When to Go
Duration
Theme
Oct to Nov
March to April
14 Nights
Slow Journeys
Into the Foothills
AMRITSAR — DHARAMSHALA — PALAMPUR — SHIMLA — RISHIKESH
ABOUT
Travel into the Himalayan foothills, following mountain roads through Tibetan Dharamshala, Palampur’s tea country and historic Shimla before reaching the Ganges at Rishikesh. Walking, local food, a narrow-gauge railway and distinctive small hotels shape a journey rich in landscape and living culture.
Why we love this trip
This journey links five places with distinct identities, following the foothills east from Punjab to the Ganges.
Amritsar provides a powerful opening. The Golden Temple is magnificent, but it is the sense of welcome, shared food and daily devotion that stays with you. From there, the road climbs towards Dharamshala, where Tibetan culture, mountain views and wooded walking trails create a complete change of pace.
Palampur brings a quieter interlude among tea gardens beneath the Dhauladhar range. Shimla then adds another layer: steep streets, Himalayan architecture and the narrow-gauge railway winding through the hills. The route finishes beside the Ganges, where Rishikesh combines river landscapes, yoga, walking and evening rituals.
We love the progression of this trip. Busy streets give way to mountain paths, tea estates and riverbanks, while the hotels become part of the experience through family stories, regional food and strong connections to their surroundings. It will suit travellers who enjoy culture and activity in equal measure, with enough time in each place to explore properly and still pause along the way.
DAYS 1–3 — AMRITSAR
SHARED TRADITIONS
Begin in Amritsar with the Golden Temple, returning at different times to experience its changing atmosphere. Visit the vast community kitchen, explore the old city and discover Punjabi food with a local guide. The programme can also include Jallianwala Bagh, traditional wrestling or quieter neighbourhoods beyond the city’s best-known sites.
Highlight: Joining the flow of visitors around the Golden Temple as its reflection shimmers across the sacred pool.
WHERE TO STAY
This is simply our starting idea; every journey can be adjusted around you. Ranjit’s Svaasa is a family-run heritage home with leafy courtyards, characterful interiors and a spa, bringing warmth and personality to the heart of Amritsar.
DAYS 4–6 — DHARAMSHALA
TIBETAN HILLS
Travel into the foothills to McLeod Ganj, home to a large Tibetan community and the Dalai Lama’s temple complex. Explore with a knowledgeable local guide, visit workshops and cultural institutions, and walk through cedar forest towards nearby villages and viewpoints. Three nights allow both cultural depth and time outdoors.
Highlight: Walking through cedar forest as the Dhauladhar peaks appear above McLeod Ganj.
WHERE TO STAY
Chonor House is closely connected to the Norbulingka Institute and decorated with Tibetan art and motifs. Its intimate scale, hillside location and strong cultural identity make it a natural base for exploring McLeod Ganj.
DAYS 7–8 — PALAMPUR
TEA AND MOUNTAINS
Continue to Palampur, where tea gardens spread beneath the Dhauladhar range. Walk through Wah Tea Estate, learn how Kangra tea is grown and processed, and try plucking or tasting with the estate team. There is also time for village walks, local food and simply enjoying the wide mountain views.
Highlight: Tasting Kangra tea within sight of the gardens where its leaves were picked
WHERE TO STAY
The Lodge at Wah is an eco-conscious family retreat within a working tea estate. Natural materials, home-grown food and direct access to plantation walks give the stay a relaxed, grounded connection to the Kangra Valley.
DAYS 9–11 — SHIMLA
HILL-STATION STORIES
Follow the mountain roads to Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. Explore its steep lanes, bazaars and layered architecture with a local guide, then ride a scenic section of the narrow-gauge railway. Forest walks and quieter neighbourhoods reveal a greener, more lived-in side of the hill station.
Highlight: Watching the narrow-gauge train curve through forested hills and small mountain stations.
WHERE TO STAY
Sunnymead Estate is a family home built using traditional Dhajji Dewari construction. Gardens, fireplaces and thoughtful home cooking create an intimate alternative to Shimla’s larger heritage hotels, within walking distance of the town.
DAYS 12–14 — RISHIKESH
BESIDE THE GANGES
Descend towards Rishikesh for three nights beside the Ganges. Join a yoga session, walk through forested foothills and explore the river town with a private guide. An excursion to Haridwar adds another perspective on pilgrimage and river life, while evenings can be spent watching the aarti ceremony.
Highlight: Watching lamps and flowers move across the Ganges as evening prayers begin.
WHERE TO STAY
Anand Kashi by the Ganges occupies a former royal retreat directly beside the river. Its peaceful grounds, private riverbank and wellness programme provide a polished final stay with space for yoga, reflection and unhurried time outdoors.
Experiences
Ready to Start Planning
Your journey starts with a conversation.
Tell us what draws you to India, how you like to travel and what would make the experience feel truly special. We’ll listen, share our ideas and create a journey shaped around you.
There is no planning fee and no pressure — just thoughtful, honest advice from a small team who genuinely care about getting it right.
Send us an email and we’ll arrange a time to chat.
