Himalayan Foothills & Hidden Hymns
- Days
12 - Tour Code
HFHH11NPE - Tour Type
Private Journey -
Tour Price
From $ 1
Per person using double sharing - Best Time
Oct-Jun -
Meal Plan
11 B | 1 L | 1 D
Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner Unless Specified) -
Destinations
Delhi (2) | Amritsar (2) | Dharamshala (2) | Shimla (2) | Chandigarh (1) | Rishikesh (2)
Tour Overview
Embark on a soulful journey through North India’s sacred landscapes and vibrant cultures with this 12-days Himalayan Foothills & Hidden Hymns tour. Begin in Delhi, where centuries-old monuments, bustling bazaars, and colourful rickshaw rides bring India’s history alive. Travel by train to Amritsar to witness the spiritual magnificence of the Golden Temple and the patriotic fervour of the Wagah Border ceremony, while enjoying authentic Punjabi flavours at Kesar Dhaba. Continue to Dharamshala, the tranquil abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, exploring Tibetan monasteries, temples, and the serene Kangra Valley. Drive to Shimla to wander along its quaint Mall Road, admire colonial architecture, and soak in panoramic Himalayan vistas from Jakhoo Hill. Visit Chandigarh’s modernist landmarks by Le Corbusier before concluding your journey in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, where sacred ashrams, the Beatles’ spiritual legacy, and evening Ganga aarti by Parmarth Niketan offer a deeply rejuvenating finale. This journey weaves together India’s hidden hymns of devotion, art, culture, and mountain serenity in one seamless, unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Discover Old Delhi’s bustling markets and Jama Masjid, then explore New Delhi’s grand monuments. Experience the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of India’s capital.
Enjoy a scenic train ride from Delhi to Amritsar.
Visit the breathtaking Golden Temple in Amritsar and savour authentic Punjabi cuisine.
Explore the serene Tibetan town of Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama.
Stroll along Shimla’s quaint Mall Road with its colonial-era charm and Himalayan views.
Discover Chandigarh’s modernist architecture designed by Le Corbusier.
Discover Le Corbusier’s modernist masterpieces and the colourful Rose Garden.
Rishikesh – Visit the Beatles Ashram and witness the soulful Ganga aarti on the riverbanks.
Day-by-day
Day 1
Welcome to Delhi
On arrival at DELHI Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3), following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, as you exit the arrival terminal building, you will be welcomed by India Tours & Travels executive holding a placard in your name to greet you. After that, you will be assisted with a transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Delhi, India’s capital territory, is also known for its people with happy hearts and dynamic nature. A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together and stands as one of the fastest developing cities in the world. The thriving cosmopolitan metro has a long history of empire successions from Delhi Sultanate to Mughals to British and still is the political capital of the nation.
Overnight stay in Delhi (city centre).
Hotel Florence or similar (3*), Jaypee Siddhartha or similar (4*), Vasant Continental or similar (5*)
Meals: (No meals included)
Day 2
Explore the sites of Old & New Delhi
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour at Old & New Delhi. Begin with Old Delhi which still has the influence of the Mughals with monuments, mosques, and forts all through the complicated streets. Take a drive past Red Fort and reach Jama Masjid, the country’s largest mosque with fine architectural extravagance. From here, we will take through the small lanes of the Chandni Chowk market by cycle rickshaws which have there been for more than three centuries. This ride will be most captivating as you get a first hand view of the merchants, the little food and artefact stalls and the swarming population, busy in their daily activities. End your old Delhi sightseeing with a stop at the world-famous 200-year-old Attar shop (Closed on Sunday). For people who are not aware of what Attar is; it is a non-alcoholic perfume, directly squeezed from herbs, fruits, flowers and spices. One can choose Rose, Sandal, Musk, Amber, Lavender, Lotus and lots of other fragrances. In the afternoon, continue with New Delhi sightseeing starting with a drive past the official buildings of New Delhi like the War Memorial Arch (India Gate), Parliament House, the official residence of the President of India and the Prime Minister’s house. Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Qutub Minar, with five storeys and projecting balconies, the 73-meter-high tower is one of the most important landmarks of Delhi and a world heritage site.
Overnight stay in Delhi (city centre).
Florence Inn or similar (3*), Jaypee Siddhartha or similar (4*) and Vasant Continental or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 3
Train to Amritsar
By Train: Departure Delhi at 0720 hrs. / Arrival Amritsar at 1330 hrs. or similar.
This morning, board a scenic train from Delhi to Amritsar, travelling through the fertile plains of Punjab dotted with mustard fields and traditional villages. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and refresh. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Punjabi dinner at the legendary Kesar Da Dhaba, renowned since 1916 for its traditional dishes like dal makhani, lachha paratha, and rich Punjabi desserts. Return to your hotel after this flavourful introduction to Amritsar, ready to explore more of Punjab’s vibrant culture the next day.
