• Toy train in the Himalayas
• Valley of the Gods
• Manali, a town set amidst snowy peaks and towering cedars
• Tea gardens of Palampur
• Dharamshala, the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Delhi—Shimla
Depart early in the morning for your first class rail journey to Shimla. The train is one of the most unique railway tracks in the world. It was first sketched in 1847, almost 50 years before it was actually constructed. Your journey, popularly called Toy Trains, is a breathtaking experience as it passes through the Himalayas, lush valleys embellished with pine and meadows of wildflowers. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 2: Shimla
After breakfast, proceed on a heritage walk of Shimla. Shimla is named after the Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali. Located in the Northwest Himalayas, the city is draped in forests of pine, oak and rhododendron. Shimla was also the summer capital during the British Raj and the architecture remains reminiscent of the colonial era. Start your walk from Chotta Shimla, passing the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla Club, Gaiety Theater, State Museum of Himachal and Viceregal Lodge. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 3: Shimla
After breakfast, drive to Mashobra (30 min) and start your walk to Seepur, a village with a population of 500 people. The trail leads further uphill to Kanda, another quaint village, and Dak Bungalow, built by the British Raj. From here you may be picked up by your vehicle or continue walking to Indira Tourist Park to observe the flora and fauna of the mountains. Later, drive back to Shimla. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 4: Shimla—Narkanda
Hike: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, drive to Narkanda (2.5 hours) and proceed on a walk to Hatu Peak. Later, return to Narkanda and check into your hotel. Overnight in Narkanda.

Day 5: Narkanda—Shoja
Hike: 3 hours

After breakfast, drive to Shoja (6 hours). En-route, visit Jalori Pass, situated on a ridge across from Rampur Valley. In a bowl on the ridge lies beautiful Serolsar Lake. From here, start your walk to scenic Banjar Valley, an area of surreal charm and unknown to many tourists. Overnight in camps.

Day 6: Shoja—Kullu
After breakfast, enjoy a breathtaking drive to Kullu (3-4 hours). You will enter the Valley of Gods, with the grandeur of the Himalayas and Beas River. Along the way, take short stops for pictures, breathing the crisp air and observing the diverse mountain scenery. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Kullu.

Day 7: Kullu—Naggar—Manali
Hike: 5 hours

In the morning, enjoy a hike to Naggar, along the Beas River. Vehicles will be waiting to drive you to Manali, a town set amidst snowy peaks and forests of towering cedars. Manali literally means Home of Manu. Manu was the mythological creature who survived when the world drowned in a flood. He then came to Manali and created human life. Therefore, the town is considered sacred by Hindus. Overnight in Manali.

Day 8: Manali
After breakfast, enjoy an easy walking tour of Manali: Manali Village, Hadimba Devi Temple, Tibetan Monastery, and Manali market. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Manali.

Day 9: Manali
Hike: 7 hours

After breakfast, transfer to Solang Nallah to start your hike. Today pass through the Beas River, fields of orchids, beautiful valleys and mountain forests. Overnight in Manali.

Day 10: Manali—Palampur
In the morning drive to Palampur. Situated on a plateau, Palampur is surrounded by the Bundla stream and pine forests. The town is famous for its tea gardens and majestic snowy mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Palampur.

Day 11: Palampur—Dharamshala
Hike: 3 hours

After an early breakfast, proceed on an early hike in the Tea Gardens of Palampur. Later, drive to Dharamshala. Dharamshala is the principal township of the Kangra Valley and is magnificently set against the Dhauldhar mountains. The town has been the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama since 1960 when the Chinese occupied Tibet. Dharamshala also houses many Tibetan refugees and is often called Little Lhasa. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 12: Dharamshala
Hike: 12 hours

Today, enjoy a full day hike to Triund. The trail starts at Mcleodganj and passes through forests of oak, rhododendron and deodar. Triund is situated on a flat meadow and offers spectacular views of Kangra Valley and Dhauladher range. Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 13: Dharamshala—Nalagarh
After breakfast, proceed for a full day’s drive to Nalagarh (10 hours). Nalagarh, ruled by the Chandela Rajputs, was the capital of the Hindur Kingdom. The Chandela kings were great patrons of art and architecture. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Nalagarh.

Day 14: Nalagarh—Delhi
In the morning, transfer to the train station for your first class rail journey to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 15: Departure
After breakfast, tour the sites of Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; and Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Also drive past the President's Palace and India Gate. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Bon Voyage!