Mountains & Mystics of India
Experience Overview
Take a tour of India and be introduced to the Mountains and Mystics of this incredible country. This is a journey of the body, mind, and spirit as you travel through the foothills of the world's highest mountains – the Himalayas. These mystical lands look and feel very different from the rest of India – from the food and clothes to the crisp, clean mountain air and spiritual soul of the locals. Discover it all on a 13-day enlightening adventure, and be enchanted by a land in perfect balance between physical and spiritual worlds.
Highlights
- The cool mountain air of Shimla Hill Station and a scenic ride on the World Heritage-listed ‘toy-train’ are the perfect way to experience this Himalayan hideout.
- 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.
- Witness 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 and ostentatious practices.
- Learn about Sikhism on an included visit to the one of most sacred monuments of the faith – the luminous Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Breeze through the self-proclaimed ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ in Rishikesh, walking along the holy Ganges, and explore the crumbling beauty and famous mural-lined walls of the Chaurasi Kutia ashram.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2112
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle,Public bus,Train,Heritage Train,Metro,Cycle rickshaw,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HHSF
Starts: Delhi, India
Finishes: Delhi, India
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (1), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night),Heritage Hotel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,836 ($141 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to India’s capital, Delhi! Join your group and guide for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you happen to arrive in Delhi early, there are plenty of things to see and do. Perhaps pay a visit to the 12th-century Qutub Minar or the World Heritage-listed Humayun's Tomb. As the former residence of royal families and British soldiers, the Red Fort plays a vital part in Delhi’s history and is a must-see. Sampling spicy street food or trying your hand at haggling in the city’s bazaars are other great introductions to India.
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Qutub Minar (600 INR)
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb (600 INR)
- Delhi - Gandhi's Delhi Urban Adventure (3350 INR)
- Delhi - Home-Cooked Delhi Urban Adventure (4000 INR)
- Delhi - Delhi Food Walk Urban Adventure (3750 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, join the group for a walking tour around Old Delhi, which has been an important city in India for over 2000 years. Climb aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw and be driven through the colour and chaos of Delhi’s traffic. In the afternoon, learn about the Sikh religion at the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) and visit the Jama Masjid – Delhi's oldest and India’s largest mosque.
Included Activities:
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Delhi by train for the 4-5-hour journey across the state of Punjab to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you’ll travel by private vehicle to Shimla. On arrival, get your bearings and explore the town's faded charm on an orientation walk with your group leader.
Included Activities:
- Shimla - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up early this morning to board the World Heritage-listed 'toy train' for a 30 minute scenic journey offering views of quaint villages and gorgeous mountain passes. Afterward, head out and explore Mall Road – Shimla's most popular shopping stretch. A nearby viewpoint also offers fantastic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Viceregal Lodge to witness where the partition agreement that separated India from Pakistan and Bangladesh was drawn up. If you like, join the hordes of monkeys milling about Jakhu Temple or stock up on souvenirs and specialty wooden crafts at Lakkar Bazaar. Set among rolling hills, Shimla also offers an array of nature walks that range from gentle to challenging. In the evening, you might like to enjoy an optional trip to the cinema and bop along to a Bollywood blockbuster.
Included Activities:
- Shimla - Viceregal Lodge
Optional Activities:
- Shimla - Cinema (100 INR)
- Shimla - Jakhu Temple - Free
- Shimla - Lakkhar Bazar - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private transfer to the small town of Mandi. Situated on the Beas River, Mandi has a rich cultural heritage of both historical and theological significance. Once part of the salt route to Tibet, today it's the gateway to the Kullu Valley. Head into town for a walk and explore a huge sunken shopping centre – the only one like it in India and the focal point of entertainment in Mandi. You can also spend time at the bathing ghats along the river or hike to hilltop temples just outside of town. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner and stay in the simply restored former palace of the Raja of Mandi.
