Himalayan Journey

 

Delhi	The Claridges Hotel	2 nights
Pragpur	Judge's Court	2 nights
Kullu Valley	Span Resort	3 nights
Simla	Oberoi Cecil	2 nights
Delhi	Radisson	1 night

Click on the name of the hotel for details

11 days from £1359

excluding international flights

DAY 1 – Arrival in Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a representative of World Discovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken by private car direct to your hotel. Recommended flight from London: British Airways from London Heathrow (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 – Delhi.

At leisure. Optional sightseeing can be arranged to visit the highlights of India’s capital city, including the colossal Qutb Minar, the amazing 73-metre high Victory Tower completed in 1236 to celebrate Qutb-ud-Din’s defeat of the Turks, and the elegant Humayun’s Tomb, a fine example of early Mughal architecture. Other attractions are the famous India Gate, built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War, and Raj Ghat, the moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 3 – By road to the Himalayan foothills.

Your driver will collect you for an early start, driving north along the former Grand Trunk Road, the main artery of Imperial India which stretched all the way from the capital Calcutta to the fabled Northwest Frontier. A stop will be made around lunchtime at the attractive Mughal gardens at Pinjore. Arrive in the late afternoon at the charming Judge's Court in the village of Pragpur, located at 2000ft in the Kangra Valley.
Meals included: Full breakfast, dinner.

DAY 4 – Pragpur.

The medieval village of Pragpur, with its cobbled streets and mud-plastered houses, has been awarded 'Heritage' status by the State Government. Step back in time as you explore the centre of this friendly place. The Indian National Trust is involved with preserving the buildings of the village, with the active participation of the local community.
Meals included: Full breakfast, dinner.

DAY 5 – By road to the Kullu Valley.

Drive via the city of Mandi, where you will have lunch, to the magificence of the Kullu Valley, one of India's most beautiful regions. Your accommodation is in the village of Katrain at the Span Resort on the banks of the Beas River.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAYS 6 AND 7 – Kullu Valley.

Two days to relax in the beautiful surroundings, or to explore the hills, orchards and villages of the valley. A steep walk from near your resort takes you up through pine forest to the 16th century Naggar Castle, from where there are stunning views of Kullu and the River Beas. A half hour drive north to the head of the valley brings you to the busy town of Manali, the main tourist centre of the region, where you can visit the Tibetan Monastery built by refugees, or shop in the colourful bazaars. Also worth seeing in Manali is the 27-metre high, pagoda-style, Hadimba Devi Temple. For the most spectacular views of all you can continue beyond Manali to the dramatic Rohtang Pass (3,985m), gateway to Ladakh.
Meals included: Full breakfast each day.

DAY 8 – By road to Simla.

Return down the Kullu Valley to Mandi, where you will again have lunch, before continuing to Simla, the former summer capital of the British Raj, perched on a ridge at 2,213 metres.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAY 9 - Simla.

A full day to enjoy Simla [more].
Meals included: Full breakfast.

Pictured left: Christ Church, located at the end of Simla's famous 'Mall'.

 

 

SIMLA: GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

If you prefer to experience the true solitude of the Himalayan foothills, an alternative to staying in the city of Simla itself is to relax at Wildflower Hall [more], former residence of Lord Kitchen, a luxury retreat about an hour's drive from the city.  We would be pleased to give a quote for the additional cost.

 

DAY 10 - Drive back to Delhi.

Drive back down the Grand Trunk Road to Delhi. Accommodation this evening is at a modern hotel located close to the International Airport.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 11 – Delhi/London

Private transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights.

We recommend the services of British Airways from London Heathrow. Flights are non-stop and have a choice of classes. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Delhi. Depart at 09:55; arrive Delhi at 23:00
Delhi/Heathrow. Depart at 08.15; arrive Heathrow at 13.10

Himalayan Journey (Tour Reference: WDIN006)
2010 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Daily departures	Price
May, Jun, Jul, Aug	£1359
Sep	£1440
Oct	£1550

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities
• 10 full breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners as shown in the itinerary
• Private transportation throughout
• All sightseeing as shown (unless indicated as ‘optional’), including entrance fees
• The services of a private English-speaking driver throughout
• The services of private guides for the included sightseeing.
  

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• Optional sightseeing
• International airport taxes
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter
• An Indian Visa. This should be obtained before departure from the United Kingdom. We recommend that you obtain your visa through CIBT in London - www.uk.cibt.com.

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.