Hiking and Yoga in India

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War.
Included Meals: Nil

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Delhi behind, travel to the ‘winter capital’ of Dharamshala. Early morning head to the New Delhi railway station to board train Vande Bharat Exp. (06:00/ 11:15 hrs) to Pathankot. From Pathankot board the waiting vehicle and wind your way to Dharamshala, home to the Dalia Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile (3 – 3.5hrs drive). Curious pilgrims and travelers journey to this spiritual centre to visit the McLeod Ganj temples and the tranquil gardens of the Norbulingka Institute. Upon arrival we settle into your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Hotel

Today will be our longest hike of the trip, but the views from the top are worth the climb. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley and the snow-covered Dhauladhar Range. After breakfast, you’ll drive to the trailhead at Dharamkot. From here the path heads up through lush rhododendron, pine, and coniferous forest. You pass a clearing at Galu temple, and several small tea shops along the way, before reaching the halfway point at the ‘Magic View Cafe’ – an opportunity to stop for a refreshing chai. From here the trail gets steeper as we emerge from the tree line onto a rocky spur, climbing up to the alpine meadow of Triund. The meadow stretches across a wide ridge providing beautiful views of Indrahar Pass and Dhauladhar range. We spend some time exploring the meadow, before making your way downhill to Bhagsu Village, from where we will be driven back to your hotel. (Hiking time: 7 – 8 hrs)
Included Meals: Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Stay: Hotel

We start the day with a rejuvenating outdoor yoga session in the hotel terrace. Breathe in the clean mountain air and cast your gaze over the expanse of forest far below as you settle into your daily practice. The instructor will guide us through a flow of asanas designed to relax and refresh our mind and body. Today is all about exploring the sights and tranquil settings of the Tibetan temples and complexes around Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. We first head to the Norbulingka Monastery complex – an institute dedicated to preserving Tibetan art and culture. We return to McLeod Ganj to explore the town and markets. Our next destination will be the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet at the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which is situated in front of the residence of the Dalai Lama. We then move to Tse Chokling Gompa, a beautiful temple on a hilltop above Dharamshala with views over the entire valley. Rest of the time is free to explore the hill station and its markets on your own. (Yoga session: 1.5 hrs)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Today we will hike in search of the mountaintop temple of Guna Devi. We will pass through several small villages on a flat trail before a short but steep climb up to the village of Galu. After this there is an hour’s gradual ascent up to the temple. Rising on a small prominence above the trees, the temple has stunning views of the forest below as well as snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. Named after the Hindu Goddess Guna Devi, the temple is believed to have been built to celebrate the victory of the local people over evil forces and boasts a unique blend of traditional Himachali and North Indian architecture. After soaking up the ambiance of this serene spot we head back down the trail to Naddi, before driving back to the hotel. (Hiking time: 5-6 hrs)

Rise early for another restorative morning yoga practice on the idyllic rooftop as the sun rises over the distant mountains. Afterwards, we get ready for our day’s hike to Leta village. Today’s hike takes you through the forests of the Kangra Valley and Shivalik Hills, exploring the villages and rural life of the region. We start our hike from Bhagsu Village, pass through Tibetan markets and pass by the ancient temple of Bhagsu Nag. Leaving the village behind you will soon reach Bhagsu waterfall where you have the opportunity to cool off in its natural pools. Refreshed, we head on a quieter route up a winding mountain trail to Leta Village. The village is home to many goat herders, whose companions you’ll see dotted along the trail, and a few small kiosks and teahouses. After spending some time here, descend back through the forest, passing small Tibetan villages until the end of the hike at Tandi. From here we have a short drive back to the hotel. (Yoga session: 1.5 hrs / Hiking time: 5-6 hrs)

Today get ready to embark on a Himalayan road trip. You’ll pass through the mountain villages of Himachal Pradesh on your scenic journey to Shimla through the mountains (7 – 8hrs drive). There’ll be plenty of stops to witness rural village life and pick up some tasty local food en route. In the early evening, we will arrive at Shimla – the capital of Himachal Pradesh and the old ‘summer capital’ of British India. At an elevation of 2200m, Shimla has always been a place to escape the soaring summer temperatures with a fresh climate and cool mountain air. After exploring some of the grand Victorian architecture and bustling street markets, we will drive higher up still to your quiet resort nestled in the hills of Mashobra which will be your base for the next few days.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Start the day with a rejuvenating outdoor yoga session in the hotel gardens. Breathe in the clean mountain air and cast your gaze over the expanse of forest far below as you settle into your daily practice. Our today’s hike will lead us through a tranquil pine forest where we will pass by towering deodar trees, known locally as Himalayan Cedars. We will be treated to the calming chirp of songbirds as we make our way downhill to the village of Sipur. Here you find old temples constructed from the local cedar, showcasing Himalayan architecture and hinting at the region’s history as a former part of the Kingdom of Nepal. In the afternoon you’ll be picked up and returned to the hotel in Mashobra. (Yoga session: 1.5 hrs / Hiking time: around 4 hrs)
Included Meals: Breakfast & Packed Lunch

We will begin our day with another tranquil yoga session on the lawns to stretch out our body for the day ahead. Today’s hike is a moderate trail to Hatu peak – the second-highest peak in the Shimla region. We head to the village of Narkanda, where you’ll begin your hike through a dense forest of conifer, oak and maple. At the top of the 3400m peak we find the sacred shrine of Hatu Mata. We explore the temple and soak in the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance with lush green forest stretching far below. Taking the same route we return to our waiting car at Narkanda and drive back to Mashobra. (Hiking time: 6-7 hours)
Included Meals: Breakfast & Packed Lunch

Bid farewell to the Himalayan retreat and drive down your way through the mountains in to the North India plain. We will stop on the way for the unique experience of the Shimla Toy Train. Hugging the mountainside, the train winds through the forest using a series of impressive engineering feats including 102 tunnels, 864 bridges and 919 curves. We will settle in for a 45-minute leisure ride along one of the most scenic sections from Shimla to Taradevi. Following the train ride, you continue your journey to Delhi (7 – 8hrs drive). You will arrive back by the evening and be taken back to your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast

After one last breakfast, we will be transferred to the Delhi international airport for flight to onward destination.
Included Meals: Breakfast