Locally Guided North India Holidays
Our 'Locally Guided' North India holidays provide English speaking, experienced local guides and drivers who assist you daily in India. There's no tour leader on our independent Locally Guided Tours so you have more freedom, yet you are assisted to minimise the hassles. From the airport until your departure, their support gives you comfort and security yet leaves you free to move at your own pace.
Below are our most popular independent India tours & Himalaya trekking holidays. We can customize these tours and treks in India to suit your needs. No miminum numbers.
Himalaya Adventures / Trekking Holidays
- Seek the Snow Leopard Trek
- Ancient Trails of Ladakh Trek
- Nubra Valley Extension Remote Road Safari
- Hindustan Tibetan Journey Trek
- Brighu Lake Trek
- Forbidden Temples Remote Road Safari
- British Raj HIll Stations Road Safari
India Tour Itineraries
- Hill Stations and Ganges Sailing
- Wonders of Rajasthan
- Classic Sights of Northern India
- South India Unlocked
- Indian Mutiny Tour
If you are unsure about your North India tour we will help and suggest. Ask us and we will plan an India Vacation which suits you …..
Himalaya Treks/Road Safaris
Seek the Snow Leopard Trek - 37 days. Or 38 days with Taj Mahal.
Only available June to September.
Our most demanding and energetic trip at High Altitude. We seek the rare Snow Leopard on an isolated trek from Himachal Pradesh, through the Kingdom of Zanskar to Lamayuru and Leh in Ladakh on the Indus Valley. Cross over 9 high passes sometimes in snow and through ancient villages in lands where time has stood still. Encounter ever changing landscapes. Camping while on trek.
Blends well with Nubra Valley extension
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Delhi. Day 3: Fly to Kullu/Transfer to Manali to Himalaya homestay. Day 4-6: In Manali to acclimatize. Day 7: Travel to Jispa by road crossing the Rohtang Pass. Day 8-30: Trek starts through Zanskar over 8 passes of 5000 metres –Shingo La, Purfi La, Hanuma La, Chapskang La, Kupa La, Singge La, Sertse La, Prikit La. Day 31: Last day of trek arrive Lamayuru. Day 32: Transfer to Leh. Day 33-34: In Leh. (Nubra Valley Extension would be added in here) Day 35: Fly to Delhi. Day 36: Day in Delhi. Day 37: Trip finishes in Delhi before breakfast.
Optional extra: Day 37: Travel by road to Agra/Sightseeing Taj Mahal/Agra Fort. Day 38: Sightseeing Fatehpur Sikri/Travel back to Delhi by road directly to airport or hotel.
Ancient Trails of Ladakh Trek - 28 days. Or 29 days with Taj Mahal.
Only available June to September. Camping while on trek.
Our second most demanding and energetic trip at High Altitude. Trekking ancient trails we move from Himachal Pradesh to Hemis Gompa and Leh in Ladakh on the Indus Valley. We encounter high altitudes and an immense variation in landscape and experiences with the chance to discover wildlife such as ibex, marmot, bharal (blue sheep) kyang (zebra -ike) and perhaps a trace of the snow leopard plus many wildflowers.
Blends well with Nubra Valley extension
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Delhi. Day 3: Fly to Kullu/Transfer to Manali to Himalaya homestay. Day 4-6: In Manali to acclimatize. Day 7: Travel to Jispa by road crossing the Rohtang Pass. Day 8: Travel to Takh by road crossing Baralacha La. Day 9-21: Trek starts through Ladakh over 4 passes of 5000 metres –Marang La, Yar La, Zarlung Karpo La, Konmaru La. Day 22: Last day of trek arrive Hemis. Day 23: Walk to visit Hemis Gompa/Transfer to Leh. Day 24-25: In Leh. (Nubra Valley Extension would be added in here) Day 26: Fly to Delhi. Day 27: Day in Delhi. Day 28: Trip finishes in Delhi before breakfast.
Optional extra: Day 28: Travel by road to Agra/Sightseeing Taj Mahal/Agra Fort. Day 29: Sightseeing Fatehpur Sikri/Travel back to Delhi by road directly to airport or hotel.
Nubra Valley Extension Road Safari 3 days. Only from Leh.
Only available June to October. Fixed tent camping while on safari.
Travel North from Leh to the limit of foreigners’ permitted travel, towards the India/Chinese Border visiting Buddhist Gompas and reveling in the antiquity of an ancient, long-travelled valley. Cross the highest motorable road pass in the world –Khardung La –cold, beautiful and mystical, en route to the Nubra Valley. Stay in a luxury fixed tent camp right beside the ancient Silk Road. Amongst waving barley fronds, wander on the tiny trails used by the local people to bring their harvests in from their fields and the grass for their cows and visit a local museum run by the family of the Leh Royal Family. Bactrian camels roam free and we seek them out on the valley floor.
