A fascinating journey into the world’s most famous and highest mountain chain
Delhi – Agra – Dharamshala – Manali – Kasol – Shimla – Rishikesh – Delhi
13 Nights 14 Days
General information:
Appropriate trip season: March to October
Shabat in Chabad Hous Manali and Rishikesh
Highlights:
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- Extreme trekking and tents lodging in Kirigangah village
- Skiing/snowmobile/Paragliding/Jeep tours in Manali
- Yoga and meditation in Rishikesh
- Rafting / Neelkant Mountains trek in Rishikesh
- Taj mahal – Agra
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Day 01: Monday, Arrive Delhi
As soon as you arrive at Delhi airport, our representative will welcome you before you are transferred to your hotel. After checking in, visit the Judah Chaim Synagogue. Jews have lived in India since ancient times, and their communities are even mentioned in the Talmud. Later, you will explore India’s bustling capital city, New Delhi, visiting the Vijay Chowk, or “Victory Square.” Stop off at the Presidential Palace, with its intriguing combination of classical and Indian design elements, and the India Gate, memorializing Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
Enjoy a rickshaw ride along a busy central street of Old Delhi, the Chawri Bazar Road, and the Chandni Chowk.
Your trip will end with a poignant visit to Rajghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation and a memorial to this humble man who so changed the worldOvernight at hotel in Delhi
- Delhi: – the capital of India, home to millions of people, embodies centuries of history with modernity. The town consists of two parts, old Delhi which was actually the capital of the 17 century Muslim India, And New Delhi, – large spacious city with embassies and many government buildings.
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Day 02: Tue, Delhi – Agra – Delhi (Surface: 200Kms/03 hrs – one way)
After breakfast proceed for same day trip to Agra. Arrive Agra and proceed for visit to the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum constructed by Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan in the memory of his Persian wife, who passed away during the birth of their 14th child. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1630. Around 20,000 workers toiled for 23 years until the work was completed. Thousands of elephants pulled the red sandstone into place, and the bricks of the building were imported from neighboring countries.
From there, we will go on to the Agra Fort, a royal walled city. India’s most influential rulers lived at the fort, and each king commemorated his reign by adding an extra piece to the building, characterizing the spirit of the times. Visiting the fort is a fascinating historical and architectural experience.
After the visits drive back to Delhi
Overnight at hotel in Delhi
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Day 03: Wed, Delhi – Dharamshala (AI 9813: 0945/ 1135 hrs)
After breakfast your will be transfer to airport to board the flight to Dharamshala.
Arrive Dharamshala and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon visit to Dalai Lama House , and hike till Water fall
Overnight at hotel in Dharamshala
- Dharamshala which occupies a stunning setting along a spur of the Dhauladhar Range and is the home of the Dalai Lama. The principle town of the region, Dharamsala is surrounded by forests of chir pine, rhododendron and Himalayan Oak, is spectacularly located against a backdrop of high peaks on three sides and offers superb views over the Kangra Valley that winds below. Established by the British in 1815, Dharamshala remained a minor town in the region until the Dalai Lama settled here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. Unsurprisingly the town now has a decided Tibetan influence and this is strongly felt in the upper part of Dharamshala known as McLeodganj or popularly as ‘Little Lhasa’ where the Dalai Lama resides
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Day 04: Thu Dharamshala
Morning proceed to visit McLeodganj (Upper Dharamshala).
There are also some fascinating museums that document the history of the exiled people of Tibet. . The 100 students and 300 Tibetan employees continue this heritage and produce a variety of crafts in silk, metal, wood and thangka painting that are of exceptional quality.
- McLeod Ganj is at the altitude of 2000 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and spectacular views. Above McLeod Ganj is the Bhagsu and Daramkot villages that offer a lot of beauty spots and spectacular hiking trails
Overnight at hotel in Dharamshala
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Day 05: Friday, Dharamshal – Manali (Surface: 240 kms/06 hrs)
Today we leave to Kulu Valley that’s in the state of Himachal Pradesh. In the enchanted Valley we’ll find raging rivers, beautiful mountain villages, orchards, green pine forests and snow-capped ridges. We keep going and reach Manali, a smiling little town located at the northern end of the Kulu valley , at an altitude of about 2000 meters. The town hides among virgin forests, plantations and greening agricultural terraces. Most of the townspeople are engaged in tourism and agriculture, mainly citrus and vegetable crops. We will tour the old city and local markets.
Return back to hotel and get ready for Shabbat.
Shabbat prayers dinners at Chabad House of Manali.Overnight at hotel in Manali
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Day 06: Shabbat, Manali
Shabbat prayers dinners at Chabad House of Manali
After the Shabbat meal, we will take a walk tour around Manali.
