Itinerary
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Best time: August till October and March till May
Indian Himalayas, the highest and most inspiring mountain chain on earth. We will be fishing in the Great Himalayan National Park on river Tirthan and Beas for the Rainbow Trout and then to Pong Dam for the Golden Mahseer, the Silver and Brown Mahseer. And while we are fishing we’ll visit Dharamsala-residence of the Dalai Lama and the seat of the Tibetan Govt in Exile. The Golden Temple. Shimla and Manali the most famous hill towns of India. Oh yes! how could we miss out the Taj Mahal and the Pink City Jaipur.
DAY 1 – Delhi. Oberoi Maidens or similar.
Breakfast included.
You will met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2 – Delhi. Oberoi Maidens or similar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Late morning we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
Lunch at Chor Bizarre with cooking demo. Chor Bizarre means “Thieves Market”. It truly is one. The first and probably the best theme restaurant in India. What an experience it is to dine here.
Thereafter we drive to the Qutub Minar. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the founder of Slave Dynasty and later completed by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish. The soaring tower of Qutab Minar of Delhi is made out of brick tile and sandstones. Qutub Minar is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture.
Today, Qutub Minar is an eminent member of the World Heritage Site community and survived the ravages of time impressively. Qutub Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green manicured garden, which is a much favored leisure pad for Delhi locals. You can see tourists and locals loitering around the whole winter afternoons here and there inside the tower.
Qutub Minar at Delhi is a 5 storied tower. Each tower of the famous Qutub Minar has unique designs. It was hit by lightening twice. Due to this hazard, there was major damage in the structure. But during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, the king repaired the ensuing damage. Again during the reign of emperor Feroze Shah Tughlaq, when the top most storey of the Qutub Minar was destroyed, the king repaired the floor and elevated the Qutub Minar to another level.
Thus we see an interesting mix in architectural styles if we minutely study the structure. The base of the Qutub Minar at Delhi measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The first 3 stories of the Qutub Minar has different designs. While the base has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second one are round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has only angular flutings. The balconies projecting out of the Delhi Qutub Minar heightens the beauty of the Minar.
Dinner will be arranged at Pind Balluchi.
Pind Balluchi is not just a restaurant; it is a theme-based restaurant. The theme is that of a pind (village)-based and one is immediately taken over by warm ambience. The “achar” pots on the shelf and traditional village sitting arrangement take you to the villages of Punjab, where eating well is a way of life. Some of the objects are synonymous with theme are: manji (traditional cot), huge entrance door, jharokhas, wells, wooden chairs, lanterns. Moreover, you will also find waiters here dressed in the traditional lungi-kurta and the perennial smile to greet you.
Pind Balluchi offers you even more in the form of mud plastered walls, chaupal with painting of fields, artificial mango tree under the romantic & cozy moon lit sky effects, and the open kitchen resembling a road side dhaba with simmering effects of tandoors and steamy tawa preparations that can make your dining experience a memorable one. It is truly an experience!
Every item of the menu is a celebration of Punjabi & Rajasthani cuisine we serve. The finger-licking food is served in steel & bronze utensils and the a la carte menu offers the varieties like Kalmi Kabab, Shammi Kabab, Dahi Kabab/ Dhaba Meat, Murgh Tandoori, Keema Kaleji Gurde Kapoore, Pindi Chole, Butter Paneer Masala, Malai Kofta Varities of Biryani and more. The food at Pind Balluchi is known for its aromatic and pure spices. The sumptuous menu is seriously addictive!
DAY 3 – Delhi – Agra (240 km / 5hrs).
Breakfast Included.
Drive to Agra after breakfast. Arrive at your hotel for Lunch. Post lunch visit Agra Fort, built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long & is considered as predecessor of Delhi Red Fort. Evening before sunset visit to the incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
DAY 4 – Drive to Jaipur via F’ Sikri (260 km / 6hrs).
Breakfast Included.
Morning depart for Jaipur, visiting Fathepur Sikri, the deserted city, enroute. Fatehpur Sikri was erected after a holy man, Sheikh Salim Chisti, living in Sikri, decreed the births of three sons to Akbar after all his children had died in infancy. There are three sections to the City: The Royal Palace (notable for the Emperor’s throne), outside the Royal Palace and the the
Jami Masjid (the location of the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a masterpiece in brilliant white marble). The centerpiece of this remarkable monument is the Jewel House of the Diwan I Khas. Architecturally extraordinary, the four doorways lead into a single story room where a huge central pillar carved to baroque richness, supports a seat reached by mid-air walkways. It is over 400 years old and today its pristine red sandstone buildings are as perfect as when they were first chiseled.
