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HIMACHAL PRADESH
KANGRA VALLEY
A FAMILY ADVENTURE



This rewarding journey is focused on Himachal Pradesh, 'Land of Unmoving Snows', a state made up of a series of delightful river valleys straddling the ancient trade routes to Central Asia and the Indian peninsula. We shall spend much of time here in the lovely Kangra valley. Himachal was historically divided between an often-warring collection of kingdoms whose wealthy rulers - rajas, ranas and thakurs - were generous patrons of religion and the arts. To the traditional village and tribal arts, particularly weaving and embroidery, they added many temples - to the Great Goddess in her many forms. The miniature paintings of the eighteenth century Pahari schools, famous for their delicacy and subtle feeling, are another result of this royal patronage.

Day 01. Arrive Delhi:
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. Morning free to recharge. Afternoon visit to Old Delhi and continue to old Delhi railway station for overnight train to Chakki Bank leaving at 2110 hrs. O/n Train.

Day 02. Chakki Bank to Mcleodganj (Dharamsala):
Arrive Chakki Bank early morning (0755hrs) and transfer to Mcleodganj (55kms/2hrs/ 1,768mts). Late afternoon a short walk to the residence of H.H. Dalai Lama and monastery for evening prayer ceremony. O/n Hotel.

Day 03. Mcleodganj - Walk:
Today after breakfast we take a 3 kms delightful walk to Dharmkot, through the forest of Pine, and Himalayan Oak. Dharmkot offers splendid views of the Kangra valley. After lunch, we trek back 3kms to our hotel. Evening re-visit to the Monastery.

Day 04. Mcleodganj to Pal am pur (45km/ 1219mts):
After early breakfast, we begin our first cycle ride, mostly gradual down hill to Palampur. After a short visit to temples, we continue our cycling through rice fields, wooded areas and finally through the tea plantation to our three night stay in delightful Taragarh Palace.

Day 05. Palampur:
Today after breakfast we cycle about 6kms to ancient Shiva temple at Baijnath. After visiting the temple, we began our up hill ride through a small village, rice fields and later on through dense forest of pines to Tibetan monastic complex of Sherabling. Evening return back to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 06. Palampur:
After breakfast we take a leisurely trek (2hrs) through tea gardens and grasslands, where we hope to spot some amazing bird life. Late afternoon, a 2kms cycle ride (gradual ascent) takes us to Tashijong Gompa for evening ceremony. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 07. Palampur to Paragpur (85kms/ 550mts):
After breakfast, a delightful ride to Paragpur with fine views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Today at some places we will have to get into the jeep, as the road becomes steep. However most of the way is a steep descent. Arrive Paragpur and check into hotel.

Day 08. Paragpur:
After breakfast, a leisurely cycle ride or walk through the only heritage village in India, with lovely old houses, through cobbled streets, mud walls and ornamental water tanks. Afternoon, another delightful walk of 5kms to Champattan through beautiful countryside. Arrive Champattan and cross River Beas by boat, where our jeep/coach will drive us 7 kms to one of the most powerful of North Indian Temples - Jawalamukhi Goddess Temple. Evening return back to Judge's court for dinner and overnight.

Day 09. Paragpur:
Today after breakfast, we ride to Dehra (11 kms), mostly through a beautiful countryside. Dehra is the starting point of Pong Reservoir and wetland. We explore by foot and after lunch return back to hotel Judges Court. Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Hotel.

Day 10. Paragpur-Shimla (220kms/2205mts):
After breakfast, we drive to this famous hill station of the Raj. The journey passes through the mixed forest, dotted with villages, including fine views of the mountains. O/n Hotel.

Day 11. Shimla :
Today after breakfast time free or explore the Mall, with many British buildings, including church, bookshop and museum. Afternoon guided visit to Viceregal Hall, built for Lord Dufferin in Elizabethan style. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 12. Shimal- Delhi: After early breakfast we drive about 135kms to Chandigarh, and board express train back to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the airport hotel. Room to wash and change available. After dinner transfer to the airport.

Day 13. Delhi:
Early morning fly back to Europe.