Day 1: From Leh in Ladakh, drive over Khardung La the highest road pass in the world to the Nubra Valley. Visit Panamik hot springs/local museum. Day 2: Visit Diskit Gompa, Hunder Gompa/Bactrian camels. Afternoon walk. Day 3: Drive back to Leh.
Hindustan Tibetan Journey -27 days.
Only available late May to July and September to October.
Moderate trek at lower altitude in the foothills. Trekking in Himachal Pradesh foothills, from Manali to Bir and on to Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj.
A great variation in terrain from the high passes to the green hillsides and flower covered valleys. Follow riverside trails and visit Bara Banghal an isolated village days walk from any other village. Relish the contrast of staying at a former maharajah’s summer palace on the last night of the trek before enjoying the Tibetan influenced life in McLeod Ganj where the Dalai Lama lives in exile. Camping while on trek.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Delhi. Day 3: Fly to Kullu/Transfer to Manali to Himalaya homestay. Day 4-6: In Manali to acclimatize. Day 7-20: Trek starts through Himachal Pradesh over 2 passes of 4800 metres –Kali Heni Pass, Thamser Pass. Day 21: Last day of trek arrive Bir/Transfer to Palampur to Taragarh Palace Hotel. Day 22: Travel to McLeod Ganj above Dharamasla. Day 23-24: In McLeod Ganj. Day 25: Transfer to Pathankot/Overnight train to Delhi. Day 26: Arrive Delhi/Day in Delhi. Day 27: Trip finishes in Delhi before breakfast.
Optional extra: Day 27: Travel by road to Agra/Sightseeing Taj Mahal/Agra Fort. Day 28: Sightseeing Fatehpur Sikri/Travel back to Delhi by road directly to airport or hotel.
Brighu Lake Trek - 15 days. Or 16 days with Taj Mahal.
Only available April to July and September to November.
Moderate, shorter trek at lower altitude in the foothills. In Himachal Pradesh, from Manali trek high above the Kullu Valley reaching Brighu Lake and on to the Rohtang Pass road. Camping while on trek.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Delhi. Day 3: Fly to Kullu/Transfer to Manali to Himalaya homestay. Day 4-6: In Manali to acclimatize. Day 7-11: Trek starts through Himachal Pradesh to Brighu Lake above Manali. Day 12: Last day of trek arrive back in Manali. Day 13: Travel to Kullu/Fly to Delhi. Day 14: Day in Delhi. Day 15: Trip finishes in Delhi before breakfast.
Optional extra: Day 15: Travel by road to Agra/Sightseeing Taj Mahal/Agra Fort. Day 16: Sightseeing Fatehpur Sikri/Travel back to Delhi by road directly to airport or hotel.
Forbidden Temples Road Safari - 22 days. Or 23 days with Taj Mahal.
Only available August to September.
In Himachal Pradesh through Kinnaur, Spiti & Lahaul and on to Ladakh and Leh on the Indus Valley. Visit Hindu & Buddhist Temples which have previously been forbidden to Westerners. Camping while on road safari.
Blends well with Nubra Valley extension
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Delhi. Day 3: Fly to Kullu/Transfer to Manali to Himalaya homestay. Day 4-6: In Manali to acclimatize. Day 7-16: Remote Road Safari starts over Jalori pass to Kinnaur and Spiti. Continues to Leh on Manali-Leh Highway (the highest average altitude road in the world) over 4 passes of 4500 to 5350 metres –Kunzum La, Baralacha La, Nakeela, Lachulung La, Taglang La. Visit Tabo Gompa, Dankar Gompa, Ki Gompa. Day 17: Last day of safari arrive Leh. Day 18-19: In Leh. (Nubra Valley Extension would be added in here) Day 20: Fly to Delhi. Day 21: Day in Delhi. Day 22: Trip finishes in Delhi before breakfast.
Optional extra: Day 22: Travel by road to Agra/Sightseeing Taj Mahal/Agra Fort. Day 23: Sightseeing Fatehpur Sikri/Travel back to Delhi by road directly to airport or hotel.
British Raj Hill Stations Road Safari - 17 days. Or 18 days with Taj Mahal.
Available all year round.
