Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

To the Foothills of the Himalayas

To the Foothills of the Himalayas, a rail journey with Planet Rail

Travel by rail to India's Himalayan foothills, exploring breathtaking scenery, rich culture and picturesque hill stations on an unforgettable journey.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Delhi

    Arrival in Delhi

    Arrive into Delhi's International Airport, where a representative from Planet Rail's partner company meets you and transfers you to the glamorous Taj Mahal Hotel (5 star) for a two-night stay, set amidst 6 acres of landscaped grounds. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or start discovering India's capital, a bustling metropolis combining the ancient with the modern.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Delhi

    After breakfast, a full-day combined city tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi visit the 17th-century Jama Masjid, walk the lanes of Chandni Chowk (with the option of a rickshaw ride), see the Red Fort and stop at Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In New Delhi drive past the Presidential Palace, India Gate and Parliament House, then visit Qutab Minar and the 16th-century Humayun's tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Amritsar

    Delhi to Amritsar

    After an early breakfast, transfer to Delhi railway station for the train journey north to Amritsar, arriving in the early afternoon for a two-night stay at the Hyatt Hotel (5 star). Amritsar is the major centre of the Sikh religion, home to the magnificent Golden Temple. This evening see the temple brilliantly lit for the Palki Ceremony, when the Sikh Holy Book is carried amongst worshippers to its resting place for the night.

  4. Day 4overnight: Amritsar

    Sightseeing in Amritsar and the Wagah ceremony

    A tour of Amritsar including the Golden Temple, the spiritual nerve centre of the Sikh faith, where the community kitchen (langar) feeds 30,000 people daily, and the historic Jallianwala Bagh, commemorating the victims of the 1919 massacre. Tonight visit the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan for the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony and the lowering of the flags on both sides.

  5. Day 5overnight: Dharamsala

    Amritsar to Dharamsala

    Leave Amritsar and drive north-east into steadily more mountainous territory to Dharamsala. Set on the Dhaula Dhar Range, Dharamsala is known as 'Little Lhasa' for its place at the heart of Tibetan culture. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Dharamsala

    Exploring Dharamsala

    A tour of Dharamsala and its cultural heritage, including the upper town McLeod Ganj, seat of the Dalai Lama and home to the Tibetan community, plus the colourful temple and Gompas reflecting the culture of Tibet.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Pragpur

    Dharamsala to Pragpur

    After breakfast, drive along the Kangra Valley to Pragpur, arriving in the early afternoon for an overnight stay. Explore the Heritage Village of Pragpur or take an optional excursion on the Kangra Valley Railway, a fascinating narrow-gauge line through sub-Himalayan scenery.

  8. Day 8overnight: Shimla

    Pragpur to Shimla

    Drive to Garli village, a noted heritage village with a medieval feel, then continue to Shimla, the fashionable summer retreat of the British colonial years, for a two-night stay.

  9. Day 9overnight: Shimla

    Discovering Shimla

    A tour of Shimla including the Vice-Regal Lodge, where the partition of India and Pakistan was planned, now the Institute for Advanced Studies, and a Hindu temple with shrines to many Hindi gods. In the evening stroll along the Mall to Scandal Point, perhaps looking inside the Gaiety Theatre or Christ Church, or find a spot for refreshments with views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Delhi

    Shimla to Delhi - The Toy Train

    Transfer to Shimla station for the UNESCO World Heritage toy train ride from Shimla to Kalka, one of the most scenic train journeys in India, with dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. At Kalka change trains and continue back to Delhi, where a transfer returns you to the Taj Mahal Hotel (5 star) for the final night.

  11. Day 11

    Depart Delhi

    After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to Delhi International airport for the connecting flight to your onward destination.

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