Welcome to Himalayan Panorama we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do. This a fantastic trip into a very special part of India. These mystical lands look and feel so very different to the rest of India - from the food, the clothes and even the look of the people, to the crisp, clean mountain air. This is a trip that has been designed for those who want to experience the beauty and culture of this very different mountain area. Himachal Pradesh is a small state tucked away between the steamy plains of North India and the massive ranges of the Great Himalaya to the north. Not surprisingly, there is a wildlife diversity to complement this, with sub-tropical forests, temperate woodlands and alpine meadows in close proximity. Similarly, given its strategic position between the former Northwest Frontiers, the sub-continent and the Tibetan plateau the region has long been a melting pot of diverse cultural and spiritual influences.

Day - 01

ARRIVE IN DELHI AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL

You will be met at the airport, and transferred to the hotel. Upon arrival check in to the Hotel in Delhi.
Overnight at hotel in Delhi. With Bed & Breakfast.

Day - 02

FULL DAY DELHI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, depart on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. This includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy and today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, a unique circular building with huge colonnades, housing the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Humayun's Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. Visitors are immediately struck by the tomb's resemblance to its more famous cousin - the Taj Mahal - with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. One of Delhi’s most striking monuments is the 70-meter high Qutab Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi.
Overnight at hotel in Delhi. With Bed & Breakfast.

Day - 03

MORNING TRAIN TO CHANDIGARH & DRIVE TO SHIMLA (119 Km / 03 Hours)

In the morning you will be transferred to railway station to board train (Shatabdi Expres). Upon arrival in Chandigarh you will be met by our representative and drive to Shimla which stands at 7000 feet above sea level. Shimla’s colonial heritage, its pine-scented mountain air and natural beauty make for an ideal getaway. Transfer to the hotel on arrival. Explore Shimla town, spread across 12 km along a ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides and cultivation, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak, pine, fir and rhododendron. In the summer the private gardens abound in flowers in full bloom. Originally a small village with a temple to Shamla Devi as its main attraction, the British developed the settlement for its bracing climate and scenic location to make it the summer capital of India for many years. Places of interest include The Mall, Shimla’s principal promenade which terminates at Scandal Point, from where the views of the Himalayas are unmatched; the Vice regal Lodge, the erstwhile viceroy's residence, is today the Institute of Advanced Studies. The Shimla State Museum houses numerous art objects from around India including a priceless collection of paintings.
Overnight stay in Shimla.

Day - 04

EXCURSION TO KUFRI

In the morning, move around Shimla and visit the Kalbadevi and Jakhu temples. Go back in time with the beautiful stained-glass windows of Christ Church, built in the 1850s.Or simply take a walk on the bustling mall. In the afternoon set out for Kufri, a 30 minute drive from Shimla. Surrounded by dense forests and snow capped mountains Kufri offers a splendid view of virgin snow-capped peaks. Its rich flora and fauna have the power of completely relaxing and distressing. you. Overnight stay in Shimla.
Overnight stay in Shimla.

Day - 05

DRIVE SHIMLA TO MANALI (227 Km / 05 Hours)

A seven hour drive takes you to Manali, the district headquarters of the picture-postcard Kullu Valley, where nature stands still in all its pristine glory. En route visit Kulu Valley which lies on the banks of the Beas River, at an altitude of about 3,900 ft (1,200 m). It is famous for its apple orchards, its beautiful women, its ancient wooden temples and its folk music and dances. Kulu is famous for its Dussera Festival, when the statue of Raghunathji, the presiding deity of the valley, is ceremoniously brought down to the valley from the mountains. The god stays in state in the valley for a week, along with other gods who are also present in their festive palanquins. The highlight of the fair is the dance competition held every evening.
Overnight stay in Manali.

Day - 06

SIGHTSEEING OF MANALI

After breakfast proceed for you sightseeing of Manali, visiting Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashist Kund - Hot Water Springs, Tibetan Monasteries and Mall road.

Visit Dhoongri Temple, also known as the Hadimba Temple, believed to be a thousand years old; it is dedicated to the goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima, the Pandava of Mahabharata fame. Set in tranquil surroundings, the temple is four-tiered with a pagoda shaped roof and at the entrance are carved figures and symbols. Local folklore has it that Raja Bahadur Singh, who had the temple built, ordered the architect's hand cut off to prevent him from duplicating its design elsewhere. The Vashisht Springs are located in the small village of Vashisht on the left bank of the Beas. The hot water sulphur springs have been made into Turkish-style baths with shower rooms and temperature controlled water piped in. The nearby temple dedicated to Vashista Muni is well worth a visit.

Tibetan Monastery Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa (monastery) This Gompa dominates the Tibetan area around the bottom of the Mall in Manali. The Tibetan refugees built the Gompa in the late 1960's. The Gompa is covered with brightly colored frescoes and a mid size Buddhist statute. It also carries a list of the martyrs killed in occupation of Tibet of 1987 to 1989. Rest of the day free for individual activities or one can stroll around the mall road.
Overnight stay in Manali.

Day - 07

EXCURSIONS TO RHTANG PASS

After breakfast take an excursion tour to Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley known as Snow Points of Manali.

Solang Valley 13 km is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organized here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.

Rohtang pass is 51kms from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. In the evening return to the hotel. Rest of the time is free for leisure.
Overnight stay in Manali.

Day - 08

DRIVES TO MCLEODGANJ

After breakfast we drive to McLeod Ganj, home to a thriving Tibetan community, who settled here with the Dalai Lama. We check in at our hotel and the afternoon is free to explore or relax at the hotel. In the evening we visit the residence of H.H. Dalai lama and the atmospheric monastery. There are two sections to the town, the upper being McLeod Ganj, and the lower Dharamshala. Upper Dharamshala where McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj are located, The Dalai Lama settled here after his flight across the Himalaya following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in October 1959. Upper Dharamsala by car visiting Church of St John-in-the-Wilderness, Dalai Lama Temple (see large statue of Sakya muni Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Avlokiteshvara), Kalachakra Tibet museum (where you can see the pictorial presentation about the life of Tibetan in Tibet), Bhagsu Nag Temple and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.
Overnight stay in Mcleodganj.

