Himachal and Rishikesh: Mountains and Yoga

In short: this private 12-day journey takes you from the Golden Temple of Amritsar to the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh, home of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala and the colonial hill town of Shimla, and ends with yoga beside the Ganges in Rishikesh. You travel with your own car and driver. It is best from March to June and September to November, and starts from €1,590 per person.

Fresh mountain air and a calmer India

If big cities and heat are not your idea of a holiday, this is your India. The air is cool, the roads wind through pine and deodar forests, and the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar range rise behind Tibetan monasteries and tea gardens. Life moves at the pace of a cup of chai.

The journey begins with one of the most moving places in the country: the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where volunteers serve free meals to tens of thousands of people every day. From there you climb into the hills, to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, where the Tibetan community in exile has built monasteries, schools and cafés.

After the old summer capital of Shimla, you finish in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, with gentle classes, riverside ashrams and the evening Ganga aarti in nearby Haridwar. Many guests say they go home rested, not just impressed.

A sample route, day by day

• Day 1, Delhi: arrival and a calm first evening.
• Days 2–3, Amritsar: the Golden Temple at dawn and by night, the community kitchen and the lively border ceremony at Wagah.
• Days 4–6, Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj: Tibetan monasteries, the Dalai Lama’s temple, tea gardens and an easy forest walk.
• Days 7–8, Shimla: colonial Mall Road, viewpoints over the valleys and a ride on the little mountain railway.
• Days 9–11, Rishikesh: daily yoga with a qualified teacher, riverside walks, ashrams and the evening aarti in Haridwar.
• Day 12: drive or short flight to Delhi and home.

Every day can change. Add a stay in Manali or the Spiti valley in summer, or a full week of yoga and Ayurveda in Rishikesh.

Yoga in Rishikesh, your way

You do not need to be flexible or experienced. We arrange classes that suit you, from gentle morning sessions for beginners to longer practice for experienced students, in a quiet setting near the river. Meditation, breathing practice and Ayurvedic treatments can be added.

Good to know

Topic	Details
Best time	March to June and September to November; winter is cold in the hills
Ideal for	Nature lovers, yoga and wellness, travellers who prefer cooler weather
Pace	Moderate, with winding mountain roads
Price	Starting from €1,590 per person, two travelling together (what is included)
Combine with	Ladakh and the Himalaya or Varanasi

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?

March to June and September to November are best, with pleasant days and clear mountain views. July and August bring monsoon rain and landslide risk, while winter is cold and some high roads close.

Can beginners do yoga in Rishikesh?

Yes. Rishikesh has classes for every level. We arrange gentle sessions with qualified teachers for beginners and longer practice for experienced students, at a pace that fits your trip.

Is the Golden Temple in Amritsar open to visitors of all faiths?

Yes. The Golden Temple welcomes everyone. You cover your head, remove your shoes and wash your feet before entering. Its community kitchen serves free meals to all visitors every day.

Can you see the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala?

The Dalai Lama lives in McLeod Ganj, and his temple complex is open to visitors. Public teachings happen on some dates only and need registration, so we check the schedule when planning your trip.

Are the mountain roads in Himachal safe?

The roads are winding and slow but in reasonable condition. Your experienced driver knows them well, we plan sensible daily distances with breaks, and we avoid the monsoon months when landslides are more likely.

Can I combine Himachal with Ladakh?

Yes, in summer. From Manali, the road to Leh crosses high passes from about June to September. You can also fly to Leh from Delhi for a combined mountain journey.