MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILL STATIONS

16 days from GBP1,819 to GBP2,249 including flights
Tripcode: AIQ

Countries Visited: India

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 7 reviews.

Barbara Oatley

MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILL STATIONS

Written November 2011
A really packed holiday full of interest and new experiences. Made us want to visit other parts of India too.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many .... visiting the Golden Temple at night and the Taj Mahal at dawn, visiting the clinic where Phillipa, our guide, works, visiting the Tibetan Parliament
What did you think of your group leader?
Phillipa was amazing - she was enormously knowledgeable, coped well with the disparate personalities in the group, was always good humoured, despite having fallen and hurt herself at the start of the trip. The organisation was very good and everything ran to time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If going in the colder months take warm clothes for the nights, and to sleep in, be prepared for one or two quite long travelling days on less good roads.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our first trip to India and definitely won't be the last.
Peter Leggo

MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILLSTATIONS

Written October 2011
My wife and I chose to do this tour with leader Philippa Russell, purely on the basis that we had so much enjoyed our trek (Himalayan Mountains and Wildflowers) with her in 2010. We were not disappointed! Philippa has devised a trip which totally immerses the traveller in the true nature of life in these regions of Northern India. Mesmerising, fascinating, at times frenetic, but totally satisfying. Different but delightful!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It is almost impossible to choose from so many varied and eye-opening experiences that this tour provides, but probably our intimate visit to the Tibetan Children's Village (Orphanage and School) in Dharamsala was the most inspirational. Visits to such institutions can be so depressing, but our visit to this amazing village was truly heart-warming.
What did you think of your group leader?
Philippa Russell is one in a million! She has extraordinary organisational ability; her knowledge of all things Indian/Tibetan is boundless; she communicates that knowledge so clearly, and with such humour; she exudes warmth yet firm control, always ensuring the comfort and safety of the tour members; she is passionate about her adopted community; she is equally passionate about imbuing her clients with a true understanding of those features of Indian/Tibetan life which make her so committed to it.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Approach this tour with an open mind, and be prepared to be swept along a truly fascinating and joyous path into a very INDIAN (and Tibetan) experience with a difference. Just "go with the flow" and revel in the many and varied experiences on offer. It is not always pretty, but it is very enlightening.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Do not expect to lose weight on this trip. It might well be advertised as "a gourmet's delight"!
Torsten Meier

MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILLSTATIONS

Written November 2010
I had a fantastic time on this trip. The vast and varying number of experiences will stay with me for a long time. Especially the variety of impressions and changing sceneries were an unexpected bonus - from the Golden Temple of the Sikh in Amritsar to Dharamsalla and McClead Ganj - were you'll feel a bit like you are in 'Little Tibet' - to Shimla and then back to the heart of India in Agra with the Taj Mahal. Highly recommended.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The toy train (narrow gauge) ride from Shimla to Kalka. Crossing more than two hundret bridges, viaducts and tunnels, this ride impressed me with its astonishing views and historic character. A dream for any train fan and/or photographer.
What did you think of your group leader?
Phillipa, our group leader was simply fantastic. In addition to her insight and local knowledge, she convinced through her organisational skills (something that's - unfortunately - awfully important when travelling in India) and the effort to always provie a little bit of extra. Seeing the Tibetan Parliament, getting some insights into development and aid efforts in India - just to mention two things she organsied for us - gave us a bit of extra insights into the region we visited. A job well done.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
In Shimla it got very cold over night, so pack some extra thermo underwear.
In McLoad Ganj, we had the chance to trek a nearby mountain. Definetely go for that, the views were astonishing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you're into photography, pack a long telezoom lens (birds) and a tripod (sunsets, night photography) and bring loads of memory cards, or better, a HD with a card reader. You'll be overwhelmed by the number of photo opportunities.
PETER HILL

MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILLSTATIONS

Written November 2010
Overall a great experience, visiting a country I have wanted to go to. India was wonderful and also chaotic but everything just seems to come together somehow. The Indian people were so friendly from the poorest to the better off. The other plus for me was meeting up with a group of friends from UK. Currently I live in South Africa
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many. Seeing where the partition of India was signed at Vice Regal lodge Shimla, to the amazing Moghul tombs but perhaps the most moving moment for me was on a Sunday in Delhi visiting the almost deserted grounds at sunset where Mahatma Ghandi was murdered My last photo in India [I took 490]
What did you think of your group leader?
Philippa Russell was absolutely superb as a leader. Having lived in the country for so many years helped but her knowledge of places to eat etc plus visiting some off the beat tourist areas was great. As far as I know nobody in our group ended up with Delhi Belly !!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for some hassle at Delhi airport. I realise there is a terror threat but the security people are robots with absolutely no common sense. My friend had a very expensive bottle of Brandy taken off him which was security sealed at duty free in London. No appeal or protest worked.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Loo rolls are always helpful in India especially for the ladies. Also wash basin plugs!!!
Sally Banks

MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILLSTATIONS

Written November 2010
A varied & easy trip. Philippa was a poor leader. She chose for the group to travel in 2 vehicles until we reached Delhi. There was no PA system & she gave us very little information whilst driving.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Amritsar & Shimla
What did you think of your group leader?
Philippa was a poor leader. She often kept the group waiting as her time keeping was not good. She did not ensure all the group were kept informed of changes she made.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Unless the group travel in one bus be prepared for uncomfortable seating & having to change your seat at each rest break.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Would suggest that a local Indian guide is used.
Richard Banks

MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILL STATIONS

Written October 2010
Trip spoilt by the group being split into 2 vehicles, a major amount of the time is spent travelling and no intransit info possible due to this. Vehicles were very poor with broken seat backs and no room for day packs in vehicle.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Shimla.
But the local people in the whole of India are so friendly & helpful.
What did you think of your group leader?
Poor.
In fairness she was knowledgeable, although it was always given without asking & when eating as a group bill shouldn't just be split.
Trip from Dharamsala to McLeod Ganj was in local taxis but only 5 vehicles of Fiat Punto size used for entire group plus their luggage was not sufficient, taxis cost so little, it seemed penny pinching & was uncomfortable & dangerous.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take a kettle, noodles & chewy bars, that way you can be independant.
Some hotels only offer buffet at 500 ruppees where it is possible to get al-la-cart for 250ruppees in cities.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All hotels give fixed price buffet which is expensive & caused stomuch upsets, probably sat there warm for a long time.
Hilary Cox

MOUNTAINS, TEMPLES & HILLSTATIONS

Written April 2010
A wonderful introduction to the country which was long overdue. So much variety from the the Punjab to the foothills of the Himalayas then onto the plains of Rajastan all in just a fortnight.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Impossible to select just one experience. The two visits to the Golden temple were such a special start to the trip. The days trek from McLeod Ganj was both exhilerating and left me wanting to return and do a longer trekking holiday. I have always wanted to visit Simla ,which more than matched my expectations . We hired some horses and rode up to Jakkos having great fun. Must also make special mention of the train back down.
What did you think of your group leader?
Phillipa was simply the best. Her insight into the country certainly enriched my experience. She imparted her information with modesty and humour. Dealing with such a mixed group ,both in age and expectation , was managed very professionally.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with the flow and enjoy the experience. The food was always tasty and sometimes exceptionally scrumptious.Following basic rules of hygiene should prevent any real problems though you will need some stand by medicines. Everywhere we went we were welcomed and met with smiles. The service provided by the hotels was always good.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My only slight criticism was that the mini bus and car provided very cramped conditions on some of the rather long journeys . A couple or so extra spaces would have made the travelling more comfortable all round.
Some of the accomodation was charmingly Indian ,but a couple of the hotels were VERY basic !