Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

Welcome to incredible India! Our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel upon your arrival at the airport in Delhi. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Our friendly guide will be on hand should you need any assistance.

After breakfast we’ll take an early morning flight to Chandigarh. Upon arrival we’ll be met by our driver for the journey to Mandi. Formerly known as Mandav Nagar, Mandi is a major town in the Mandi District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Famed for its many temples dotted along the banks of the Beas River, it’s also known as ‘little Kashi’ after the holy Indian city of Varanasi. When we arrive in the afternoon we’ll settle into our hotel. In the early evening we’ll take a walking tour of Mandi bazaar and explore the ancient temples and ghats along the Beas River.

After breakfast we’ll start our journey to the Tirthan Valley. This unspoilt valley is home to traditional Himalayan villages, charming homestays, great walks, and spectacular mountain scenery. Our accommodation for the next two days is a Himalayan homestay right in the lap of nature. Spend the rest of the day in the village experiencing the traditional way of life.

Today we’ll take an easy trek that explores the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). We’ll follow the river along a thickly forested trail as we make our way to a picturesque waterfall, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to our homestay. In the afternoon you can try your hand at trout fishing in the Tirthan River or head to the local market in Banjar village, which is known for traditional handmade woollens.

After breakfast we’ll drive to Rampur, a bustling bazaar town and the former winter capital of the Kinnaur district. This is a scenic drive that crosses the Jalori Pass and winds through Himalayan cider pine and conifer forests. At the high pass we’ll be able to stop and rest as we take in the wonderful views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. If the weather is good, we might see Himalayan griffon vultures, the largest birds in the Indian Himalaya. After checking into our hotel in the afternoon, we’ll visit the famous Bhima Kali Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the Himalayas, and built in the distinctive Kinnauri style. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

After breakfast we’ll drive to Shimla. The journey starts by following the Sutlej River, one of the major rivers in Himachal Pradesh. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch in Narkanda, the main apple growing region of the Himalayas. After lunch we’ll drive through the apple orchids before continuing on to Shimla. Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India, and with its stunning views, wide boulevards and mist covered mountains it’s not hard to see why. The town is situated at an altitude of 2276 metres and was initially chosen as a sanatorium for invalid European officers, but soon developed into a large hill town, becoming the summer capital during the British Raj. We’ll arrive in the afternoon, and in the evening we’ll take a stroll along the Mall, a 7km traffic free promenade. Enjoy the atmosphere and choose from the many restaurants along this strip for dinner or a nightcap.

This morning we’ll take a heritage walk that explores some of the many sights of Shimla. Wander along the Ridge Maidan and the Mall, pick up some crafts at Lakkar Bazaar, visit the historical Gaiety Theatre and marvel at the impressive neo-Gothic Christ Church. The afternoon is free for you to continue discovering the local area. You can take the steep hike up to the Jakhu Temple, thronging with monkeys; visit the bazaars for souvenir shopping or take it easy with a stroll along the Mall.

After breakfast we’ll leave Shimla and take a trip on the World Heritage listed KalkaShimla Railway. Known as the ‘toy train’, this route travels along a mountainous track known for its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built in 1898 to connect Shimla with the rest of the Indian rail system, and at the time of construction there were 107 tunnels and 864 bridges built. Sit back and enjoy the journey from Shimla to Kalka which will take around five hours. When we reach Kalka, we’ll drive to Chandigarh for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we’ll check in to our hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Our tour ends after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your ongoing flight. We look forward to seeing you on another Ekno Travels experience soon.