18 Days Rajasthan to Himalayas

There is infinitely much to see and experience in India and it is impossible to achieve everything in one trip. But in Visit Beyond we have put together this special tour for those who want a taste of India's temptations. The tour shows the colorful and fascinating places that offers an exciting cultural diversity. Along the way you experience Rajasthan’s desert and Maharaja fairytale palaces, spiritual temples, camels, elephants, small cozy towns, and fascinating snow-capped mountain peaks in the Himalayas.

Season
Be prepared for that tour as climate regularly contains large contrasts. The tour is not conducted during the period from 15th December to 31st March due to snow in the mountains.

Day 1: Delhi to Jaipur (265 km)

On the trip the first drive from Delhi to Jaipur in Rajasthan state, which takes approx 5 hours. Jaipur was built in 1772 and is known as the "pink city" because of its pink buildings in the old town. Jaipur also offers a lively contrast-filled center, where it is common to see both camels, sacred cows and elephants in the cityscape.

Day 2: City Tour in Jaipur

The day is spent in Jaipur visiting the Amber fort, Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds), City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Amber Fort is beautifully situated on a hilltop, and the trip up there is on the back of an elephant. The place is a huge complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples built over two centuries. Jaigarh Fort, listed in Guinness World Records as the world's largest cannon guarded fort. City Palace was the former royal residence, and the architecture is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal styles. Jantar Mantar is an Indian star observatory. (B)

Day 3: Jaipur - Bikaner, camel city (250 km)

Today after breakfast, drive to Bikaner, which takes approx 5 hours. Visit Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) and camel farm in Bikaner. Karni Mata Temple is an exciting and very different temple, filled with hundreds of rats, which all run around freely among people. It is 600 years old and an important temple for Hindu pilgrims who believe that the rats on the earth are sacred and therefore feed them. Bring socks, as shoes are banned inside, and the floor is littered with cereal and rat droppings!
Bikaner is called camel-city and is known for breeding some of the best and finest camel in the world. see small camel-foal and taste farm shop camel milk and ice cream, made from the milk of camels. (B)

Day 4: Bikaner - Puskar (250 km)

Pushkar has a relaxed atmosphere and is an important city for pilgrims who come here to bathe in one of the India's hole lake. The city has also become popular among backpackers, who hangs out on the town's cafes and sometimes get stuck with the atmosphere and spend weeks in the city. The afternoon is at leisure, where we can recommend a walk around the lake. A small camel ride is also arranged to get you the feel how it feels to ride the ship of the desert. (B)

Day 5: Puskar - Agra (350 km)

After a long drive reach Agra. Enroute visit the ghost city Fatehpur Sikri. If you reach in good time and time permits go for a sunset view of Taj, evening at leisure. (B)

Day 6: Agra - Moradabad (270 km)

In summer, started the day watching the sunrise at the beautiful Taj Mahal mausoleum, which is named as one of world wonders. After breakfast visit the impressive Agra Fort (Red Fort) and drive to Moradabad. Moradabad is founded in 1600 by Murad, son of Shah Jahan (Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal). The town is down to the river Ganga. Moradabad is famous for its many shops and large exports of brass ornaments and statues to the West. The city is also called the Brass City. Join us around the city's exciting markets. (B)

Day 7: Moradabad - Corbett Tiger Park (130 km)

Corbett National Park is located in the state of Uttaranchal in the foothills of Himalayas. Ramganga River runs through the park's low mountains covered by forest. At the riverside are often crocodiles and freshwater turtles are soaking in the sun. On the grass plains, south of the park's headquarters you'll find abundant wildlife: Indian elephants, leopards, jackals, langur monkeys, wild boars and others. In addition, live here more than 500 different bird species, including hornbills and sea eagles. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Corbett Tiger Park

Whole day is spent in the national park. You come on jeep safari with a guide and also get a safari on elephant - a combination that guarantees you the full benefit of the varied animal and bird life. If you are lucky, you can get a glimpse of one of the park's tigers. Note: if there is heavy rain fall, there is a risk that jeep safari and elephant ride is canceled due to security reasons. There will be alternative activities. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Corbett Tiger Park - Pilgrim City Haridwar (150 km)

Haridwar - one of the seven sacred cities in India - is situated at the foot of Shiwalik mountains where the Ganges leaves the mountains and spread into the north Indian plains. Haridwar location, presence of the Ganges and the holy "Vishnu footprint" makes it an important pilgrimage. Here you can experience a smooth flow of pilgrims, who bathe ritually in the river, priests performing Hindu rites on the banks and Sadhu living ascetic around river. No Alcohal available and you cannot bring your own. Also only Hindu vegetarian food available in town. (B)

