Worldwide brochure 2022-2023

INDIA • INDIAN HIMALAYA
Discover the Indian Himalaya
With dense forests, echoing ravines and vast
panoramas of some of the highest peaks
in the world, the Indian Himalaya possess
an intense natural beauty and spirituality.
Cultural variety abounds and nowhere is
this more apparent than in the magnificent
Sikh temple at Amritsar. Sacked by the
Afghans in 1761, the shrine was rebuilt by
Maharajah Ranjit Singh whose donation of
the gold dome, gilded with 100kg of pure
gold, earned the shrine its moniker, the
Golden Temple. Every evening it is magically
lit up for the Palki Sahib ceremony.
Experiences in the
Indian Himalaya
Shimla
Toy train, Shimla
Summer capital of the British Raj • Colourful
markets • Mountain railway toy train
Set amid evergreen forests and snow-capped
peaks, the hill station of Shimla was once the
summer capital of the British Raj. Echoes of
its colonial past can be seen along the main
promenade. Here, half-timbered houses,
churches and stately buildings including the
Post Office and restored gothic Gaiety Theatre
rub shoulders with the colourful market, Lakkar
Bazaar. Shimla’s ornate Viceregal Lodge, with its
magnificent botanical gardens was the former
residence of the British viceroy Lord Dufferin
and remained the seat of colonial power during
the summer months until the 1940s.
Kangra Fort, near Pragpur
Dharamsala
Kangra Valley
Stupa, McLeod Ganj
Home of the Dalai Lama • Tibetan culture •
Gentle walks in the foothills of the Himalaya
Once a hill station where the British escaped
the summer heat of the plains, Dharamsala is
renowned as the home of the Dalai Lama and
the Tibetan government in exile. McLeod Ganj
lies at its centre, a charming Tibetan settlement
with many interesting shops selling local crafts.
It offers a wealth of activities from gentle walks
to cookery classes, all set against the backdrop
of the stunning Dhauladhar mountain range.
The Norbulingka Institute preserves traditional
Tibetan art and the nuns at Thomsaling
nunnery are happy to explain the Tibetan
Buddhist traditions which they follow.
Himalayan scenery • Scenic mountain railway
The medieval village of Pragpur is an idyllic
base from which to explore the breathtaking
Kangra Valley. The surrounding countryside
offers many opportunities for walks, bicycle
rides and birdwatching. Local sights include
the ruins of the regal Kangra Fort and the
elaborate carvings of the Masroor rock-cut
temples. The section of the local Kangra
railway, between Baijnath and Nagrota, is the
most scenic stretch of the line.
Sunset Wagah ceremony, Amritsar
Each day at sunset, the border guards of
India and Pakistan assemble for the border
closing ceremony. Each army parades
in an immaculately turned out display
of synchronised marching and bellowed
military commands. The ritual ends as the
sun goes down, the flag of each country is
lowered and the gates are slammed shut.
Toy train to Shimla
Completed in 1903, the UNESCO-listed
Kalka to Shimla toy train offers stupendous
views of the Himalayan scenery as it
winds its way steeply upwards on the
narrow track. Built to transport the British
from the heat of the summer plains to
cooler climes, it passes through rugged
mountains and pine forests. For the best
views, sit on the right-hand side when
travelling to Shimla.
Spiritual tour of Haridwar
According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar
is the holiest of all places in this universe
and pilgrims arrive here daily to bathe
in the sacred Ganges. A tour of the key
temples culminates at the holy Har-ki-Pauri
ghat where thread ceremonies, holy dips
and the evening ‘aarti’ take place to the
accompaniment of music, chanting and the
waft of incense carried on the wind.
Picnic in the Kullu Valley, Manali
Spend a leisurely day in the spectacular
valley of Manali, tucking into a delicious
alfresco lunch surrounded by high peaks,
pine forests, meadows and apple orchards.
Take a walk through the picturesque
scenery, passing quaint villages and old
kullu-style temples along the way.
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