The land of the eternal snow peaks - takes in the transition zone from the plains to the high Himalayas and in the trans-Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti actually crosses the mighty barrier to the Tibetan plateau. The State is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab in the west, Haryana in the south, Uttar Pradesh in thes southeast and Tibet in the east. Geographically speaking, Himachal is dominated by mountains and their associated rivers and valley. The mountains include Leo Pargial (6791m) in Kinnaur; Deo Tibba (6001m) near Manali, Kinnaur Kailash (6050m) to name a few.

The mountain passes, such as the Rohtang La (3978m), Baralacha La (4950m) and Kunzum La (4551m), are pivotal points between culturally distinct regions. 'La' is a Tibetan word meaning pass. In winter, Lahaul and Spiti are completely isolated when these passes are blocked by snow.


Abode of Snow Tour :
Duration : 14 Days / 13 Nights

Destinations covered :
Shimla, Manali, Palampur, Dharamshala, Pragpur, Nalagarh, Chandigarh, Delhi

Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
You are met and assisted by our representative at the airport. Transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2 : Delhi
Morning sightseeing of New Delhi including Government buildings, India Gate and Laxmi Narayan (Birla) Temple. In the afternoon visit Qutb Minar, Humayun's Tomb and Raj Ghat. Overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi.

Day 3 : Delhi - Shimla
This morning, travel to Chandigarh by an Express train . After a brief city tour we drive to Pinjore and then continue to Shimla for two night stay.

Day 4 : Explore Shimla
Included guided walk around Mall and central Simla, followed by time at leisure. One may make a visit to nearby temples , Church or the Museum.

Day 5 : Shimla - Manali
Transfer by road to Manali . Evening at leisure . Overnight stay in Manali for three nights.

Day 6 : Manali
Morning visit to Manali, to include Hadimba Dcvi Temple and sulphur springs at Vashisht. Evening is free to explore the local market area.

Day 7 : Manali - Palampur
Transfer by road to Palampur, with picnic lunch from Manali . Two nights at the beautiful Taragarh Palace Hotel, a period property set in mango orchards. Palampur has beautful snow views and is surrounded by tea plantations. It is a popular place for walking.

Day 8 : Palampur
Visit the local sights including the sobha Singh's art gallery , a monastery , pottery institute and the tea estates.

Day 9 : Palampur - Dharamsala
Drive to Dharamsala (McLeodganj) for sightseeing and lunch. Dharamsala, current home of the Dalai Lame, is set along a spur of the Dhauladhar range, overlooking the Kangra Valley and the Shiwalik mountains. Visit the headquarters of H.H. The Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj and the Norbulingka Institute, centre for Buddhist teaching, housing over a thousand painted images. You can also visit the Namgyal Monastery, the Kalachakra Temple and the Bhagsunath Temple. Paintings by Roerich can be seen in the Museum of Kangra Art. In the afternoon continue to Pragpur for 2 nights at the Judges Court Hotel.

Day 10 : Pragpur
Judges Court, a heritage property where you enjoy traditional hospitality of the royal family. Pragpur is a medieval "heritage" village with cobblestone streets and slate-roofed houses.

Day 11 : Pragpur
At leisure to explore the village.

Day 12 : Nalagarh
Proceed to the delightful Nalagarh Fort, another heritage resort offering very warm local hospitality, for 2 nights. The fort commands beautiful views of forests and orchards and the area is rich in birdlife.

Day 13 : Nalagarh
At leisure to explore the village.

Day 14 : Delhi - Chandigarh - Delhi - Onward Destination
Drive to Chandigarh in the morning. The planned city was designed by Le Corbusier and is built in various sectors, with the Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden being important landmarks of the city. Take the midday Shatabdi Express from Chandigarh back to Delhi, arriving early evening. Stay at the hotel till departure, around midnight. Tour ends... but sweet memories always remain.