Circuit in the heart of the plains of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
Between the sacred ghats of the Ganges and the peaks of Himachal Pradesh, a spiritual journey through the heart of ancient Inde.
Duration
14 days
Ideal seasons
Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
This circuit begins in Delhi then leads to Haridwar, where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas, with its evening ceremony of floating lamps on the river. Rishikesh follows, renowned as India's premier destination for yoga and meditation, nestled between hills and forests. Next comes Chandigarh, at the foot of the Shivalik mountains, before Amritsar and its Golden Temple, the most revered place in Sikhism. The journey continues to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, where the Dalai Lama resides within a significant Tibetan community, including monks and nuns. Heritage villages (Andretta, Palampur, Pragpur) punctuate the route to Shimla, a former hill station nicknamed the "Queen of the Hills," with its market and central promenade. The return is by legendary train to Kalka, through spectacular tunnels and hairpin bends, before a final night in Delhi and departure.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Gateway to the Religious and Spiritual Destination - Haridwar
After a delicious breakfast, we head to Haridwar. After dropping off our luggage at the hotel.
We begin a guided tour of the city. The circuit starts with a stop at the ashram and the temples of the city, namely the Mansa Devi temple, the Chandi Devi temple, the Maya Devi temple, the Daksha Mahadev temple, the Sapta Rishi temple and the Ramanand ashram. In the evening, we head down to Har ki Pauri to see the famous Ganga Aarti. Thousands of Indians attend this ceremony every day.
From Haridwar to Rishikesh - Tourism in the Holy City
Today, we are heading towards Rishikesh. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this city is blessed with picturesque beauty, bordered by hills on three sides and encircled by the holy Ganges. The place boasts of being the world capital of yoga and meditation. Hotel transfer takes place upon arrival.
We are then ready for the guided tour of the holy city. We reach the iron bridges of Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspended over the sacred river of the Ganges, then the Gita Bhawan complex. In the evening, we settle on Triveni Ghat to observe the Hindu ritual of Aarti. The ghats are used by most pilgrims for sacred bathing in the Ganges.
On the way to the modern city of Chandigarh
After breakfast, we depart for Chandigarh, a city designed by Le Corbusier. He was appointed as the city's architectural adviser in 1950 following India's independence. Upon our arrival, we first proceed to hotel check-in. We then begin our sightseeing tour with a visit to the famous Rock Garden housing over 1,400 sculpted figures. Next, we explore the Rose Garden containing 1,600 varieties of roses, before heading to the city museum and art gallery.
The Path of the City of the Golden Temple
After a delicious breakfast, we take the road to Amritsar. Founded in 1577, this sacred city is the religious capital of the Sikhs. We carry out the transfer to the hotel upon arrival. In the late afternoon, our tour focuses on visiting the Golden Temple complex, jewel of the Sikh religion and nerve center of the old city. Today, it is a highly revered place of pilgrimage.
A full day of exploration
Today, we visit the Golden Temple where an enormous flow of devotees circulates. We stroll along the sacred pool dotted with enormous communal kitchens dedicated to pilgrims of all religions. Next, we head to Jaliawalan Bagh, where the bullet marks on the wall still remind us of the struggle for independence during the British Raj. This excursion is preceded by a visit to the palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In the evening, we visit Wagah Border to witness the flag lowering ceremony which symbolizes both rivalry, fraternity and cooperation between the two countries. We return later to our hotel for a peaceful night.
From Amritsar to McLeod Ganj via Dharamshala
Today, we head to the foothills of the Himalaya to visit Dharamsala and the Tibetan Buddhist rule of McLeod Ganj. Upon arrival at Dharamsala, we are transferred to McLeod Ganj, then settled into the hotel.
In the evening, we are free to explore the local bazaar of this beautiful town.
A full day of exploration in McLeod Ganj
We devote an entire day to discovering Tibetan Buddhism and understanding the situation of exiled Tibetans. Our itinerary includes a visit to the residence and the Dalai Lama's monastery (currently Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama), as well as the Tsuglagkhang presented as the most important Buddhist monument in McLeod Ganj. This building houses a rich collection of sacred texts inspired by Buddha's teachings. It comprises a centre for medicine and astrology, a museum and a library. It is the seat of a research unit on Tibetan astrology. Surrounded by a row of prayer wheels, Namgyal monastery houses large Buddha statues. The Norbulingka Institute and its museum dedicated to Tibetan art promise the study and representation of Tibetan performing arts in order to preserve them. Furthermore, our getaway to McLeod Ganj gives us the opportunity to get better acquainted with the monks.
