India is a huge country with immense cultural, religious, linguistic and geographic diversity, particularly in the north. To cover its complex history, manifested in profusion of religions and landscapes, our tour covers the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir before moving to Jaipur and Agra.
We start our tour by visiting Chandigarh, the first planned city of India and the Golden Temple of Sikhs at Amritsar in the state of Punjab. From there we proceed to Pragpur, a Heritage Village in the serene Himachal and thereafter to Dharamsala, revered seat of H.H. Dalai Lama, and finally to Manali, a summer resort famous particularly for its apples and pears. From Manali, passing through some small towns, we cross high mountain passes, Rohtang La (3980m), Baralacha La (4890m) and Tanglang La (5330m) to reach Leh, a picturesque desert land famous for some mountain ranges and high altitude lakes and rivers. Spending a couple of days at Leh gives us not only enough time to acclimatize but also an opportunity to discover the town of ancient palaces and monasteries. We also go for the white water river rafting in Zanskar not only to enjoy the beautiful scenery and natural surroundings but to experience the thrill it offers.
In the second phase, our journey from this cool mountainous region continues south to hot Jaipur, the colorful city and capital of Rajasthan, and finally to Agra in Uttar Pradesh where our tour culminates in our visit to the beautiful and exquisite Taj Mahal.
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After traditional 'Swagat' (welcome), transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to explore the metropolis. Overnight Hotel
Delhi – Chandigarh (250 kms/05 hrs.). After breakfast drive to Chandigarh and transfer to hotel. In the sightseeing programme in the afternoon visit Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake, the highlights of the city. Overnight Hotel
Chandigarh – Amritsar (250 kms/05 hrs.). In the morning drive to Amritsar, the highest seat of Sikhism in the world, and check into hotel. In the evening visit Golden Temple for the spectacular evening ceremony. Overnight Hotel
Amritsar Sight-seeing. In the sightseeing programme visit The Golden Temple once again, Jalianwallah Bagh and Durgiana Mandir before lunch. In the afternoon witness ‘Flag Down’ ceremony at Wagah Border. Overnight Hotel
Amritsar – Pragpur (180 kms/4-5 hrs.). After breakfast this morning drive to Pragpur, a heritage village in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh. In the afternoon a walking tour of the village is scheduled. Overnight Hotel
Pragpur – Dharamsala (70 kms/2-3 hrs). In the morning drive to McLeod Gang in Dharamsala. On the way visit Pong Dam Wetland Wild Bird Sanctuary and Masroor temple. Upon arrival in Dharamsala check-in to the hotel. Evening is free. Overnight Hotel
Dharamsala Sight-seeing. Today explore McLeod Ganj; visit Buddhist monasteries and the Parliament. Wander through the wonderful bazaar with its strong Tibetan influence. In the evening return to hotel. Overnight Hotel
Dharamsala – Manali (240 kms/8-9 hrs.). Today there is a long drive to Manali, a famous tourist resort. Upon arrival late evening check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to wander in the local market. Overnight Hotel
Manali Sight-seeing. In the sightseeing programme today visit Temple of Sage Manu and Goddess Hadimba. In the evening wander through Mall Road bazaar and visit the Buddhist Monastery. Overnight Hotel
Manali – Sarchu over Rohtang & Baralacha Passes (220kms/9-10hrs). In the long drive today to Sarchu, pass over Rohtang and Baralacha La passes. Since it is a full day drive no programme is slated for the evening. Overnight in Camp. Overnight Camp
Sarchu – Leh over Tanglang la Pass (240 kms /11-12 hrs.). Today is another day of long drive to Leh. Though long yet the drive is interesting and fascinating as we drive through one of the longest plateaus in the world and over the highest pass on this route. Arrive late in the evening and check in. Overnight Hotel
Sight-seeing of Spituk Monastery & Leh Palace. In the local sightseeing programme of Leh visit Leh Palace and Spituk Monastery to get some insight into the Buddhist way of life. Overnight Hotel
Leh – Thiksey – Hemis – Matho – Leh. Further sightseeing programme today includes visits to Thiksey, Hemis (a UNESCO World Site) and Matho monasteries to get deeper insight into Buddhism and its followers. Overnight Hotel
Sight-seeing of Likir & Alchi Monasteries. Today we drive longer to visit Likir and Alchi monasteries and drive back to Leh in the afternoon. Evening is free to wander through the Leh bazaar that sells interesting souvenirs. Overnight Hotel
Excursion to Zanskar River for Rafting. In the morning today drive out to Zanskar for white water river rafting on the river Indus. Later, drive back to Leh for a relaxed afternoon in the hotel. Overnight Hotel
Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh (350 kms/full day). Today is the day for excursion to Pangong lake in Ladakh. It is a full day’s programme and one expects to be back in Leh only in the evening. Overnight Hotel
Leh – Delhi (By Flight) – Jaipur (260 kms/5-6 hrs). Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi drive straight to Jaipur. Upon arrival check-in to hotel. Evening explore bazaars of Jaipur. Overnight Hotel
Sight-seeing of Jaipur. In the local sightseeing programme of Jaipur first drive to Amer to visit the grand Amber Fort. In the afternoon visit Jantar Mantar (the 18th century observatory) and Hawa Mahal (the palace of winds). Overnight Hotel
Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra (240 kms/5-6 hrs.). In the morning drive to Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, a palace built by Mohd. Akbar, the third Mughal King. Arrive in Agra in the afternoon and check in. In the late afternoon visit Agra Fort. Overnight Hotel
Agra – Delhi (220 kms/4-5 hrs.). Today early in the morning visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. Return to hotel for breakfast. Check out and drive to Delhi. Spend a free evening in Delhi. Overnight Hotel
Sight-seeing of Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid; walk or take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk to Red Fort. Visit Raj Ghat and drive past the President's House. Visit Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb. Overnight Hotel
Tour Concludes. The tour concludes today with transfer to the Delhi airport for flights to respective destinations.
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
Suitable for families with young children
Highest Point (Max altitude)
Fitness Grade
Fairly easy 5-6 hours of activity per day. May include some uphill sections, reasonable fitness recommended.
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Enjoy complete flexibility in planning and booking your tours with Active India for a truly personalised India holiday that fits your budget and requirements.
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