Enchanting People, Enchanting Travels
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This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 3

International Arrival

You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel

2 Nights

Delhi

Delhi, the City of Djinns (spirits) is yours to discover! Let us take you on a journey of India’s capital that covers 5,000 years, from its imperial history and two World Heritage sites to today’s electric contemporary vibe. A feast for the senses, you can enjoy delicious fine dining experiences, some of the best museums in India, exhilarating nightlife and marvelous shopping opportunities from bustling time-honored markets to designer chic malls.

Included activities

Personalized Highlights of Delhi

Whether you want a whirlwind tour or wish to enjoy an in-depth experience of Delhi’s numerous sights, the choice is yours on this full day tour! Discover the Old Town with its bustling markets, including Chandni Chowk, once the grandest Indian market. Head to the imposing Red Fort and onto India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. Feast at the colorful, open-air food and craft bazaar of Dilli Haat. Visit Laxminarayan Temple, built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, and its beautiful gardens. Discover the UNESCO World heritage site Humayun’s Tomb, a monumental landmark in Indo-Islamic architecture with its perfect synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Red Fort closed on Mondays)

Hotel options

Colonels Retreat – Opt 1
Room Standard Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Guest house
The Connaught, New Delhi – Taj Hotel – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Room Only
Style Heritage
Day 3 – 6

You will be transferred from your hotel to Delhi Airport

Board your flight from Delhi to Dharamsala (Flight duration: 1.5 hrs)

You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel

3 Nights

Dharamsala

Dharamsala offers a delicious taste of Tibet! In fact, the town has been given the illustrious title of the Little Lhasa in India. Housing several generations of exiled Tibetans and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, there is a peaceful energy to the small but flourishing and determined Buddhist community. Set within the foothills of the Himalayas in the Dhauladhar Range, the location is an ideal backdrop for this spiritual haven, with its magnificent snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, and rolling tea gardens. Dharamsala is an ideal retreat if you wish to soothe your soul in the grandeur of natural beauty.

Included activities

Highlights of Dharamsala

Escape daily routines and enjoy a blissful Himalayan sojourn amidst the superb vistas of Dhauladhar Hills, high above the rugged Kangra Valley of North India. The area offers a mystical blend of natural wonders and cultural delights. Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and traditions as you venture to the Norbulingka Institute and various museums in Mcleodganj, and enjoy performances at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Unearth Tibetan Buddhism with a visit to the Dalai Lama’s residence at Namgyal Monastery. Visit the Tibetan Children’s Village School, which is an NGO supporting refugee and destitute children and where monetary donations are welcome. The Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute) offers an insight into traditional alternative healing. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel options

Udechee Huts – Opt 1
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique
Udechee Huts – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique
Day 6 – 8

Your chauffeur will drive you from Dharamsala to Amritsar in a private vehicle (Duration: 6 hrs)

2 Nights

Amritsar

Amritsar is the spiritual home for Sikhs across the world and is brimming with narrow streets. As the largest city in the Punjab state, and located close to the Indo-Pakistan border, it was named after the lake founded by the Sikh Guru, Ram Das, in the 16th century. Amritsar has a bustling energy within its maze of narrow streets, yet located within the city’s cradle, stands the glorious and tranquil Golden Temple, which is the Sikh’s most important religious sanctuary.

Included activities

Evening Ceremony at Golden Temple

The Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, commonly called the Golden Temple, is Sikhism’s holiest shrine. Observe the life, vigor and vitality of this temple’s religious fervor and sacredness, where thousands of pilgrims converge from India and abroad. It is best visited early morning or at night..when it is beautifully lit up. Witness the nightly ceremony – ‘Palki Sahib’, when the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ is carried in procession from the main shrine to its night abode..the Akal Takht, where it rests for a few hours until the opening ceremony next morning. Male pilgrims shoulder the heavy palanquin for a few seconds each before passing it along, forming a human ‘conveyer belt’ allowing everyone to participate and rest.