From McLeod Ganj to Andretta Village
Today, we are going to Andretta. This small village in Kangra, with its mild climate and its Himalayan environment steeped in beauty, is widely known as an artistic enclave for pottery. From all sides of this quiet place, ideal for meditation, emerges a source of inspiration, from the snow-capped mountains that surround it to the vast plains extending to the horizon. We visit a workshop to see the work of potters and the sale of their products. We spend the night in a restored private house.
Journey to Palampur - A UNESCO World Heritage Village
From Andretta
Today, we travel to the city of Palampur. Surrounded by tea plantations, the city stands as the tea capital of northwestern India. Upon our arrival, we visit the tea gardens to discover the processes involved in production. This is followed by lunch in Palampur. Apart from its tea gardens and rice fields, the mountain station is also known for its colonial architecture and temples. In the afternoon, we continue our scenic getaway to Pragpur, a world heritage village, where we reach our accommodation in the "Court of Judges". This carefully restored 300-year-old manor house and its cottage feature a large garden. The residence is steeped in an old-fashioned atmosphere that is reminiscent of the days of the Raj.
Summer capital of India during the British Raj
A full day of exploration in Shimla
During the morning walk on the shopping center, we can admire Christ Church on the ridge, in a very British style. We observe the old adjacent buildings. We then head to Jakhu Temple dedicated to the unique god, Hanuman. The path to the temple is a pleasant walk through the forest. In the evening, we are free to explore the local market.
The Journey on the Toy Train
Today, we are transferred to the station to take the « Toy Train». This train passes through a series of beautiful landscapes and scenery just waiting to be captured with a camera.
Departure from Delhi
Hotel check-out and transfer to the international airport to board your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance
- The travel package indicated above is not valid during the period: From December 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027. There will be a supplement for Christmas and New Year during this period.
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner during the trip except dinner in Shimla
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and drinks
- Photography and video rights on tourist sites
- Insurance for baggage loss and repatriation, as well as rescue expense insurance
- Tips for the driver and other staff
- Other services not included in the "price includes" column
Included
- Accommodation for 11 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar in a double room with breakfast
- 02 nights with half board at the hotel in Shimla
- All land transportation included in the program in a private vehicle with air conditioning, with an English-speaking driver
- Train tickets in air-conditioned class for the following two stages: (Shimla - Kalka and Kalka - Delhi)
- The entrances to the monuments mentioned in the program
- English-speaking guides in cities as described in the program (Up to 05 pax), in case of unavailability of English-speaking guide, there is the anglophone guide.
- The English-speaking guide throughout your journey in India (From 6 pax)
- Government taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to India for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter India, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist Visa – e-Visa (Tourist eVisa)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa exemption for a tourist stay.
The most common solution is the Tourist eVisa, available online on the official Indian government portal. It is available for several durations:
Tourist eVisa 30 days (double entry),
Tourist eVisa 1 year (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit),
Tourist eVisa 5 years (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit).
The application must be submitted online at least 4 days before your arrival date and at most 120 days before. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is available only at certain designated airports and ports of entry.
Arrival and Immigration
When passing through immigration, Indian authorities may ask for:
confirmation of your eVisa (printed document or digital version),
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
the address of your first accommodation in India.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is officially mandatory to enter India from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada, except in the case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever (a yellow fever vaccination certificate will then be required).
As a preventive measure, health authorities generally recommend the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-poliomyelitis,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on regions and length of stay).
Antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit and the time of year. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport and their own eVisa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims notification procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. The e-visa can be applied for online before departure (approximately 25 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and you must have two blank pages available. We guide you through the process. Before booking, verify the specific conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (600-900 euros round trip) are additional. India offers incredible diversity of experiences at varying price points.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Indian Himalayas
India's Thousand Faces Expert, based in Inde
India can surprise, disorient or amaze you all in one day. My role is to help travelers find their own pace to truly enjoy the country.
— Mandeep
