Guide

English Speaking Guide for througout the Tour wiill escort you from your arrival in Delhi till departure. All our Guides and Tour Leaders are very knowledgeable about their area and know the palces very well where needed we use local guides also but the Tour Manager / Guide provded to you remains with you till the departure. Language : We do not have Other Language Speaking Guides other than English. Speaking Guide with very good knowledge of the area. http://shimlawalks.com/tour-leaders.html

Accommodation

Delhi : Hotel Park or similar. Shimla : Hotel Oak Tree / Hotel Landmark or similar. Shimla : (Shimla has a great variety of hotels and come up. in the recent years some Home Stays have also come up. We always try our best to provide the better experience and so we use all of them depending upon the availability). Sarahan : Hotel Green Valley / Hotel Srikhand. (Sarahan is a well known destination but unfortunately we fail to get good quality hotels. There are only simple hotels with neat and clean attached facilities with running hot and cold water. Food is homely and simple but hygienic. Chitkul : Samma Resort. (Chitkul is one onf the must visit places in this trip. Presently the last village in this part of India, towards Tibbet, Chitkul hold a great interest for the travelller. It offers basic accommodation in the shape of very simple hotels and homestays. Samma resort in Chitkul has tried to upgrade the rooms and offer much better services than it used to be till a few years ago. The accommodation is subject to its availability. Kalpa : Hotel Shambhala. (It is an experience staying at Hotel Grand Shambala at Kalpa. Located amidst the Apple orchard the hotel offers a grand view of Shivling peaks. The food served here is the best in this region and the friendly service with smile of the staff wins your heart. The hotel also has a meditation room, a bar and a library with free wi-fi for the visitors). Nako : Fixed Camp (Fixed Camps at Nako are well equipped with proper beddings with neat and clean linen and attached facilities. Instead of using a hotel of a guest house in Nako we prefer to use this fix camp as it is more comfortable than the hotels / guest houses in the area. Food is served in the dinning area). Tabo : Tow Dhey. (Tobo also has limited number of accommodation units. Tow Dhey is owned by a local family and is run and managed by them. The rooms are comfortable and have attached facilities and the food is basic. We add something extra from our side to enhance the menu). Kaza : Hotel Sakya Abode. (Hotel Sakya Abode in Kaza is the oldest and the first hotel ever started in 1993 only with four rooms. Now the number has increased up to 15 rooms and a multi cuisine restaurant and a garden only for the residents. The hotel is built in a traditional style, with mud walls and small doors. You may find the rooms little smaller but they are cosy and warm. The restaurant of the hotel offers excellent food and lovely drinks. We prefer to use this hotel as it is closer to the main town and yet not crowded. Manali : Neelkanth Byke (How would you feel if we make you stay in the hotel owned by a Beauty Queen. Mrs. Kalpana Thakur has won the crowns for Mrs. India and then for Mrs. Asia. She owns this lovely small property in the lap of Himalaya. Every room has a different design and offers an excellent view of the Himalayan slopes. You may not be able to order a drink - not even beer -or a nov vegetarian food but still the service of the hotel is up to the mark. Dharamsala : Chonor House / Hotel Serkong (These two hotels are run by the Tibetan Government and are always in high demand due to their decoration, interior and services. It is subject to the availabilty of these hotels are they are always in high demand. In most of the cases we have to put the booking request several months in advance. In case these hotels are not available for some date then in Dharamsala / Macleaodganj, we shall have to use some other hotel that may not be similar to these two). Pragpur : Hotel Judge's Court. (Rai Bahadur Jai Lal Sood, a judge of Punjab high Court during the British Raj built a mansion for himself in Pragpur. Now the house is inherited by his grand son who have converted this lovely owl house into a Heritage Hotel and won the price to his village Pragpur of being the first Heritage Village of India. Lovely evenings with live music and drinks in the wide spread gardens of Judge's Court make your stay memorable. There is no point that you do not go back with lovely memories after spending a night or two at this place). Amritsar : Hotel Radisson Blue / Hotel Best Western. (Amritsar is a busy town and enjoys lots of business. So there are a number of hotels available in the city. If not Radisson then we have may other options to book a room for you in the comfortable hotels).

Not included:

Insurance

As per the norms of Indian Government all travellers traveling to India must have holiday insurence with them.

Transport

In Delhi : All Transport by Toyota Innova car. From Delhi to Shimla : By Train. Shimla - Amritsar : All Transport by Toyota Innova car. Two people + Guide sites in one car. In case of more people one car is given for three persons + Their Tour Escort / Guide.

