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Golden Temple Amritsar with Foothills of Himalayas - 11 Nights / 12 Days

Private guided, personal tour to India the Golden Temple Amritsar with Foothills of Himalayas is more focused on rural India. A community based tour which provides you the insight to the day to day life of culturally diverse people of India, traditions, culture, local cuisine; on the other hand it benefits the locals directly. One of our best selling, becoming popular travel itineraries to India this tour is highly recommended for people on their first holiday to India or returning travellers who are planning a relaxed holiday to experience authentic India. Explore the less explored areas, stay couple of nights in a village in the foothills of Himalayas which itself is a unique travel experience handcrafted by Summit Safari India.

Tour Overview & Description

Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days

Location : North India, Amritsar with Himachal Pradesh

Best Season : Whole Year Through, Especially Mid September to May

Category : Cultural, Heritage, Nature and Authentic Indian Tour

Covering : Delhi > Amritsar > Dharamshala >Exotic Marigold Home Stay Jawalamukhi > Shimla

You can take it : As a private, personalised tour (tour dates would be of your choice)

Special About Tour :

Private guided, personal tour to India the Golden Temple Amritsar with Foothills of Himalayas is more focused on rural India. A community based tour which provides you the insight to the day to day life of culturally diverse people of India, traditions, culture, local cuisine; on the other hand it benefits the locals directly. One of our best selling, becoming popular travel itineraries to India this tour is highly recommended for people on their first holiday to India or returning travellers who are planning a relaxed holiday to experience authentic India. Explore the less explored areas, stay couple of nights in a village in the foothills of Himalayas which itself is a unique travel experience handcrafted by Summit Safari India.

This leisurely, relaxing and flexible Golden Temple Amritsar and Foothills Of Himalayas tour really offers you a chance to experience life as it is lived in rural India and discover those aspects of the beautiful country which you have heard or read about, but never seen. Visiting local school, interaction with locals, Cooking classes with a local family, visit the less explores non tourist places in the foothills of Himalayas, indulge in artistic culture of rangoli making, henna designing and photography in local attire are just a few, among the top highlights of the tour.

While exploring the towns and villages of lower Himalayas we will visit the beautiful Golden Temple of Amritsar; the famous Sikh Shrine gilded with Gold, a memorable visit to India-Pakistan border at Wagha, visit Dharamshala (Mcleodganj) famous as the home to Dalai Lama Ji; who is the religious head of Buddhist’s. Explore the Colonial heritage hill station town of Shimla famous for the heritage buildings related to British Raj, where you will also ride the famous UNSECO World Heritage Kalka Shimla Mountain Railways of India— the toy train a journey of discovery.

In Kangra valley near Dharamshala you will be provided with a taste of rural India and you will spend a couple of nights in some of the villages that we visit, in Exotic Marigold Home Stay, with your hosts being an incredibly friendly and hospitable Indian family.

There are no hassles on the tour and every day there is plenty of free time so you can experience each destination in your way at your own pace. Your knowledgeable English speaking guide and driver is with you throughout the trip to all the famous sights and makes history and culture come alive through the stories that unfold throughout the journey; this is what will make your authentic India tour a very special holiday experience. Your guide will explain to you their beliefs and their customs, including the role of women in their society, their superstitions, their religion and caste system and the problems that they face, and you will be able to ask questions through him.

Treat the below Golden Temple Amritsar with Foothills Of Himalayas tour India just as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you, around your interest and requirements. Summit Safari India will make your tour a memorable and extra ordinary travel experience to cherish forever….!

Brief Itinerary : New Delhi (1 Night on arrival ) > Amritsar ( 2 Nights) > Dharamshala ( 1 Night) > Exotic Marigold Home Stay - Jawalamukhi ( 3 Nights) > Shimla ( 3 Nights) and back to New Delhi ( 1 Night at the end)

Today to start with your Golden Temple Amritsar with Foothills of Himalayas, you will be met from your flight to New Delhi International Airport by Summit Safari’s representative and driver, and we will transfer you to your hotel in New Delhi. Rest of the day is free at leisure to relax after the flight.

Meals Plan: Dinner is included.

Please Note: You can also choose to start your tour from Amritsar international airport or can fly from New Delhi to Amritsar. It is an international airport in Punjab state of India, having flights from London, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. This all we’ll discuss with you while planning your holiday tour.

