tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Original

Explorer

Mountains & Mystics of India

4.8

Excellent

155 reviews

13 days

Start

Delhi, India

Finish

Delhi, India

Trip Code

HHSF

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

1 breakfast, 3 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 £953(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.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi, India’s capital city known for its Mughal-era architecture and street food scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll get to know your leader and fellow trip members. If you arrive early, why not stop by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb or the iconic 12th-century Qutub Minar. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out with your group to get to know each other (and the delicious local cuisine). It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR650
Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR650
Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure - INR3350
Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4000
Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure - INR3750
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Delhi
This morning, your leader will take the group for a guided walking tour around Old Delhi. Climb aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw and be driven through Delhi’s lively streets. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
DAY 3
Day 3 • Shimla
Depart Delhi and hop aboard a train journeying across the state of Punjab to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you’ll travel by private vehicle to Shimla – the state’s capital, situated in the lower foothills of the Himalayas. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to explore the town's quiet charm on an orientation walk with your leader. After, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore at your own pace. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Shimla - Leader-led walking tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Shimla
Wake up early for a 30-minute scenic ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 'toy train' – for views of the Himalayas and local villages. After, you might like to head out and shop along Mall Road, visit the Jakhu Temple or shop for specialty wooden crafts at Lakkar Bazaar. Later, you’ll visit the Viceregal Lodge. This is a historic location where the partition agreement that separated India from Pakistan and Bangladesh was drawn up. Set among rolling hills, Shimla offers gentle to challenging walking trails for those wanting to stretch their legs. In the evening, film fans might like to visit the cinema to watch a Bollywood blockbuster.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
Shimla - Toy Train World Hertiage Site
Optional activities
Shimla - Cinema - INR100
Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free
DAY 5
Day 5 • Mandi
Travel by private transfer to the small town of Mandi. Situated on the Beas River and once part of the salt route to Tibet, Mandi is a town of both historic and religious significance. Your leader will take you on a guided walk where you will explore the town and its huge sunken shopping centre – the only one like it in India. Later, you might like to spend time at the bathing ghats along the river or hike to hilltop temples. In the evening, sit down to dinner with your group and stay in the restored former palace of the Raja of Mandi. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Accommodation
Heritage Property (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Mandi - Leader-led walking tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj)
Today, journey through the mountains by private vehicle along bumpy, winding roads to Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj. A mountain town with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, you’ll find robed monks strolling between monasteries and prayer flags hung from above. When you arrive, maybe wander the streets and see for yourself. Dharamsala is also known as the home to the Dalai Lama and where the Tibetan government resides in exile. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the town at your own pace, walking through the streets framed by the Himalayas. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. In Dharmsala, our vehicle can't get all the way to the hotel, so some walking (approximately 500 m) with your luggage will be required.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
In Dharmsala, our vehicle can't get all the way to the hotel, so some walking (approximately 500 m) with your luggage will be required.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj)
Today, visit the fascinating Norbulingka Institute, developed to train Tibetan refugees in skills needed to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet. Its grounds feature an intricate temple and several workshops where you can see woodcarving, painting and needlework in action. Then, make your way to the Tsuglag Khang complex to see the Dalai Lama’s temple. You may also like to visit the Losel Doll Museum to learn about the daily lives and customs of Tibetan people.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple
Optional activities
Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum - INR50
DAY 8
Day 8 • Amritsar
Today, travel down the mountains to Amritsar, situated in the heart of the fertile plain known as India's ‘breadbasket.’ Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab and the centre of Sikhism in India. With your group, wander through the rambling streets and bazaars of the Old City on foot before you explore the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), which sits in the middle of a sacred lake. Soak up the soothing sounds of the devout chanting verses from the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib. Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Amritsar - Golden Temple
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Amritsar – Overnight train
Journey to the Jallianwala Bagh this morning – the site of the tragic 1919 massacre that played a vital role in India's independence. Then, head out to the India–Pakistan border to watch the daily flag ceremony that has been followed since 1959. This famous military practice garners crowds every day who come to watch as the security forces of India and Pakistan engage in an elaborate ceremony of bowing, chanting, marching and high kicks. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar. Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 10 hours. Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned. Beds are padded berths with sheets, a pillow and a 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.
Accommodation
Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony
Special information
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 10 hours.
Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned. Beds are padded berths with sheets, a pillow and a 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.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Rishikesh
Disembark in Haridwar this morning, then drive to Rishikesh and check in to your hotel. Later today, you have the chance to go on an orientation walk with your leader to see the mural-lined walls of Chaurasi Kutia – the ashram made internationally famous when the Beatles visited in the 1960s. In the evening, take a stroll along the holy Ganges River, where you’ll hear the ringing of the temple bells and watch as the nightly fire rituals of Ganga Aarti begin. Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Please note that being sacred, Rishikesh is a dry town and alcohol is prohibited.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'
Optional activities
Rishikesh - Yoga Class - INR600
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Please note that being sacred, Rishikesh is a dry town and alcohol is prohibited.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Rishikesh – River Ganges
You have a free morning to enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere of Rishikesh. Maybe take a walk along the Ganges River or relax and unwind in a yoga class – Rishikesh is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' For something more adventurous, there’s also the option to white-water raft down the Ganges! In the afternoon, reunite with your group for a walk through the nearby jungle.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Optional activities
Rishikesh - White Water Rafting - INR1500
DAY 12
Day 12 • Delhi
Bid farewell to Rishikesh and take the train back to Delhi. This is a long journey, so get stuck into a good book or reminisce on your incredible adventure with your fellow travellers. The train arrives back in Delhi at around 11 pm and you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your final night. Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
DAY 13
Day 13 • Delhi
There are no activities planned for your last day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay an extra couple of days, and it's recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. If you do extend your stay, maybe check out the great range of Urban Adventures – like the Hidden Gems of Delhi tour. Head to urbanadventures.com/destination/delhi-tours for more information.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure - INR4100
Special information
Head to urbanadventures.com/destination/delhi-tours for more information.

