Mountains & Mystics of India





Discover the spiritual significance of Northern India among the mighty Himalayas
Journey from the hub of Delhi into the foothills of the Himalayas and discover India’s slower side with this 12-day adventure. With a focus on spirit, mind and body, you’ll spend time unwinding on nature hikes or deep breathing through a yoga class. This region is known for its spirituality and history and you’ll have a handy local leader by your side to teach you about the local culture along the way. Learn about the Buddhist and Sikh faiths alongside the sites of historic importance with visits to Dharmasala, Amritsar’s Golden Temple and Rishikesh. Ride on a UNESCO-listed toy train, explore the home of the Dalai Lama and watch the flag ceremony at Pakistan’s border.
4.8
146 reviewsStart: Delhi, India
End: Delhi, India
- Duration
- 13 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
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- Explorer
- Physical rating
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Why you'll love this trip
- See the Himalayas from a new angle on a scenic ride on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘toy train,’ enjoying the cool mountain air and impressive views.
- Explore the home of the Dalai Lama – Dharmasala. This highland haven is the ideal place for an enlightening experience of Tibetan spirituality, culture and history.
- Observe a unique ‘performance’ of the flag ceremony at India and Pakistan's Wagah border – a daily practice conducted since 1959, drawing crowds for its unconventional ritual.
- Learn about Sikhism on an included visit to one of its most sacred monuments – the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Unwind in the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ – Rishikesh. Walk along the holy Ganges and explore the famous mural-lined walls of the Chaurasi Kutia ashram.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, India’s capital city known for its Mughal-era architecture and street food scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll get to know your leader and fellow trip members. If you arrive early, why not stop by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb or the iconic 12th-century Qutub Minar. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out with your group to get to know each other (and the delicious local cuisine).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, your leader will take the group for a guided walking tour around Old Delhi. Climb aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw and be driven through Delhi’s lively streets. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Depart Delhi and hop aboard a train journeying across the state of Punjab to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you’ll travel by private vehicle to Shimla – the state’s capital, situated in the lower foothills of the Himalayas. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to explore the town's quiet charm on an orientation walk with your leader. After, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore at your own pace.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Shimla - Leader-led walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Wake up early for a 30-minute scenic ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 'toy train' – for views of the Himalayas and local villages. After, you might like to head out and shop along Mall Road, visit the Jakhu Temple or shop for specialty wooden crafts at Lakkar Bazaar. Later, you’ll visit the Viceregal Lodge. This is a historic location where the partition agreement that separated India from Pakistan and Bangladesh was drawn up. Set among rolling hills, Shimla offers gentle to challenging walking trails for those wanting to stretch their legs. In the evening, film fans might like to visit the cinema to watch a Bollywood blockbuster.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
- Shimla - Cinema - INR100
- Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
- Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free
Travel by private transfer to the small town of Mandi. Situated on the Beas River and once part of the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is a town of both historic and religious significance. Your leader will take you on a guided walk where you will explore the town and its huge sunken shopping centre – the only one like it in India. Later, you might like to spend time at the bathing ghats along the river or hike to hilltop temples. In the evening, sit down to dinner with your group and stay in the restored former palace of the Raja of Mandi.
- Heritage Property (1 night)
- Dinner
- Mandi - Leader-led walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Today, journey through the mountains by private vehicle along bumpy, winding roads to Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj. A mountain town with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, you’ll find robed monks strolling between monasteries and prayer flags hung from above. When you arrive, maybe wander the streets and see for yourself. Dharamsala is also known as the home to the Dalai Lama and where the Tibetan government resides in exile. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the town at your own pace, walking through the streets framed by the Himalayas.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
In Dharmsala, our vehicle can't get all the way to the hotel, so some walking (approximately 500 m) with your luggage will be required.
Today, visit the fascinating Norbulingka Institute, developed to train Tibetan refugees in skills needed to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet. Its grounds feature an intricate temple and several workshops where you can see woodcarving, painting and needlework in action. Then, make your way to the Tsuglag Khang complex to see the Dalai Lama’s temple. You may also like to visit the Losel Doll Museum to learn about the daily lives and customs of Tibetan people.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
- Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple
- Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum - INR50
Today, travel down the mountains to Amritsar, situated in the heart of the fertile plain known as India's ‘breadbasket.’ Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab and the centre of Sikhism in India. With your group, wander through the rambling streets and bazaars of the Old City on foot before you explore the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), which sits in the middle of a sacred lake. Soak up the soothing sounds of the devout chanting verses from the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Amritsar - Golden Temple
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Journey to the Jallianwala Bagh this morning – the site of the tragic 1919 massacre that played a vital role in India's independence. Then, head out to the India–Pakistan border to watch the daily flag ceremony that has been followed since 1959. This famous military practice garners crowds every day who come to watch as the security forces of India and Pakistan engage in an elaborate ceremony of bowing, chanting, marching and high kicks. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar.
- Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
- Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 10 hours.
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned. Beds are padded berths with sheets, a pillow and a blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender.
Disembark in Haridwar this morning, then drive to Rishikesh and check in to your hotel. Later today, you have the chance to go on an orientation walk with your leader to see the mural-lined walls of Chaurasi Kutia – the ashram made internationally famous when the Beatles visited in the 1960s. In the evening, take a stroll along the holy Ganges River, where you’ll hear the ringing of the temple bells and watch as the nightly fire rituals of Ganga Aarti begin.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
- Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'
- Rishikesh - Yoga Class - INR600
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Please note that being sacred, Rishikesh is a dry town and alcohol is prohibited.