Today make an easy start after the breakfast and check out from the hotel at 9:30 A.M and we will take you for the private guided tour of Delhi to view some of the famous sights of the old and new parts of the city. Your excursions include the Gandhi Smriti, also known as the Birla house where –Mahatma Gandhi had lived the last 144 days of his life from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948 when he was assassinated in 78th year of life. We’ll also visit the India gate and the Parliament House of India from Outside . We will have a walking tour with your guide in the heart of old Delhi and covering the Chandni Chowk bazaar with the interesting lanes of Old Delhi. We will also take a walking tour through Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest Spice market in Old Delhi. Today the part of our tour also includes a bicycle rickshaw ride in old Delhi or a Tuk Tuk ( Three wheeler ) ride in New Delhi for you.

You will have lunch in a local restaurant in Delhi and later you will be transferred to New Delhi railway station to board the super fast Shatabdi express train leaving New Delhi railway station at 4:30 P.M. arriving Amritsar railway station at 10:30 P.M. Evening tea / coffee and Dinner will be served to you on this super fast Shatabdi express train. You will reach Amritsar at night where you will be met by your driver and will be transfer to your hotel in Amritsar for 2 nights.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included.

Please Note: You'd be assisted onto the train and met at the other end by Summit Safari’s representative or your driver.

Please Note: You can also choose to start your tour from Amritsar international airport or can fly from New Delhi to Amritsar. It is an international airport in Punjab state of India, having flights from London, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. This all we’ll discuss with you while planning your holiday tour.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 09:30 A.M we will leave for sightseeing covering Golden Temple (the biggest and holiest Sikh shrine in the world – gilded with gold.),Jallianwala Bagh-the historic site where hundreds of innocent Indian men, women and children were massacred by British General Michael Dyer on April 13, 1919. A memorial and Garden have been created here as a national monument.

Return back to your hotel by afternoon and after lunch at 03:00 P.M. we will be driving you to Indo-Pak Border to watch retreat ceremony-30 KM on the road to Lahore is India-Pakistan Border ( Atari Wagha Boarder). A visit to the border is an interesting experience especially at Sunset, when the retreat ceremony takes place with the Border Security Force on the Indian Side and the Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well coordinated and spectacular display. The sound from the Bugles blown together from both sides paints past on the canvas when India and Pakistan were one, simultaneously Flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on marking the end of the day. Return to hotel in the evening, second night in the same hotel at Amritsar.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included.

Please Note: Kindly carry your passports with you while going for the Retreat Ceremony at Atari Wagha Border at Amritsar. The Golden temple has its own charm visiting it at the night time, if interested we will take you to visit it at the night time also.

Today morning after breakfast at 08: 00 A.M we will drive to Dharamshala (220 kms / 5 hrs). Enroute stop for comfort break. We will arrive Dharamshala by afternoon where on arrival check in to the hotel. Originally home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, Mcleodganj is today the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Later around 03:00 PM if interested, we could take you for a nice nature walk in the mountains to Galu village near Mcleodganj ( 2-3 hr ) and to view the beautiful water fall near the Bagsu Nag Temple. Evening would be free to explore in the local market in Mcleodganj and today in dinner you can taste the authentic Tibetan food at a local restaurant in Mcleodganj. Overnight stay in hotel in Dharamshala for 1 night.

Please Note: Today you have a choice to have dinner outside in the market, in a local restaurant in Mcleodganj and enjoy the Tibetan food.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner are included

Today after breakfast we will leave for the sightseeing tour around Dharamshala visiting the St. John church, situated in the wilderness, the Buddhist monastery and residence of his Holiness the Dalai Lama ji.

We will also visit the Norbulingka Institute at a place known as Sidhbari, an institute working for the preservation of traditional Tibetan arts and crafts including Thanka painting, tailoring, metal sculpture and wood crafts. There is a doll museum a monastery and a popular restaurant inside the Norbulingka institute where you can have your tea/ coffee.

Later we will leave for Bankhandi village where we will meet the village postman’s family here and have lunch with them. We will walk around this village which will provide us a chance to meet the local people and to know about their life and traditions.

Today our female travellers can have Henna design on their hands with this family. By evening we will leave this village and will drive you further to Basdi village near Jawalamukhi (45 minutes) to experience the Exotic Marigold Home Stay for 3 nights.

Meals Plans-: Breakfast + Dinner + Lunch + evening tea and coffee with snacks on arrival at the village Home stay.

After a leisurely breakfast we will walk around the Basdi village and will visit a local school, where we will meet the children and the teachers. We will also attend the morning school prayers. We will take fresh seasonable fruits with us to distribute among the school children ( summit safari will arrange for the seasonable fruits).