Day 10: Haridwar - Shimla (300 km)

Shimla(2205 m) is a pleasant city with a strong British influence, which has a pleasant climate in summer, where it attracts Indian families on holiday. The city center – Mall Road is closed for the vehicle traffic, and it creates a very relaxed atmosphere where people stroll up and down "The Ridge", enjoying the prospect of valleys and eating ice cream. The streets are steep and narrow, and the many well-preserved houses from the English colonial times, makes you almost forget where you are. But a stroll through the lively Sabzi Mandi bazaar gets you quickly back to the sound, smell and taste of India. We can recommend to hike up to Jakhu temple (ape templet), located on a hilltop with a nice view of Shimla - if weather permits, you can see snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. The trip up takes about 40 minutes, then follow the narrow path right behind the Hotel Dreamland. (B)

Day 11: Shimla - Manali (260 km)

In the afternoon you arrive in Manali - A well developed mountain village in the Indian Himalayas (2,050 meters). The city is characterized by the fact that a large part of the city's residents come from neighboring Tibet. Furthermore, it is a very popular destination for newlyweds Indians on honeymoon. From Manali, there is great prospect of snowy mountain peaks, and a wide choice of shorter or longer hikes. Do not miss the charming old town and the Tibetan bazaar.

Day 12: Rohtang Pass - Solang Valley

Today you can look forward to a truly natural beautiful drive up to Rohtang Pass (3,979 m.). At the mountain pass it is possible to go skiing, snowbiking, riding on yak, eat a light lunch or simply enjoy the amazing views of the Himalayan snow-capped mountain peaks. On the way back to Manali, we take a look at Solang Valley. Here it is possible that you may try a beautiful paragliding flock over the Himalayas (acquisitions). Other activities you may enjoy are four-wheel off-road motorcycles, riding on horseback and shooting drills (Any activities in the Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass are not included in price). Alternatively, you can choose to relax and enjoy the landscape. (B)

Day 13: Mani Karan - Kasol Valley - Manali (90 km)

This day we go to Mani Karan, a sacred Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage site. Temples and the area has several hot springs that are so hot that it is possible to cook rice in them. You can also take a dip in pools filled with water from the sources. It is said to be healing, and people with various skin diseases are healed by bathing here. The area also has some interesting temples and a large local market.
On the journey to / from Manali, we keep a pause on the way into the cozy backpacker halt - Kasol Valley. The city is beautiful in the mountains, surrounded by woods and accompanied by a river. Here are some cafes and good restaurants and cozy guest houses and small shops. (B)

Day 14: Cultural experiences in Manali

This day is completely free in Manali, where you can visit some of the city's temples, or perhaps take a trip to Old Manali, which is very different from the bustling city center. In the Old Town goes daily life in her own pace, and the place is full of small interesting shops and a temple. There is ample opportunity to go behind the facades and seeing how the local living life in these parts. Absolutely recommendable. (B)

Day 15: Manali - Buddhism stronghold, Dharamshala (240 km)

Dalai Lama's advocacy work has made Dharamshala known throughout the world, but it was actually in the nearby village of McLeod Ganj town that he lived in exile. Now he lives on and off in Australia and Dharamshala, Many travelers come to this place to experience the special Tibetan atmosphere, take courses in Buddhism and meditation as well as trekking in the beautiful, mountainous landscape.(B)

Day 16: In Dharamshala

In Dharamshala, in principle, there is also ample opportunity to get out and walk for long walks in the scenic area overlooking the Himalayan peaks. When you need to relax, you can settle down at one of the many small cafes and enjoy the view. The city is very Tibetan influenced and has a wealth of small, fascinating Tibetan shops. (B)

Day 17: Dharamshala - Modern India, Chandigarh (250 km.)

Chandigarh is a modern city, built in 1950's and designed by French architect Le Corbusier. It is also known to be one of India's cleanest and planned city. The attractions include the popular park, Nek Chand's Fantasy Rock Garden, where you can see fantasy figures and landscapes, made from industrial waste. There is also opportunity to visit Asia's largest rose park where planted more than 1,600 different roses. Or go to "sector 17"; Chandigarh most manicured shopping area filled with fountains, sculptures and trees - beautiful at night when all lights are lit. (B)

Day 18: Chandigarh - Delhi (258 km.)

After breakfast drive back to Delhi, arriving in the afternoon/Evening. Transfer to the hotel, if pre booked or proceed to next destination. (B)