Kangra Valley is a picturesque plain with the majestic snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas on the backdrops. The Kangra Valley Rail is a wonderful way to explore the rustic charm of the valley. This tour is designed in such a way that you will be able to get deep into the culture and beauty of this unique terrain.
WHAT
- Visit to the famous Kangra Fort, the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. An excellent audio tour is available. The fort has amazing views, interesting history and impressive construction.
- Visit to Maharaja Museum near Kangra Fort
- Walk down to the nearby river and enjoy the nature (only during dry season; Feb – June; Oct - Dec)
- Enjoy Kangra Valley train ride from Kangra to Panchrukhi. You will get a nice view of the snow-clad mountains if the weather is clear. These British era train stations may take you back to history. The ride is a fun, authentic, peaceful way of experiencing the real India. The mustard blossom during mid-Feb to mid-March is a treat for the eyes!
- Experience Andretta village which is an artists’ colony. You can visit an art gallery, Norah Richard’s (an Irish-born actress and theatre practitioner) retreat, and a pottery. The pottery place offers a 45 minutes paid course on pottery.
- Experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture by visiting Gyuto Buddhist Monastery, and Norbulingka Institute
- Visit to the ancient St John’s church built in neo-Gothic architecture in the year 1852.
- Door-to-door transportation in a/c innova car.
- An experienced local guide to accompany you from arrival to departure locations.
WHO
2 or more people.
WHEN
Let us know your dates of travel and we’ll work to arrange everything. For the two-day tour, we suggest you arrive at Dharamshala airport from Delhi by the morning flight. After breakfast, you can head directly to the Kangra Fort. After lunch, you can board the train from Kangra to Panchrukhi, which is about two hour’s sight-seeing ride through the interior villages. On arrival at Panchrukhi, you can stay overnight at one of the homestays. The following day can be spent leisurely at Andretta village and the surrounding areas. You can head to Dharamshala after lunch and visit the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and St John’s Church in the afternoon. Stay over at Dharamshala and catch the early morning flight back to Delhi.
HOW
We’ll arrange a pick-up from Dharamshala (Kangra) airport in the morning. The local guide will accompany you through the day. You will be dropped off at the homestay in the evening and again will be picked up the next morning.
HOW MUCH
- 2 people: USD $190 per person for two days
- 4 people or more: USD $135 person for two days
- Includes: personal transportation in AC car with a trusted driver from Dharamshala airport and back. An experienced local guide will take you around. All entry tickets and train tickets included (except the Andretta pottery course fee).
- Does not include: Flight/travel to Dharamshala from Delhi or other location in India, food, beverages, hotel or homestay for two nights. However, we can help you to arrange for stay and provide a list of recommended restaurants. The fee for Andretta Pottery course (optional) is also not included in the above amount.
DISCLAIMER
India isn’t a great travel experience because it’s just like your home country, but because it’s so different. Kangra valley weather is pleasant most of the time. Winter (Nov – Mar) can be a bit harsh, so you will need to carry adequate warm clothes during winter.
There can be flight delays (sometimes flight cancellation) due to weather conditions. Though the train journey is enjoyable, you can expect delays. As of now, advance booking is not available for the train ride. You very likely will get a comfortable seat on the train without prior booking.
While Go Deeper Travel will do much to mitigate risks and assure a quality experience, India’s unpredictability means there is much we can’t control. So bring an attitude of flexibility, caring for others, and adventure. You’ll have some stories to tell, no doubt.
There can be flight delays (sometimes flight cancellation) due to weather conditions. Though the train journey is enjoyable, you can expect delays. As of now, advance booking is not available for the train ride. You very likely will get a comfortable seat on the train without prior booking.
While Go Deeper Travel will do much to mitigate risks and assure a quality experience, India’s unpredictability means there is much we can’t control. So bring an attitude of flexibility, caring for others, and adventure. You’ll have some stories to tell, no doubt.