Overnight stay in Amritsar
Ritz Plaza or similar (3*), Holiday Inn Amritsar or similar (4*) and Le Méridien or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant while dinner will be in a local restaurant)
Day 4
Amritsar & nearby
Early this morning, set out for an enriching excursion to Farmers Villa, nestled amidst the lush agricultural fields on the outskirts of Amritsar. On arrival, be welcomed with traditional Punjabi hospitality before exploring the expansive farmlands. Observe daily rural life as farmers tend to their crops, milk buffaloes, and demonstrate organic farming methods passed down through generations. Engage in hands-on experiences such as ploughing with bullocks or learning about crop cycles, irrigation techniques, and seasonal harvests, gaining deep insight into Punjab’s agrarian culture. Later, enjoy a delicious home-cooked Punjabi lunch prepared with fresh farm produce, featuring dishes like sarson da saag, makki di roti, homemade butter, and refreshing lassi, offering an authentic taste of village cuisine. Return to Amritsar in the afternoon and visit the magnificent Golden Temple, shimmering with golden domes and marble walkways set around its sacred Amrit Sarovar Lake. Walk through its peaceful corridors, listen to soulful kirtans (devotional hymns) resonating through the complex, and observe devotees offering prayers or volunteering in the world’s largest community kitchen (langar), reflecting the Sikh principles of equality and service. Return to your hotel after a spiritually uplifting and culturally rich day.
Overnight stay in Amritsar.
Ritz Plaza or similar (3*), Holiday Inn Amritsar or similar (4*) and Le Méridien or similar (5*)
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant while lunch will be during the excursion
Day 5
Travel to Dharamshala
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive towards Dharamshala (Approx. 05 to 06 hrs. drive), a serene hill station nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Travel through picturesque landscapes of Punjab’s fertile plains gradually giving way to the forested hills and tea gardens of Himachal Pradesh. En route, stop at Kangra Art Museum in Kangra town, which houses a remarkable collection of traditional miniature paintings from the famous Kangra school, ancient sculptures, temple carvings, pottery, and tribal artefacts reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. Spend time admiring the intricate artworks and understanding the artistic legacy of the Kangra Valley. After your visit, continue driving through winding mountain roads lined with pine and cedar trees until you arrive in Dharamshala, the seat of Tibetan Buddhism in India and home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure, soaking in the crisp mountain air and serene surroundings of this peaceful hill town.
Overnight stay in Dharamshala.
Hotel Woodville Inn or similar (3*), Amritara Surya or similar (4*), Hyatt Regency or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 6
Dharamshala sightseeing
Today, set out to explore the spiritual and cultural treasures of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Begin your day at the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the official residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which includes the peaceful Namgyal Monastery, Tibet Museum, and various prayer halls adorned with colourful thangkas and statues. Feel the deep spiritual energy as you watch monks chanting or locals circumambulating the temple with prayer wheels. Continue to the nearby Kalachakra Temple, beautifully decorated with murals depicting the Kalachakra teachings and intricate mandalas, offering insight into Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and art. Next, visit the ancient Bhagsunag Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near a refreshing waterfall and surrounded by scenic hills – an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and locals. Later, drive to the Gyuto Tantric Monastery, renowned for its practice of tantric meditation and its golden-roofed temple housing a majestic statue of Buddha. Enjoy the serene environment of the monastery set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, observing monks engaged in prayers and rituals. Return to your hotel in the evening after a spiritually enriching day discovering the unique blend of Tibetan and Indian culture that defines Dharamshala.
Overnight stay in Dharamshala.
Hotel Woodville Inn or similar (3*), Amritara Surya or similar (4*), Hyatt Regency or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 7
Drive to Shimla
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your picturesque drive towards Shimla (Approx. 05 to 06 hrs. drive), the charming former summer capital of British India. Travel through winding mountain roads, passing quaint hill towns, terraced fields, pine forests, and scenic valleys dotted with tea gardens and fruit orchards. Enjoy occasional glimpses of snow- capped Himalayan peaks as you approach Shimla, nestled along the ridges of the lower Himalayas at an altitude of 2,200 metres. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax and unwind, soaking in the crisp mountain air and colonial-era ambience, or take a gentle stroll around your hotel to savour the serene surroundings of this iconic hill station.
Overnight stay in Shimla.
Cedar Grand or similar (3*), The Zion or similar – (4*), The Oberoi Cecil or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 8
Sightseeing of Shimla
Today, enjoy a full day exploring the colonial charm and natural beauty of Shimla. Begin your morning with a leisurely walk along the famous Mall Road, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and historic buildings, absorbing the town’s old-world ambience. Stop at Scandal Point, a popular meeting place offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Continue to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, housed in the grand Viceregal Lodge, an architectural masterpiece from the British era with lush gardens and stories of pre-independence history. Later, embark on a walk uphill to Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point, to visit the towering Hanuman Temple, home to a massive statue of Lord Hanuman and offering breathtaking views of the valley and distant snow-clad peaks. Stroll through the Lakkar Bazaar, famous for its wooden handicrafts, walking sticks, and local souvenirs. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, exploring Mall Road at your own pace, perhaps sipping hot chai at a heritage cafe or simply soaking in the crisp mountain air and lively evening atmosphere before returning to your hotel for the night.
