We at Astounding Himalayas welcome all the readers of this article. Astounding Himalayas is a Shimla-based organization which organizes Adventure and Semi Adventure trips to the hidden Valleys of Indian Western Himalayas. We are going to organize a Jeep Safari Trip during the Easter Vacations in April, 2010. This program starts from Amritsar, the Holy City, and ends with a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. In between, we shall be visiting Dharamsala – The exile seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Tea estates of Palampur; Banjar valley - one of the greenest valleys of the Himalayas; Sarhan – famous for temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhimakali - the architecture of the temple is worth seeing; and Shimla – The former Summer Capital of the British.

This is a low altitude Jeep Safari and you shall be travelling below tree line. In this tour, you'll stay in village houses and visit villages, old castles, temples that are marvelous examples of Himalayan architecture, see the local lifestyle, culture, religion and history of Himalayan villages. The itinerary is as follows :

Amazing Seraj with Dharamsala and Taj
Delhi / Dharamsala / Jibhi / Sarhan / Shimla / Delhi

Duration : 13 Days / 12 Nights

Type of Area You are Travelling Through : Mountainous, rugged valley, some of the thickest forests in Asia, remote villages, Himalayan architecture,  stay at a home in Jibbi which has been converted into a guest house. You will have ample opportunity to explore the history, religion, village life, culture and architecture of the Himalayas.

Day 01 : Tuesday 06th April : Arrival at Amritsar :-

We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. On arrival check into the hotel.

Amritsar is the Home to Golden Temple and now a portal for the Punjab and Sikh Community. Amritsar, literally meaning "Holy Pool of Nectar," is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, was initiated by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas Jee and completed in 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Jee.

We take you to the Golden Temple and also visit Jalianwala Baag. The JALLIANWALA BAGH MASSACRE involved the killing of hundreds of unarmed, defenseless Indians by a senior British military officer, and took place on 13 April 1919 in the heart of Amritsar.

In the evening, we visit Wagha Boarder and see the Military Procession.

Day 02 : Wednesday 07th April  :- After breakfast we drive to Dharamsala (5 hours) where His Holiness the Dalai Lama runs his government in Exile. The town is divided into three parts—Upper Dharamsala called McLeod Ganj, the middle Kotwali Bazar, and the lower Kaccheri area.

The town of McLeod Ganj in Upper Dharamshala is known worldwide for the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama that take place here every year. It is also his residence. Dharamsala houses the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile about two kilometers below the town of McLeod Ganj, led by the Prime Minister, Samdhong Rinpoche. McLeodGanj is also referred to as 'Upper Dharamshala'.

Our first day will include a visit to the Monastery of Dalai Lama, Tibtan Museum, and Bhagsunag temple. This temple is a good example of hill architecture and is dedicated to one of the three chief Hindu Gods, Lord Shiva.

Day 03 : Thursday 08th April :- This day, the first half is dedicated to a visit to Naddi lake and Tibetan Children Village. This is a school where most of the children have been brought from Tibet who lost their parents during the Chinese aggressions. This was set up by H.H. the Dalai Lama and school provides everything to the children, such as living, education, food, clothes and then once their studies are over with the school, they are sent to different areas in India and abroad for further studies.

After lunch we shall go to visit Narbulinga Institute, where Tibetan handicrafts are made and displayed. You can see the artists making Thanka Paintings, wooden decoration pieces and metal craft.

Day 04 : Friday 09th April :- Today after breakfast, we drive to Palampur where our stay is at a palace converted into Heritage Hotel. Palampur is surrounded by tea estates now owned by locals but originally planted by the British. The place is also known as the 'Tea Capital of North India,' and is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for the beautiful temples and buildings built in the Colonial period.

Day 05 : Saturday 10th April :- Today our drive is to Jibbi, a small village in Banjar Valley and we stay in a village house converted in a Guest House. The drive is through the tea gardens, forests, villages and small towns. We shall stop for lunch at Mandi and continue our drive to our next destination. Arrive there by the evening and settle down to our rooms.

Jibbi is a small village settled in Banjar valley, one of the greenest valleys in the western Himalayas.

Day 06 : Sunday 11th April :- Today is a day to visit an old temple of Shringi Rishi and then hike up to Chaini village. This village is nearly two kilometers above the road and is dominated by a 11 story tower called Chaini Kothi. These types of towers were made in the ancient times by the kings, to place the soldiers on the top floor and keep a watch around. Till three years ago, it was allowed to climb up to the top floor but now it has been closed. But even now the marks of the bullets can be seen in the wood of the building.

In the afternoon those who are interested are welcome to join us on a one-kilometer (almost leveled) trek to Seolsar lake. We drive to Jalori Pass (this is a 11000 ft above mean sea level) and start our trek. This sacred lake is located on the top of the mountain and has a tiny temple of Boodhi Nagin – The Old female snake, on its bank.

Day 07 : Monday 12th April :- Today we shall be driving through the Banjar valley and come out of it at the other end. On the way we shall stop for some photographs, if weather permits, at Jalori Pass from where a clear view of snow clad Himalayan Peaks is clearly visible. Our next stop shall be Behna temple, another beautiful temple and example of hill architecture.

Behna Temple in Banjar Valley

At the other end of the valley we join the National Highway, or Hindustan Tibet road, where we stop for lunch and also welcomed by the Mega river, Satluj. Our last destination today is Sarhan, once the princely seat of the King of Bushehar. Bhimakali Temple here perhaps this is the most beautiful temple among all in the Himalayas and attracts not only Indians but foreign tourists also due to its architectural aspects, woodwork and its grand size. Perhaps there is no other temple that has the similar aspects and is so attractive. It is not only the building of the temple but also its placement, the surroundings, the snow clad peaks and its approach from Shimla to its main complex.

Day 08 : Tuesday 13th April :- Drive to Shimla, the former Summer Capital of British during Raj. Shimla was entirely setup by the British in 18th and 19th century. The town is famous for its rich history, architecture, old buildings, nature walks and heritage, rich in British Heritage, culture and natural beauty. The town and its surroundings are a paradise for a day walker. In the morning just pick up your backpack and choose your direction to walks, and you can easily find a trail or a link road to walk and explore more and more.

Modern Shimla

Day 09 : Wednesday 14th April :- Today we shall explore the town, go for a Heritage walk, and visit some of the marvelous examples of British architecture, such as Christ Church scandal Point, Gorton Castle, Viceregal Lodge.

Day 10 : Thursday 15th April :- Morning is free for shopping and exploring the town on your own. Afternoon we drive down to Kalka to board train to Delhi. This is Shatabadi Express; we'll reach Delhi at 10:00PM.

Day 11 : Friday 16th April :- Delhi is the capital town of India since 1911. This town has a very rich and interesting history as it is said that till now Delhi has got demolished and reestablished seven times. Presently the town is going through a massive development due to the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. We shall explore the old town near Red Fort, Chandani Chowk, and Jama Masjid.

Day 12 : Saturday 17th April :- One who comes to India does not want to miss a chance to see the Taj Mahal. This may be a once in a lifetime experience, so we give you a chance to visit this world famous monument. Early morning drive to New Delhi railway station to board train to Agra. Two hour train ride take us to the city of Taj. Full day visit to the Taj Mahal and Red Fort of Agra. Evening board the same train and back to Delhi. On arrival we transfer you directly to the International airport to board your flight to your next destination.

Program ends here.

Please ask us any questions, if any, at astoundinghimalayas[at]gmail.com

Sumit Vashisht is the Astounding Himalayas Editor for Wandering Educators