During his stay in Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar spent much time studying religions other than Islam. From discussions with Hindus, Jains, Parsis and recently arrived Portuguese Jesuits from Goa, he developed a new religion called Deen Ilahi, which attempted to combine elements from all major religions. Fatehpur Sikri itself can be seen as a similar synthesis: a place where Islamic architecture fuses with Hindu and Jain decorative art. Akbar, as was common of the Muslims of the time, had several wives–one Hindu, one Christian and one Jewish. You can see the reflection of religion in decorative style of each wife’s palace.
Continue to Jaipur. Check into hotel, late afternoon/evening visit City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and Jantar Mantar – the observatory built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728.
DAY 5 – Jaipur – Delhi (240 km / 5hrs).
Breakfast and Lunch Included.
Morning visit visit Amber, the ancient kingdom of Jaipur. Amber was also the name of its ancient capital, situated 7 miles away. Its’ history can be traced backed to the 12th century. Amber Fort is superbly located, protected by wild Arrival Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th Century, it was extended by Raja Mannish in the late 16th century. The ascent to the Fort will be on elephant backs.
Lunch at Surabhi Restaurant. Surabhi is a heritage restaurant in a over 300-year-old palace in Jaipur. The heart of the restaurant is the Durbar Hall, which is the main seating area. Having a meal there is just like having it in the Diwan-e-am of Amber Fort or City Palace. With original marble pillars, the Hall is the third largest in Jaipur after Amber and City Palace. It was the palace of Rao Kripa Ram, Prime Minister of Sawai Jai Singh, (founder of Jaipur) one of whose descendents had the ancient leather map, which led to the internationally famous Jaigarh Fort treasure hunt in the 1970’s. One of the unique features of the hall is the carving on the 280-year-old pillars whose designs are unfinished. Probably something happened which is shrouded in the mist of history. The Haveli is one of the oldest in Jaipur.
Serve a-la-carte Indian, Chinese, Rajasthani and Continental food. Mmenu has over 220 varieties of dishes.
After lunch drive to Delhi. Overnight at Ashok Country Resort.
DAY 6 – Delhi – Shimla.
Breakfast Included.
Fly to Shimla (flight IT4349 dep. 1020 / arr. 1140). On arrival transfer to hotel Oberoi Clarks. Afternoon visit Summer Hill and the Viceregal lodge. Evening free on the Mall.
Shimla, was the Summer capital of India under British rule . Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla has seen many important historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which was signed here. The place is famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples.
DAY 8 – Shimla – Deori {Tirthan Valley} (220 km).
Overnight at River View Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Drive to Tirthan Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh, this valley is paradise for Holiday makers & adventure lovers who wants to enjoy and feel in the lap of the nature, this valley is extremely famous for trout fish. This is unique place to experience the calm & spiritual ambience by the river side.
DAY 9 – Deori. Overnight at River View Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Full day fishing in Tirthan River.
Brown Trout: The brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario and S. trutta morpha lacustris) and the sea trout (S. trutta morpha trutta) are fish of the same species. They are distinguished chiefly by the fact that the brown trout is largely a freshwater fish, while the sea trout shows anadromous reproduction, migrating to the oceans for much of its life and returning to freshwater only to spawn.[1] Sea trout in the UK and Ireland have many regional names including sewin (Wales), finnock (Scotland), peal (West Country), mort (North West England) and white trout (Ireland).
Rohu: (Labeo rohita) is a fish of the carp family Cyprinidae, found commonly in rivers and freshwater lakes in India.
DAY 10 – Deori – Nagar – Manali (110 km).
Overnight at River View Resort.Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Drive to Manali enroute visit Bajura world famous for its Vishever Mahadev Temple that is the only one ancient Pandava Temple in KULLU maintained by the Archeological department and the quaint village of Nagar with its many ancient temples, including the 11th-12th century Temple Gauri and the Tripura Sundri Devi Temple.
Continue drive to Manali. Evening visit Dhungri Temple (also known as Hadimba Temple by locals) and bazar. We will go for dinner at the famous Jhonson’s Cafe (garden restaurant) for a trout fish dinner. Overnight at the Banon Resort.
DAY 11 – Manali – Raison (40 km).
Overnight at Nature Nest Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Drive to Raison (Kullu) a famous sport for fishing. There are several sites along River Beas and its tributaries that have plentiful Rainbow Trout fish. These are Kalath, Katrain, Raison and Seobagh. The 35 km long stretch along River Parbati is known for its fantastic size of trout.
Day 12: Raison Full day fishing in Beas River.
DAY 13 – Raison – Taragarh Overnight at The Taragarh Palace.
Breakfast and Dinner Included.
(175 km). On way visit the Sherabilling Monastery. Evening witness the ceremony at Baijnath.
DAY 14 – Taragarh – Norbulingka – Dharamsala – Pragpur (120 km).
Overnight at the Judge’s Court.
Breakfast and Dinner Included.