The Himalaya foothills and the hill stations are at their best in April when the apple blossoms are out and the mountains are still snow covered. Travel through Himachal Pradesh on a discovery tour of Buddhism, Hinduism and the Himalaya’s old British Raj Hill Stations of McLeod Ganj, Manali, Shimla, Mussorie. No camping –hotel accommodation.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Delhi/Overnight train to Pathankot. Day 3: Arrive Pathankot/Transfer to McLeod Ganj above Dharamsala. Day 4-5: In McLeod Ganj. Day 6: Drive to Palampur to Taragarh Palace Hotel. Day 7: Drive to Manali. Day 8-9: In Manali. Day 10: Travel to Shimla. Day 12: In Shimla. Day 13: Travel to Mussorie. Day 14: Day in Mussorie. Day 15: Train to Delhi. Day 16: Day in Delhi. Day 17: Trip finishes in Delhi before breakfast.
Optional extra: Day 17: Travel by road to Agra/Sightseeing Taj Mahal/Agra Fort. Day 18: Sightseeing Fatehpur Sikri/Travel back to Delhi by road directly to airport or hotel.
India Tour Itineraries
Hill Stations & Ganges Sailing - 18 days. Or 19 days with Taj Mahal.
Only available January.
A winter journey to Shimla & Mussorie in the Himalaya Foothills. Discover Haridwar where the River Ganges emerges from the Himalaya and enjoy the wonders of the Ganges evening fire ceremony. Leisurely boat travel down the Ganges from Allahabad to Varanasi evocative of ancient travel in an ancient area.
Hotel accommodation. Camping while on the Ganges.
Blends well with Wonders of Rajasthan
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Delhi. Day 3: Train to Shimla. Day 4: In Shimla. Day 5: Drive to Mussorie. Day 6: Day in Mussorie. Day 7: Drive to Haridwar/Evening fire ceremony at Ganga Aarti on Har ki Pairi Ghat. Day 8: Morning visit to Wild life sanctuary/Train to Delhi. Day 9: In Delhi/Overnight train to Allahabad. Day 10: Arrive Allahabad/Transfer to Ganges country boats. Day 11-14: Float, sail and travel down the Ganges. Some walks to villages, forts and temples. Camp on the silky sand banks. Day 15: Arrive Varanasi. Day 16: Morning visit to ghats/Varanasi sightseeing/Overnight train to Delhi. Day 17: Arrive Delhi/Night in hotel. Day 18: Trip finishes in Delhi before breakfast. Optional extra: Day 18: Travel by road to Agra/Sightseeing Taj Mahal/Agra Fort. Day 19: Sightseeing Fatehpur Sikri/Travel back to Delhi by road directly to airport or hotel.
Wonders of Rajasthan -7 days.
Available all year round -best times Dec & Jan
Marvel at one of the seven wonders of the world The Taj Mahal in Agra and experience Agra Fort where The Taj’s creator Shah Jehan spent his last years in captivity.
The colourful primary shades of Rajasthan blend with the pink hued sandstone of the Jaipur buildings and contrast with your visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Top it off with an elephant ride high up to Amber Fort. Udaipur with its Lake Palace seemingly floating on the surface is a delight
This tour can be a trip on its own or an extension to any of our other tours and treks.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Drive by road to Agra to visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Day 3: Drive to Fatephur Sikri and on to Bharatpur. Afternoon bird viewing. Day 4: Drive to Jaipur. Day 5: Morning elephant ride to Amber Fort. Afternoon city tour. Day 6: Fly to Udaipur. Afternoon city tour. Day 7: Fly to Delhi to check in for international flight or to city hotel.
Classic Sights of North India -12 days.
Available all year round with best times November to February.
Discover for yourself the familiar place names of India –the ancient monuments and history of Delhi, Amritsar, Varanasi, The River Ganges, the famous temples of Khajuraho, Agra and the Taj Mahal, teeming Rajasthan with its bright primary colours, Jaipur and the Palace of Mirrors, Udaipur and the Lake Palace. Enrich your life by bringing these ancient places alive.
Blends well with South India Unlocked
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Day 2: Sightseeing in Delhi. Day 3: Train to Amritsar. Excursion to Wagah Pakistan Border –guards display. Day 4: Sightseeing in Amritsar. Overnight train to Delhi. Day 5: Fly to Varanasi. Day 6: Sightseeing in Varanasi & River Ganges. Day 7: Fly to Khajuraho. Afternoon sightseeing. Day 8: Train to Agra. Day 9: Sightseeing Agra –Taj Mahal, Agra Fort. Drive to Jaipur. Day 10: Sightseeing Jaipur. Elephant ride to Amber Fort. Day 11: Fly to Udaipur. Afternoon sightseeing Udaipur. Day 12: Fly to Delhi to airport.
