Western Himalaya explored

After breakfast, visit the incredible Sikh Golden Temple along with pilgrims and families from all over the country on a private tour. Witness the incredible kitchens which churn out thousands of meals each day for free. Return to your hotel for lunch. Later this afternoon your driver and local guide will accompany you to the Wagah Border, 45 minutes away from the city on the Pakistan border, to watch the border closing ceremony. It is an elaborate affair which occurs every day.

Travel east for six hours to arrive at Dharamshala. This busy hill town is home to a huge Tibetan community which makes it feel like a different country. With the rest of the day free, you might like to explore some of the local shops around your hotel which sell a range of Tibetan products. Alternatively, a momo cooking class can be arranged for you if you fancy exploring the local cuisine.

Against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas’ snow-clad Dhauladhar range, discover the myriad of delights of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Throughout the tour, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn about Tibetan culture, with visits to the Norbulingka Institute, the Tibet Museum, and the Tsuglagkhang Complex, where you will find the Dalai Lama's official residence located opposite the Namgyal monastery.

An hour-and-a-half drive will bring you to a beautiful tea estate spread over 526 acres nestled in the Kangra Valley. Enjoy and explore the surroundings by staying at a charming, eco-friendly homestay, tucked away on the edge of the estate.

Apart from the various walking options in and around the estate, art lovers can visit an artists’ colony that focuses on pottery-making or spend half a day at a Thangka painting experience. For culture buffs, visit the nunnery for a morning or evening chanting session. The lodge offers yoga in the tea estate and many of the activities can be followed by a picnic breakfast by the river.

Today you will travel three hours south to spend a night at a lovely, restored property right in the heart of the sleepy village of Garli. The remainder of the day will be at leisure; however, village walks can be organized from the hotel to explore its historic houses and the market.

You will leave Garli to travel to the erstwhile summer capital of the British. It is a fairly long drive to Shimla and, therefore, the rest of the day will be at leisure.

Enjoy a guided walk around Shimla’s pedestrianized streets, where highlights include the Viceregal Lodge, the timbered post office and the art gallery in the Gaiety Theatre. The Glen and the Jakhu Temple can also be visited on the tour, reached by road and then on foot.

You will travel on the famous Toy Train to Kandaghat where you will be met and driven through the Himalayan foothills to Chandigarh. Discover Chandigarh, the first planned city of independent India. You can visit the surreal site of Ned Chand’s Rock Garden, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Corbusier Complex, or go on an expert-led walking tour with in-depth knowledge about Le Corbusier, the French architect who conceptualised the city.

The drive southeast to Haridwar will take approximately six hours. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Today you will explore the town of Haridwar, one of India's seven most holy cities, and see Hindu rituals being performed as people cleanse themselves of their sins at the bathing ghats. This evening you will experience Ganga Aarti, a moving and atmospheric experience that provides a real insight into Indian spirituality.

An early start is suggested as it takes about six to seven hours on a road that is mostly lined by trees and fields to arrive at Corbett National Park.

Corbett has a wonderfully diverse mixture of wildlife due to its location in the foothills of the Himalayas and its proximity to the Ramganga River. Morning and afternoon game drives will be arranged, when your driver and naturalist will take you to different zones of the park to give you the chance of spotting some of the best wildlife and any species you are particularly keen on seeing.

After breakfast, you will travel to Delhi, a six-hour drive from Corbett National Park. Spend a night at a comfortable hotel close to the airport.

Today you're driven to the airport by private driver to catch your onward flight from Delhi Airport. Your return flight will arrive the same day.