The Golden Temple, Amritsar
(ã Supreet Vaid)

Trip Highlights Include

• Round trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco to India

• 2 Nights Stopover in Singapore

• Golden Temple in Amritsar

• Himalayan Mountain Village of Pragpur

• Dharamsala – home of the Dalai Lama

• Overnight at medieval Taragarh Palace

• Scenic Drive to Manali

• Outdoor Activities in Manali

• Overnight stay at the historic Nalagarh Fort

• Sightseeing & Rickshaw Ride in Delhi

• Sound & Light Show at Delhi’s Red Fort

• Beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra

Day 1: Los Angeles or San Francisco to Singapore
Leave California this afternoon on a Singapore Airlines’ flight across the Pacific Ocean, to Singapore (with an intermediate stop in Asia).

Day 3: Singapore
Arrive in Singapore early this morning and explore this fascinating city during the next couple of days, using a pass allowing unlimited rides on a sightseeing bus that covers most attractions in Singapore, allowing you to visit at you own pace.

Day 4: Amritsar
Late this afternoon transfer from the hotel to the airport for the evening flight to India. Arrive in Amritsar, and check in to the hotel.

Day 5: Amritsar - Pragpur
Amritsar, located in India’s northwestern state of Punjab, is the center of India’s Sikh religion and home to the famous Golden Temple, an exquisite monument which draws from both Hindu and Muslim architectural traditions. Sikh devotees from around the world visit here to pray at their holiest shrine. Later, travel across Punjab in a chauffeur driven car, heading north as the road climbs towards the hills, until reaching Pragpur, a small village located on the foothills of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Day 6: Pragpur
Pragpur is a fascinating village where ancient cobblestone streets lead to elegant 19th century mansions as well as mud plastered, slate roofed houses. You will have enough free time to explore the village on foot and soak in the charming atmosphere of the place or even shop for some traditional silver jewelry and handmade crafts.

Day 7: Pragpur-Dharamsala
Leave Pragpur this morning and head towards Dharamsala, stopping first at Kangra Fort, which traces its history more than a thousand years. Driving through verdant landscapes and colorful villages, there will be ample opportunities to stop for some photography or a short hike. This afternoon, arrive in Dharamsala.

Day 8: Dharamsala
There is something magical about this place which draws everyone from Hollywood celebrities to backpackers - Dharamsala is a picturesque town set amidst forests of pine, with massive snow capped Himalayan peaks in the background. Visit the nearby hamlet of McLeodganj, which is now the home of the Dalai Lama; a stop at the fascinating Tibetan Refugee Center allows better insight into the Tibetan people and their unique Buddhist culture. If the Dalai Lama is in Dharamsala at the time of your visit, it may even be possible to arrange an audience with him.

Day 9: Dharamsala -Taragarh
Today visit Tashi Jong, a famous Buddhist monastery in the area. Flickering oil lamps and spinning prayer wheels create an enchanting atmosphere, along with magnificent views of the scenic Kangra valley below. The monastery also promotes traditional Tibetan arts and crafts like carpet weaving and tankha painting, which sustains many of the Tibetan refugees in the surrounding area. Later check in at the Taragarh Palace Hotel, an intimate 16-room former palace belonging to the Maharaja of Kashmir.

Day 10: Taragarh-Manali
The road from Taragarh to Manali passes Palampur, famous for its tea plantations and galleries specializing in Kangra art. Stop briefly at the ancient Baijnath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva before continuing on to Manali along a very scenic road that hugs the Beas River along much of the way.

Day 11: Manali
Free day to walk and hike in the spectacular hill country around Manali, or perhaps explore some of the many historic Hindu and Buddhist temples in the area. Other options available for the more active include river rafting, paragliding or rock climbing.

Day 12: Manali - Nalagarh
Leave the hills and head towards the plains once again; passing by interesting towns en route such as Kullu, Mandi and Bilaspur, arriving at Nalagarh, famous for its ancient fort. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel, offering modern comforts in an ancient building.

Day 13: Nalagarh - Delhi
After a leisurely start this morning, head towards Delhi arriving in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a performance of the spectacular Sound and Light show at the Red Fort, which enacts the history of the city from ancient times to the present.

Day 14: Delhi – Agra - Delhi
Travel by road to to Agra this morning, for another highlight of the trip, your visit the Taj Mahal! Twenty thousand master craftsmen labored for twenty years to build this magnificent memorial for one man to honor the memory of his wife. The symmetry and grandeur of this exquisite marble monument is awesome and this is a memory you will undoubtedly carry for the rest of your life! Later, drive back to the Delhi after visiting some other historic sites in and around Agra.

Day 15: Delhi – Singapore
This morning, enjoy a brief tour of Old Delhi, riding in a rickshaw just like the locals, through the narrow streets and teeming bazaars. Also visit the grand mosque (Jumma Masjid) of Delhi before continuing to New Delhi, where you will have some free time for shopping etc. Later this evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your overnight flight back home.

Day 16: Singapore – USA
Arrive in Singapore early this morning and after a short transit stop continue back to the US.

Departs every Wednesday

We offer two categories of accommodation: Silver hotels are carefully selected for their excellent value - all  rooms have private facilities and a tea/coffee maker. Gold hotels are better located, offer more spacious rooms with better amenities and a higher standard of service.
 The departure date determines the price applicable. All prices are per person and based on twin-share accommodation.

The tour price does not include airport taxes, meals (other than those indicated), personal expenses and travel / rental car insurance.