Highlights of Amritsar

Discover the shimmering spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism at the Golden Temple. This spell-binding, gold-plated gurdwara, crowned with an inverted lotus-shaped golden dome, is a fascinating sight at all times of day. Venture into the langar (free kitchen) to watch thousands of people from all walks of life being fed a free meal. Head onto Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden housing a memorial that commemorates victims of the 1919 massacre at the hands of the British. Delve into the old city and explore fabulous sweet markets and Durgiana Temple, devoted to the principal Hindu Goddess Durga. At the Wagah Border, between Pakistan and India, enjoy the ceremonial changing of the guards, and the closing of the gates each evening. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel options

Ranjit’s Svaasa – Opt 1
Room Luxury Room
Meals Room only
Style Heritage
Hyatt Amritsar – Opt 2
Room Hyatt Pool View
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Day 8 – 9

You will be transferred from your hotel to the train station

Board your train from Amritsar to Haridwar (Duration: 7 hrs, AC Chair Car Class)

You will be transferred from the train station to your hotel

1 Night

Haridwar

Haridwar is a significant pilgrimage destination and is considered by Hindu worshippers as the Gateway of the Gods. The spiritual city is located on the banks of India’s famous holy River Ganges, after the waters have just exited the Himalayas. An ancient city that is centuries old, Haridwar was first mentioned in the ancient scriptures and Indian epics under its former names, Mayapuri, Gangadwar and Mokshadwar. Every twelve years, the city invites in thousands of Hindu pilgrims for its famous Haridwar Kumbh Mela.

Included activities

Highlights of Haridwar

Discover spirituality at the Himalayas! Begin your tour of Haridwar with an exciting ropeway ride to the top of the majestic mountain, Neel Parvat, to visit the revered Chandi Devi Temple perched atop. Experience the hustle and bustle of a local market. Catch your breath at a viewpoint that overlooks the city before moving onto the revered Mansa Devi Temple on the neighboring mountain, Bilwa Parvat. Explore the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the river, which reputedly houses a large footprint made by the Hindu God Vishnu. Experience the mystical evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) performed by priests at the ghat, and watch thousands of lamps float downriver, accompanied by rhythmic chanting. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel options

Ganga Lahari – Opt 1
Room Ganga View Room
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique
Ganga Lahari – Opt 2
Room Ganga View Room
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique
Day 9 – 12

Your chauffeur will drive you from Haridwar to Rishikesh in a private vehicle (Duration: 1 hr)

3 Nights

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the ultimate destination for harmony of your mind, body and soul. Located in northern Uttarakhad at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is surrounded by hills on three sides and provides a sense of being on top of the world. The area is a spiritual pilgrimage destination given that the great River Ganges, considered sacred to the Hindu religion, flows through the town’s hamlets and settlements. Venture to Rishikesh for a healthy and mystical experience, as it is considered the yoga capital of the world.

Included activities

Personalized Tour of Rishikesh

Discover the highlights of the temple town of Rishikesh during this private tour. Start with a visit to the iconic Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge over the fast-flowing Ganges River. Accompanied by your guide, stroll on the bridge for a little over a mile to reach the other side, where you’ll visit Parmarth Ashram, a renowned center for yoga and religious learning. Next up is Chaurasi Kutia, better known as the Beatles Ashram. See the spiritual center, where the Beatles learned transcendental meditation and composed some of their hit songs. Afterwards, take a break to buy yourself lunch at a local eatery. Then, you will drive out to Vashishta Cave, located on the sandy shores of the river where the Hindu sage Vashishta is believed to have meditated thousands of years ago. Nearby, you also have Arundhati Cave, named after the sage’s wife. As the sun goes down, make your way to Triveni Ghat for the famous Ganga aarti or river worship. Watch as hundreds of lamps light up the night sky while priests conduct the ceremony to the accompaniment of chants and devotional songs. (Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Please note that ashram visit may not be possible on some special occasions or during ceremonies; Best time to travel: Oct-Apr)

