Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Northern India by Rail" (AHNR), but here are some similar trips.
Northern India by Rail
9 days, Delhi to Delhi
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 21, 2019 or March 10, 2020 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Delhi
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer
Transfer by a G Adventures-supported project, Women With Wheels. This program provides safe and reliable transport for travellers, while providing a dignified livelihood for local women who once lacked financial opportunities.
Day 2Delhi/Amritsar
Take the morning Shatabdi Express to Amritsar and enjoy breakfast on board. In the afternoon, drive to the India-Pakistan border and witness the border ceremony performed by both nations border guards. Later in the evening visit the grounds surrounding the Golden Temple and take an orientation walk of Amritsar.
Amritsar which literally translates as "his pool of nectar", is a flourishing city and religious centre in the state of Punjab. Important from a religious point of view to the Sikh religion, with many pilgrims coming to have a divine bath in the pool of nectar at the Golden Temple. Also an important political city where in 1947 the separation of India and Pakistan created a long white line known as the Wagah Border between the two neighbours.
Train
Train cars offer rows of 3 and 3 reclining seats for the evening ride.
Wagah Border Ceremony
Every evening, hundreds of people gather to watch the famous parade and the ceremonial lowering of their national flags by the Indian and Pakistani armies at sunset. Witness this event in the stands and cheer on as the two countries showcase their cooperation.
Golden Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this gorgeous temple, the most sacred shrine in the Sikh religion. Sitting in the center of a sacred lake, and accessible by a marble causeway, it is absolutely stunning. Watch the nightly ritual of moving the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) from the temple to the neighboring Akal Takht building in a gold palki (palanquin) preceded by the spectacular fanfare of religious leaders blowing long horns or beating drums. As the procession moves, people chanting wait for their chance to shoulder the sacred palki.
The Golden Temple kitchen serves a free meal called a "langar" to more than 40,000 visitors daily, and no matter how old or young, whether rich or poor, everyone eats together while sitting on the floor.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Amritsar/Dharamshala
In the morning visit and explore the Golden Temple and learn about the community service principles of the Sikh Religion. Later, embark on a scenic drive to Dharamshala and take an orientation walk in the evening.
Travel along Himalayan mountain roads to the famous seat of the home of the Dalai Lama. "Dharamshala" translates to "a spiritual dwelling" or loosely, shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travellers. It is a beautiful former British hill station situated in the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Dhauladar ranges. The city is divided into lower and upper Dharamshala according to the altitude. A popular pilgrimage site, the town is filled with temples, markets, galleries and gathering places.
Golden Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this gorgeous temple, the most sacred shrine in the Sikh religion. Sitting in the center of a sacred lake, and accessible by a marble causeway, it is absolutely stunning. Watch the nightly ritual of moving the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) from the temple to the neighboring Akal Takht building in a gold palki (palanquin) preceded by the spectacular fanfare of religious leaders blowing long horns or beating drums. As the procession moves, people chanting wait for their chance to shoulder the sacred palki.
The Golden Temple kitchen serves a free meal called a "langar" to more than 40,000 visitors daily, and no matter how old or young, whether rich or poor, everyone eats together while sitting on the floor.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 4Dharamshala
Enjoy free time to explore Dharamsala. Visit the Main Temple and current residence of Dalai Lama or take a tour of the Norbulingka institute dedicated to preserving the Tibetan culture. Feeling more adventurous? Choose to embark on a short hike to Bhagsunag.
There are lots of ways to spend free time in this charming place. Visit the Kangra Art Museum in the Kotwali bazaar, or take in a performance of the Tibetan folk opera 'Lhamo' at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.
Opt to visit Norbulingka. Set amidst beautiful gardens, surrounded by the green fields of the Kangra Valley, the Norbulingka Institute stands against a backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar mountains of the outer Himalayan range.
Free Time
Get out and explore this charming place. Visit a museum, bargain in a bazaar, or learn more about Tibetan culture.
Dalai Lama Temple
The Dalai Lama Temple Complex (also known as Tsuglakhang Temple) is a beautiful and peaceful place located in Upper Dharamshala. Decorated with the colourful prayer flags, prayer wheels and art works, it's perfect for long serene walks, reflection or meditation with chanting monks.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Bhagsunath Temple Excursion
Hike to Bhagsunag temple, a sacred place for Hindus and the Gorkha
community where worshippers pray to Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. There are two pools in the temple complex that are believed to have healing properties. This ancient Shiva Temple is
connected to a mythological legend and is believed to have been built by King Bhagsu.
Kangra Art Museum Visit
This hidden gem of a museum in Kotwali bazaar boasts a collection of artifacts dating back to 5th century, which display the rich past of the Kangra Valley. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings, sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts Show
Take in a performance of "Lhamo," a colourful and unique folk opera from Tibet, at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. It's well worth it.
Norbulingka Institute Visit
Explore a treasure trove of Tibetan culture in exile at the Norbulingka Institute. Many books, precious statues, and monasteries in Tibet were destroyed following the Chinese invasion in 1950, making the Norbulingka Institute one of the best places to learn about Tibetan culture and art anywhere in the world.
Day 5Dharamshala/Māndi
Explore the town of Mandi. Walk around Rewalsar Lake, a sacred spot for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Renowned for its ancient stone temples with fine carvings, Mandi is also known as the "Varanasi of the Hills".
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Rewalsar Lake Orientation Walk
Take a CEO-led walk around Rewalsar Lake, a sacred spot for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
Day 6Mandi/Shimla
Embark onto the next destination, Shimla, the capital of Himachal province. This was once the British summer capital during the Raj Era. View the colonial era architecture still prominent throughout this city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7Shimla
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk on The Ridge and The Mall (local hangouts) and explore this summer capital of British India. Opt to visit the Viceregal Lodge or admire the neo-Gothic or Tudorbethan architecture of the heritage buildings.
The Ridge and The Mall Orientation Walk
Every orientation walk will take a slightly different route to allow our CEOs to show off their favourite spots in this cool, comfortable, and charming town. Visit the Ridge and the Mall neighbourhoods and learn about everyday life in Shimla.
Free Time
Explore more of Shimla with some free time.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas) Visit
50INR per personEnjoy a visit to this former residence of the British Viceroy of India and learn about the reign of the British Raj in India. The Viceregal Lodge houses a collection of articles and photographs dating back to the time of British rule.
Day 8Shimla/Delhi
Take the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla to Kalka. Switch to the Shatabdi Express for the rest of the journey back to Delhi, with dinner included on board.
Take the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla to Kalka. Over the course of 3 hrs, the train winds through tunnels as you head out of the mountains of Shimla.
Toy Train
Climb aboard and grab a seat aboard this charming narrow-gauge train.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 9Delhi
Depart at any time.
With extra time, you can book our 'Agra Extension,' including accommodation, transport, and a guided visit to India's most famous sight, the Taj Mahal.