Overnight stay in Shimla.
Cedar Grand or similar (3*), The Zion or similar – (4*), The Oberoi Cecil or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 9
Travel to Chandigarh and sightseeing
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive down from the Himalayan hills towards Chandigarh (Approx. 03 to 3.5 hrs. drive), India’s first planned city designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier. Arrive and begin your sightseeing with a visit to the impressive Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring remarkable architectural landmarks such as the Secretariat, High Court, and the Open Hand Monument, symbolising peace and reconciliation. Continue to the Le Corbusier Centre, a museum dedicated to the life, vision, and works of Le Corbusier, showcasing fascinating photographs, sketches, and models that narrate the creation of Chandigarh. Later, explore the famous Rock Garden, a unique artistic marvel created by Nek Chand using industrial and urban waste materials. Walk through its imaginative sculptures, waterfalls, and labyrinthine pathways, admiring the creativity that transformed discarded items into an enchanting fantasy world. Check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, reflecting on the city’s distinctive blend of modernist design and artistic innovation.
Overnight stay in Chandigarh.
The Fern Residency or similar (3*), Country Inn & Suites or similar (4*), The Lalit or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 10
Chandigarh to Rishikesh
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your drive towards Rishikesh (Approx. 05 to 06 hrs. drive), a serene town nestled on the banks of the sacred River Ganges at the foothills of the Himalayas. Travel through changing landscapes, from the organised urban grids of Chandigarh to the forested hills and river valleys of Uttarakhand. Arrive in Rishikesh by afternoon and check in at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing amidst the peaceful surroundings of this spiritual town, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’ You may choose to unwind at your hotel, take a gentle walk along the Ganges ghats, or enjoy the tranquil river views as the sun sets behind the hills, preparing for your explorations the following day.
Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
Holywater or similar (3*), Divine Resort & Spa or similar (4*), Raga on the Ganges or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 11
Ashrams of Rishikesh followed by evening prayer
Today, immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural essence of Rishikesh. Begin your day with a visit to the famous Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), where the legendary band stayed in 1968, composing numerous songs while learning Transcendental Meditation. Walk through the ashram’s abandoned meditation huts adorned with vibrant graffiti art and murals depicting the Beatles and spiritual themes, offering a unique blend of music history and mysticism. Continue to explore the Swarg Ashram area, one of the oldest ashram clusters in Rishikesh, bustling with temples, yoga centres, cafes, and colourful shops selling prayer beads, spiritual books, and handicrafts. Feel the calm energy as you watch pilgrims and sadhus along the ghats, soaking in the timeless riverfront atmosphere. In the evening, experience the soulful Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, where priests perform ritual prayers with chanting, drumming, and the lighting of oil lamps that illuminate the riverbanks, creating a mesmerising and deeply spiritual spectacle. Return to your hotel after this enriching day, carrying the serene vibrations of Rishikesh within you.
Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
Holywater or similar (3*), Divine Resort & Spa or similar (4*), Raga on the Ganges or similar (5*)
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
Day 12
Rishikesh to Delhi International Airport
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and bid farewell to the peaceful town of Rishikesh. Begin your drive back towards Delhi International Airport, travelling through the scenic foothills and fertile plains of northern India. Arrive at the airport in time for your onward international flight, carrying with you the cherished memories of sacred riverside aartis, Himalayan panoramas, vibrant cultures, and the hidden hymns of India’s Himalayan foothills that have touched your soul throughout this unforgettable journey.
No Accommodation on this day.
Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)
What’s Included
11 nights hotel accommodation.
13 Meals as specified – 11 Breakfasts, 01 Lunch & 01 Dinner.
Sightseeing with an English-speaking local guide in Delhi, Amritsar, Dharamshala, Shimla, Chandigarh, and Rishikesh.
Air-conditioned chauffeur-driven private vehicle as per the strength.
Availability of Mineral water bottles, disposable face masks, hand sanitisers, and wet wipes in the vehicle throughout the tour.
Return airport transfers with meet and assist.
All Monument entrances and rides as per the itinerary.
Train ticket from Delhi to Amritsar in AC chair car.
What’s not Included
Any International flights.
Visa fees, Travel Insurance, any medical tests, and quarantine (if needed).
Except 13 Meals as specified – 11 Breakfasts, 01 Lunch & 01 Dinner.
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages not stated in the itinerary.
Any optional tours, pre- or post-occupancy, early check-in, and late check-out.
Any additional transfers.
Personal Expenses, any sort of tips/gratuities.
Anything which is mentioned not mentioned in the “What’s Included section.”
Book & Travel With Confidence
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Flexible Booking Options
You're free to make changes to your travel plans at no additional cost up to 45 days before your tour’s departure.
Payment Flexibility
Secure your tour by making an initial payment of only 20% at the time of booking, with the remaining 80% of the balance due 45 days before departure.