North India, Himalayas and Shimla toy train tour
Best time for this trip is from March to October.
Description of North India, Himalayas and Shimla toy train tour
This two week tailor made north India tour has been designed to stimulate and reward in equal measures with a flexible itinerary that offers cultural travellers the chance to experience the essence of the region as well as many of the historic highlights and naturally beautiful landscapes.
From the history and mayhem of Delhi to the hill stations and hot spring resorts of the Himalayan foothills this north India tour presents every aspect of life in the region with the interwoven backstory of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity adding to the excitement of hiking, rail journeys and overnight camping.
The influence of the British Raj provides an equally beguiling history lesson from the museums and tombs in Delhi to the Taj Mahal and fortifications in Agra with numerous archaeological and architectural sites of interest to discover along the way.
This two week north India tour itinerary has been created to present travellers with an authentic glimpse at the region and features remote locations and lesser-visited places alongside classic settings to help you come to terms with the enormity of the area without the tourist hordes.
As tour operators we know how important it is to tailor an itinerary to meet traveller needs and expectations, and as our founding director grew up in northern India we feel we've developed the correct level of cultural understanding and traveller insight within our north India tour.
Starting in the markets of Delhi you'll be invited to take an unforgettable train ride through the foothills of the Himalaya where snowy peaks and peaceful plateaus provide a stunning ever-changing backdrop to accompany your tour to Shimla from where you can acclimatise for some fabulous trekking within the gorgeous Satluj Valley.
Many of the local communities living in and around Shimla work closely with us, and travellers will find numerous opportunities to relax and unwind in welcoming surroundings with hot springs and the chance to join Yoga classes both indicative of the friendly and laid back atmosphere.
We’re also involved in several community projects aimed at putting sustainable income where it is needed most, and we actively encourage guests to find out more about our charitable fund-raising in some of the more remote rural villages that we'll encounter as part of the tour.
Completing the tour as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal is just as magical as you can imagine with visits to the Agra Fort providing ever-lasting memories before you board a fast-train back to Delhi before finally heading for home.
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Best time for this trip is from March to October.
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Responsible Travel
Planet
Our promise to sustain the environment: Water educationMany of the places where we travel are environmentally pristine. We work with locals and those who travel with us to take simple actions to respect and protect the natural environment for this generation and the next.
On this trip you’ll see some practical initiatives we’ve taken alongside village groups to help them see the benefits of water conservation and protecting local water sources. One example is the mountain village of Ayu, where we have helped to install separate drinking water tanks and, in some cases, new water channels and pipes that remove dirty water.
We have also run several workshops in hilltop villages, where we make locals aware of how the impacts of artificial chemical cleaning products, used heavily in the UK and elsewhere, could damage local rivers, soils and drinking water supplies if not controlled. At the same time, we are able to promote the use of cheaper and effective natural materials for cleaning at home and for use as natural fertilisers for fields.
Our promise to sustain the environment: Wildlife
We give our travellers the opportunity to enjoy watching the abundant wildlife of northern India, including the rare Monal Bird - the state bird of Himachal Pradesh - monkeys, deer (Sambhar), tigers, snow leopards and wild boar. Wildlife watching trips are provided by experts who ensure that Travellers respect both the wildlife and their habitat.
In addition to this, along with village elders we are working on a plan that will support local villagers manage the increasingly difficult relationship between their farming land and livestock and the needs of indigenous wildlife which often destroys crops or harms livestock. As well as education of villagers in the Satluj valley in Himachal Pradesh, the plan will likely include provision and erection of rural fencing along sections of land in the village of Thali where wild animal corridors lead onto sensitive farming/livestock areas.
People
Our promise to support our communities: Travelling with RespectAn important element of any of our trips is to enable interaction between Travellers and local communities. Our Founder Director grew up in this region and so we know how best to support local people and their economy.
In some of the hilltop villages, particularly around Shimla, we have helped bring together people from very different backgrounds and perspectives through joint cultural activities such as creating arts and crafts and playing sport.
Travellers spend time with villagers and by sharing in the daily lives of locals and joining in with their customs and traditions they develop a unique understanding and respect for them. What may look strange from the outside, such as why trees are worshiped and respected makes perfect sense once the Traveller understands why. At the same time, local people are equally as interested to find out more about western cultures.
The interactions we set up provide a platform for exchanging views, knowledge and understanding about different life styles. This mutual understanding and respect generated during these trips make for much more meaningful adventures.
Our promise to support our communities: Friends & neighbours
An important element of any of our trips is to enable interaction between Travellers and local communities. Our Founder Director grew up in this region and so we know how best to support local people and their economy.
Daily operation of any of our trips is done primarily by local people, whether those be guides, horsemen, cooks, drivers or guesthouse owners. Our 15 years’ operating in these areas has enabled us to build up an enviable local supply network with limited external resources being needed.
Not only to we believe working with local people is important for the on-going sustainability of mountain communities but also that having them involved at every stage of our trips provides a much more genuine and well-balanced experience for our Travellers. Our deep understanding of the region and connections there also means that we are more likely to be able to flex our Travellers itineraries for them during their trip, if they so wish.
Our guides are familiar with local restaurants, for example in Shimla, and asked to pass this information onto Travellers, along with help in ensuring they get to experience the local attractions. All this equates to genuine involvement from local people and real financial benefits flowing back to them.
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