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Northwest India tours Amritsar, Dharamsala, Manali and Ladakh Northwest India is a land of plenty for travellers. Here, you can marvel at the serene beauty of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, spin prayer wheels with red-robed Buddhist monks in Dharamsala, and wander through the foothills of the mightiest mountain range on earth. Thrill seekers can take our incredible Himalayan jeep trek into the mountain moonscape of Ladakh, about as far from everyday life as you can possibly get ... and then a bit further. |
The Sikh and the Monk
Experience two totally different cultures in only a couple of days. Amritsar is typically Indian, with colours and smells striking your senses from every direction. Above the narrow streets and bazaars, you’ll see the rooftops of spectacular Golden Temple glinting in the sunlight. This is the spiritual nerve centre of the Sikh religion, and thousands of pilgrims flock here every day to lay offerings at the temple. Yet, only a few hours away, you’ll find a startling contrast to these devoted crowds and dusty alleyways. Dharamsala, nestled in the foothills of the northwest Himalayas, is another world entirely. This is the home of the Dalai Lama, where the pace is slow and the space is plentiful. Set in a thickly wooded area, covered with Tibetan prayer flags and surrounded with snowy peaks, Dharamsala is far cry from the hectic cities below. The town is a Buddhist haven of peace and tranquillity, where you can stroll amongst Tibetan monks and take some meditation classes in the mountains. |
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Tibetan life in India
We might think of India as a jumble of holy cows, forts and brightly coloured saris, but it’s also a world of Tibetan monasteries, prayer flags and snow-capped mountains. During this module, you’ll travel by private car and jeep through the deserted moonscape of the northwest Himalayas. Here, you’ll feel like the only person in the world. The barren, snow-streaked terrain is worlds away from the culture of Rajasthan and the artistry of the Taj Mahal, allowing you to experience nature at its most mighty. The trip begins in Manali, a peaceful mountain Shangri-La filled with orchards, fields and waterfalls. Then, you’ll travel uphill to Ladakh, climbing far above the tree line into a vast mountain wilderness, surrounded by glistening snowy peaks. |
Himalayan homestay
Experience a real trek without the real hardships. In this module, the spectacular hikes between mountain peaks and past Tibetan monasteries last no more than 4 hours at a time, with only slight differences in altitude. You’ll stay with local Indian families, giving you the absolute trekking experience and a sense of the breathtakingly hospitable mountain life. In the evenings, you’ll enjoy hot meals cooked on traditional fires and you’ll pass the time with your hosts in a pleasant, cosy atmosphere. |
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