The mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh is what makes a picture postcard. Green valleys, snow-capped mountains and gurgling little brooks add to the charm of this pastorally perfect region. Here the pace of life is still sedate. And to be at peace with one's self is not yet incredible. The state straddles the foothills of the Himalayas right till the spectacular valleys and stark peaks of Lahul and Spiti.

The capital Shimla, has the distinction of serving as the summer capital of India in the days of the British viceroys. It was the British who turned this stopover, on way to the temple of hill goddess Shamla, into the summer capital of a sub-continent. Shimla with its turrets and quaint bungalows is the inspiration for many an author's creation. In fact Shimla forms the backdrop of some of Rudyard Kipling's " Plain Tales From The Hills". For those who are fond of nature walks and architecture this hill station is perfect. Laden with oak trees and rhodendron forests, the town's Viceregal Lodge, Grand Hotel, the Police Headquarters and St Michael's Cathedral offer glimpses of the architectural delights that dot the hill station. The tour also includes a visit to Pragpur and Dharamsala. Secure in the protective shadow of the mighty Dhauladhar mountains ,Pragpur is India's first certified heritage village. It was established by the Kuthiala Soods in the memory of Princess Prag of the Jaswan royal family. In fact the Kuthiala Soods' 300 year old ancestral home is definitely worth seeing. Dharamsala is where the Dalai Lama resides. The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso has made it his home since the 1960s. Apart from its obvious spiritual appeal the natural beauty of the region is also quite mesmerizing. It provides ample walking opportunities and is also culturally rich. The town has a number of important temples and is famous for its miniature paintings.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival Indian Horizons representative would welcome you and transfer to hotel. Afternoon combined sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi. Visit with Indian Horizons guide New Delhi which begin with a drive through the prestigious streets of Diplomatic Enclave then on to India Gate, Rastrapati Bhawan and Qutub Minar. Later proceed to Old Delhi and visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) and Raj Ghat (memorial of Mahatma Gandhi).

Day 02 : Delhi-Chandigarh-Nalagarh
Early morning Indian Horizons representative would transfer you to the railway station to board train for Chandigarh. Breakfast on board. On arrival Indian Horizons representative would meet you and transfer to Nalagarh surrounded by endless acres of greenery, located affording a panoramic view of the Shivalik hills beyond the Sirsa river. Nalagarh rises above a 10 acre estate of forest and orchard built on five levels, three of which have well manicured green areas. Check into the hotel and evening free to relax. You have the option of swimming pool, pitch and putt golf green, health club with steam bath and herbal massage, games like badminton and croquet, bar, dining room, nature walks or fishing at Gobind Sagar Lake. Overnight at Nalagarh

Day 03 : Nalagarh-Pragpur
After breakfast drive to Pragpur the first World Heritage Site in India. The landscape is beautiful with a rich variety of flora, fauna, innumerable small monuments and a idyllic ambience for walks. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight at Pragpur.

Day 04 : In Pragpur
After an early breakfast drive to Bharwain located at an elevation of 4000 ft. It is recommended that you be driven to Bharwain and walk from there. From the roadside a narrow inclined path descends past terraced fields for about 1 km and ends on the bed of a seasonal stream with scree stones. Continue walking on this streambed down-slope. After about 2 kms it will reach Chanota via Bhadyaru. At Chanota on top of a small hill, there are old but now largely abandoned houses of Brahmins. Beyond Chanota across the stream there is a mudstone road leading to Nalsuha. Follow this for about 3 kms to Nalsuha. After crossing Nalsuha the road carries on to the Hamlet of Karoli, about 2 kms away. From Karoli the road goes to Har and joins the Pragpur road and the Judge's Court. Lunch en route. Overnight at Pragpur

Day 05 : Pragpur-Dharamshala
After breakfast drive to Dharamshala covering a distance of 60 Kms / 2 Hrs. On arrival check-into the hotel. After fresh-up visit with the Indian Horizons guide the House of Dalai Lama and the Tibetean Medical Center. Overnight at Dharamshala.

Day 06 : Dharamshala-Palampur
After breakfast drive (35 kms /1 hr) to the town surrounded by well-laid tea gardens. Check in at hotel. Situated on a forested state surrounded by tea gardens of the Kangra Valley. Located at a height of 1000 meters, Taragarh is at the foot of the Dhauladhar mountains with splendid views of surrounding snow capped peaks. Overnight at Palampur

Day 07 : In Palampur
After an early breakfast depart for a 6-7 hrs trek to Seven Echo Hill/Langa. This is not a very difficult trek and covers a variety of terrains. En route you can see various villages. Overnight at Palampur

Day 08 : Palampur-Kullu-Naggar
After breakfast drive (260 kms /08-09 hrs) to Naggar. Check in at hotel. Naggar is a big village with the old Castle of Kullu 'Raja'. It was an old capital of the Kullu state. The area is dotted with orchards, villages and green fields. The scenic view of the whole Kullu valley and mountains is unforgettable. Lunch en route. Overnight at Naggar

Day 09 : In Naggar
After an early breakfast visit the Roerich Art Gallery. It is a 5 min walk from the castle. Later proceed for a trek to Bijli Mahadev and back. Overnight at Naggar

Day 10 : Naggar-Solang-Naggar
After breakfast drive to Solang valley, at a distance of 30 Km along the Beas river. The valley's ski slopes are set against a backdrop of deciduous forests, glaciers and majestic peaks. At a height of 2,800 mts, it is one of the most scenic areas in India. Trek to the glacier (3-4) hrs and back. Packed Lunch en route. Overnight at Naggar

Day 11 : Naggar-Shimla
After breakfast drive to Shimla (260Kms /8hours). Shimla was the former 'summer capital' of British India and is the present-day state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It still holds lingering echoes of its colonial past. Go shopping on the fashionable Mall, visit its neo-Gothic churches, the grand former Viceregal Lodge and the cemeteries. Overnight at Shimla

Day 12 : Shimla-Chandigarh-Delhi
After breakfast drive to Chandigarh to board your train for Delhi. On arrival Indian Horizons representative would meet you and transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.