Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Delhi	Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate	Colonels Retreat, Maidens Hotel
3 - 6	Dharamsala	Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama’s Residence, Tibetan Culture, Shiva Cave Temple	Udechee Huts, Glenmoor Cottages
6 - 8	Amritsar	Golden Temple, Jallianwalla Bagh, Wagah Border, Durgiana Temple, Cycle Rickshaw Ride	Ranjit’s Svaasa, Hyatt Amritsar
8 - 9	Haridwar	Ganges, Aarti Ceremony, Spirituality, Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Temples	Haveli Hari Ganga
9 - 12	Rishikesh	River Ganges, Aarti Ceremony, Ashram Visits, Yoga	Hotel Ganga Kinare, Hotel Ganga Kinare
12 - 14	Varanasi	Boat Rides on The Ganges, Ganga Aarti, Spirituality, Sarnath	Palace on Ganges, Suryauday Haveli
14 - 15	Delhi	Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate	Colonels Retreat, Maidens Hotel

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

We will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel

Delhi

2 Nights

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.

Included Activities

Highlights of Delhi: Religious Masterpieces
Experience a plethora of famous sights during your half day tour of Delhi. Venture to the Qutub Minar, a towering red sandstone and white marble structure boasting Indo-Islamic architecture of ancient India. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s tallest brick minaret. Wander in Lodhi Gardens, a tranquil place with landscaped features boasting beautiful streams. Discover many architecturally-beautiful temples – including the Bahá’í House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape. A masterpiece of architecture, recognized by the mysterious connection it establishes with our heart, the lotus represents purity and tenderness and is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God without denominational restrictions. Head to the ISKCON temple which is devoted to Hindu God Krishna. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Lotus Temple closed on Mondays)

Hotel Options

Colonels Retreat – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Maidens Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Heritage Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 3 - 6

Transfer from your hotel to Delhi Airport

Flight from Delhi to Dharamsala

Transfer from the airport to your hotel

Dharamsala

3 Nights

Dharamsala offers a delicious taste of Tibet! In fact, the town has been given the illustrious title of the Little Lhasa in India.

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. Explore mysterious natural caves and Trilokpur Temple. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Meditation Class at Tushita Meditation Center
Enjoy a 1-hr Meditation program at Tushita Meditation Center, specializing in the study and practice of Buddhism from Tibetan Mahayana traditions. It is located on a steep hill above McLeodganj..the seat in exile of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe and his main student Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Tushita aims at providing a friendly, conducive environment for people of all nationalities/backgrounds to learn about and put into practice Buddha’s teachings. They organize regular introductory courses on Buddhist philosophy and meditation, as also intermediate level courses/group retreats for experienced students. Daily schedules combine teachings with various meditation styles and discussion groups. There are different (free) meditation programs. To allow for reflection and meditation, participants require to keep silence for the course, except during group discussions or question-answer sessions.

Hotel Options

Udechee Huts – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Glenmoor Cottages – Opt 2

Room	Small Cottage
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Resort

Day 6 - 8

Drive from Dharamsala to Amritsar (250 km, 6 hrs)

Amritsar

2 Nights

Amritsar is the spiritual home for Sikhs across the world and is brimming with narrow streets.

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	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Hyatt Amritsar – Opt 2

Room	Hyatt King
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 8 - 9

Transfer to the train station

Board the Train ASR HW Jan Shatabdi No.12054 departing Amritsar at 06:50 hrs arriving in Haridwar at 13:50 hrs

Transfer from the train station to your hotel

Haridwar

1 Night

Haridwar is a significant pilgrimage destination and is considered by Hindu worshippers as the Gateway of the Gods.

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

Haveli Hari Ganga – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 9 - 12

Drive from Haridwar to Rishikesh (30 km, 1 hr)

Rishikesh

3 Nights

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.

