Overview
Tour Overview:
Embark on a remarkable 12 days Golden Triangle tour with Himachal Pradesh, designed for all who would like to immerse themselves in North India’s scenic natural beauty, vibrant culture. The tour masterfully combines the peaceful and awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape of Himachal Pradesh with the well-known historic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. From the crowded cities and ancient sites of the lowlands to the peaceful, snow-capped peaks and green valleys of the highlands, this tour offers a striking contrast. History lovers, families and couples who enjoy getting a complete and memorable experience in India will appreciate the tour.
Duration: 11 Nights 12 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Shimla – Manali – Chandigarh
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi Arrival & Sightseeing
Upon your arrival in Delhi, the bustling capital of India, serves as the commencement date of the tour commences. You’ll be greeted and escorted to your hotel on arrival at the airport or railway station. The day is spent exploring Old Delhi’s historic charm. The tour will take you to the imposing Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to the stunning Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques.
Visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Take a drive through the ceremonial Rajpath, passing the Presidential Palace, Parliament House and stately India Gate. Take a trip to Humayun’s Tomb and the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Qutub Minar, to complete the day.
Day 2: Agra Transfer & Taj Mahal Sunset
You’ll have a scenic drive to Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, after an early breakfast. You can relax after checking into your hotel on arrival. The day ends in the afternoon with a tour of the magnificent Agra Fort, the Mughal emperor’s former residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stunning ensemble of palaces, mosques, and public spaces is accommodated in the red sandstone fort walls. A trip to the iconic Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It’s an experience of mysticism to view the Taj Mahal during sunset as the white marble, offered with a golden hue by the changing light.
Day 3: Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri
There’s another breathtaking sunrise view of the Taj Mahal to welcome the morning, one will never be forgotten. You’ll leave after breakfast and travel to Jaipur, famously referred to as the Pink City. You will take a halt at Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. This abandoned city was built by Emperor Akbar and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. You’ll visit the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and some of the palaces. On your arrival in Jaipur, you’ll be accommodated in the hotel. Evening is generally free to explore Chokhi Dhani, offering a flavor of real Rajasthani culture with folk dances, music and a bountiful meal.
Day 4: Jaipur Sightseeing Tour
This day will be spent visiting Jaipur’s splendorous palaces and forts. Head to the Amber Fort, a fabulous fort palace on a hill, after breakfast. The main highlight of this tour is the elephant ride up to the fort. You can travel to the Diwan-e-Khas and the intricately carved Sheesh Mahal within. The tour continues to the City Palace in the afternoon, a stunning complex comprising the royal palace and a museum. The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory and the Hawa Mahal, a unique five-story edifice containing 953 small windows. The evening concludes with a visit to the local bazaars, famous for their vibrant handicrafts, jewellery and clothing.
Day 5: Jaipur to Shimla via Delhi
After breakfast, you’ll leave your accommodation and drive back to Delhi. The tour marks the end of the Golden Triangle tour. Begin your way to Shimla, the starting point of the Himachal circuit, where you will be transferred from Delhi to a comfortable overnight bus or private car.
Day 6: Shimla Arrival & Sightseeing
When you arrive in Shimla, also known as the “Queen of Hills,” you’ll be driven to your hotel. It’s an abrupt and pleasant change of scenery from the plains to the hills. A tour of the colonial prettiness of Shimla is on the plan, after you check in and rest for a while. Your destination for the day will be the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, a historic structure of the Viceregal Lodge during the British Raj. A tour of Christ Church is one of the oldest ones in North India, and panoramic views of the mountains around. One can enjoy taking a leisurely walk down the famous Mall Road and Ridge.
Day 7: Kufri Day Trip
The day is spent on a day trip to Kufri, a famous holiday destination and small hill station only a short distance away from Shimla. Kufri is famous for its adventure sports and beautiful landscapes. Visit the Himalayan Nature Park, ride horses and take in the wide vistas from Mahasu Peak. Couples and families can spend a peaceful day amidst nature on this day. Spend the evening walking along the Mall Road shops and cafes of Shimla.
Day 8: Shimla to Manali via Kullu Valley
You will check out and begin the scenic journey to Manali in the morning after breakfast. The tour takes you through the stunning Kullu valley with the Beas River flowing parallel to the road, an experience. Scenic landscapes of mountains, rice farms with terraced fields and picturesque villages are to be witnessed along the way. You can take a visit to the local shawl mill and if you wish to be adventurous, take river rafting during the halt in Kullu.
Day 9: Manali Sightseeing Tour
The local tour of Manali is the main attraction of this Himachal Pradesh excursion. A tour of Hadimba Devi Temple, a beautifully carved wooden temple surrounded by a deodar forest. You’ll also visit the Tibetan Monastery and the Vashisht Temple, famous for its natural hot springs. There’s a visit to the Solang Valley, an adventure hub where you can enjoy activities like zorbing and paragliding. Solang’s green valleys and snow-capped peaks offer a perfect background for photography and adventure.
Day 10: Adventurous excursion from Manali
There’s still room for greater exploration and adventure today. Explore Rohtang Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass celebrated for its spectacular snow landscapes, depending on the season and weather conditions. Alternatively, you could take a short hike, visit the charming village of Old Manali, or simply have a relaxing day at the hotel while enjoying the relaxing environment.
Day 11: Manali to Chandigarh
Today, you’ll check out from the hotel in Manali and get transferred to Chandigarh, a well-planned city, after your final breakfast. Check into your hotel in Chandigarh and relax. If time permits, you can visit some of the top sights of Chandigarh, like Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden, a sculpture garden formed from domestic and commercial waste. A pleasant transition from the mountains to the final leg of your trip is provided by this overnight journey.
Day 12: Departure
A leisurely breakfast begins the tour’s final day. With a wealth of memories of the diverse and scenic landscapes of the Golden Triangle and Himachal Pradesh. You’ll be escorted to the Chandigarh airport or Railway Station for your onward destination.