Meals

In most of the hotels meals are provided n table or buffet. Breakfast : The menu remains North Indian, South Indian, Continental and others. Porridge / Corn Flakes with milk (hot / Cold) are the essential part of the breakfast, added with toast, butter, jam, honey, marmalade, fruit, a variety of Indian breads such as pranthas and poori with freshly cooked vegetables and pickles, sausages, tea / coffee, all depending upon the quality of the hotel. Lunch : In most of the cases we prefer to have lunch outside, in some local restaurant / dhaba. Most o the places, now a days have reasonably okay type restaurants that offer a variety of menu of meals. Dinner : Depending from place to place we prefer to have dinner. For Example Shimla and Dharamsala has a variety of restaurants so we dine out where as at other places we prefer to have dinner in the hotel. After a long days drive it is recommended to have dinner in the hotel and sleep. Delhi : Room + Breakfast. Shimla : Room + breakfast + Dinner. Sarahan : Room + All Meals. Chitkul : Room + All Meals. Kalpa : Room + All Meals. Nako : Room + All Meals. Tabo : Room + All Meals. Kaza : Room + All Meals. Manali : Room + Breakfast + Dinner. Dharamsala : Room + Breakfast + Dinner. Pragpur : Room + Breakfast + Dinner. Amritsar : Room + Breakfast.

Others

Any air fares. Any Lunch / Dinner in Delhi. Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices included”. Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls. The Services of Vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary. Any Kind of Drinks / Table drinks (Alcoholic, Aerated). Camera fee, Soft or Hard drinks, Starters. Medical & Travel insurance. Additional costs due to flight cancellation, train delays road blocks, natural calamity etc. In most cases people ask us about the tips in the restaurants, for the drivers and for the guides. We recommend the following. In the restaurants : Normally it is 10% of the total bill. For the Driver : This man works very hard as he drives on the narrow an bumpy road with a great care and at night hardly finds any place to sleep. Next morning he has to drive again and so a sound sleep is required. He expects the hotelier to provide him a comortable room and some hotels do that but in most cases he sleeps in his car. The tip recommended to him is Rs. 300/- per day. For the Guides/ Tour Manager : This man is your friend, philosopher, guide for throughout the trip and with his knowledge he keeps your trip alive and brings different experiences to the front. He takes care of check ins / check outs at the hotels / organises and decided the venue for your meals, organises local guides for you, takes care of your in case of emergency, helps you with the local language, remains your local care taker and remains your friend for ever even after the trip is over. He deserves the better portion of the tip and so we recommend minimum of Rs. 500/- per person per day for him.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: New Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: New Delhi

Welcome to India! You are met by our representative in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Depart for your Hotel to check in. The representative / escort / guide who meets you at the airport is going to be with you throughout the trip from your arrival till departure. He is your friend, your guide, your philosopher and your mentor during the trip. After check in, he will fix up the time with you to meet you again and to discuss about the program ahead. Have a great trip. Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
Day 2 Day 2: Shimla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Shimla

Morning at 6.15 you are transfered to New Delhi Railway Station to board Shatabadi Express (Leaves at 0740 am and arrives Kalka at 12:00 noon). Here you are assisted to the Toy Train to enjoy the fairytale Journey. (leaves at 12:20 PM and arrives Shimla at 17:20 PM). On arrival transferred to your hotel. Shimla came into existence after the Gurkha British wars in 1816. From then till 1947 the British used it at a holiday resort and then as their Summer Capital. Completely developed by the British Officers Shimla takes you back to the bygone era as the town is a Victorian and post Victorian architecture. Large number of buildings built by the Imperial government remain scattered and the climate of the town has a clear resemblance to Europe.
Day 3 Day 3: Shimla
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Shimla

Shimla is a Walker's paradise. Many people coming to Shimla regret if they miss it, so we keep here two nights for you so that you can walk through the Heritage Lanes of Shimla with your guide. There are beautiful Churches, A Viceregal Lodge now called Institute of Advanced Study, Army Heritage Museum, Annandale Ground, Gaiety theater and of course The Mall road - a busy street but meant only for the pedestrians. Sumit - your todays Guide is an author of eight books, all about Shimla. His passion for town is the way of his life. Learn a lot from him abbout the past and present of this lovely hill station developed by the British officers.
Day 4 Day 4: Sarahan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Sarahan

