A short trip to Amritsar, Dalhousie and Dharamshala (6 Nights and 7 days)
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| Dharamshala, India |
Whether it's the incessant spinning of Buddhist prayer wheels, the splendour of the surrounding mountains, or simply the divine presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who holds public lectures few times in a year), this largest Tibetan enclave outside of Tibet, at Dharamsala draws seekers of spiritual enlightenment from all over the world.
The natural beauty of Dharamsala's snow-capped mountains and mist-soaked valley can be well compared with that of any of Himachal's best-loved resort towns, and for those not single-mindedly wrapped up in a quest for spiritual fine-tuning with Buddhist lectures and meditation courses, this is an ideal base for walks and treks into the Dhauladhar range. Once you’ve restored your spiritual energy, enjoy a picturesque stroll to Bhagsu Waterfall or climb the hill to Triund to bask in stunning views of the Himalayas. It's also a good place to simply experience a toned-down India at a more leisurely pace.
The hillside town of Dharamshala stretches along a spur of the Dhauladhar mountain range and is divided into two very distinct parts -- Lower Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj (often called Little Lhasa).
Recommended no. of days in Dharamshala for a tourist: 2 days
Best buys in Dharamshala: Tibetan carpets and handicrafts, statuettes, sleeping bags, fruit preserves, bottled produce
Essentials to be carried along for Dharamshala Tour: Light woollens for summers and heavy for winters (November-March).Carry extra pairs of shoes if you are planning to go for hikes or adventure sports. The organizers provide most other gear.
Dalhousie
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| View of Chamera lake near Dalhousie India in the Chamba region |
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| Waterfall near Dalhousie India |
As a hill station, Dalhousie is something that really does not make you awestruck. It does not have the exotic charm of Dharamshala , nor the grandeur of Darjeeling. Nor does it have a picturesque lake setting like Ladakh, nor unlike Nainital. But if you are idea of a vacation is just lazing around, taking leisurely walks, watching sun set, smelling the flowers and being totally laid back, Dalhousie is the best place for sure. In a way, Dalhousie is a place for those who are looking for freshness, peace and a break away from the noise, pollution and overcrowded metro life. With its lush pine trees, and the towering peaks of the Himalayas surrounding it, Dalhousie Tour is perfect for nature lovers.
Tip
- Please carry an umbrella or raincoat to protect from getting drenched.
- The more adventurous can use Dalhousie as a base camp for the treks to Kalatop and Khajjiar. The nearest point is Pathankot Railway Jn, which is connected by Rail to most of the cities in India.
Dalhousie Tourist attraction
Churches, Panjpulla, Bakrota hills, Hikes, day excursion to Khajjiar and Chamba area.
Best time to visit Dalhousie (High & peak months) : April-June (cool retreat) & mid September-October & mid December to February (to experience snow fall)
Recommended no. of days for a tourist in Dalhousie: 2
Best buys: Carpets, bags & shawls, Chamba rumals (handkerchiefs)
Essentials to be carried along: Light woollens for summers and heavy ones for winters (December-February), sun screens.
Amritsar
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| Early Morning in the Golden Temple, Amritsar |
Amritsar is home to Sikhism’s holiest Shrine - The Golden Temple that serves as a spiritual center for the World’s entire Sikh population. The renowned Golden Temple is actually just a small part of this huge gurdwara complex, known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib. The fabric of the city seems to be woven around this temple. The way in which its devotees worship is enough to hold your attention and interest. There is a strange good feeling once you enter its sacred premises. Clean and peaceful, the temple is both fascinating and spiritually reviving.
Being one of the most advanced yet traditional cities in Punjab, Amritsar is also one of the best places to taste the delicious Punjabi food and for shopping. Along with big brands, there are shops that sell items made in different corners of Punjab and brought to Amritsar.
A tour to Amritsar remains incomplete without witnessing the flag retreat or the lowering of the flags ceremony held early evening daily just 30 km from Amritsar on India Pakistan Wagah border. It is a thrillingly pompous display of military bravado and attracts countless tourists both Indian as well as foreigners every day. It is one of the most delightful and fun modern-day events you'll ever get around to witness in India.
Location: Wagah is at the border between India and Pakistan, 32km (20 miles) from Amritsar
Hours: You need to arrive at the border at least 30 min. before the ceremony commences (around 6pm)
Transportation: Round-trip taxi Rs 950-Rs 1,500; Rs 450 by auto-rickshaw
Other: No bags of any sort are permitted into the border area -- leave them in your room or you'll waste time trying to find a locker facility. Bring your passport to speed up your entry to the "special seating" area reserved for guests and foreigners.
Suggested Tour Itinerary: 1 Night Amritsar – 2 Nights Dalhousie – 2 Nights Dharamshala – 1 Night Amritsar
Day 1: Arrive Amritsar
Arrive Amritsar airport/ station meet on arrival and transfer to hotel. Later in the evening visit Golden Temple to view Arti Ceremony. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Amritsar / Dalhousie ( 190 kms / 6 hrs)
Travel by surface from Amritsar to Dalhousie. On arrival check in at the hotel. Later you are free to explore the small town on your own. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 3: In Dalhousie
A day excursion visiting Khajjiar and Chamba town. Stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 4: Dalhousie/Dharamshala (143 Kms/5 Hrs)
Travel by surface from Dalhousie to Dharamshala. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel
Day 5: In Dharamshala
Morning half day tour visiting Norbulingka Institute and Kangra State Museum. Afternoon a half day tour visiting Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsunag Temple and St John’s church. Evening free to explore Mc Leodganj market. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Dharamshala/Amritsar (200 Kms/6 Hrs)
Travel by surface from Dharamshala to Amritsar. In the evening visit Wagah Border to view change of guard. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7: Depart Amritsar
In time transfer to Amritsar station/airport drop to continue your onward journey. End of our services.
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