Incredible India - Sacred Paths of the Himalaya

What to expect

India is as vibrant and colourful as its famous cuisine. Home to more than 1,600 languages and six major religions (alongside many others), and shaped by a turbulent history stretching from the ancient Vedas through the Mughal era and British colonial rule to independence, the country is full of striking contrasts. On this two-week journey, I take you to four major cities, each symbolising one of India’s great religions. By visiting temples, monasteries, and museums, you’ll get a clearer sense of the country’s diversity, as well as the threads that hold it together.

Expect vivid colours, constant movement, and the rich aromas of street food! Yet, India can feel like a full sensory overload at times, energising and intense in equal measure. To balance this, the route shifts into the calmer hill stations at the foothills of the Himalaya, where a few gentle hikes are woven in to help you slow down and reset. With fresh air and wide views, these walks offer a quiet counterpoint and a first glimpse of the mountains’ scale. It’s well suited to travellers who enjoy being on foot and want a more grounded, less polished way to experience the country.

Programme

Arrival in Delhi
Saturday, 24 October 
We meet at the hotel in Delhi and you can arrive at any time. In the evening we have a joined dinner and talk about the upcoming adventure.

Exploring Islam
Delhi & Agra (2 days)

We begin with a visit to the impressive Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, before continuing with an orientation walk through Old Delhi, moving through lively lanes, local markets, and the vibrant spice market, where colours and scents fill the air, all reflecting the city’s deep Islamic heritage. In the late afternoon, we head by private transport to Agra to stay the night (3-4 hrs).

The next day starts early as we visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, when the light and atmosphere are at their most serene. After a relaxed brunch, we explore the Agra Fort and later take a walk through nearby gardens, offering a quieter, distant view of the Taj to close the day. In the late afternoon, we head back to our hotel in Delhi.

Exploring Sikhism
Amritsar (2 days)

We leave Delhi on an early train to Amritsar, the capital of Punjab (5-6 hours). Here, we encounter both the holiest site of Sikhism and a place deeply tied to India’s modern history. In the afternoon, we walk through the bustling bazaars, lined with small shops and local life, enjoying Indian delicacies like a creamy lassi or freshly baked kulchas, a soft, stuffed flatbread often served warm with butter and spices. We continue until we reach the Golden Temple, where we begin to understand Sikhism, how it emerged, and the values and traditions that shape it today.

The next morning, we visit the Partition Museum, where the story of India’s independence and the painful legacy of partition is thoughtfully and powerfully documented. It also offers insight into the impact and failures of European colonialism. The afternoon is left open, with the option to explore the gardens of Jallianwala Bagh or return to the Golden Temple. Sitting by the water, listening to the chants, and simply observing, this becomes one of those rare, tranquil places where the beauty is less about what you see and more about what you feel.

Exploring Buddhism
Dharamshala (3 days)

A private shuttle brings us closer to the mountains and into the hillside town of Dharamshala (5-6 hours). This is where the Dalai Lama lives in exile, and his presence can be felt throughout McLeod Ganj. Tibetan prayer flags line the streets, incense lingers in the air, and the atmosphere shifts noticeably from the cities before. In the afternoon, we begin with an orientation walk through the narrow lanes, leading us to the temple complex of the Dalai Lama, located just next to our hotel. With a bit of luck, we may witness a traditional ceremony, and on very rare occasions, even see the Dalai Lama himself.

The following day, we visit several peaceful monasteries, taking time to understand the foundations of Buddhism, its philosophy, rituals, and the role it plays in daily life here. We also learn about the history of the Tibetan community, who fled to India in 1959 following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, with Dharamshala becoming the centre of the Tibetan government in exile. Moving between these quiet spaces, we gain a deeper sense of the Tibetan culture that continues to shape this region today.

After the intensity of the previous cities, we step out into the surrounding hills. Together, we head into the mountains for a full-day hike, with expansive views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya, fresh air, and space to reconnect with your body. Alternatively, we take it slower, wandering through the hills, visiting more remote religious sites, and pausing by a waterfall along the way. With two guides, we can naturally split and adapt the day, depending on what you feel like.

Pit Stop
Shimla (2 days)

To break the longer journey through the hills, we take a private shuttle to Shimla. Often overlooked by international visitors but popular among Indian travellers, the town carries a distinct colonial past. During British rule, it served as the summer capital of the British Raj, where a small group of officials governed large parts of the subcontinent. In the afternoon, we take a stroll along the car-free promenade, a welcome contrast to the otherwise busy and traffic-filled city streets.

The next morning, we visit the Viceregal Lodge, a building that feels more at home in the Scottish Highlands than in India. It was here that key decisions shaping India’s path to independence were made, including discussions leading up to the partition of India in 1947. From the surrounding grounds, we walk back into town with wide views over the hills. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace and enjoy the calm of this hilltop town. If you feel like moving a bit more, we head up to the hilltop temple with its large Hanuman statue overlooking Shimla, where everyday religious life unfolds quietly. Simply sitting and observing the temple life unfold is a calm and rewarding way to spend the afternoon. 

