The Sikh Trail

 

 

 

 

Sikhism is a religion that began in Northern India with the teachings of Guru Nanak and nine successive human Gurus. The teachings are not founded on an ultimate destination of heaven or hell, but a spiritual union with God that results in salvation.  Experience a journey through the traditions of a religion inspired by history and modernity.

Arrival (evening): Delhi

Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Delhi is India’s capital, 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

After breakfast, visit the sites of New Delhi: and Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India; Laxminarayan Temple, built by the Birlas, one of India’s leading industrial families; and the lotus shaped Ba’hai Temple. Also drive past the President's Palace and India Gate. Overnight in Delhi.

 

 

Day 2: Delhi

Morning tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, a marvel in rad sandstone; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; and the historical Chandni Chowk. Overnight in Delhi.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Delhi—Chandigarh

In the early morning, transfer to the railway station for your first class train journey to Chandigarh. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states: Punjab and Haryana.  The city is known for its high standard of living and urban development. In the afternoon, visit the sights of Chandigarh: Rock Garden, constructed almost entirely our of city garbage; Rose Garden, 30 landscaped areas containing 1600 roses; and the Museum and Art Gallery, housing a collection of sculptures and paintings. Overnight in Chandigarh.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Chandigarh

Day excursion to Anandpur, where the 10th Guru, Gobind Singh, instituted the Khalsa in 1699. Keshgarh Sahib is situated at Anandpur and considered the birthplace of Khalsa. Overnight in Chandigarh.

 

 

 

 

Day 5: Chandigarh—Manali

After breakfast, drive to Manali. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.  Set amidst snowy peaks and forests of towering cedars, Manali offers unparalleled opportunities for trekking, nature walks, and other activities. After at leisure. Overnight in Manali.  

Day 6: Manali

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Manikaran, a pilgrimage center for Hindus and Sikhs. Visit the hot springs and Gurudwara. Overnight in Manali.

 

 

Day 7: Manali—Mandi

In the morning, drive to Mandi. Mandi houses over 300 temples and has a mixed population of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Christians. The community is secular, broadminded and warmhearted and celebrates Indian festivals harmoniously and with great zest.  The Gurudwara Mandi has a grand and historical Gurudwara Gobind Singh in honor of Guru Gobind Singh. Overnight in Mandi.

Day 8: Mandi—Amritsar

After breakfast, drive to Amritsar, one of the most ancient cities in India and an important seat of Sikh history. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Golden Temple. Shining in the morning light, the gilded splendor of its paneling, dome and minarets illustrates spiritual transcendence. The temple is a fairy palace to the devotees of the Sikh faith. Later, visit the Jallianwala Bagh, the historic site and memorial to the massacre in 1919.  The site now houses a garden and national monument. Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 9: Amritsar

Today, visit the shrines in Tarn Taran and Goindwal. Guru Arjun Dev was born in Goindwal in 1563. The city also houses a Baoli, or center with 84 steps, established by Guru Amar Das. The devout believe that by reciting the Divine word on each step after bathing in the Baoli, you will receive liberation from 84,000,000 cycles of life. Overnight in Amritsar.

 

 

 

Day 10: Amritsar—Patna

Transfer to the rail station for your 1st class train journey to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to Patna. Overnight in Patna.

 

 

 

Day 11: Patna

After breakfast, tour Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar. The city is also the birthplace of the final Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Nanak and Guru Tegh Bahadur visited Patna and honored the birth house. Overnight in Patna.

 

 

Day 12: Patna—Varanasi

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Varanasi, also known as Benares, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.  Later, tour Varanasi. Visit the Vishwanath Temple, built by the Birlas and planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya; the Bharat Mata Temple, housing a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent; and the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. Overnight in Varanasi.