Mountains & Mystics of India

Intrepid Travel · 13 days

4.4

20 Reviews

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Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Journey from the hub of Delhi into the foothills of the Himalayas and discover India’s slower side with this 12-day adventure.

Highlights

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.

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle,Public bus,Train,Heritage Train,Metro,Cycle rickshaw,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Delhi, India

Finishes

Delhi, India

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi

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).

Optional Activities:

Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure (3350 INR)
Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure (4000 INR)
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure (3750 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Delhi

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.

Included Activities:

Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Shimla

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.

Included Activities:

Shimla - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Shimla

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.

Included Activities:

Shimla - Viceregal Lodge

Optional Activities:

Shimla - Cinema (100 INR)
Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Mandi

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.

Included Activities:

Mandi - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj)

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj)

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.

Included Activities:

Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple

Optional Activities:

Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum (50 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Amritsar

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.

Included Activities:

Amritsar - Golden Temple

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Amritsar – Overnight train

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.

Included Activities:

Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony

Accommodation:

Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Rishikesh

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.

Included Activities:

Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'

Optional Activities:

Rishikesh - Yoga Class (600 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Rishikesh – River Ganges

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.

Optional Activities:

Rishikesh - White Water Rafting (1500 INR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Delhi

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Delhi

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.

Optional Activities:

Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure (4100 INR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,095

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Journey from the hub of Delhi into the foothills of the Himalayas and discover India’s slower side with this 12-day adventure.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Mar 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

3.0

Kerry

Traveled, March 2024

03/15/2024

If you like slumming it this is the trip for you. If not, choose something else.

3.5

Graham

Traveled, March 2024

03/17/2024

Very good tour touching upon the essential points interest in the highlands of India

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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