Distance : 175 km Driving Time : 6 hours. Overnight : Hotel / Homestay / Guest House Our todays drive is through the apple orchards, lush landscape and over Narkanda - a small but busy town at the elevation of 9000 feet. Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (5155 M/ 16,912 feet) which resembles the "Shivling." We visit the Bhimakali Temple, a wonderful mixture of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. It is very sacred to both communities. The idol of Goddess Bhimakali is approximately 200 years old.
Day 5 Day 5: Chitkul
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Chitkul

Chitkul is one place that is not to be missed on this trail. This is the last village in the valley of river Baspa and keeps amazing landscape with its temple of the village at the backdrop. Also known for the forests of pine and pinenuts Chitkul is still keeping the old charm of with its traditional lifesyle. You will see the locals in thier traditional attire an living in the age old wooden houses.The architecture of the houses collectively makes the village unique.
Day 6 Day 6: Kalpa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Kalpa

Lets have a little early breakfast and leave tof Kalpa. On tha way we shall visit village Batseri and village Kamru. The fort of Kamrunag is an attraction in itself. We reach Kalpa in 3 hours. After leaving the main road we follows the road to Kalpa but on the way in the crowded bazaar of Recongpeo we need to stop for obtaining the permits for the innerline area.
Day 7 Day 7: Kalpa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kalpa

Kalpa is know for its elevation, toweing cedar trees and is apple orchards. We shall have at the Hotel garden and then proceed for a walk to village Rhogi. The village is located about three km away from Kalpa on old hindustan Tibet road. Village Rhogi is know for its age old temple with amazing woodwork on its walls. The driver meets us there in teh viilage and then we drive to the ancient and exquisite villages of Chini, Kothi, Pangi and Telangi. Make good use of your camera as the landscape and the architecture attracts you repeatedly.
Day 8 Day 8: Nako
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Nako

The village of Nako lies at an altitude of 3625 meters (11,893 feet), high above the last stretch of the Spiti Valley. It was once a very important center of Buddhism in the region. There are different small sized temples belonging to different periods between the 11th and 12th centuries distributed all over the village, including a monastic complex on its western edge. Boasting four temples and a number of additional buildings, this complex preserves the earliest artistic heritage. The austere and un ornamented exteriors of the buildings give little hint of the important artistic and religious legacy that lies within the walls.
Day 9 Day 9: Tabo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tabo

Today we enter the Spiti Valley. Geographically and archeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The mountains are devoid of any vegetation due to erosion by wind, sun and snow over thousands of years. Our vehicles climb up to the village of Tabo (3050 M/ 10,006 feet). Built in the year 996 AD, the Chos Khor Monastery at Tabo is the largest monastery in Spiti and one of the few remaining examples of the Golden Period of Buddhist Culture in the Himalayan Region. The wall frescos of the monastery are comparable in their antiquity and quality to those of the Ajanta caves, hence they are called the Ajanta of the Himalayas. It houses more than 100 Lamas, a large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings, tankhas and stucco. We will reach Tabo for lunch. In the afternoon and evening we will visit the monastery and village.
Day 10 Day 10: Kaza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Kaza

Rise early if you want to join the monks in morning worship at Tabo monastery (5 min walk through the village). After breakfast we drive to Kaza. On the way we shall visit Dhankar, the ancient capital of Spiti. Dankar Gompa (3800 M/ 12,467 feet) was built in the 12th century. This hilltop fort dominates the scene, and once served as a jail. It contains more than 160 scriptures of Lamas and Buddhists in the Bhoti language. A statue of Dhyan Buddha consisting of four complete figures seated back to back is the main attraction of this four to five century-old monastery. Unfortunately, the ancient Gompa, situated on the very edge of the peak, is deteriorating. Entering the interior may be restricted in the very near future. They have shifted the main monastery to a new complex at the entrance of the village. His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated this temple in June 2004. Before we drive to Kaza, a detour to Peen Valley is strongly recommend for a photographer. Peen Valley was the sea bed of the ocean Tythes from where Himalaya rose up. Commonly known as Geologist’s paradise Peen valley is known for its amazing rock folds and Moonlike landscape. We continue our drive to Kaza. Lunch : Packed Lunch
Day 11 Day 11: Kaza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Kaza

Morning after breakfast we visit to Kye Monastery. Then drive to Village Kibber and Village Gete from where the view of Spiti Valley is just astounding. Afternoon drive to Langcha, Komic and Hikkim Villages. In all these Hikkim is the highest village (4587 meters) in the world that is connected by road, electricity, water and telephone. Please don’t ask the beauty of the landscape here. We shall not be able to explain it in words.
Day 12 Day 12: Manali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Manali

