Little Lhasa & Foothills of the Himalayas
04 – 21 October 2026 Special Interest

A Small Group Tour Led by Jordan Quill - Art Historian

Itinerary View Map

Day 1 : To Amritsar

Departure from London Heathrow by direct service to Delhi by British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.

Flights from regional UK airport are available on request.

AMRITSAR, INDIA – AUGUST 26, 2011: Sikh guard in Golden Temple S

Day 2 : Amritsar

Arrive Delhi in the morning and connect Indigo Airlines flight to Amritsar. Arrive Amritsar at 13:40.

Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel Courtyard by Marriott (Deluxe Rooms).

Rest of the day at leisure. L, D

Golden Temple In Amritsar, Punjab, India.

Day 3 : Amritsar

After gathering as a group over breakfast, we will leave for sightseeing in Amritsar including the glittering Golden Temple, the beautiful wall paintings of the Baba Atal Tower, and the old streets of the city.

There will be an optional visit with a local guide to witness change of guard ceremony at Wagha Border (if border parades are operating). We will also take a late evening visit the Golden Temple, illuminated in all its splendour. B, L, D

Day 4 : To McLeodganj (Dharamshala)

Drive from Amritsar to McLeodganj (approx 4 hours). Located just above Dharamshala, this small mountain village is set against the backdrop of the stunning Dhauladhar mountain range within a forest of juniper, conifer and pine trees. It is currently home to His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, and the main base of the Tibetan community in India. Between here and nearby Dharamshala is also the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration (Government in Exile), along with a number of important institutions now re-established in India.

After lunch there will be an optional orientation with a chance for shopping and visiting the Kalachakra temple at the centre of the market. Time will also be made to try momos, the famous Tibetan dumpling.

Should it be planned for this evening, and weather permitting, we will attend the weekly Wednesday lhakar gorshey (traditional Tibetan circle dance). Each week the performance of gorshey in full traditional dress represents an act of non-violent cultural resistance. ‘Lhakar’ means ‘White Wednesday’ in Tibetan, and is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s ‘Soul Day.’ On Lhakar, Tibetan across the world wear Tibetan dress, eat Tibetan food, and speak only Tibetan in support of this movement.

Overnight stay at Hotel Norbu House ( superior rooms). B, L, D

Day 5 : McLeodganj (Dharamshala)

After breakfast transfer to Chonor House for 5 nights stay.

We will make a group visit to the Main Tibetan Temple (Tsuglhakhang), temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in McLeodganj, and just across from his formal residence. This will involve visiting the main shrines of Buddha Shakyamuni, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Avalokiteshvara, Green Tara, and Kalachakra. We will also have the chance to gather and explain the history of the temple, the deities it houses, and its predecessor in Tibet.

This temple visit will be followed by a thangka painting (traditional Tibetan scroll painting) demonstration by experienced Tamang thangka painting masters from the northern (Tibetan border) region of Nepal. It will be accompanied with a brief guided explanation of the history of and meaning behind Tibetan painting.

We will then take another opportunity to try other Tibetan foods, for example tenthuk (flat pasta-like noodles in soup), mothuk (momo soup) and thukpa (noodle soup). Time permitting, we will then walk up to the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) to visit their museum, we can otherwise do this on another day during our stay when there is time.

5 nights stay at Chonor House (Superior Rooms). B, L, D

Day 6 : McLeodganj (Dharamshala)

We will visit the sites at Gangchen Kyishong (Happy Valley of Snow), situated between McLeodganj and Dharamshala. Here is the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration, or Tibetan Government in Exile, the centre of Tibetan democracy. Here we will visit the Tibet Museum, an important institution on the history of Tibet on its own terms, of fundamental importance for understanding the position of Tibetans today.

