A Solo Holiday in the Himalayan Foothills
A trip designed for solo travellers wanting to unpack India’s foothills. Included is fascinating Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, and visits Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, where the Dali Lama is resident. Travel on the narrow-gauge railway at Shimla and discover the heritage village of Pragpur on this interesting and varied itinerary.
The first stop on your north India exploration is Amritsar. The Golden Temple ranks among India’s most impressive sights and is of huge significance to the Sikh faith. It is hard to not feel moved by the Golden Temple, one of the most striking buildings on this vast subcontinent. The nightly ‘putting to bed’ ceremony is fascinating, as is the daily border ceremony at Wagah. Indian and Pakistani border guards face-off at the end of each day with the home support for each side cheering wildly and waving flags.
Next, head to Dharamshala, and neighbouring McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama. Experience the Dalai Lama temple, Tibetan Monastery, Norbulingka Institute and Kalachakra temple. Explore then the heritage village of Pragpur. Walk the cobblestone streets, admiring original architecture complete with mud-plaster walls and local slate roofs. Shimla follows. Once a British hill station it is now a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, and it is visited each year by railway enthusiasts keen to ride the Himalayan Queen which runs on narrow gauge tracks. Visit the Gaiety Theatre and other British buildings with your guide before traveling back to Delhi by scenic railway, part of the journey on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toy Train.
Day by Day summary
- Starts - Catch your overnight flight from JFK to Indira Gandhi International Airport
- 1 night - JW Marriott Aerocity, Delhi and the North, India
- 2 nights - Ranjit’s Svaasa, Delhi and the North, India
- 2 nights - Chonor House, Himalaya, India
- 2 nights - Judge's Court, Himalaya, India
- 3 nights - Oberoi Cecil, Himalaya, India
- 1 night - JW Marriott Aerocity, Delhi and the North, India
- Ends - Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your international flight home
At a glance
- India
- 11 Nights
- City
- Scenic
Tailormade itineraries
Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Guide Price
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Day-by-Day
Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.
Includes
- International flights as indicated
- Meals and accommodation as specified
- Road transfers as specified
- Private guiding & chauffeuring
- Train journeys as indicated
- All entrance fees and excursions as specified
- Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
- Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
- Community projects contribution with Uthando
Excludes
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks
- Optional activities/ experiences
ACTIVITIES
This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.
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Cultural Experience
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City Sights
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Wellness/Spa
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Museum
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Train Journeys
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Markets
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Temples
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Forts and Palaces
TRIPS TO INSPIRE
From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.
- Bespoke itineraries
- Flights and transfers included
- Best rates guaranteed