Arrive to Delhi

We have included a nights accommodation in Delhi for you just to arrive and relax and recuperate after your flight, or regroup before the next leg of your journey or if combing trips so you have a day to do laundry and catch up before starting your next adventure.

Overnight: TBA – Delhi Aerocity

Meals – None

Delhi to Amritsar

Today we fly to Amritsar, a city in the northwestern state of Punjab. A  place that holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians. It is a city that is rich in culture, history, and spirituality. 

In the afternoon we make our way to a local Punjab village. When we talk about Punjab and its culture it is all about its rural life and its culture which is still based in agriculture. Punjab village life has seen a big change after the 1970s, green revolution has changed the economic paradigms.

In the village tour we get you experience a authentic current culture of Punjab, you are welcome by a local family, you interact with them you see their living,

Each village happens to be a country within the country, every village was self reliant and still when we see the components of a village we come to know a self sufficient community away from the city chaos. There is a school, community health centre, marriage palace, floor mill, wood maker, and many more professionals are there in the village who cater to the local needs.

We end the day tour at Wagah Border Ceremony. Country border between India and Pakistan, where ‘Lowering the flags’ ceremony is performed daily. The ceremony is witnessed by people from both sides of the border.

Overnight WH Ranjit Villas, Amritsar or similar

Meals – Breakfast and Lunch

Amritsar Day Tour

This morning we visit the Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a place of peace, spirituality, and beauty. It is the holiest shrine for Sikhs and is visited by millions of people every year. The temple is a stunning sight, with its golden dome and marble walls, surrounded by a serene pool of water known as the Amrit Sarovar. The temple complex also includes the Akal Takht, the highest seat of authority for Sikhs, and the langar hall, where free meals are served to everyone regardless of their religion, caste, or social status.

Next stop, Hall Bazaar. The oldest and biggest market of the city. Dating back to the 1500s, the market contains all types of shops and shopkeepers. An adventure in itself.

Overnight WH Ranjit Villas, Amritsar or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Drive to Kangra

In the morning, we travel from Amritsar to Kangra. (Approx. 6 hours drive). 

On the way we visit to Kangra Fort.

The Kangra Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra State (the Katoch dynasty), which traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. It is the oldest fort in India! Reminiscent of an English Castle. It managed to stave off attack over 50 times!! It has 11 gates and a spectacular view. 

7pm Dinner *Self pay

Accommodation –  Tree of Life Birdsong Chalets or similar. Colourful chalets made in local style with mud exteriors and slate roofs, we have green fields on one side and lush green forest on the other. In a distance, are views of the snow clad range. 

Meals: Breakfast

After Breakfast we drive to The Mirage stopping on the way at a picturesque Village of Palampur for lunch and a wander before making our way to Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery which was founded by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo at the request of her teacher His Eminence H.E. Khamtrul Rinpoche. Here we hope to meet some Nuns in person and have a bit of a chat, coffee and buy some Audios and DVDs in the shop, (these are great priced teachings of Tenzin Palmo and produced to support the Nunnery). The scenery in this part of the world is spectacular. 

This afternoon we will arrive at The Mirage, our quirky and rustic home for the next 3 days. Settle in and take a chai on the verandah. 

7pm we dinner followed by a restful nights sleep. 

Accommodation – The Mirage or similar (The Mirage is a retreat and heritage homestay in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. Please note it is very rustic and bathrooms may be shared. As always beds can be firm and hot water not always plentiful so please adjust your expectations accordingly.)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Yoga and Andretta Arts Community

Today starts with an optional 2 hour yoga and meditation class with our local India Yoga teacher.

Then we visit a local Artists Colony of Andretta for a clay workshop.

This colony was started some 75 years ago by an Irish woman named Norah Richards, a dramatist and environmentalist lived in Andretta from the mid 30’s, through the time of partition until her death in 1971. She was a formidable and resourceful Irish woman, passionate about Shakespeare, who built an adobe house here in the English style. She taught Punjabi students how to perform plays in a small outdoor theatre outside her home. Her adobe house has recently been renovated by the Punjabi University Patiala, with the skills of local artisans. 

Andretta Pottery and Craft Society – This is a working art pottery making attractive earthenware with rangoli style slip designs. The pottery offers 3 month classes for students. Also attached to the pottery is a Terracotta Museum. While the main collection in this museum is the work of local village potters from the neighbouring parts, the museum also has a house collection of pottery from around the globe including several works from Mexico, England and Holland. — For more about Andretta Pottery go towww.andrettapottery.com 

After lunch take a leisurely 2km stroll to the Sobha Singh Art Gallery – The Art Gallery is a display of work by the famous painter of Sikh gurus, Sobha Singh, created over his three decades in Andretta. He was another of Norah’s artist friends that she brought together to share her dream.

Late afternoon relax at The Mirage.

Accommodation – The Mirage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an easy breakfast we visit the Wah Tea Estate for a guided tour and tea tasting. Nestled in the lush green hills of India, lies the enchanting Wah Tea Estate. This picturesque plantation is not only a sight to behold, but also a haven for tea lovers. From the moment you step foot on the estate, you are greeted with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed tea.

The Wah Tea Estate offers a unique tea tasting and tour experience, where you can learn about the history and process of tea making. From plucking the leaves to the final packaging, you’ll get a firsthand look at the intricate process that goes into making the perfect cup of tea.

And of course, no tour is complete without a taste test. Indulge in a variety of teas, from classic black to exotic blends, and discover your new favorite. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the flavours and nuances of each tea, making it a truly immersive experience.

Have a light lunch at the Tea Cafe *self pay before heading on to our next stop Norling House located in the Norbulingka Institute. 

This afternoon we have a timber painting art class followed by a tour of the Norbulingka Institute. 

Accommodation – Norling House (housed within Norbulingka Institutes grounds this is a very special and spiritual and artistic place I feel so blessed to be able to take you here.) 

Meals: Breakfast

Mcleod Ganj 

After breakfast we explore the Kangra Arts Museum Followed by a ride on the the sky rail to explore (with our local guide) McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama in Exile. Visit the Kalachakra temple and have time to wander the shops for Tibetan wares. Purchase your beautiful singing bowls and tingshas, lovely shawls and other handmade products from the Tibetan market. Meet at the Namgyal Monastery home to the Dalai Lama.

*Optional walk to Bhagsu Nag WaterfallHave lunch at a local cafe *self-pay

After our time in McLeod Ganj we will stop at St. John’s Church in the Wilderness, an eminent landmark in the hill town of McLeod Ganj. This church is an ancient church in Himachal Pradesh that was erected in the year 1852. The most interesting aspect of this church is that it stands amid the lush green surroundings of a forested area. Such surroundings enhance its charm to a great extent. This church is built in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture and is one of the key attractions located in Mcleod Ganj. 

7pm Dinner *selfpay

Accommodation – Norling House 

Meals: Breakfast

Departure Day

Check out after breakfast and depart for your onward flight.

This tour concludes in Dharamshala please book your flight back to Delhi or home from Kangra airport. 

*If attending the Nepal Nature Retreat we suggest a night in Delhi before flying to Kathmandu on the 29th of March 2025.

We hope you had a wonderful time and that we get to see you again soon.