THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, HIMALAYAS AND THE LITTLE LHASA

Upon leaving the aircraft at Delhi International Airport, follow the signs for passport control and
baggage collection. Complete the immigration formalities, collect your checked luggage, and clear
customs.

Then proceed to the arrival area and you will be greeted by our company representative and
assisted with transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions

Overnight :Delhi

Begin the day with a visit to Old Delhi. Visit the famous Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi which is
the bustling soul of the capital city of India.
Visit Jama Masjid, which Shah Jahan built to dominate his city. Built using red sandstone and marble
by over 5000 artisans, the Jama Masjid is covered with intricate carvings.
Explore three major streets of old Delhi, each dedicated to a certain trade. Stroll down Dariba Kalan
which is dedicated to the work of the silver smiths, Kinari Bazaar which is a colourful place to shop
for haberdashery and finally Khari Baoli the legendary Delhi wholesale spice market. Get to enjoy a
cycle-rickshaw ride that will allow you to weave through some of the busiest streets in the city.
Witnessing the bustling alleyways on the back of a cycle-rickshaw is one of the best ways to see the
merchants selling their wares.

Next, head to Humayun’s tomb, the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome. Built using
red sandstone as well as white and black marbles to relieve the monotony in the structure, this tomb
is noteworthy for its harmonious proportions and is said to have inspired the building of Taj Mahal.
Drive past the imposing India gate, President’s palace and important government buildings.
Visit Gandhi Smriti memorial and museum where Gandhi spent the last few months of his life before
assassination.

Later, visit Bangla Sahib, the holy place of worship for Sikhs. A visit to the open kitchen here is
recommended, you will see volunteers working hard to prepare a meal. The kitchen serves meals to
over 22,000 people every day.
Before Concluding your day, you may stroll through the Janpath Market on your own.

Hotel: The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions

Overnight :Delhi

Transfer to Delhi airport and take afternoon flight to Amritsar. Met on arrival in Amritsar. Transfer to
your hotel. Remaining afternoon at leisure.

Later this evening (after dinner), meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and proceed to visit the
stunning Golden Temple complex, the holiest of the Sikh shrines. Set in the middle of an artificial
lake, this 16th century temple showcases a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles and is
crowned by a dome gilded with 750 kg of gold. Wtness the Palki Sahib ceremony, or the night
ceremony. This is an atmospheric ceremony during which ‘The Guru Granth Sahib’, or the Sikh holy
book is carried in a palanquin (Palki) gilded with gold and silver from the main shrine in Hari Mandir
to the sanctum to its Akal Takht – its bed which is the seat of the Sikh parliament. Men can take part
in this ceremony by joining one of the queues that form behind and ahead of the heavy palanquin on
which the Holy Book is moved. Several devotees simultaneously help support each arm of the palanquin, giving each person a few seconds to take part in the auspicious event. Return to the hotel
for the night.

Hotel: Taj Swarna, Amritsar

Overnight : Amritsar

Set off this morning to revisit the Golden Temple, where you will return to visit the Guru-ka -Langar,
a community kitchen, where each day around 40,000 people are fed by temple volunteers. In an act
that symbolises the Sikh belief in equality of all people, irrespective of caste or creed, everyone is
welcomed and invited to join the communal breaking of bread - a simple and unlimited meal of
chapatis (wheat bread) and dal (lentils) is served. Before or after you join in for a meal, have a look
behind the scenes to witness the extraordinary activities in the various industrial-size temple
kitchens that prepare the food.

Then, return to your hotel. Later, this afternoon drive to the Wagah border to see the theatrical,
carefully choreographed joint ‘retreat’ ceremony of the Indian and Pakistani guard. Each day at
sunset the border guards of India and Pakistan assemble for the border closing ceremony. Each army
parades in an immaculately turned-out display of synchronised marching and bellowed military
commands, each side doing its best to out-do the other with its shouting and marching. The ritual
ends as the sun goes down, the flag of each country is lowered, and the gates are slammed shut.
Return to hotel & relax.