Hotel options

Regenta Inn On The Ganges – Opt 1
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Room Only
Style Boutique
Hotel Ganga Kinare – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room Partial River View
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 12 – 14

Your chauffeur will drive you from Rishikesh to Dehradun in a private vehicle (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

Board your flight from Dehradun to Delhi (Flight duration: 45 mins)

Board your flight from Delhi to Varanasi (Flight duration: 1.5 hrs)

You will be transferred from Varanasi airport to your hotel

2 Nights

Varanasi

Varanasi, the holy city, is older than history and legend! Located along the banks of the holy River Ganges, it is the oldest living city in the world. Thousands of scholars and sadhus (holy men) visit Varanasi every year to gain ancient wisdom and debate the nature of Godhead, whilst Hindu pilgrims flock to the riverside to wash away their sins and conduct significant life and death rituals. An awe-inspiring melting pot, the spiritual capital of India is also known for its beautiful silks, perfumes and sculptures. Colorful, chaotic, inspiring and moving, Varanasi is not for the faint-hearted.

Included activities

Personalised Evening Highlights of Varanasi

Begin your evening tour of Varanasi with a delightful visit to a bustling local market, brimming with vibrant colors where it seems that everything is for sale! Venture into modern spirituality with a local temple visit. Take a thrilling auto rickshaw ride towards the ghats (steps) of India’s holiest river. Cruise around the River Ganges on an evening boat ride as the sun begins to set. Participate in the enthralling Ganga Aarti, a heartwarming and fascinating prayer ceremony, where you can watch Hindu pilgrims giving offerings to their holy river. (Half Day, Private Evening Activity & Transfer; Time: 1500 hrs – 2000 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy)

Personalized morning Highlights of Varanasi

Head out on a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges before you explore the colorful, bustling maze of ghats and temples lining the this holy river. As a meeting place between the physical and spiritual worlds, this can be an intense experience as you witness life and death come together. After a short breakfast, discover architectural relics and artwork at Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. Venture to a nearby hamlet and observe daily village life, and experience Ramnagar Fort, an 18th century Mughal Fort. On every day except Fridays, you can visit the ancient seat of wisdom Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first lecture after attaining enlightenment.(Half Day, Private Morning Activity & Transfer; Time: 0530 hrs – 1300 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy; Sarnath Museum closed on Fridays)

Hotel options

Radisson Hotel Varanasi – Opt 1
Room Superior Room
Meals Breakfast
Style International
Amritara SuryaUday Haveli – Opt 2
Room Ganges View Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage
Day 14 – 15

You will be transferred from your hotel to Delhi airport in a private vehicle

Board your flight from Varanasi to Delhi (Flight duration: 1.5 hrs)

You will be transferred from Delhi airport to your hotel

1 Night

Delhi

Delhi, the City of Djinns (spirits) is yours to discover! Let us take you on a journey of India’s capital that covers 5,000 years, from its imperial history and two World Heritage sites to today’s electric contemporary vibe. A feast for the senses, you can enjoy delicious fine dining experiences, some of the best museums in India, exhilarating nightlife and marvelous shopping opportunities from bustling time-honored markets to designer chic malls.

Hotel options

Colonels Retreat – Opt 1
Room Standard Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Guest house
The Connaught, New Delhi – Taj Hotel – Opt 2
Room Deluxe Room
Meals Breakfast
Style Heritage

You will be transferred from your hotel to Delhi airport

International Departure

Let your India vacation take you on a spiritual journey to holy cities and sublime works of art. From pristine Rishikesh to the Aarti light ceremony of Haridwar, holy Varanasi to the love temples of Khajuraho and the Taj Mahal, fascinating encounters await. Customize this North India and Varanasi trip to match your exact interests and preferences. Contact our experts for a tailor-made private tour itinerary today!

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $5,590 USD / person

Option 2

From $6,690 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes
  • Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
  • Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
  • Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
  • Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Visa and tourism fees
  • Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
  • International airfare

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