Classic Car Journeys

Classic Himalaya 2010 Itinerary

The itinerary below refers to the first trip starting July 2nd. The second trip has the same itinerary.

Day 1 July 2nd – Leave Heathrow for an overnight flight to Amritsar.

Day 2 July 3rd – Arrive in Amritsar and transfer to the hotel, enjoying your first glimpse of the Indian driving technique! Spend the day relaxing by the pool and recovering from jet lag before a dusk visit to the fabulous Golden Temple.

Day 3 July 4th – Enjoy a day off exploring around Amritsar . Late afternoon we’ll be leaving for the short drive to the Pakistan Border at Wagah to witness the spectacular daily ceremony of the border closing. This was featured in Michael Palin’s Himalaya TV program and has to be seen to be believed.

Day 4 July 5th – Up early for an express train ride to Ambala. Once in Ambala we’ll collect our vehicles for the afternoon drive to Shimla, capital of the British Raj, where we’re staying in a wonderful colonial hotel.

Day 5 July 6th – Shimla is to good to miss so we’ll be having a day off to explore the sights.

Day 6 July 7th - Shimla to Sarahan Today the adventure begins as we leave Shimla and head into the mountains. The route is twisty and an ideal learning curve for what lies ahead. We pass beautiful verdant valleys and ride along raging rivers before finally ascending for the nights stop at Sarahan

Day 7 July 8th – Sarahan to Kalpa Descending from Sarahan we follow the Sutlej river towards our nights stop at Kalpa. Lying in the shadow of the 20,000ft Kinnaur Kailash mountain, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a drink as the sun goes down.

Day 8 July 9th - Kalpa to Nako Today we’ll see big changes in the landscape. Travelling above the tree line we enter the Himalayan desert. Thousands of years of of wind erosion has created fascinating, rock formations which are unlike anything you will have seen elsewhere. On the way to Nako we’ll pass within 12 miles of the Chinese border hence the need for our Inner Line Permits.

Day 9 July 10th - Nako to Kazza A beautiful drive along the Spiti Valley, past more outstanding scenery. We’ll pass glaciers, we’ll stop at Tabo to look around the 1000 year old Tibetan monastery, and there will probably be ac hance to take a look at one of the highest villages in the world before arriving at the busy little trading town of Kazza.

Day 10 July 11th – Kazza to Manali – Today we head further up the valley before diverting for the climb over the Rhotang Pass. It’ll be cold and snowy at the top and you’ll notice the thin air. Finally, as the day ends, we’ll tackle the huge descent to the hustle and bustle of Manali to enjoy a meal at a speciality restaurant.

Day 11 July 12th - Manali – There’s so much to see and do around Manali it’s easy to spend the day. Lot’s of shopping, temples and lovely restaurants. In the evening we celebrate with a traditional Indian party.

Day 12 July 13th - In the morning we’ll take a short drive to Kullu for the flight back to Delhi. You’ll be amazed when you see the size of the plane and the length of the runway. It’s a stunning flight with gorgeous views of the mountains. Once in Delhi you’ll have the afternoon to visit the Red Fort and India Gate, one of the largest war memorials in India.

Day 13 July 14th - Depart for Delhi Airport and a mid morning flight back to the UK arriving at Heathrow later the same day.