Day - 09

SIGHTSEEING OF DHARAMSHALA

We have a day to explore this busy bazaar town, the colorful temples and Buddhist monasteries, which reflect the culture of Tibet. The high snow clad Dhaula Dhar ranges of the Himalaya forms a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort. This is the principal town of Kangra district and overlooks the wide plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamsala is a great place to start our journey. Covering a wide area in the form of a twin settlement, Lower Dharamsala (1380m) is a busy commercial centre, while Upper Dharamsala (1830m) with the suburbs of McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj, retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. NORBULINGKA: The ornate Norbulingka monastery is a beautiful example of Tibetan arts and is only a short distance from Dharamsala, nestled in the valley. The monastery residence of His Holiness the Karmapa is also nearby. Such is the richness of the Buddhist culture as well as that of the Hindu religion, with many sacred Hindu temples nestled around the mountains and valleys that this area is of significant spiritual importance to many people around the world. KANGRA ART MUSEUM: This treasure trove of the Kangra valleys arts, crafts and rich past, display artifacts that date back to the 5th Century. It includes a gallery of famous paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Shamiyanas and local dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jail and pndals are also on display. Coins jewellery and manuscripts are included. A section houses the works of contemporary artists, sculptures and photographers.
Overnight stay in Mcleodganj.

Day - 10

DRIVES TO CHAMBA (200 KM / 06 HOURS)

After early breakfast drive to Chamba it’s a northwestern district of Himachal Pradesh. In the higher reaches of the Ravi Valley, the capital of an ancient kingdom, Chamba was founded in 920 AD by Raja Sahil Varma who named it after his favorite daughter Champavati. Isolated in this valley by the high ranges, Chamba developed its own style of architecture and art. Much of this heritage has been preserved and Chamba is known for the elegance of its temples and for its exquisite miniatures and handicrafts. On arrival in Chamba check in to the hotel. In the evening visit Laxmi Narayan Temple. LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE: The main tourist attraction of Chamba is the Laxmi Narayan Temple is. The architecture of the six temples in this complex is an example of the Hindu shikhara style of architecture. However, the local flavor is distinct and makes the carvings on these temples unique. Three temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and another three to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 10th century AD and was renovated in the 16th century. A small shrine dedicated to the memory of Rani Suhi stands on a hill overlooking the town. OLD PALACE: The Rangmahal or the Old Palace is another important place to visit and houses the Himachal Emporium, from where travelers can buy handicraft items. The Bhuri Singh Museum has a good collection of artifacts belonging to this region. Of particular importance is the collection of traditional miniature paintings. St Andrew's Church and Gandhi Gate are also worth visiting. Other temples to visit in Chamba are the Radha Krishna Temple, the Sitaram Temple and the Champavati Temple.
Overnight in Chamba.

Day - 11

EXCURSIONS TO BHARMOUR

After breakfast take an excursion to Bharmour. From Chamba, a perilous mountain road winds 65 km east to the ancient slate-roofed village of Bharmour, hovering on the edge of a seemingly bottomless valley. Bharmour was the capital of the princely state of Chamba until AD 920, and there are fascinating temples and treks to surrounding mountain passes. The villages around Bharmour are home to the semi-nomadic Gaddis, pastoralists who move their flocks up to alpine pastures during the summer, and descend to Kangra, Mandi and Bilaspur in winter. Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Chamba.

Day - 12

DRIVES TO DALHOUSIE VIA KHAJIAR (56 Km / 02 Hours)
Drive 56 Km to Dalhousie (2039 m) established in 1854 by the British Governor General Lord Dalhousie is today a little hill station that still retains much of its charm. A picturesque spot with an, emerald, saucer shaped meadow set amidst a dense deodar forest, it has a lake at its centre with a floating island, a forest rest house, a little temple with a golden spire and a golf course. Built around five hills, Dalhousie is clothed in stately groves of deodar and oak. Its marvelous forest trails overlook vistas of wooded hills, water falls, spring & rivulets. There are also magnificent views of the Chamba Valley and the mighty Dhauladhar range with its awe-inspiring snow covered peaks filling the entire horizon. Dalhousie still has a touch of the 'Raj' about it and its colonial style buildings and houses bring back the flavor of an earlier era. A veneer of Tibetan culture has added a touch of the exotic to this serene resort and along road-sides are huge rocks carved in low relief and painted in the Tibetan style. En route visit Khajiar (1851 m) Often called India's Switzerland, the exquisite glade of Khajjiar (1960m) has a circumference of about 5 km. Along its fringes, thick forests of deodar climb the slopes and the snow-line rests above these woods. At Khajjiar there is a 12th century temple dedicated to KhajjI Nag. Within the temple are life size wooden images of the five Pandav brothers.
Overnight in Dalhousie.

Day - 13

EXPLORE DALHOUSE & DRIVE PATHANKOT TRAIN TO NEW DELHI

Morning at leisure, in the late afternoon drive to Pathankot 90 Km, the drive will take 03 hours. Upon arrival in Pathankot transfer to the railway station to board Jammu mail departing at 19:00 Hours.
Overnight in Train.

Day - 14

ARRIVE IN DELHI & TRANSFER TO THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The train arrives in Delhi at 05:20 Hours. Upon arrival in Delhi you are met at the railway station and transferred to hotel. In the evening you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the International Airport for your homeward journey.