Discover the history, culture, and stunning landscapes of India
Prepare to drop your jaw on the 14-day Golden Triangle and the Himalayas Tour! The array of intricately designed monuments, crumbling ancient ruins, and natural wonders on this tour will keep you enthralled and keep your camera snapping. This cultural tour is packed with some of the best attractions India has to offer, so why not ditch the typical beachfront vacation for an incredible cultural experience?
This 14-day tour doesn’t cheap out on attractions, either. Expect to explore the shimmering, extravagant Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the pink-hued Jaipur and a collection of monuments steeped in history in Delhi before travelling to the Himalayas, where soaring mountain scenery awaits. When it comes to first-timers wanting to explore India, this tour is your ultimate go-to.
Highlights of the Golden Triangle and the Himalayas Tour
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Golden Triangle and the Himalayas Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), where you’ll meet a tour representative. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Start daydreaming about the days ahead!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Delhi
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a guided sightseeing tour. Expect to see a collection of monuments and attractions between New and Old Delhi, such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the famous shopping street, Chandni Chowk.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Visit the Taj Mahal
Today’s the day! The Taj Mahal is one of the major highlights of the Golden Triangle and India as a whole. To top it off, you’ll get to view it at sunset. Talk about romantic! You’ll also get to see another historic marvel today, Agra Fort. This day will be one for the books!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Agra
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Head to Jaipur
Pack your bags, enjoy breakfast, and begin your journey to the pink-hued city of Jaipur (it is known as the Pink City, after all). En route, you’ll stop at the abandoned Fatehpur Sikri. After admiring this historical attraction, you’ll hop back in the vehicle and continue your drive to the walled city of Jaipur.
Enjoy a relaxing night before another day of touring tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Discover Jaipur
Wake up and prepare for a day of exploring! Today you’ll explore a collection of buildings and monuments well-known in Jaipur, all of which have a fascinating history. Visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Amber Fort, which sits 11km from Jaipur.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Fly to Chandigarh
Enjoy breakfast before packing your bags and heading to the airport. You’ll fly to Chandigarh via Delhi. Chandigarh is a marvel of a modern city. In the 20th century, a French architect designed it, creating a stunning layout and an overall beautiful vibe. It’s tucked into the foothills of Shivaliks.
Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel before going on a half-day guided sightseeing tour. Expect to visit the shimmering human-made Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, the Museum and Art Gallery, and more phenomenal sights.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chandigarh
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Travel to the Himalayas
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, begin your road trip to the intimidating, magical Himalayas. Appreciate the fresh mountain air swirling around you! Eventually, you’ll reach Manali, your destination for the next couple of days. Admire the monasteries and ancient temples backed by soaring mountain views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Manali
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Day at Your Leisure in Manali
Discover this surreal hill station on your own. Spend the day however you desire!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Manali
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9 Go to Dharamshala
Get ready to travel from one scenic hill station to another as you arrive in Dharamshala. This town is carved into the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, and the 14th Dalai Lama resides here. Dharamshala is known for Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dharamshala
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Tour Dharamshala
Eat a hearty breakfast before another full day of guided sightseeing. Today, you’ll get to view the array of sights dotting Dharamshala! Visit the residence of Dalai Lama (Tsuglagkhang Complex), the Tibetan Library, Norbulingka, St. John’s Church, and the tea garden and factory.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dharamshala
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Drive to Shimla
Eat breakfast before hopping in your vehicle and embarking on a 7-hour road trip to Shimla, the “Queen of Hill Stations.” This scenic town boasts deodar oak, pine, and rhododendron forests! It was also a popular summer getaway for the British, so expect some colonial influences.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Shimla
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Day at Your Leisure in Shimla
Spend the day admiring the incredible views from Shimla on your own. You may enjoy visiting Mall Road, where lines of local bazaars await.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Shimla
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Enjoy a Mountain Train Ride
Have a relaxing morning before departing Shimla via a mountain train. You'll arrive at Kalka Railway, where you'll catch your train to Delhi. You'll reach Delhi later at night. Transfer to your hotel and rest your head, playing through the reel of memories from the last 13 days.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Depart Delhi
Enjoy a chilled-out morning before departing to the airport. Say your goodbyes, and off you go to your next destination!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Golden Triangle and the Himalayas Tour Price and Dates
This guided tour to India is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the season. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 2-10: from $2,031 USD per person
Accomodation on the Golden Triangle and the Himalayas Tour
This tour is based in luxurious hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 to 5-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (please enquire about the pricing). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
The Park Hotel in New Delhi ★★★★★
This luxurious hotel offers a view of the historic Jantar Mantar. It’s also near India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb. Bask in the pool, sauna, and spa.
Jaypee Palace Hotel in Agra ★★★★★
Bask in total opulence at this enchanting 5-star resort in Agra. Despite the luxury, this hotel will feel like a home away from home.
Lemon Tree Premier Hotel in Jaipur ★★★★
Relax and enjoy the spacious, stylish Lemon Tree Premier! Take advantage of the pool and the gym.
Lemon Tree Hotel in Chandigarh ★★★
The Lemon Tree Hotel offers amenities to keep you nice and comfortable, including a pool, gym, bar, and a swim-up bar.
Anantmaya Resort in Manali ★★★★
Let yourself relax at this charming, welcoming resort. Enjoy the spa, bar, and onsite restaurant.
Chonor House in McLeod Ganj ★★★
This charming hotel is decorated in Tibetan style and has an on-site restaurant, breakfast buffet, and WiFi.
Radisson Jass in Shimla ★★★★★
Feel like royalty in this sparkling mountain-backed 5-star hotel. Spend time in the pool, at the spa, or enjoying the silence of your soundproof room.
The Park Hotel in New Delhi ★★★★★
This luxurious hotel offers a view of the historic Jantar Mantar. It’s also near India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb. Bask in the pool, sauna, and spa.
What’s Included in the Golden Triangle and the Himalayas Tour?
Meals
13 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 13 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Delhi are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Land transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour, including transfers to and from the airport. However, your flight to Chandigarh on Day 6 is not included.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees where applicable
Not included
- Flights to and from Delhi
- Flight to Chandigarh on Day 6
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Triangle and the Himalayas Tour
Trans India Holidays was founded nearly 30 years ago in New Dehli, India. They grew their team from four dedicated travellers to 100 energetic guides and trip planners.
Trans India strives to provide the best possible value for client’s money, continually searching for ways they can upgrade their service and experiences.
Offering a range of tour styles, Trans India operates cultural, religious, adventure, wildlife, culinary, family-friendly, and sporting tours.
Looking after each little detail from the perfect hotel room to booking your tee time for you, Trans India knows how to make a holiday in India as unforgettable as possible.
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Local Guide
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Rajiv has been working as a guide since 1996, and fell in love with sharing the ancient cultural and social roots of India with travellers. Rajiv believes that the diversity of India’s different regions in terms of food, language, and culture makes travelling the country an experience like no other. Rajiv runs all kinds of tours, but especially enjoys trekking tours. He’s climbed mountains up to 8,000 feet in -10 degrees with groups and considers those to be his greatest achievements as a guide.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead?
- A: I enjoy giving people walking tours of the city, because that’s the best way to give a vivid introduction to the country and also because there is an element of surprise on the streets. It cannot be controlled or planned, and I immensely enjoy presenting that world to them.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should have?
- A: Learning to cook traditional Indian food.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: Masala Dosa, it’s very tasty.
- Q: What is the best part about guiding?
- A: Providing them with more than they expected and noticing and taking care of any discomforts the guests might experience. Sometimes the guests don’t say it, so as a guide you have to be very attentive to that.