A Shabbat in Manali is a special experience. About 200 Israelis are gathered at the Chabad House and play together the “Yedid Nefesh” and “Iceha Dodi” and then enjoy Shabbat mealsOvernight at hotel in Manali
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Day 07: Sunday Manali
Proceed to visit Rohtang pass is 51kms from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. There are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Also visit Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists.
Afternoon begins with a jeep ride to the villages around Manali, and we will also visit ancient castles and rushing waterfalls. Later, we will go to “Sulng Nola”- a ski resort in a picturesque environment located 13 km from Manali. This area boasts good ski slopes, a snowmobile, horseback riding, rafting, hang-gliding, and hiking trails, all of which attract hordes of tourists of all ages. Indeed, you will never be disappointed by Manali.
Overnight at hotel in Manali
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Day 08: (Mon) Manali – Kasol – Manali
Today we will drive to the magical Himalayan town of Kasol.
Kasol is a small, beautiful, peaceful town, situated on the banks of the River Parvati in northern India. In the evening, we will tour the town of Manikaran, located in the Parvati Valley between the River Beas and the River Parvati. Besides being panoramically surrounded by the Harinder Mountains, the prime attraction of the town is its many hot springs. These natural springs are a rare phenomenon of the beautiful surrounding region. It is possible to take a dip in the hot springs. The local people still follow many of the practices of their ancient lifestyle.Later drive back to Manali
Overnight at hotel in Manali
- The small town of Kasol attracts many tourists. It has many tourist-friendly cafes that provide internet, as well as western-style restaurants. As many Israelis visit Kasol, almost all of the signboards are written in both the local language and Hebrew.
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Day 09: Tuesday, Manali – Shimla (Surface: 260 Kms/06 hrs)
After breakfast proceed with your drive to Shimla.
On reaching Shimla check-in to your hotel.Evening enjoy charm of mall road and ridge of Shimla
Overnight at hotel in Shimla
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Day 10: Wed, Shimla
After breakfast proceed for city tour of Shimla visiting Sankat Mochan Temple and Jakhu Temple, situated at Jakhoo hills, one pedestrian road goes from mall road to Jakhoo temple, Indian Institute of advanced studies. Also visit the Local School. Afternoon proceed for excursion to Kurfi where kids will enjoy Yak Ride.
Overnight at hotel in Shimla
- Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh and formerly the summer capital of British India. During the years of the Raj, Shimla was much loved by the British rulers and they chose the city to be the summer capital of India. The city was built by the British in a European style, and it is now a popular resort town due to its mild climate during the summer months. The city is surrounded by pine and oak forests, and located close to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
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Day 11: Thursday, Shimla – Rishikesh (Surface: 270 Kms/ 06 hrs)
After breakfast proceed drive to Rishikesh.
Upon arrival in Rishikesh check in at the hotel.
Evening city tour
Overnight at hotel in Rishikesh
- Rishikesh: which is located in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India, is a tourist center and one of the most important Pilgrimage sites in India. Rishikesh is situated on the both banks of the Ganges, when the only transition from one side to the other is done by crossing a narrow bridge aimed for pedestrians, motorcycles, rickshaws, cows, dogs and monkeys. (taking a picture on the bridge is not an easy task, and makes an attraction in itself : impatient cows goring who ever stops, Indians who want to be photographed with you try to squeeze into the picture, and this unique traffic never stops). Up the mountain you can see the sources of the Ganges River – The meeting point of streams flowing from the Himalayas. Rishikesh is a special combination of religion and nature, ashrams scattered everywhere and a lot of green and large mountains. The powerful Ganges river and an impressive amount of babas wearing an orange cloth, complete the picture to a memorable experience..
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Day 12: Friday Rishikesh
After breakfast drive to visiting Haridwar, literally Gateway to one of the Hindu holy places in India and a center of Hindu religion and mysticism for centuries. Located on the banks of River Ganges (Ganga), at the point where the Ganges descends from the hills to the North Indian plains, Haridwar attracts a large number of Hindu pilgrims from all over the world.
Proceed to visit Mansa Devi with Cable car and visit local Ghats and local market.
After drive back to Rishikesh
Shabbat prayer and diner.Overnight at hotel in Rishikesh
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Day 13: Saturday, Rishikesh
Morning free for Shabbat prayer. Later proceeds for a walking tour of Rishikesh visiting the Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula and Ashrams.
Also visit the local market.
Later, visit to an Ashram and witness evening Aarti at Parmarth Ashram. (if you wish)Overnight at hotel in Rishikesh
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Day 14: Rishikesh to Delhi Depart Delhi (By flight)
After breakfast flight to Delhi airport to board the flight for your onward destination.