11 Nights / 12 Days
On Request
Dharamshala-McLeod-Ganj-Palampur-Bir
India
The Himalayan foothills of North India are home to serene monasteries, Tibetan culture, pine forests and gentle mountain villages that create a peaceful escape from fast-paced city life. This 12-day monastery circuit is designed for travellers seeking spiritual depth, natural beauty and quiet moments in the mountains. Every stop reveals a different shade of Himalayan culture — from Dharamshala’s monastery clusters to McLeod Ganj’s Tibetan settlements, Palampur’s tea gardens and Bir’s meditation centres.
With private transport and a relaxed pace, the journey allows you to learn about Buddhist teachings, enjoy scenic mountain drives and experience daily life in monasteries and meditation zones. Whether you sit in a peaceful prayer hall, walk through forests or observe monks in prayer, this route offers a nurturing and reflective travel experience.
Use this day for relaxed sightseeing or quiet rest depending on your energy levels. Visit peaceful temples such as the Lotus Temple or Akshardham (outside only if preferred due to vast grounds), where the spiritual aura complements your monastery-focused journey. Walk through gardens, reflection pools and open courtyards while absorbing the city’s gentler side.
Alternatively, spend the day at leisure—visit markets, cafés or simply unwind at your hotel. After several days in the mountains, this flexible day allows your body and mind to comfortably readjust before the tour concludes.
Arrive in Delhi and meet your private driver. After check-in at your hotel, take time to rest and settle comfortably after the journey. You may enjoy a light walk in the surrounding area or simply relax indoors as you prepare for your Himalayan trip the following day.
In the evening, enjoy leisure time and a soothing dinner. Delhi acts as a gentle starting point before your journey into the calm, fresh atmosphere of the mountains.
Begin your drive to Dharamshala, watching the landscape shift from plains to lush foothills as you ascend gradually into the Himalayas. The journey is scenic, passing small towns, hillside villages and forests that set a peaceful tone for the next several days. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Spend the evening exploring local surroundings or relaxing at your hotel balcony with views of the Dhauladhar Range. Dharamshala’s tranquil ambience helps you transition smoothly into the Himalayan environment.
Start your day with a visit to Gyuto Monastery, known for its golden Buddha statue and peaceful halls where monks practise traditional tantric chanting. The monastery’s quiet courtyards and open views create an environment ideal for absorbing Tibetan teachings. Continue to explore other centres that highlight the region’s spiritual heritage.
In the afternoon, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving Tibetan art forms such as thangka painting, wood carving and traditional crafts. Walk through its Japanese-style gardens and peaceful water features before returning to your hotel for a relaxed evening.
After breakfast, take a short drive to McLeod Ganj, home to the Tibetan exile community and the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Upon arrival, visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, where prayer wheels, chanting halls and soft drum rhythms create a deeply calming atmosphere.
Later, explore small cafés, bookshops and craft stores that line the vibrant streets of McLeod Ganj. The mix of Tibetan culture, mountain views and spiritual simplicity makes the town both enriching and peaceful.
Your morning begins with a visit to Namgyal Monastery, where monks engage in prayer, learning and meditation activities. Spend time in its peaceful courtyards, observing how daily monastic life unfolds at a gentle pace.
In the afternoon, take a quiet walk through the forested trail leading toward Bhagsu or Dharamkot. Tall cedar trees, cool mountain breezes and panoramic views create a refreshing environment for reflection. The day ends with leisure time in the town’s relaxed atmosphere.
Leave McLeod Ganj and drive toward Palampur, a picturesque valley filled with tea gardens, streams and pine forests. On arrival, check in at your nature resort or boutique stay. The surrounding scenery features expansive tea estates and charming countryside views.
Spend the afternoon visiting local tea gardens where guides share insights into cultivation and processing techniques. The peaceful fields and slow-paced ambience make Palampur an ideal place to unwind and recharge.
Today, visit Andretta Village, an artist’s colony known for pottery workshops, traditional homes and quiet Himalayan surroundings. Walk through the village lanes, interact with artisans and learn about the local artistic traditions that thrive in this serene environment.
Later, explore riverside areas around Palampur where small bridges, streams and forest trails offer peaceful scenery. Return to your resort for a calm evening surrounded by the soft sounds of nature.
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive toward Bir, a peaceful Himalayan village known for monasteries, meditation centres and its serene Tibetan settlement. Upon arrival, check in at your retreat-style accommodation, surrounded by open fields, distant mountains and soft breezes that immediately create a calming atmosphere. Spend some time unwinding and absorbing the stillness that defines Bir’s spiritual aura.
In the afternoon, visit Chokling Monastery, a beautiful complex with vibrant prayer halls, golden statues and fluttering prayer flags. Sit quietly inside the meditation hall to experience the gentle rhythm of monastic life. Bir’s environment encourages slow movements, mindful breathing and tranquil reflection, making this one of the most peaceful phases of the itinerary.
Start your day by visiting Sherab Ling Monastery, located in a forested area that enhances its peaceful character. Walk along pathways lined with trees and prayer wheels while listening to the faint chants carried by the wind. The monastery’s architecture and atmosphere provide a powerful sense of grounding and inner quiet.
Later, explore nearby villages or visit paragliding viewpoints (optional, only for scenery—no adventure focus). These viewpoints offer sweeping views of the Kangra Valley, layered hills and tiny settlements spread across the landscape. Return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening, where the slow pace of Bir continues to nurture your sense of peace.