This is our longest day. Drive over the famous Kunzum Pass. This 4600 meters high pass connects Spiti valley to Lahaul and is also the transit for many high altitude trekking routes. A 9 km trek to the moon lake Chandertal also begins from there. Visit to Chandertal Lake with a detour of 12 kilometre is optional. (Subject to the condition of the road). Chandertal is a high altitude lake at the elevation of 14500 feet. The total circumference of the lake is about two kilometres but its crystal clear water makes it look like a pearl in a desert. Further we descend to Lahaul valley and drive along rive Chanders. The drive is through really a rough terrain with several water channels and glaciated rivulets flowing down to river Chandera crossing over the road. The water brings loads of rocks with it and blocks the road. We may have to get of the car to clear up the road by removing the rocks. After nearly 50 kilometres we ascend to Rohtang pass (3980 M/ 13,058 feet). At Rohtang Pass we will relax and enjoy the breath-taking beauty. Lunch : Pack Lunch
Day 13 Day 13: Manali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Manali

You are back to the green valley. Breakfast we shall have at the hotel and then start our day by 10. First we drive to Dhungri Temple in the Cedar forest. Dhungari temple is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba. The age old ancient temple made of stone and wood is a fantastic example of architecture. The legend says that during the exile the five brothers, Pandawas, arrived here. The strongest Pandawa Bhim killed the demon ruler Hidimb and married his sister Hidimba. This is how Hidimba became a goddess then and now is the chief goddess of the valley. After that we shall drive to Naggar to visit Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery. Nicholas Roerich a Russian painter arrived the valley in early years of last century, married a local girl and settleld here. Now his house is an art gallery and displays most of his original work.
Day 14 Day 14: Dharamsala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Dharamsala

Today is another long day but on the highways and no rough roads. Drive to Dharamsala is along the rives, through the villages, beautful landscape and then the tea estates at Palampur. These te estates were started by the British officers and now are owned by the local families. On arrival at Dharamsala chekinto your hotel and relax for a while. Evening visit to Dalai Lama Monastery.
Day 15 Day 15: Dharamsala
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Dharamsala

First we drive to Bhagsunag andage old Shiva temple. Till a few years aggo this temple was the only building in the area. With time the growth has taken over the area and many high rising structures have encroached the landscape. Tibetan Children’s Village is a schol run by the government of Dalai Lama and is the house of nearly 1500 orphans. Later we go to see St. John’s Church and then to Narbulingka Institute where you can see the Tibetan artists making paintings and sculptures.
Day 16 Day 16: Pragpur
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Pragpur

Our todays drive is towards the plains and through the lovely villages of lower hills we drive to Heritage Village Pragpur. ON the way we shall make a detour to Masroor - the rock-cut temple of Himalaya. This pyramid like temple is located on a hilltop with a pond in front of it and was carved out of a single rock in 8th century. On arrival cehck into the hotel. Later walk around the village to click the old houses of Sood community known for their architectural beauty.
Day 17 Day 17: Amritsar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Amritsar

After breakfast, we drive to Amritsar, in the state of Punjab, in the Himalayan foothills called the Shivaliks. Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities in India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travelers coming to India on the overland route from Central Asia, it soon became the center of various commercial activities. The Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ramdas, and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is famous for its full golden dome, one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Sikhs. The Mandir is built on a 67-foot square of marble and is a two-storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other temples, such as the Durgiana Temple. After lunch we visit the Golden Temple of the Sikhs. We will circumambulate the temple, stopping periodically for moments of quiet reflection. The temple complex is like a small community, filled with many different activities. We will visit the kitchen where free meals are prepared by volunteers throughout the day; the temple where the holy book, Aad Guru Sahib, is read aloud from 4 am to 10 pm daily; and observe devotional rituals. Travel to the border town Wagah to see flag ceremony at dusk.
Day 18 Day 18: New Delhi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: New Delhi

Early morning transfer to railway station to board Shatabadi Express to Delhi. Transfer to hotel shared rooms for wash, change. Dinner and late night transfer to airport for flight home.

+15

18 days tour

The Horse Shoe - Jeep Safari Through The Indian Western Hima

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip The Horse Shoe - Jeep Safari Through The Indian Western Hima

Day 1: New Delhi

Day 2: Shimla

Day 3: Shimla

Day 4: Sarahan

Day 5: Chitkul

Day 6: Kalpa

Day 7: Kalpa

Day 8: Nako

Day 9: Tabo

Day 10: Kaza

Day 11: Kaza

Day 12: Manali

Day 13: Manali

Day 14: Dharamsala

Day 15: Dharamsala

Day 16: Pragpur

Day 17: Amritsar

Day 18: New Delhi

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