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Explore Himalayan Foothills & Amritsar to Shimla
- Prices start from £4459
- 14 Nights
Overview
Amritsar, Shimla & the Heritage Toy Train
Discover the cultural richness and mountain beauty of northern India on this refined journey through Punjab and the Himalayan foothills. This carefully curated itinerary blends powerful cultural experiences with breathtaking landscapes, offering travellers an elegant introduction to two of northern India’s most fascinating destinations.
Your journey begins in Amritsar, the spiritual heart of Sikhism and home to the magnificent Golden Temple, one of the most sacred and visually striking religious sites in India. The city’s vibrant streets, historic landmarks and moving Wagah Border ceremony offer an unforgettable insight into the culture and traditions of Punjab.
From the plains of Punjab, the journey continues towards the foothills of the Himalayas. Here you will board the charming Kalka–Shimla heritage railway, often known as the Shimla Toy Train, which climbs gently through pine forests, tunnels and mountain villages on one of India’s most scenic rail journeys.
The tour concludes in Shimla, a historic hill station once chosen by the British as their summer capital. Surrounded by cedar forests and mountain views, Shimla remains one of the most elegant retreats in the Himalayas.
With business class flights, luxury hotels and private transfers throughout, this journey combines cultural discovery with refined comfort and exceptional service.
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Golden Temple & Wagah ceremony – profound Sikh heritage.
- Tibetan Buddhist culture in McLeod Ganj – Dalai Lama’s serene enclave.
- Heritage hamlet life in Pragpur – old‑world charm and craftsmanship.
- Kalka–Shimla toy train – scenic UNESCO mountain journey.
- Shimla’s colonial elegance – ridge top vistas, churches, hills and forest parks.
Includes
- Business Class Return flights from the UK
- VIP meet & greet
- Special welcome gifts
- Private transfers throughout
- Private guide
- ATOL protection
- 24/7 Support
itinerary
Day 01 – Depart For Delhi
Depart today with Air India, nonstop service to Delhi. Experience the new Business Class Service onboard their new aircrafts.
Alternative carriers and UK departure points also available.
Day 02 – Arrive Delhi – Imperial Hotel
Arrive in Delhi today. Private transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 – Delhi To Amritsar – Taj Swarna Hotel
Fly to Amritsar after check-in at the Taj Swarna Hotel you’ll enjoy an evening visit Golden Temple for Palki ceremony.
The palki sahib ceremony takes place twice daily, at night and in the morning. The Palki sahib ceremony is when the holy book Guru Granth Sahib is carried to a locked room for night stay. This is a symbolic gesture and to keep the holy book safe each night.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 – Amritsar
Visit Jalianwala Bagh and afternoon witness the flag closing ceremony at Wagah Border. Evening is at leisure or as an optional extra, you can enjoy a fabulous walking tour of Amritsar’s street food with your private tour guide.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 – Amritsar To Pragpur – Judges Court Country Hotel
Drive to Pragpur, approx 4 hours. Upon arrival check-in at the Welcome Heritage Judge’s Court Hotel.
Day 06 – Pragpur
Explore the local village today.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07 – Pragpur To Dharamsala – Welcome Heritage Natraj
Your drive to Dharamshala will take approx 1.5hrs and upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 08 – Dharamsala
Full day private guided tour visiting Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Norbulingka Institute and Kangra State Museum. Evening free walk in Mcleod Ganj market.
Day 09 – Daharamasala To Palampur – Welcome Heritage Taragarh Palace 4*
Drive to Palampur, approx 1 hour. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax and you can enjoy a walk around the local area.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 – Palampur To Shimla – Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Retreat
Enjoy a 5 hour drive to Shimla, on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11 – Shimla
Today you’lll enjoy a guided tour of Shimla, taking in the Viceregal Lodge. After the tour of this impressive building visit a Hindu Temple containing shrines to the many and various Hindi gods. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll back along the Mall to Scandal Point. En-route, it may be possible to have a quick look inside the Gaiety Theatre, or enjoy some drinks whilst taking in the spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks (weather permitting).
Day 12 – Shimla
Today is at leisure, you can relax and explore on your own. Your driver is at your disposal for local drives.
Optional Extra: A full day trip to Kufri and Chail with Packed Lunch.
Day 13 - Shimla To Delhi
Enjoy the Toy Train ride down to Kalka where you will join your train back to Delhi. Arrive Delhi late night and transfer to the hotel near IGI Delhi Airport.
Day 14 - Delhi Homebound
Destination Photos
Prices include the following:
- Traditional welcome – Garlanding on arrival.
- VIP meet and greet at Delhi airport.
- All Transfers
- Hotel accommodation based on 5* and 4* hotels as specified on twin share, bed and breakfast basis, unless where specified.
- Services of English speaking local guides during the sightseeing tours
- Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes.
- Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
- All currently applicable taxes including service tax
- Gift on departure
- Check-in & checkout time is 12 noon.
Prices do not include :
- Any air/train fare or airport tax on final departure
- Entrances at monuments.
- Expenses of personal nature such as telephone calls, table drinks, laundry, tips etc.
- Any other services/expenses not mentioned above.
Why Book This Tour
This beautifully crafted journey through Punjab and the Himalayan foothills combines spiritual discovery, colonial hill stations, Tibetan culture and mountain landscapes with private travel, luxury stays and exceptional comfort throughout.
Return Business Class Flights Included
Begin your holiday in complete comfort with return business-class flights from the UK, creating a smooth and relaxing start to this memorable North India journey.
From Sacred Punjab to the Himalayas
This itinerary offers a wonderfully varied route, from the spiritual energy of Amritsar and the Golden Temple to the cedar forests, hill stations and mountain scenery of Himachal Pradesh.
Iconic Cultural Experiences
Witness the moving Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple, experience the drama of the Wagah Border ceremony and discover the rich traditions, hospitality and heritage of Punjab.
Tibetan & Himalayan Heritage
Explore Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and a vibrant Tibetan community, adding a fascinating spiritual and cultural dimension to the journey.
Signature Toy Train & Wildflower Hall Stay
Enjoy the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Toy Train and stay at the legendary Oberoi Wildflower Hall, one of India’s most celebrated mountain retreats, surrounded by cedar forests and Himalayan views.
Private Transfers, Expert Guides & Seamless Support
With private transfers, expert local guides, VIP meet and greet, ATOL protection and 24/7 support, every detail is designed for a smooth, personal and reassuring travel experience.