This is a recommended summer itinerary for guests looking to for visiting major hill stations (Dalhousie, Dharamsala / Palampur) and combining it with Amritsar (Golden Temple) which is generally a popular access point for the itinerary.
Day 01 : Arrive At Amritsar.
Visit Golden Temple, Jalianwalabagh and Wagah Border Arrive at Amritsar. Visit Golden Temple, the most revered pilgrim centre for Sikhs, one of the five Takhts and a renowed tourist attraction. Also visit Jalianwala Bagh and evening beating retreat ceremony at Wagah Border (36 kms).
Day 02 : Dalhousie To Dharamshala.
Visit Norbulingka Institute. Proceed to Dharamsala (3500+ ft asl, 190 kms - 5 hrs). Visit Norbulingka Institute, a must visit for any visitor to Dharamsala for a Tibetan cultural heritage experience and St Johns Church. Time permitting, visit war memorial at Dharamsala, that commemorates martyrs of the area.
Day 03 : Mcleodgunj Visit And Options Visits Around Dharamsala
Morning visit to Mcleodgunj (6500+ ft asl, 10 kms), visit Dalai Lama Monastery and Bhagshunath Temple (3 kms from Mcleodgunj). Visit local street market for tibetan artefacts. Naddi Area near Cantonment (8 kms from Mcleodgunj) has one of the best Himalayan views of the area. In the evening time permitting, Pilgrimage oriented travellers may head for Chinmaya Tapovan, an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda (10 kms from Dharamsala). Guests who can do a bit of walking can head for Kunal Pathri Temple, a 3 km walk from Dharamsala is a rock temple dedicated to Goddess Kapaleshwari. Guests also have an option to head for Naam Art Gallery, a renowned art gallery.
Day 04 : Dharamsala To Dalhousie.
Visits around Dalhousie Arrive at Pathankot and proceed to Dalhousie (7000+ ft asl - 120 kms - 3.5 hours). Time permitting visit local markets and local places to visit such as Churches in Dalhousie, Panchpula / Sat Dhara (confluence of 7 streams said to have medicinal effect).
Day 05 : Khajjiar, Chamba, Chamera Lake Excursion
Full Day excursion to Khajjiar Meadows (22 kms), Chamba (riverside pilgrim centre at 44 kms from Dalhousie can be visited with Khajjiar) and Chamera Lake (large lake with watersports centre). Enroute visit Barkota hills. Back by late evening.
Day 06 : Kalatop Excursion / Walk
Explore Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary (The sanctuary is home to a variety of species including black bears and barking deer, abundant variety of bird life), Dainkund peak etc. Kalatope is an 8 km moderately uphill walk through pine forests. The hilltop offers excellent views of the area around and snow peaks. Paragliding is offered here in Summer. Guests looking to relax and not do walking may just enjoy snow peak views of Dalhousie and relax.
Day 07 : Return For Onward Journey
Depart for onward journey.