We will then walk to the nearby monastery of Tibet's most important State Oracle and then visit to the (also nearby) Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Here we will visit the national museum of Tibet in exile, filled with important historic artefacts carried from Tibet itself since 1959. Following this, there will be an optional Tibetan language introduction led by a senior teacher of Tibetan language from the library. B, L, D

Day 7 : McLeodganj (Dharamshala)

We will begin the day with an optional early-morning visit to the Main Tibetan Temple with the chance to see Tibetan Buddhist chanting (if taking place- it cannot be guaranteed). We will also walk the kora - the sacred circumambulation of the temple and His Holiness’ residence (c. 45 minutes). This Buddhist practice involves walking clockwise around sacred sites to accrue positive merit. The path around the Main Tibetan Temple is lined with prayer wheels, spun clockwise to activate the mantras (sacred texts) on scrolls inside them, said to be the equivalent of reciting them out loud. (Please note this walk involves a very steep hill and often includes encounters with wild monkeys!)

We will then drive to Kangra Fort (about one hour drive each way). The rajas of Kangra belonged to the Kaṭōch clan, who traced their origins to the moon god. Their ancient fortress, perched on a rocky hilltop, is the largest in all the Himalayas. Its architecture has been continuously expanded and adapted over centuries, and its most impressive feature is an intricately carved temple. B, L, D

Day 8 : McLeodganj (Dharamshala)

Start the day with a gentle walk up through a forest of fragrant deodar trees into the hills above McLeodganj to explore the Church of St. John in the Wilderness. This was built in 1852 during the British colonial period, The tomb of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy who passed away here while on holiday in 1863 is also to be found in the yard outside. The church houses Belgian stained-glass windows commissioned by Lady Elgin in her husband’s memory.

In the afternoon we will drive down to visit the Museum of Kangra Art in Dharamshala, with its collections of Pahari Himalayan painting, metalwork and textiles from the Kangra district, enabling us to experience of the arts of this particular region of India. B, L, D

Day 9 : McLeodganj (Dharamshala)

After a leisurely breakfast, drive and spend the day at the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture, the premier traditional Tibetan arts institute and visit workshops of wood carving, wood painting, thangka painting, thangka appliqué, and statue making. Working towards preserving endangered Tibetan art and culture, the Norbulingka Institute is an important and authentic place where Tibetan arts are practiced freely and actively preserved without compromise on quality. There is also a beautiful temple, and a doll museum used to demonstrate the breadth of Tibetan dress.

We will have lunch at the restaurant on site and there will be some time to enjoy the gardens at leisure after this. Ample time will be left to visit the exceptional Norbulingka shop, where guests will have the opportunity to purchase objects made by Tibetan artists on site.

We will then drive back to McLeodganj, with time for a stroll in the main market around Dolma Chowk and on Temple Road. B, L, D

Day 10 : To Mandi via Rewalsar

We will leave McLeodganj after breakfast for Mandi via Rewalsar (approx 5 hours drive).

The tour at Rewalsar will be about 3 hrs. There, we will visit Padmasambhava’s meditation cave and climb up to the colossal statue of Padmasambhava above the sacred lake. Here, the lake of Tso Pema (Lotus Lake) is the legendary setting of tales that associate the area with this great tantric adept. There are many stories about the lake’s origin, but it is said that it was from Tso Pema that Padmasambhava travelled to spread Buddhism in Tibet.

2 nights stay at Hotel Viscoe Resorts or similar (Standard Rooms). B, L, D

Day 11 : Mandi

Day at leisure to rest and relax. B, L, D

Day 12 : To Shimla

We will leave after breakfast to drive from Mandi to the British Raj-period hill station of Shimla, former Summer Capital, arriving early evening when the glittering mountainside city looks especially beautiful.

Stop for lunch at a heritage homestay about 2 hrs before Shimla (approx drive from Mandi to Shimla is 5 hours).