You have a free morning to enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere of Rishikesh. Maybe take a walk along the Ganges River or relax and unwind in a yoga class – Rishikesh is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' For something more adventurous, there’s also the option to white-water raft down the Ganges! In the afternoon, reunite with your group for a walk through the nearby jungle.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500
Bid farewell to Rishikesh and take the train back to Delhi. This is a long journey, so get stuck into a good book or reminisce on your incredible adventure with your fellow travellers. The train arrives back in Delhi at around 11 pm and you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your final night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
There are no activities planned for your last day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days, and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. If you do extend your stay, maybe check out the great range of Urban Adventures – like the Hidden Gems of Delhi tour.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
Head to urbanadventures.com/destination/delhi-tours for more information.
Inclusions and activities
1 breakfast, 3 dinners
Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Train, Heritage Train, Metro, Cycle rickshaw, Taxi
Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Heritage Hotel (1 night)
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Shimla - Leader-led walking tour
- Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
- Mandi - Leader-led walking tour
- Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
- Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple
- Amritsar - Golden Temple
- Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
- Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony
- Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
- Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
- Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
- Shimla - Cinema - INR100
- Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
- Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free
- Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum - INR50
- Rishikesh - Yoga Class - INR600
- Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
This trip generates 56 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- This trip involves some long train rides, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential Indian experience. Your overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar takes approximately 10 hours. Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender. Long-distance and overnight trains can often be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog between December and February. Read more about what to expect on an overnight train https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/
- Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visit several temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it's hot.
- This trip travels into the Himalayas, where temperatures can get very low. We don't run the trip in winter, but ensure that you're well prepared for cold weather at any time of the year (particularly from November to March). The sun can also be strong at higher altitudes, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen and any other sun protection.
- We'll be taking a private vehicle between Mandi and Dharmsala. The road through the mountains is rough and bumpy, but the scenery will (hopefully) distract you from any discomfort.
- As Rishikesh is a sacred town, no alcohol consumption is permitted during our time here.
- We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.
ACCOMMODATION:
Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
SHOWERS:
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
ROOM ISSUES:
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA:
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned (fan-cooled at times), a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Depending on the route, we travel 2AC or 3AC class as not all classes are available on all routes. Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes.
Second Class or 2 Tier AC (2AC) carriages have 4 berths in the compartment section and 2 berths in the aisle bay and individual reading lights. Third Class or 3 Tier AC (3AC) has 6 berths in the compartment and 2 in the aisle bay. There are a limited amount of sinks and charging points in these classes. During the day, bunks are folded away and serve as seats. Toilet facilities are located at either end of the carriage. There is usually an Indian style squat toilet at one end and a western-style toilet at the other. You will need your own toilet paper or tissues and cleanliness will depend on the number of people using them.
Beds are padded bunks, with sheets, pillow and blanket provided. Some people prefer to bring and use their own sleeping sheet. Your luggage travels with you on the train, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.
Many trains have a dining carriage or a food/snack cart that is brought through the carriages. There are also plenty of vendors selling tea, coffee, water and snacks during the journey, although the hygiene may not be up to standards you are used to at home.
Please note you may be sharing with other members of your group or locals on a mixed gender basis. Tickets are booked on a real-name basis using your passport details. We book for all members of the group at the same time, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee that we will be accommodated all together on the train. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to allow people who booked together to travel together, but please be aware that this is not always possible. We may at times ask male travellers to swap with solo female travellers for safety considerations.
Almondz Hotel
4/3, Block-4, Near Metro Pillar No- 171 East Patel Nagar
Delhi
110008
INDIA
Phone: +91 9311219000
Instructions
Delhi's Indira Gandhi's International Airport is approximately 15km from Karol Bagh Delhi. One of the biggest airports in the world, it can be quite chaotic and can take some time to process your visa and collect your luggage.
Intrepid offer a pre-arranged transfer service option. Enquire with your agent and advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have purchased an arrival transfer you will be met in the arrivals hall after clearing customs, your representative with sign board will be standing near the Costa Coffee next to gate no 5. Please ask them to confirm your name.
Please do not exit the gates, Costa coffee is just before the exit gate no.5.
If you have any problems and cannot locate our representative, or if your flight is delayed please call the following 24 hour number:
+91-9911 97 2636
If you do not have a mobile phone, there are public phones next to Costa Coffee. Calls cost 1 rupee per minute
Failing the above please take a taxi to the hotel (using the instructions below) and advise your group leader. When you walk out of the exit door, you will easily be able to spot popular metered taxi counters such as Meru Cabs/Mega Cabs or Easy Cabs, show them your drop location and pay them as per the meter once you get to your hotel.
Taxi's from the airport to our starting point hotel take approx 1 hour and costs between INR 500 - 600 (prepaid traffic police booths).
IMPORTANT: Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport. Previous passengers have complained that they have been charged hefty amount for the transfers.
The Delhi metro is another option from the airport. Trains depart between approx 5am and 11:30pm, the trip takes approx. 45 mins and costs around INR100. Please refer to the metro map for lines, changes and directions to Karol Bagh where most of our hotels are located. http://delhimetrorail.info/delhi-metro-map
Check in time at hotel is 12 midday.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 9 (overnight sleeper train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please note that due to train arrival times there may not be any free time in Delhi at the end of this tour. We advise booking additional accommodation to extend your stay.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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