Inclusions

Meals

1 breakfast, 3 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

Shimla - Toy Train World Hertiage Site

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 - INR650

Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR650

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

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Feb 22, 2026

Friday Mar 06, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£1,342

Wednesday Feb 25, 2026

Monday Mar 09, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left

£1,309

Sunday Mar 01, 2026

Friday Mar 13, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£1,579

Sunday Mar 08, 2026

Friday Mar 20, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£1,562

Wednesday Mar 11, 2026

Monday Mar 23, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£1,348£1,213

Sunday Mar 15, 2026

Friday Mar 27, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£1,568

Wednesday Mar 18, 2026

Monday Mar 30, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left

£1,348£1,213

Sunday Mar 22, 2026

Friday Apr 03, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left

£1,386

Wednesday Mar 25, 2026

Monday Apr 06, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left

£1,271£1,016

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026

Monday Apr 13, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left

£1,546£1,391

Sunday Apr 05, 2026

Friday Apr 17, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£1,271£953

Sunday Apr 12, 2026

Friday Apr 24, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left

£1,271

Sunday Apr 19, 2026

Friday May 01, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left

£1,271

Sunday Apr 26, 2026

Friday May 08, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£1,271

Sunday May 03, 2026

Friday May 15, 2026

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£1,271

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 (154)

5 stars

131

4 stars

3 stars

Aleksandra

Jan 28, 2026

Very nice trip into the north. Significant time on the bus but scenic views compensate for it ;) it gets very cold in winter and hotels may not be that warm so bring warm clothes!

Françoise Anna Amélie

Jan 23, 2026

Great experience! Highly recommend to first time travellers to India wishing to get out of the city and into the mountains. Large focus on exploring local customs, religious rituals and places of worship - enjoyable and informative.

Emerald

Jan 23, 2026

Great trip with an excellent group leader. Loved the destinations we visited and the knowledge and insight we gained from being on the tour.

Vladimir

Jan 17, 2026

I had thought that I already knew much about dharmic religions, but this trip over Himmalayan foothills had enlightened me, especially being in Mandi - place of the ancient kingdom of Zahor...

Sean

Nov 30, 2025

The trip was well planned. I feel group travel is more for people looking to fill a camera roll, and souvenir shopping. I feel traveling alone next would suit me better overall

Jen

Nov 28, 2025

This is a fantastic trip and I'd really recommend it. But be prepared to pay quite a bit extra on top of the price advertised, for tips, paying the group leader, and being taken to tourist restaurants which charge a premium. But it's still worth it, Akhi is a brilliant guide and we had a great group, I had a fantastic time and would recommend this to anyone interested in India

Peggy

Nov 20, 2025

We have a fantastic time with our Leader Ruchi on the amazing trip. I highly recommended

Laine

Nov 07, 2025

My India trip with intrepid was amazing! I learned a lot and had many local experiences under the watchful eye of a kind and attentive group leader. Chime Dolkar Bhutia was the best! Highly recommend!

Olivia

Oct 24, 2025

Wonderful trip with intrepid! I did mountains and mystics tour in India and had an amazing time. Chime was such a caring and welcoming tour leader and made my experience in India life changing! Thankyou!

Rebecca

Oct 17, 2025

This was my first ever tour, and it was an amazing experience. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trip. The group was incredibly kind and helpful, which made the whole journey even more enjoyable. The itinerary was well planned, the experiences were authentic, and our leader made everything run smoothly. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to group travel and would definitely travel with Intrepid again

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