Golden Triangle with Himachal – 11 Nights 12 Days Tour

This Golden Triangle with Himachal tour blends iconic heritage cities with cooler mountain air. One moment you’re standing inside centuries-old Mughal monuments, the next you’re watching pine forests slide past your window. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t feel tight. To me, that’s what makes this route work.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrival in Delhi

Land in Delhi, meet your driver, and head straight to the hotel. No sightseeing today. Just rest. Honestly, Delhi hits better when you don’t force the first day. Unpack, breathe, maybe step out nearby if energy allows. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 02 – Delhi City Tour (Old + New)

After breakfast, the city opens up fully.
Old Delhi first — Jama Masjid, narrow lanes, history stacked on history. Red Fort follows, heavy with stories of emperors and power.

Then the pace shifts. Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, the calm of Lotus Temple. Drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and finish near Connaught Place.

Busy day, yes. But it feels complete. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 03 – Delhi to Jaipur (≈5 hrs)

Road trip morning. Delhi slowly fades, Rajasthan colors start showing.
Check in, short rest, then out again. Birla Temple feels peaceful. Nahargarh Fort at sunset? Worth every step.

Evening at Chokhi Dhani — folk music, local food, chaos in a fun way. Overnight in Jaipur.

Day 04 – Jaipur City Tour

This day is classic Rajasthan.
Amber Fort first, climbed by jeep (elephant ride only if available and permitted). Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar — all close together, all very different.

Jaipur feels loud but proud. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 05 – Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri (≈5 hrs)

On the way, stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Grand, red sandstone, strangely empty for something so powerful.

Continue to Agra. Later visit Agra Fort, then sunset at the Taj Mahal.
No words really do justice here. It’s quiet, emotional, and yes… it feels different in person. Overnight in Agra.

(Taj Mahal closed on Fridays)

Day 06 – Agra to Delhi (≈3.5 hrs)

Drive back to Delhi. Optional stop at Akshardham Temple if time allows.
Rest of the day is free. By now, cities feel familiar. Overnight in Delhi.

From historic cities, the journey now turns toward cooler air and mountain roads.

Day 07 – Delhi to Shimla (≈8 hrs)

Long drive, but scenery slowly changes. Pine trees. Curves. Cooler winds.
Later sightseeing covers Wildflower Hall, Indira Holiday Home, and Advance Study.
Shimla evenings feel calm. Almost old-school. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 08 – Shimla & Kufri

Local temples, Jakhu Temple, and Christ Church in the morning.
Later drive to Kufri — short, scenic, fresh air everywhere. Optional horse riding in apple orchards.
Evening is slow. That’s the charm. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 09 – Shimla to Manali (≈6–7 hrs)

Through Kullu Valley, along Beas River. The drive is part of the experience.
Arrive in Manali. Evening free. Walk, café hop, or just sit quietly. Overnight in Manali.

Day 10 – Manali City Tour

Short sightseeing — Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht, Tibetan Monastery.
Rest of the day is yours. Honestly, Manali doesn’t need planning. Overnight stay.

Day 11 – Manali to Chandigarh (≈8 hrs)

Back to plains.
Visit Rock Garden and Pinjore Garden. Chandigarh feels clean, structured, almost unreal after hill roads. Overnight stay.

Day 12 – Chandigarh to Delhi (≈5 hrs)

Breakfast, drive back to Delhi. Airport or railway station drop.
Trip ends quietly. But it stays with you.