Drive to Dharamsala enroute (just 15 km before Dharamsala) visit the institute of Tibetan Arts and Handicrafts in Norbulingka. Evening free to explore the Tibetan Markets. Note: When his travel and study schedule permits, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa holds public audiences in Sidbhari, near Dharamsala at Gyuto Tantric College between 2:30-
3:00pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Walk to the Dalai Lama’s monastery to attend the monks’ puja; afterwards circumabulate the monastery complex along with the locals. Return to hotel for breakfast. Late morning we depart for Paragpur. On the way we stop at the Tibetan Govt in Exile complex. Maybe see the Tibetan Parliament (subject to permission). Thereafter we visit the centers for Tibetan Medicines and Astrology. Drive onward to Pragpur.
DAY 15 – Pragpur (60 km).
Overnight at the Judge’s Court. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day reserved for fishing. We will drive to Pong Dam (10 km) for Fishing. Mahasheer (Carp) Mahseer (Tor putitora), also known as the or Himalayan Mahasher or Golden Mahasher, is the common name used for the general Tor, Neolissochilus, and Naziritor in the family Cyprinidae (carps). Katla – A Very Popular Freshwater Fish, an adult Katla has a deep body, a conspicuous head, large upturned mouth, non-fringed lips and a broad dorsal fin with 14-16 branched rays. Katla’s body has a dull silvery white color and is rather darkish in weedy water. Katla grows very quickly, 7.5-10 cm per month. Katla feeds on water fleas, vegetable debris and algae. Catla when cooked is very tasty because of the thickness of meat and the oil content.
Rohu and Singhara whose scientific name is Labeo Rohita, is a freshwater brackish fish. Rohu is highly commercial and is one the fishes which are eaten by all fish eaters in India. Rohu is found in the Chilka Lake, Maharashtra, Kerala, Meenachil, Manimala, and Pompa rivers. It grows to a maximum size of 200 cm in length and 45 kgs in weight. It lives for a period of
10 years. Rohu is commonly distributed in Asia – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal.
DAY 16 – Pragpur – Amritsar (170 km). Overnight at the Country Inn. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Drive to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities in India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travelers coming to India on the overland route from Central Asia, it soon became the center of various commercial activities. The Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ramdas, and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is famous for its full golden dome, one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Sikhs. The Mandir is built on a 67-foot square of marble and is a two-storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other temples, such as the Durgiana Temple.
For lunch we’ll try to go to Surjeet Ka Dhaba now called Surjeet’s Food Palza. It is the most famous place for Chicken tandoori, Tava Chicken, Makkhan Fish and the Amritsari fish fry
After lunch we visit the Golden Temple of the Sikhs. We will circumambulate the temple, stopping periodically for moments of quiet reflection. The temple complex is like a small community, filled with many different activities. We will visit the kitchen where free meals are prepared by volunteers throughout the day; the temple where the holy book, Aad
Guru Sahib, is read aloud from 4 am to 10 pm daily; and observe devotional rituals.
DAY 17 – Amritsar – Delhi.
Morning relax, afternoon transfer to airport for flight 9W2634 dep. 1530 / arr. 1645 to Delhi. On arrival transfer to airport hotel Ashok Country Resort for wash and change, late night transfer to International airport for flight to home.
Price PP in CA$:
Min 6-15 Pax: $3280
Min 2 Pax/ 1 Car: $3072
Min 3 Pax/ 1 Car: $2986
Min 4 Pax/ 1 Tempo Traveller (Mini Van): $2876
Single Room Supp $1125
It includes:
Accommodation on twin sharing basis with meals as specified in the itinerary above.
2 nights Delhi at Hotel Oberoi Maidens
1 night Agra at Hotel Trident
1 night Jaipur at Hotel Trident
1 night Delhi at Ashok Country Resort
1 night Shimla at Oberoi Clarke’s
2 nights Deori (Tirthan Valley) at Riverview Resort
1 night Manali at Banon Resort
2 nights Raison at Nature Nest Resort
1 night Taragarh Palace
2 nights Pragpur at Judge’s Court
1 night Amritsar at Country Inn
Room for wash and change in Delhi on last day at Ashok Country Resort until departure.
Arrival/departure transfers and land transport in Delhi-Agra-Jaipur by A/C Coach Traveler.
Land transport in Himachal Pradesh pickup from Shimla airport and drop Amritsar by A/C Toyota Innova (3 Pax in one Jeep).
Professional English Speaking Guide during sightseeing in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Local fishing guides in Tirthan Valley, Raison and Pragpur.
Accompanying Tour Escort throughout in case of Groups 6 Pax and above.
All Monument Entrances.
Fishing Permits.
Mineral water during drives.
India Gov Service tax 2.58%
Airfare Extra PP: (Exact price TBD when booked)
Delhi – Shimla min $120 max $240
Amritsar – Delhi min $110 max $245
Does not include: International Air Fare, Insurance, Fishing Equipments, Camera Fees, Tips, Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc.