Later we will drive you to Nadaun (7 kms) where we take you for a row boat ride on river Beas which flows down the valley. If interested you can even enjoy a swim at river Beas. We will also visit the local village market. You will notice how local people are eager to talk and want to interact to you.

Today you can choose to enjoy Indian snacks like Samosa with chick peas in the lunch in a local food stall or in the comfort of your home stay. Return back to the village home stay by late afternoon and enjoy the evening tea and snacks with your host. Second night in the home stay in the village.

Meals Plans: Breakfast + Dinner + lunch + evening tea and coffee with snacks at the village Home stay

Today morning after breakfast we will take you to visit the famous Hindu Temple of Flames at Jawalamukhi--where the eternal fire flames continue to burn out of the temple walls. It is believed that at Jawala ji Sati’s tongue fell. Guide will be glad to provide you with the story of the temple and Sati. Visit the local temple market at Jawalamukhi and return back to the home stay.

By afternoon you will join your host for cooking classes where our friendly host helps you in learning, preparing, tasting and enjoying the famous Indian authentic recipes including the Street food cooked in a safe, hygienic and homely, environment. Indulge in artistic culture of rangoli making, henna designing and photography in local attire during your culinary cooking and food tour part of the Golden temple Amritsar and the foothills of Himalayas in India.

Enjoy self cooked meals in lunch have some time to rest and late afternoon we will take you for a nature walk with a bird watching tour. We will join the village ladies for milking the cow in the evening.

Third night in the same home stay.

Meals Plans: Breakfast + Dinner + lunch + evening tea and coffee with snacks at the village Home stay.

After Breakfast we will drive you to Shimla (180 kms /7 hrs), the former summer Capital of India during the Raj. Now Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh state. Enroute we will make a comfort break and lunch break with the local family in village Pangjain in Bilaspur village (3 hrs) and will have a walk around the fields. It would be a good chance to interact with another local joint family and know about the joint family system in India.

Later we continue our drive to Shimla (3 hrs). Reach Shimla by evening where you will stay 3 nights in a hotel or choose to stay in the Marigold Home Stay in Shimla.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner are included.

Please Note: The Marigold Home Stay is Shimla, is about 5 minutes of walking from the car park with 50 steps to climb and is very comfortable and clean with modern bedrooms and attracted modern toilets and a great friendly host.

After breakfast we will take you for a sightseeing tour of Shimla town including the Shimla Heritage Walk that takes you in the footsteps of the Raj. Erstwhile Summer Capital During The British India “Simla" saw remarkable building activity during the colonial era, and some of the finest structures of that time still stand over its seven hills where life revolves around the famous Mall Road and the Scandal Point. There could not be a better way to explore experience and admire the British Himalayan heritage Town of Shimla, than to get on your feet and take the Shimla heritage walk- in the footsteps of the Raj through the Architectural heritage zone of Shimla.

We will visit the Viceroy’s house now known as the Indian institute of Advance studies where agreement of the partition of India as two nations India and Pakistan were worked out. It is still one of the most impressive buildings n Shimla with heritage and history of the era.

We continue on the Shimla heritage walk to the Scandal point of Shimla passing by Cecil Hotel, Kennedy cottage (sight of the first British house in Shimla), State Legislative building (Council chambers), Gorton Castle (accountant general's office), Railway Board Building, Grand hotel (Bentinck's Castel), Telegraph office, General Post office building (Connie Cottage), Indian Coffee house.

We will stop for the lunch in a local restaurant, which once used to be the band stand and after lunch we visit the Town hall, the Gaiety Theatre, The Ridge, Christ Church, Mall Road, Combermere bridge.

We do visit the local interesting bazaars and lanes of Shimla including the famous monkey temple of Shimla (dedicated to Lord Hanuman) on the top of Jakhoo hills- the highest point in the town. Second night in the same hotel / home Stay at Shimla.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + local lunch and dinner are included.

Today morning after breakfast we will drive you to the countryside to visit Fagu valley. Enroute to Fagu we will stop to view the Shimla water catchment area, Yak point where you can have pictures with this beautiful animal from the Himalayas. We will visit the view point; from here we enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas with the villages,valleys and terrace farms.

Later drive back and take a nature walk through the woods (45 minutes) or even you can stop at the Oberio’s Wildflower hall to have a cup of tea/ coffee.