Hotel: Taj Swarna, Amritsar

Overnight : Amritsar

Drive to Dharamshala, leaving the Sikh world behind.
Dharamshala is the center of Buddhism in India. The city is located in the Kangra Valley, one of the
most beautiful in the Himalayas. It stretches along the southern slope of the magnificent Dhauladhar
range, covered with pine forests, orchards, tea fields, and terraced crops. In 1960, when the 14th
Dalai Lama left Tibet for exile, the Indian Prime Minister authorized him to settle in the region.

Dharamsala, in the foothills of the Himalayas, is the Dalai Lama's residence. This small village has
become the center of the Tibetan struggle to preserve their culture, an essential refuge from the
ravages of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Everything is reminiscent of Tibet: the prayer chants that
mark the beginning of the school day for schoolchildren, the faithful reciting mantras in the street,
the small posters on the walls announcing a meditation workshop, a Tibetan language course, or a
public audience with a high lama, and the multicolored prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
We will discover several important cultural and spiritual sites. Check in at Hotel & Relax.
Later, stroll through the vibrant streets of the McLeod Ganj market, shop for Tibetan handicraft &
enjoy with the locals.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency, Dharamshala

Overnight :Dharamshala

Begin your morning with breakfast and set out to explore the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of
McLeod Ganj. Your first stop will be the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, also known as Tsuglagkhang.
This serene place is not only the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama but also a deeply
spiritual space where monks chant, tourists meditate, and visitors pay their respects to large golden
Buddha statues. Take time to absorb the peaceful atmosphere, spin the prayer wheels, and observe
the rituals performed by the resident monks. From there, head towards the Tibetan Museum
located within the same complex, which offers a sobering look into the Tibetan struggle and history
in exile. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Later in the afternoon, make your way to St. John in the Wilderness Church, a historic neo-Gothic
structure set amidst towering deodar trees. Built in 1852, it is known for its Belgian stained-glass
windows and peaceful ambiance. Then, visit the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, a significant
center for Buddhist studies and preservation of Tibetan culture, which houses ancient manuscripts
and teachings.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Overnight :Dharamshala

After breakfast in Dharamshala, begin your journey towards Palampur, which is approximately a 1.5
hours drive through the serene Kangra Valley. The route itself is picturesque, with winding roads,
lush pine forests, and glimpses of the Dhauladhar mountain range along the way. Once you reach
Palampur, check into your hotel or homestay and take some time to rest and enjoy the peaceful
atmosphere of this charming town known as the "Tea Capital of North India."

In the afternoon, head out to explore the Palampur Tea Gardens, where you can walk through the
manicured green fields, learn about tea processing at the Wah Tea Estate, and even enjoy a fresh
cup of locally grown tea at their café. Afterward, visit the Tashi Jong Monastery, a peaceful Tibetan
Buddhist monastery known for its traditional architecture and vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the
breeze. As the sun begins to set, you can take a relaxed walk around Neugal Khad, a scenic riverside
spot with views of the Dhauladhar range.

Hotel: Lodge at Wah

Overnight :Palampur

Begin your second day with an early breakfast and set out to explore more of what Palampur has to
offer. Start with a visit to the Andretta Artists' Village, a peaceful hamlet known for its artistic
heritage. Here, you can explore the Sobha Singh Art Gallery, which showcases the famous painter’s
works, and visit Norah Richard's House, known as the cradle of modern Indian theatre. The village
has a timeless charm and is ideal for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Next, head to the Baijnath Temple, about 16 km from Palampur. This ancient 13th-century temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most revered temples in Himachal Pradesh. Its intricate
stone carvings and spiritual ambiance make it a must-visit. After spending some quiet time at the
temple, you can enjoy lunch at a local dhaba or café along the way.
As evening approaches, you may take a final stroll through the tea gardens or enjoy a quiet moment
watching the sunset over the hills before preparing for your return.

Hotel: Lodge at Wah

Overnight :Palampur

After breakfast, drive to Gaggal airport to take flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi & private transfer to
Hotel.

Hotel: Andaz, New Delhi Aerocity

Overnight :Delhi

You will have a private transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward flight.