Included Activities:
- Mandi - Leader-led walking tour
Accommodation:
- Heritage Property (Number of Nights: 1)
Today’s journey through the mountains today is an adventure in itself. Travel by private vehicle for the 6-hour drive along bumpy, winding roads to Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj. Strung with prayer flags and busy with robed monks strolling between monasteries, this hilltop retreat is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Spend the afternoon wandering the peaceful streets, which are set to the backdrop of the Himalayas. There’s a lot to gain here from learning about the many facets of Tibetan Buddhism.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 a beautiful 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, which is a great way to learn about the daily lives and customs of people all over Tibet.
Included Activities:
- Dharamsala - Norbulingka Institute
- Dharamsala - Dalai Lama Temple
Optional Activities:
- Dharamsala - Losel Doll Museum (50 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, travel down the mountains to Amritsar, situated in the heart of the fertile plain known as India's ‘breadbasket’ and the centre of Sikhism in India. Tour the sights and wander through the rambling streets and bazaars of the Old City by foot. Explore the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), which sits in the middle of a sacred lake. Listen to the soothing sounds of the devout chanting verses from the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib.
Included Activities:
- Amritsar - Golden Temple
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Visit Jallianwala Bagh – 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 witness the pomp and circumstance of the daily flag ceremony – a military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan have followed since 1959. Tonight, take an overnight sleeper train from Amritsar to Haridwar.
Included Activities:
- Amritsar - Jallianwallah Bagh
- Amritsar - Wagah Border ceremony
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
After pulling into Haridwar in the morning, there’s a 1-hour drive to Rishikesh. Check in to your hotel before going on an orientation walk with your leader. Pay a visit to the faded but mural-lined walls of Chaurasi Kutia – the ashram made internationally famous (long with Rishikesh by association) when the Beatles visited in the 1960s. Explore the crumbling beauty of the former ashram, now covered in graffiti related to the band and counterculture. In the evening, take a stroll along the holy Ganges River as temple bells ring and the nightly fire ritual of Ganga Aarti begins.
Included Activities:
- Rishikesh - Leader-led walking tour
- Rishikesh - Chaurasi Kutia 'The Beatles Ashram'
Optional Activities:
- Rishikesh - Yoga Class (600 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
The morning is yours to roam around Rishikesh. Perhaps tuck into a masala dosa for breakfast before walking it off on one of the trails along the Ganges. Aptly named the 'Yoga Capital of the World', Rishikesh is a great place to relax and seek a little enlightenment with your own yoga class, if you’d like. For something more adventurous, there is the option to white-water raft down the Ganges. In the afternoon, reunite with your group for a walk through the jungle nearby.
Optional Activities:
- Rishikesh - White Water Rafting (1500 INR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to Rishikesh and take the train back to Delhi (approximately 7-9 hours). The train arrives back into Delhi around 11 pm from where you’ll be transferred to your hotel on arrival.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today, so you’re free to depart the accommodation at any time. Don't forget to check out the great range of Urban Adventures if you have extra time in Delhi, including Hidden Gems of Delhi. Head to urbanadventures.com/destination/delhi-tours for more information. If you would like to spend some more time in Delhi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
- Delhi - Hidden Gems of Delhi Urban Adventure (4100 INR)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Kerry - Traveled, March 2024
If you like slumming it this is the trip for you. If not, choose something else.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Graham - Traveled, March 2024
Very good tour touching upon the essential points interest in the highlands of India
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Laura - Traveled, February 2024
An excellent introduction for my first visit to colourful and contrasting India. The trip was very well organised by our guide Maddy and I met some lovely people to travel with. Now planning more Intrepid trips to other parts of India.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Elisabeth - Traveled, February 2024
The Mountain and mystics tour was one of the most fun and interesting that I’ve done. Going places that I could never plan on my own with an expert tour leader and easy going companions meant I could discover the real beauty of the lower Himalayas. Highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Kerry-Lee - Traveled, February 2024