By 1:00 P.M join the local family where you can have some cooking lessons and lunch with the local Indian family in Shimla, which itself is a unique travel experience. After a short introduction to your host’s family, you will take a tour of their home and see how they live. Join the house lady for the cooking session and learn to cook 2-3 Indian Recipes, including vegetables, curries, Indian bread( roti) puffed Indian fried bread ( puri) and some delicious Indian snacks and street food at home.

It is going to be approximately 1.30 hrs cooking class where you are going to prepare the food with the house lady and later would be able to eat self cooked recipes.

Have your lunch around 2:30 P.M including some Indian street food snacks including Aloo Tikki and Pani Puri , which are made in home and are totally safe to eat.

Interact to the local family to know how they live, role of women in Indian Society, caste system of India and the arrange marriage system. Later enjoy your evening tea with the family and return back to the hotel by 4:30 PM third night in the same hotel/ home stay in Shimla.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner are included.

Today after breakfast we will drive you to Shimla railway station from where we will board the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka Shimla Mountain Railways the toy- a journey of discovery. Take a short tour of Shimla railway station and board the toy train leaving Shimla at 10: 40 AM to Solan railway station arriving at 1:10 PM

This train travels very slowly through the mountains providing you the views of the spectacular landscape of the foothills of Himalayas with the cool wind of the mountains, the villages where local farmers are working to get the best crops and the seasonable vegetables soon lush green valley embellished with pine and oak trees, the picturesque scenery along the railway line is simply astounding.

On arrival at Solan we will be met by our driver and he will drive us to Kalka from where we will board our evening superfast train back to New Delhi. Enroute stop at Barog for a lunch / tea break and later we continue our drive to Kalka.

In the evening board the Shatabdi Express train leaving Kalka at 5:45 PM to New Delhi arriving at 9:50 PM

On arrival at New Delhi railway station you will be met by our driver and transfer you to the hotel in New Delhi for 1 night.

Meals Plan: Breakfast + Dinner are included.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and as per your flight schedule we will transfer you to the international airport in New Delhi, from where you will board your flight back to home.

Meals Plan: Breakfast is included.

End Of The tour and the services....!

This is the tour itinerary for the Golden Temple Amritsar with Foothills of Himalayas which we run it regularly. It can be altered & customised as we like to discuss plans with clients and can make suggestions about special places to visit depending on our clients’ interests, and available time. You can get an idea of your holidays from the mentioned tour. The itinerary is planned in such a way that while travelling you get a good time to experience India and see the real life of Indian people from much closer.

Whether you choose to be on a privately guided tour to India or set off on a more independent trip, with local guides available wherever required, you can travel reassured, knowing our vast experience and provide you with around-the-clock support to smooth out anything unexpected. The safety and well-being of our guests is paramount.

Pre and Post India Extension Tours:

Golden Triangle Tour of India - Agra and Jaipur

4 Nights/ 5 Days

If you choose the above tour as an extension pre or post tour, it would be only 4 Nights extra in the total number of your Golden Temple Amritsar with foothills of Himalayas Tour Package, making it 15 nights 16 days tour, as per the below details:

Day 12: Drive from New Delhi to Agra and local sightseeing

Day 13: Agra to Jaipur

Day 14: Jaipur Local sightseeing

Day 15: Jaipur to New Delhi

Day 16: Fly back to your country

Our travel expertise will discuss more tour extension options during the time of planning your holidays with us.

  • Escorted private guided tour through off-the-beaten-routes through the countryside’s and villages in the foothills of Himalayas.
  • Sightseeing tour of Delhi the Capital of India., including a cycle rickshaw ride in the local market in old Delhi.
  • Spice Market tour with your guide and get introduced to various Indian Spices.
  • Visit the Golden temple at Amritsar whose walls are gilded with pure gold.
  • Enjoy the Retreat ceremony on India Pakistan border on Indian side.
  • Sightseeing tour of Dharamshala Home of Dalai Lama the head of Buddhist.
  • Stay couple of nights in a village in the foothills of Himalayas with your hosts who are an incredible friendly and hospitable Indian family.
  • Visit primary school, interact with the school children through songs, poems, dance and games.
  • Visit Sikh shrines, Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu temple related to different religions all in one tour.
  • Visit Colonial hill station town of Shimla, the former summer capital of India during the Raj.
  • Ride the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka Shimla Mountain Railways Of India –the toy train.
  • Experience 3 exciting Train Journeys on the Indian Railways.
  • Enjoy the boat Ride on River Beas, in the foothills of Himalayas during your stay at the Exotic Marigold home
  • Indulge in artistic culture of rangoli making, henna designing and photography in local attire.
  • Enjoy the Local safe street food part of your lunches during the tour.
  • Join the cooking classes and prepare, taste and enjoy 6 to 8 different kind famous Indian authentic recipes including the home made safe Street food.
  • Learn the secrets of how to use Indian Spices.
  • Interact with the family and enjoy the information and stories about the Caste system, Indian arrange marriages, and role of women in Indian society.
  • Get a close insight to day to day life of the Indians at their home.
  • Overall Experience Authentic India - AS IT IS.