Exploring Hinduism
Rishikesh (3 days)

We take a private shuttle to Rishikesh, our final stop and in many ways the most immersive experience of the journey. Set along the sacred river Ganga, it is one of India’s holiest cities and a major pilgrimage site for millions. Alongside its deep religious significance, Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital of the world, with traditional ashrams lining the river and more contemporary yoga schools in the hillside area of Tapovan. In the afternoon, we stretch our legs with a walk to a nearby waterfall, followed by the option to join a deeply relaxing yoga class or sound bath.

The next morning begins with a yoga session by the Ganga. After a relaxed lunch, we explore the city on foot, walking along the river, visiting temples, and taking in the rhythm of daily life. The afternoon is left open to wander through local shops or simply spend time by the water. In the evening, we come together again to visit an ashram and experience the traditional Ganga Aarti, a powerful and atmospheric ritual by the river.

As a gateway to many Himalayan pilgrimages, Rishikesh also offers access to the surrounding hills. Once again, there are two options for the day. A slower route leads through nearby temples and waterfalls at a relaxed pace, while a more demanding full-day hike takes us higher into the hills for wider views and a deeper sense of the landscape.

On our final day, the morning is free to explore on your own, browse small shops, enjoy a yoga session, or simply spend time in one of the many relaxed cafés. In the afternoon, a private shuttle brings us back to Delhi, where we end the journey together over a final group dinner. 

Departure
Saturday, 7 November
You are free to depart at any time today.

Why come with us

Johanna’s deep Experience & real Insight

• In total over two years of meaningful slow travelling in South Asia
• Insights and stories shaped by long term local relationships and seasonal returns
• Deep cultural knowledge and academic focus on the Himalaya (MSc. in South Asian Studies & Hindi) 

Priyanka’s local knowledge and cultural insight

• Fully qualified Indian Mountain Guide 
• Two years of guiding experience with an international travel company
• Raised in the region, deeply rooted in its culture and traditions 

Trusted Local Partnership based on friendship

• Met in 2019 during our first mountaineering course in Northern India
• Grew into a close friendship through shared treks in the Himalaya
• A partnership that grew naturally, not commercially, combining local roots with an outside perspective

Your Well Being Comes First

• Two guides throughout, allowing more attention to each individual
• A flexible pace so you can take things in without pressure
• Space to rest, adjust plans, or take time for yourself 

Personal Support, Before and During the Trip

• Hands on guidance throughout your preparation
• Open communication by phone, email, or message
• No question is too small, and you are never on your own

Shanti Treks empowering Women in South Asia

• Mentoring individual women entering the tourist industry
• Partnering with a local Nepalese NGO to train and mentor future female guides
• Creating meaningful cultural exchange that goes far beyond the trail

Physical requirements

This trip is different from my usual hiking journeys. The focus here is on exploring and experiencing India through its cities, cultures, and places, rather than trekking long distances. A solid level of fitness is enough, as we mainly explore on foot and include a few gentle day hikes along the way.

Service included

Framework & Organisation

• A group of max. 12 guests, min. 4 guests
• Organised & insured by a registered travel company
• Two trekking guides (Local & Germany-based)

Personal support prior to the trip

• After Sign-Up: General Info-package (e.g. details on flights, visa, vaccinations, a packing list)
• Three months ahead: Hands-On Info package with all details (e.g. accommodation, transport)
• One month ahead: Online info-event for the group
• Continuously: Individual travel advice via phone, WhatsApp group or e-mail

Accomodation

• Single (3 nights) or twin rooms (11 nights) incl. breakfast
• Full single room upgrade available for €300
• Personally selected hotels with character and comfort
• Mid-range standard, clean, comfortable, and well located 

Transport

• Airport transfer on your individual arrival and departure day
• All group travel ad transfers on tour

Extra costs on tour

• Travel to and visa for India
• Lunches, snacks and dinner
• Personal international health and travel insurance
• Any optional attractions, such as yoga classes in Rishikesh (€5-8 per class) 

Additional costs may vary and are for guidance only.

Travel

Arrival/Departure

• Indira Ghandi International Airport, Delhi

Flights

• Direct from major European airports (Munich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London) at approx. €1200
• One-Stop from Europe via Helsinki (Finnair) or Warsaw (LOT) for approx. €650

Flight prices are based on research from March 2026 and may vary at the time of booking.

Airport shuttle

• A private shuttle will pick you up at your time of arrival and drop you for your departure
• Regardless of the day of arrival and departure (i.e. of you arrive early / extend)

Payment Information

A deposit of €150 is required within seven days of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the start date. Payment in instalments is possible; please contact me directly at info(at)shantitreks.com. Please note that the cancellation policy applies as outlined in the T&Cs.