Monastic Peace : Uttarakhand

Arrive in Amritsar and check into your hotel. Begin your exploration at the Partition Museum inside the historic Town Hall to learn about the history and personal stories of the 1947 partition. Afterwards, walk over to Jallianwala Bagh to pay respects at the memorial honoring the martyrs of the 1919 massacre. Conclude your day at the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) to witness the evening prayers, admire the illuminated complex across the sacred pool, and visit the community kitchen.

Check out after breakfast and take the 200-kilometer drive up to Dalhousie, passing through Pathankot and ascending into the pine-covered hills of the Dhauladhar range. After checking into your hotel and resting, spend your evening exploring Gandhi Chowk and taking a stroll along Mall Road. Stop by St. John’s Church, a Victorian-era structure built in 1863 set amidst quiet cedar trees.

Activities

Drive 22 kilometers through dense deodar forests toward Khajjiar, often referred to as the Mini Switzerland of India. Spend your day wandering the expansive Khajjiar Meadows, taking in the views around Khajjiar Lake, and visiting the 12th-century Khajji Nag Temple, known for its intricate wood carvings. Enjoy walks along the surrounding forest trails or optional horseback riding before returning to Dalhousie for the evening.

Activities

Depart Dalhousie in the morning for a 120-kilometer drive to Dharamshala, taking in views of river valleys along the way. Upon arrival, check in and visit the HPCA Cricket Stadium, set at an altitude of 1,457 meters against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. In the evening, head down to Kotwali Bazaar and the local market to browse Himachali handicrafts, woolens, and local eats.

Travel up to McLeod Ganj to visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the spiritual seat of H.H. the Dalai Lama, which houses the Namgyal Monastery, prayer wheels, and golden Buddha statues. Continue to the historic Bhagsunag Temple and follow the paved walking track up to Bhagsu Waterfall. Spend the evening exploring the streets of McLeod Ganj, enjoying local Tibetan cafes, and browsing markets for traditional souvenirs.

Activities

After breakfast, check out and begin the 240-kilometer drive down toward Chandigarh, passing through foothill towns such as Anandpur Sahib and Rupnagar. Arrive in Chandigarh by late afternoon or early evening for your onward departure at the airport, railway station, or city center.