Arrangements

You will follow the itinerary as a Private tour. Internal travel by road from Amritsar to Dharamshala, Kangra, Shimla, and Kalka is by a private chauffeur-driven SUV Toyota Car/ similar vehicle.

Travel between New Delhi to Amritsar and from Kalka to New Delhi at the end is by the Shatabdi express first class train.

You will also travel with the UNESCO World heritage Kalka Shimla Mountain railways- the toy train from Shimla to Solan.


Accomodation

These destinations like Delhi , Amritsar, Shimla are the most sought-after tourist destinations and a good number of tourists come to explore these beautiful places in North India. On the other hand the Kangra valley with Exotic marigold home where we stay 3 nights with an incredible friendly local family is still hidden by groups of tourist.

These places have plenty of hotels, which are well equipped with all modern amenities and comprises variety of deluxe hotels, budget hotels, guest houses, home stay with local people. Most of these are run by the locals of these areas. One can choose the place of accommodation according to one’s requirement and budget.

You stay in comfortable Neat and Clean local hotels, home stay ( Exotic Marigold Home Stay) all as preferred by you.

Your living arrangements are not going to be 5 star on this tour, but we do believe that we cater to people requiring different levels of comfort, and most importantly where you stay is CLEAN and COMFORTABLE. We would like to discuss and make suggestions about accommodation at the time of planning your holidays with us.

Meals Plan: Room + Breakfast + Dinner + 6 Lunches

Cloths: Cottons with Warm woollens

Tour Cost :

The Cost would be provided on Request

Please Note: The Cost of our each tour is based as per individual requirements, interests and budget of the client. The tour cost depending on the hotel accommodations you choose, food plan, mode of transportation you choose, whether you choose to include Escorted guide throughout the tour or set off on a more independent trip, with local guides available wherever required during the tour. This all we discuss with you while planning your tour and work out the best cost for your tour, accordingly.

We'll work with you until you’re satisfied with every detail of your India Holiday Tour. We'll then manage all your reservations and logistics , so that you’re taken care of from the moment you start your tour until your return back. The safety and well-being of our guests is paramount.


Inclusions

  • All accommodation on twin sharing using hotels and home stay with modern amenities or as per your choice.
  • All transportation, using 1 Air conditioned SUV car including all sightseeing as per the tour details, fuel, toll taxes, parking, state taxes.
  • Meals Including 11 Breakfast ,11 Dinner + 6 lunches during the entire tour.
  • English Speaking Escorted Guide for the entire tour.
  • 2 cooking classes one at the village home stay and second at the Shimla.
  • Shatabdi Express Train tickets in Executive Class ( 1stClass) from New Delhi to Amritsar and from Kalka to New Delhi back at the end of the tour.
  • 1st Class Train Tickets for the UNESCO heritage Kalka Shimla Mountain Railways the toy train.
  • All kind of Entrance tickets to visit monuments, temples, museums etc. wherever required during the entire tour as per the tour itinerary.
  • 1 boat ride on river Beas in the foothills of Himalayas, during the home stay.
  • 1 bottles of mineral water per person, per day.
  • All airport arrival and departures.
  • Assistance on arrival and departure.
  • All kind of hotel taxes and GST.

Exclusions

  • Any kind of lunch during the tour, other than 6 which are included at village home stay and Shimla.
  • Any kind of international flights / visa charges.
  • Any kind of tips to tour escort / local guides/ drivers/hotel staff.
  • Any kind of alcohol drinks ( Beer/ wine etc).
  • Any kind of camera fees.
  • Your travel Insurance.
  • Extra Baggage cost on the Domestic flight in India.
  • Any change in the tour management / additional arrangement due to road blockage / flight cancellations/ flight missed or things beyond our control etc.
  • Any Kind of Personal Expenses or things which are not mentioned in the “Cost Includes”

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