Begin your return journey to Delhi, watching the mountains gradually transition into plains. The drive passes through charming villages, pine forests, terraced fields and small-town bazaars, allowing you to revisit the region’s natural beauty one last time. Short tea breaks along the route offer opportunities to enjoy fresh mountain air before descending completely.
Upon reaching Delhi, check in at your hotel and unwind after the long but scenic drive. Spend the evening resting or enjoy a quiet meal as you shift from Himalayan tranquillity back to city comforts.
Your morning remains at leisure until it is time for your airport transfer. Enjoy a final cup of tea, review your photographs or take a quiet stroll before checking out.
Your 12-day Himalayan Monasteries Tour ends with rich memories of mountain retreats, spiritual encounters, Tibetan culture and the soothing rhythm of monastery life—an experience that stays with you long after the journey conclud
We at India World Wide Travel provide our valuable a premium quality SUV / MUV Safe and Comfortable Cars, Van and Luxury Buses with Private Driver for your journey on your India Holiday. If you wish to have more luxury vehicle for your holiday. Please check our vehicle collection page
After choosing your preferred itinerary, all you have to do to reserve your spot is send a deposit of 20% plus the cost of each booking for the train and airfare.
Your final payment won't be due until 45 days before the start of your tour. The entire cost must be paid at the time of booking if your reservation is made less than 60 days before the tour begins.
Note: All airline booking and cancellation restrictions apply, and full payment must be made at the time of booking for both domestic and international tickets.
We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist!
We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist!
We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist! We know that planning the perfect getaway comes with a few questions, and we're here to help! Whether you're curious about our accommodations, experiences, sustainability initiatives, or bookings, our FAQs have got you covered. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to assist!
Note: We strongly advise getting travel insurance that includes coverage for disruptions caused by COVID-19.
You have up to 45 days before the tour begins to cancel, in which case your entire land deposit and any advance payments you paid will be refunded within 21 business days.
Note: Only the land portion of the journey is subject to cancellation and rebooking policies; domestic and international train and airline tickets are not.
Note: When purchasing tickets for domestic or international travel, you must pay in full at the time of booking. You must also abide by the cancellation, rebooking and booking regulations of the individual airline and rail operators.
45 days before the tour's commencement date:
Should government travel restrictions force the cancellation of your journey, your deposit and any progress payments will be fully credited towards a future tour with us at no additional cost.
We are not required to provide any reimbursement for services that you do not use if you cancel a trip after it has started for any reason. On your behalf, Royal India Tours will make every effort to retrieve as much of your money as we can or work out a credit for later usage.
Any costs resulting from a cancellation or adjustment made between thirty days before the tour start date and the tour end date will be your responsibility and must be paid by you within twenty-four hours of the modification.
We are not required to provide any reimbursement for services that are not used if the tour must be changed or cancelled for any reason other than illness or COVID-19. On your behalf, Royal India Tours will make every effort to retrieve as much of your money as we can or work out a credit for later usage. Any associated costs are your responsibility and must be paid for within a day.
Refunds or cancellations won't take effect until we get official documentation of the cancellation.
Visit for the complete cancellation and refund policy.
There is a required single surcharge for travellers travelling alone.
Please provide valid passport details Either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the travel date, customers must provide valid passport details. The reservation may be cancelled if this isn't done. Customers will be in charge of any associated costs and fees in this case.
Most visitors need a visa to enter India, except for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Tourist visas last for six months but cannot be extended. Nationals of some countries can get a visa on arrival, while others need to apply in advance online. Leaving on a tourist visa means no re-entry within two months, with some exceptions. Businessmen and students can get five-year visas. Certain areas require special permits, and some are off-limits to foreigners.
To get a visa apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
The purpose of international travel insurance is to go with you and help you make better-informed travel decisions. Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers and should be taken out before travel and must be purchase from your home country with Sum Insured $50,000 USD to $200,000 USD. Your insurance must cover personal accidents, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with coverage. We also strongly recommend coverage for cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your policy number and the insurer's emergency contact 15 days before the tour starts. Without these details, you will not be able to join the trip.
During the tour, you are in charge of all your possessions. The standard weight limit for checked baggage on Indian domestic airlines is 15 kg, while carry-on luggage is 7 kg.
Unfortunately, wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility cannot now participate in our tours because our cars are not wheelchair accessible.
Note that this will require a general degree of fitness. Before making a purchase or booking a trip, please speak with your healthcare physician if you have any concerns.
Please be aware that your schedule may be changed, subject to availability, or an equivalent activity may be provided in its place if entry to a site is impacted by modifications to working hours or public holiday closures.
This covers any modifications to your reservation that you request, including but not restricted to those that call for reissuing the Purchase Confirmation or an airline ticket.
Changes: $100.00 per reservation plus any extra fees levied by the airline, cruise line, lodging or any travel agencies.
In the event that Royal India Tours receives notification of an inaccurate name, there will be a $100.00 booking fee in addition to any additional fees levied by the airline, cruise line, lodging provider or other travel suppliers.
the pace is calm, distances manageable and focus is on peaceful sightseeing.
Most are open, but timings may vary slightly based on prayer schedules.
Yes, several monasteries and centres in Bir and McLeod Ganj offer sessions.
Moderate walking is required, mostly through monasteries and village paths.
Cool to pleasant in most seasons; nights colder in Bir and Dharamshala.
Yes, vegetarian food is easily available throughout the region.
Yes, additional nights can be added in McLeod Ganj or Bir.
Yes, but it is scenic with planned stops for comfort.
Generally peaceful except during major prayer ceremonies.
Yes — the itinerary can be extended, reduced or rearranged as needed.North India Himalayan Monasteries Tour – 12 Days