Take a sense of adventure, good walking shoes, and experience the amazing sights of the lower Himalayas, and yes it was cold.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Lesley - Traveled, February 2024
A great trip into a very different part of India which gives a different insight to India. Long journeys but that’s to be expected if you want to travel and see the different places. Parikshit was an amazing guide, put himself out to make sure everyone was well looked after, would highly recommend him as leader without hesitation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Maxwell - Traveled, February 2024
This was an exceptionally good trip. We expected a mass of humanity and we got it in the major cities. However, in the northern parts, a mystical peace was found. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Viv - Traveled, March 2024
A great trip to very different parts of India. The accommodation was better than I expected. The highlight for me was the time in Amritsar but the whole trip was interesting including the long drives.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Wendy - Traveled, March 2024
An amazing trip, that shows you a less visited part of India. Incredible scenery. Brilliant value. Our guide Abhi was fantastic, looked after us every step of the way!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Mary - Traveled, March 2024
We experienced a lot of highlights of the region as well as some experiences I wouldn't have usually tackled as a tourist (e.g. overnight train). The trip was seamlessly planned and paced, with a good balance of group and free time and smooth logistics of getting between places. Our group leader was really a star at letting us know what to expect for each day and giving us some of the history/context/his own experiences with each place we visited. Ultimately, I know I got magnitudes more out of a trip to India with Intrepid than if I had dared to plan it on my own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Ross - Traveled, March 2024
The tour we incredibly well organised and run with our tour leader Abhi excellent in bringing the group together and providing great information. Lot of travel but knew this would be the case - overall another excellent Intrepid experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Malamati - Traveled, March 2024
A fabulous opportunity to visit northern India and experience cultural ‘idiosyncracies. A very calm, competent guide in Pramod was a bonus to ensure we enjoyed all aspects of the itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Zoe - Traveled, February 2024
A fantastic trip! Away from the main touristy places as I’d hoped but amazing nonetheless! Seeing the real India and loved every minute!! My second trip with Intrepid Travel and I’ll definitely use them again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Peter - Traveled, January 2024
Great tour packed full of exciting experiences ,led by wonderful guide Saby using local resource wherever possible. The small group (10) experience enhanced the relaxed understanding of the wonderful country which is India!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2024
Alun - Traveled, January 2024
An outstanding trip superbly managed by Saby our brilliant tour guide. His whole approach in leading, teaching, managing challenges whilst bringing India to life was simply outstanding. Tour brought to life the complexities and contrasts of a beautiful and mystical India but with plenty of time for conversation, fun and refelction. Thank you Saby and thank you Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
Kathryn - Traveled, January 2024
A phenomenal, immersive trip to a less visited part of India. So many highlights but the combination of history, religion, culture and mountains completely fabulous. Golden temple was my overwhelming and witnessing prayer ceremonies was humbling. I loved it. Saby was a fantastic leader
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2024
Jenny - Traveled, January 2024
A great way to travel and experience the mountain areas of north India. A diverse and busy itinerary with a very knowledgeable tour leader led to many highly memorable moments that only India can deliver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Sharon - Traveled, January 2024
A trip for those who want to experience some of India without being crowded by tourists. Amazing scenery, and the most friendly locals in India . Loved our camping experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/17/2024
Sandra - Traveled, May 2024
Mountains and Mystics is a fascinating glimpse into the Indian way of life where one glimpses the ancient bustle of Old Delhi, the devoted pilgrimage centres of Amritsar and Rishikesh, the stirring nationalism of the border crossing with Pakistan and the beautiful mountain scenery of Shimla ….. it’s an exciting roller coaster ride from start to finish! Sandra
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, May 2024
Guide Kuldeep made our trip rich with knowledge and personal stories . Hotels were very conveniently located and staff very pleasant ! Trip was varied and fascinating! I totally recommend it.. not in hot season
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024
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