2 nights stay at Hotel Raddison Jass (Deluxe Rooms). B, L, D

Day 13 : Shimla

After breakfast we will visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, the former Viceregal Lodge built in the 1880s. Afternoon at leisure with optional hike up to the Hanuman temple and colossal statue on the mountain above Shimla. The evening time will be at leisure to explore the famous Mall area of Shimla. B, L, D

Day 14 : Shimla

Mid morning depart for a visit to the Dorje Drag Monastery (Panthaghati) and Jonang Monastery.

Established in 1984 by H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, Dorje Drag Monastery is a prominent Nyingma Buddhist monastery and a successor to one of Tibet’s original Six Mother Monasteries. Known for its serene setting and meditative atmosphere, it remains an important centre for Buddhist practice in Shimla.

Founded in 1963, the Jonang or Choeling Monastery belongs to the Jonang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is located in Sanjauli, overlooking the Shimla Valley. Home to over 120 monks from Tibet, Mongolia, and India, the monastery functions as both an educational and meditative centre and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas. B, L, D

Day 15 : Toy train from Shimla to Kandaghat & fast train Kalka to Delhi

Morning transfer to Shimla Railway station to board toy train to Kandaghat. (Depart Shimla 10:55 & arrive Kandaghat 12:52).
Upon arrival at Kandaghat railway station and drive to have lunch at local eatery. After lunch we will drive to Kalka railway station and board Shatabdi Express train for Delhi. (Depart Kalka 17:45 & arrive Delhi 21:50 - Dinner will be served on board).

Meeting, assistance upon arrival and transfer to Metropolitan Hotel.

3 nights stay at Hotel Metropolitan (Deluxe Rooms). B, L, D

delhi–lodhi-gardens-tombs-par-etienne-cazin-s

Day 16 : Delhi

Sightseeing and visit to Lodhi Gardens, the National Crafts Museum (especially its exceptional textiles galleries), and Safdurjung’s Tomb, the most magical place to watch the sun set in Delhi. The tomb of Safdarjung was built in 1754 CE for the nawab of Awadh, who was also the prime minister of the Mughal Empire. B, L, D

Golden Temple Monasteries and Mountains Day 5

Day 17 : Delhi

Morning visit to National Crafts Museum, rest of the day at leisure or shopping with optional hands-on visit to an antique Indian textiles dealer (north Delhi) and the exceptional pashmina studio of Kashmir Loom (Nizamuddin). Final group dinner before preparing for departure in the early morning. B, L, D

Day 18 : Departure Delhi

After an early breakfast, the group will transfer to International airport for your direct home-bound direct flight with either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.

Extension tours to Agra, Jaipur , Goa and Kerala are available on request. B

Itinerary map

Prices

Price per person (Double/Twin share)	Single room supplement
£4,780.00	£885.00

Cost includes:

International Flights with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic in economy class. Premium Economy and Business Class supplements are available on request.
Internal flights in economy class with 23kg checked in baggage allowance.
Accommodation as per the itinerary in sharing twin, double or single rooms.
All transfers and sightseeing by Air-conditioned vehicles.
Daily Breakfast & dinner at hotels, most lunches will be at local restaurants.
Services of our English-speaking accompanying local escort from arrival Amritsar till Chandigarh and local English-speaking guide in Delhi.
Services of representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at the airports & railway stations.
Services of Jordan Quill Art Historian.
Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in your itinerary.
Complimentary mineral water whilst driving.
Tips and Gratuities
Protection of your payment by our ATOL & ABTA Licences.

Cost does not include:

Visa Fee for India: E- Tourist visa facility is now available for India. We will send a step by step guide how to apply for E-tourist visa online. We also provide free assistance to help file your visa application.
Any expenses of a personal nature.
Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
Travel Insurance.

We plan to follow this detailed itinerary, but events beyond our control – unpredictable weather, blocked roads, cancelled flights, mechanical breakdown – or unscheduled closure of any monument may require last minute changes to the itinerary. We will ensure that these changes are kept to a minimum if required.

020 3981 9838 holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk