Original
Explorer
Mountains & Mystics of India
13 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
144 reviews
13 days
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Trip Code
HHSF
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Train, Heritage Train, Metro, Cycle rickshaw, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Heritage Hotel (1 night)
From £1,239(13 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
See the Himalayas from a new angle on a scenic ride on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘toy train,’ enjoying the cool mountain air and impressive views.
Explore the home of the Dalai Lama – Dharmasala. This highland haven is the ideal place for an enlightening experience of Tibetan spirituality, culture and history.
Observe a unique ‘performance’ of the flag ceremony at India and Pakistan's Wagah border – a daily practice conducted since 1959, drawing crowds for its unconventional ritual.
Learn about Sikhism on an included visit to one of its most sacred monuments – the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Unwind in the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ – Rishikesh. Walk along the holy Ganges and explore the famous mural-lined walls of the Chaurasi Kutia ashram.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip involves some long train rides, which can be tiresome but offer a quintessential Indian experience. Your overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar takes approximately 10 hours. Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned and a great way to travel long distances while still getting maximum time in each place. Beds are padded berths with sheets, pillow and blanket provided (although some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet). Please note that you may be sharing with locals of the same or opposite gender. Long-distance and overnight trains can often be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog between December and February. Read more about what to expect on an overnight train https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/ https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/ (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/)
Part of travelling with Tuuur means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. We visit several temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it's hot.
This trip travels into the Himalayas, where temperatures can get very low. We don't run the trip in winter, but ensure that you're well prepared for cold weather at any time of the year (particularly from November to March). The sun can also be strong at higher altitudes, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen and any other sun protection.
We'll be taking a private vehicle between Mandi and Dharmsala. The road through the mountains is rough and bumpy, but the scenery will (hopefully) distract you from any discomfort.
As Rishikesh is a sacred town, no alcohol consumption is permitted during our time here.
We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Tuuur style of travel. Service and accommodation in India may be different from western standards.
Itinerary
Discover the spiritual significance of Northern India among the mighty Himalayas
Journey from the hub of Delhi into the foothills of the Himalayas and discover India’s slower side with this 12-day adventure. With a focus on spirit, mind and body, you’ll spend time unwinding on nature hikes or deep breathing through a yoga class. This region is known for its spirituality and history and you’ll have a handy local leader by your side to teach you about the local culture along the way. Learn about the Buddhist and Sikh faiths alongside the sites of historic importance with visits to Dharmasala, Amritsar’s Golden Temple and Rishikesh. Ride on a UNESCO-listed toy train, explore the home of the Dalai Lama and watch the flag ceremony at Pakistan’s border.
Inclusions
Meals
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Train, Heritage Train, Metro, Cycle rickshaw, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Heritage Hotel (1 night)
Included activities
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Shimla - Leader-led walking tour
Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
Mandi - Leader-led walking tour
Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple
Amritsar - Golden Temple
Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony
Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'
Optional activities
Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
Shimla - Cinema - INR100
Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free
Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum - INR50
Rishikesh - Yoga Class - INR600
Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500
Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 9 (overnight sleeper train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please note that due to train arrival times there may not be any free time in Delhi at the end of this tour. We advise booking additional accommodation to extend your stay.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
Reviews (141)
5 stars
120
4 stars
19
3 stars
2
John
May 23, 2025
Brilliant trip. We visited some fascinating places with a very knowledgeable leader and a fun group.
Annemarie
May 16, 2025
My recent trip to India with Intrepid has been incredible. So well organised, great guides too. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Intrepid as a tour company and would travel with them again.
Barbara
May 06, 2025
This was my first time with Intrepid. I'd been to India once before and was a bit apprehensive. This trip was well organised, exciting, very moving and great fun. Our Intrepid leader lived her country and was able to enthuse us and educate us. If you are looking for an immersive experience rather than being just a tourist observing then this is the trip for you.
Anita
May 06, 2025
This was a great trip with good accommodation, the mountain area is stunning . Our guide Shubhi was excellent!
Hannah
Apr 22, 2025
We had a lovely trip through the north of India. Our group leader was very nice and really knowledgeable. My highlight was the golden temple in Amritsar.
Hamish
Apr 17, 2025
Mountains and mystics April 2025. Shubi Rai was our Leader. I can recommend this trip and Shubi Rai highly. Interesting destinations, culture and scenery all capablely leader by Shubi Rai who was absolutely fantastic.
Lindsay
Apr 17, 2025
This trip was fantastic. It has a great balance of included activities and free time, and a decent amount of time in each city. Our leader Shubhi Rai was amazing - so organised, patient, and able to answer any questions thrown at her. These are some beautiful parts of India, and I highly recommend this for anyone who has been to India before and looking for something different.
Cynthia
Apr 11, 2025
Mystic Mountains is a bucket list trip! Beginning in Delhi to get a taste of the delicious tea and food, traffic, Hindu and Sikh cultures, and people you travel north to the Hill Stations of Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala and Rishikesh then to Amritsar. Each place has its own unique charm, character and religion. None were alike! The tour experience takes the stress out of travelling off the beaten track and the tour leader takes care of you and shares knowledge you won’t find in guide books! It is both a relaxing and exhilarating trip! I’d do it again!
Bryan
Apr 07, 2025
Apart from my visa issue, I would strongly recommend Intrepid trip
James
Mar 31, 2025
This tour was a great way to go "off the beaten track" in India and is value for money. Our tour guide Ruchi went above and beyond to ensure that everything was organised perfectly. The hotels were generally of a good quality. There are several long drives between the hill stations.
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