whatever I want and the great thing about their group tours is that they always include some free time. Other companies tend to pack far too much in to their schedules. I have found everyone I have ever dealt with keen to provide the best possible service.

Suzie  

Delighted Customers!

My partner and myself have been regular travellers

My partner and myself have been regular travellers for over 20 years and up to now been loyal to a rival company. After an incident with them, we decided to change loyalty and try C&K. Was absolutely a good move. For the past couple years I have spoken to Sabastian Gittany, what a delight to be able to speak to the same consultant! I was immediately impressed with the service, he was extremely helpful, polite and nothing is too much trouble. Sabastian has an immense knowledge through his own travel experiences, which in turn helped us to ensure we booked the right holiday for us. As a result of the excellent service we received from Sabastian we have booked 4 holidays for 2022, the first being Egypt Nile Cruise, which he tailored and with lots discussions finally created an itinerary for us, so we are delighted.

Read all 7 reviews

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Dates & Availability

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$3492 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
$3492 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sold Out

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 29, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024
$3367 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$3367 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025
$3304 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
$3304 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
$3304 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$3304 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$3617 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$3492 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 21, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$3492 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$3492 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$3492 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.