South India Unlocked -15 days Homestays, and heritage hotels accommodation.
Available all year round with best times October to February.
Unlock South India by joining our local guide on a journey of contrasting experiences. With your local guide’s valuable input you are more a guest than a tourist. The flavour of South India is reflected in teh uncommon accommodation places you use including genuine homestays and heritage hotels. Plenty of light walks and lots of participation to experience South India first hand –heritage walks, cooking classes, markets, the fishing nets of Fort Cochin and cruises combine with ancient temples, ex-maharajah palaces, museums and forts. You absorb the history and life in the mantle of a South India long past.
Blends well with Indian Mutiny and/or Wonders of Rajasthan.
Day 1: Arrive Bangalore. Day 2: Drive to Mysore. Evening visit to Maharaja’s Palace. Day 3: Mysore Flower Market/City tour. Day 4: Visit Edakkal Caves/dinner in a cave. Day 5: Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary/Drive to Calicut/Train to Cochin. Day 6: Historic Fort Kochi/Harbour Cruise/Heritage Tour/Evening Kathakali Dance performance. Day 7: Drive to Alleppy /Homestay on the backwaters/Evening cooking class. Day 8: Walk on the backwaters to local village. Day 9: Houseboat Backwaters cruise on Vembanad Lake/Lunch on board/Drive to Palai plantation homestay Day 10: Walk through the spice and rubber plantation. Evening cooking class. Day 11: Drive to Madurai/Visit famous Meenakshi Temple. Day 12: Early train to Trichy/Drive to Tanjore riverside resort hotel /Enjoy a pool swim. Day 13: Visit the World Heritage listed Brihadeeswara Temple/Drive to Pondicherry on the Indian Ocean/Sunset walk on the beach. Day 14: Free day in Pondicherry –great shopping. Day 15: Drive to Mahabalipuram World Heritage listed rock cut temples/Depart Chennai.
Indian Mutiny -17 days. Boutique and Unusual Lodges/Hotels
Available all year round with best times November to February.
The Indian Mutiny occurred in 1857. This tour gives you an appreciation of the terrible events and difficulties experienced by both sides involved so long ago, yet still so real in the Indian experience. You will visit sites of historical significance in Meerut, Lucknow, Cawnpore and Kolkata (Calcutta) The essence of Varanasi is the early morning bathing on the ghats and you will be on the River Ganges to watch the ritual. As a contrast take in the mountain air and relax in the Himalaya hill stations of Mussorie and later in Shimla where the British Raj enjoyed the high life and located their Summer Capi
Blends well with South India Unlocked
Day 1: Arrive Delhi for 4 nights. Day 2: Sightseeing in Delhi. Day 3: Day trip to Agra to visit Taj Mahal. Day 4: Day trip to Meerut to visit Mutiny sites & temple. Day 5: Train to Shimla for 2 nights. Day 6: Free exploration in Shimla. Day 7: Drive to Mussorie for 2 nights. Day 8: Free exploration in Mussorie. Day 9: Drive to Dehradun. Overnight train to Lucknow. Day 10: Arrive Lucknow for 3 nights. Sightseeing in Lucknow. Day 11: Sightseeing to visit Mutiny sites. Day 12: Day trip to Kanpur to visit Mutiny sites. Day 13: Train to Varanasi. Afternoon sightseeing. Day 14: Boat excursion on River Ganges. Sightseeing in Varanasi. Overnight train to Kolkata. Day 15: Arrive Kolkata for 2 nights. Afternoon sightseeing. Day 16: Morning sightseeing. Afternoon at leisure. Day 17: Depart Kolkata.
Optional extra: Prior to Day 1: 6 nights/7 days in Rajastahan. If this option is taken Day 3 of the main itinerary will be a free day in Delhi.
We customize your Northern India holiday ideas into a workable itinerary.
- Play golf in the style of the Maharajas?
- Experience the magical colours of Rajasthan tourism?
- Float down the Ganges to Varanasi?
- British Raj tour –visit the old summer capital of Shimla
- Visit palaces, forts and explore the majestic Moghul history of India?
- Indian Mutiny historical interest tour?
Ask us and we will plan to suit you …..Premium tours 5 star, deluxe tours 3 and 4 star. We do not handle low cost budget tours.
Any India tour can be linked to any other India tour.
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Himalaya High Adventures
PO Box 125 043 St Heliers 1740 | Auckland, New Zealand