Included Activities

Highlights of Rishikesh
Soothe your soul by joining the renowned evening sunset Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. This is a marvelous atmospheric experience to witness, with the many lit candles, singing and wistful worshippers on the banks of the holy River Ganges. Discover Vashishta Gufa, a twin cave temple where the famous Hindu sage and yogi Vasishta conducted sadhana (spiritual practice), once upon a time. Observe two impressive iron suspension bridges that were built over River Ganges – the Lakshman Jhula, built during the British regime in 1939, and its modern 1980s replica, Ram Jhula. Marvel at the open market, with its varied stalls selling religious curiosities, souvenirs, and household goods.(Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Visit Ramana’s Garden: School and Orphanage
Founded by a dedicated American woman with a huge heart, oodles of courage and compelling energy.. Dr. Prabhavati Dwabha.. Ramana’s Garden Children’s Home/Orphanage is a loving children’s home and school with over 60 ‘at risk’ children..abandoned, destitute, or abused..who are given food, shelter, necessities, and education. It is also a free English medium school for over 160 students from Ramana’s Garden and local underprivileged families. One need not be an ‘orphan’ to come live here..one has to be at risk of hunger, death, abuse, torture, begging, starvation, total neglect, or being sold into prostitution/child labor. Above all, the children are given plenty of love and nurturing in a warm, tolerant, spiritual environment. Ramana’s Garden works to rescue as many children as possible. Visit here to see how she works tirelessly to find ways to make the lives of these children self-sufficient in every way.

Hotel Options

Hotel Ganga Kinare – Opt 1

Room	Super Deluxe (Double)
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Hotel Ganga Kinare – Opt 2

Room	Premium Room (Double)
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 12 - 14

Drive from Rishikesh to Dehradun (45 km, 1.5 hrs)

Flight from Dehradun to Varanasi via Delhi

Transfer from the airport to your hotel

Varanasi

2 Nights

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.

Included Activities

Highlights of Varanasi (Half Day): Evening
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)

Highlights of Varanasi (Half Day): Morning
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)

1.5 hrs – Learn Hindi in Varanasi
Learn conversational Hindi during your visit to Varanasi, in northern India. Meet with Binit Kumar Mishra, a friendly, expert Hindi language teacher, who’ll facilitate a casual learning environment at his charming classroom in Assi Ghat. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced linguist, get an introduction or an insight into India’s widely spoken language. Understand Hindi alphabets, grammar, pronunciation and useful phrases for travelers. Expect to be taught in a fun and interesting manner with the use of different methods based on your requirement and duration of the course. Customize lessons to your comfort and learn at your own pace. Later, practice your Hindi skills with the family, who are happy to converse with you. Take your newly acquired language skills to the real world, thanks to plenty of opportunities available for interacting with locals in Varanasi, and later across India! (Half Day; Time of the Day: Morning or afternoon; Duration: 1.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Notes: Closed during national and public holidays, and festivals.)

Hotel Options

Palace on Ganges – Opt 1

Room	Ganges Deluxe Non River View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Suryauday Haveli – Opt 2

Room	River View First Flr
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 14 - 15

Transfer from your hotel to the airport

Flight from Varanasi to Delhi

Transfer from the airport to your hotel

Delhi

1 Night

Hotel Options

Colonels Retreat – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Maidens Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Heritage Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Transfer from your hotel to the airport

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 4,290 /person
Option 2 From $ 4,990 /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 in one double room for 15 days / 14 nights.
Meals as indicated
The following internal flights in economy class unless otherwise specified:
- Delhi – Dharamsala
- Dehradun – Varanasi
- Varanasi – Delhi
The following train journeys in the highest class available, unless otherwise specified:
- Amritsar – Haridwar
All activities as specified in the itinerary:
- Delhi: Highlights of Delhi: Religious Masterpieces
- Dharamsala: Meditation Class at Tushita Meditation Center
- Dharamsala: Highlights of Dharamsala
- Amritsar: Evening Ceremony at Golden Temple
- Amritsar: Highlights of Amritsar
- Haridwar: Highlights of Haridwar
- Rishikesh: Highlights of Rishikesh
- Rishikesh: Visit Ramana’s Garden: School & Orphanage
- Varanasi: Highlights of Varanasi (Half Day): Evening
- Varanasi: Highlights of Varanasi (Half Day): Morning
- Varanasi:: 1.5h – Learn Hindi in Varanasi
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On demand a printed set of your travel documents by post
Fees and taxes
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, accompanied by your tour guide
A high-quality air conditioned vehicle with chauffeur for the activities specified in the itinerary
All airport and hotel transfers as indicated above

Not Included

Camera fees
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return)

Spiritual North India and Varanasi

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Delhi

Dharamsala

Amritsar

Haridwar

Rishikesh

Varanasi

Delhi

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included