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 mesmerising. 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 1 Arrive Delhi
Reception at airport upon arrival and transfer to hotel for immediate occupancy. Morning free. Afternoon - combined sightseeing tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi. Visit to New Delhi begin with a drive through the prestigious streets of Diplomatic Enclave then on to India Gate, Rastrapati Bhawan and Qutub Minar. Visit to Old Delhi, includes the Red Fort, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) and Raj Ghat (memorial of Mahatma Gandhi).

Day 2 Delhi-Chandigarh-Nalagarh
Early morning transfer to railway station. Leave for Chandigarh by train. Breakfast on board. Upon arrival reception & transfer to Nalagarh. Check in at hotel. It is 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.
Evening - free for recreational activities. In house facilities at the resort include, a 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, picnic to Ramgarh Fort and the famous Mughal Gardens at Pinjore and fishing at Gobind Sagar Lake.

Day 3 Nalagarh-Pragpur
After Breakfast drive to Pragpur. Pragpur is 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 and picnics. Check in at hotel.

Day 4 Pragpur
After an early breakfast drive to Bharwain. Bharwain is 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 mud/stone road off 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. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5 Pragpur-Dharamshala
After Breakfast drive to Dharamshala (60 kms 1 ½ hrs). Check in at hotel. Full day for city sightseeing of Dharamsala.

Day 6 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 estate 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.

Day 7 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.

Day 8 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.

Day 9 Naggar
After an early breakfast visit the Roerich Art Gallery. It is a 5 min walk from the castle. After that go for a trek to Bijli Mahadev and back. Return to castle.

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. Dinner and overnight stay at the Naggar castle.

Day 11 Naggar-Shimla
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Manali(260Kms /8hours). Check in at hotel. 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. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12 Shimla-Chandigarh-Delhi
After breakfast drive to Chandigarh. Sight seeing in Chandigarh. Evening - train to Delhi. Transfer to the international airport. Departure Delhi.