Hiking and Yoga in India

Join the group transfer from Delhi Airport and settle in for the transfer across town, or make your own way to the hotel in the city centre (see 'Getting There' for details). Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to head out and explore some of Delhi's sights before meeting your group for dinner.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Delhi behind, travel up into the green foothills of the Himalayas to the hilltop station of Shimla. As you climb from the North India Plains you'll pass by vast fruit orchards, where you can stop to try some of the fruit, jellies and jams produced here. There'll be plenty of chances to stretch your legs at the several viewpoints and roadside eateries as you wind your way into the mountains. At an elevation of 2200m, Shimla has always been a place to escape the soaring summer temperatures with a fresh climate and cool mountain air. Perched on a forested ridgeline, with views of the high mountain peaks above, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and the old 'summer capital' of British India. After exploring some of the grand Victorian architecture and bustling street markets, you'll be driven up higher still to your quiet resort nestled in the hills of Mashobra which will be your base for the next few days.

Start the day with your first rejuvenating outdoor yoga session in the hotel gardens. Breathe in the clean mountain air and cast your gaze over the expanse of forest far below as you settle into your daily practice. Your instructor will guide you through a flow of asanas designed to relax and refresh your body ahead of your day walking in the surrounding nature. For your first hike, your guide will lead you through a tranquil pine forest where you'll pass towering deodar trees, known locally as Himalayan Cedars, and be treated to the calming chirp of songbirds as you make your way downhill to the village of Sipur. Here you find old temples constructed from the local cedar, showcasing Himalayan architecture and hinting at the region's history as a former part of the Kingdom of Nepal. In the afternoon you'll be picked up and returned to the hotel in Mashobra for dinner.

Begin the day with another tranquil yoga session on the lawns to stretch out your body for the day ahead. Today's hike is a moderate trail to the second-highest peak in the Shimla region, Hatu Peak. Head to the village of Narkanda, where you'll begin your hike through a dense forest of conifer, oak and maple. At the top of the 3400m peak you'll find the sacred shrine of Hatu Mata. Steeped in Hindu mythology, this temple is believed to be where the Pandava brothers spent some of their 13 years in exile after losing their kingdom (and wives!) on a game of dice. Explore the temple and drink in the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance with lush green forest stretching far below, before returning to Narkanda where you'll be driven back to Mashobra.

There's time for a final yoga session on the lawn this morning before bidding farewell to your instructor and hilltop retreat, ready to embark on a Himalayan road trip. You'll pass through the mountain villages of Himachal Pradesh on your way to the 'winter capital' of Dharamshala, stopping on the way for the unique experience of the Shimla Toy Train. This narrow gauge train connects two of the region's hill stations via one of the most picturesque railways in the Himalayas. Hugging the mountainside, the train winds through the forest using a series of impressive engineering feats including 102 tunnels, 864 bridges and 919 curves. Settle in for a 45-minute leisure ride along one of the most scenic sections from Shimla to Taradevi. Following the train ride, continue your scenic journey to Dharamshala taking in many small villages as you make your way through the mountains. There'll be plenty of stops to witness rural village life and pick up some tasty local food en route. In the early evening, you'll arrive at Dharamshala, home to the Dalia Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Intrepid pilgrims and travellers journey to this spiritual centre to visit the McLeod Ganj temples and the tranquil gardens of the Norbulingka Institute. You'll arrive in time for dinner before settling into your hotel on the peaceful outskirts of McLeod Ganj.

Today is your longest hike, but the views from the top are worth the climb – you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley and the snow-covered Dhauladhar Range. After breakfast, you'll drive with your guide to the trailhead at Dharamkot. From here the path heads up through lush rhododendron, pine, and coniferous forest. You'll pass a clearing at Galu temple, and several small tea shops along the way, before reaching the halfway point at the 'Magic View Cafe' – an opportunity to stop for a refreshing chai. (If wanting an easier day, it is possible to return to the start from this point, having still enjoyed a good walk and great views.) From here the trail gets steeper as you emerge from the treeline onto a rocky spur, climbing up to the alpine meadow of Triund. The meadow stretches across a wide ridge with epic views up to Indrahar Pass and the peaks of the Dhauladhar range. Take some time to explore the meadow and boulder field along the ridge before making your way downhill to Bhagsu Village, from where you'll be driven back to your hotel.

Wake early and head to the hotel's rooftop terrace for sunrise views over the surrounding forest-covered hills, fresh mountain air, and your next morning yoga session. You'll have a new instructor local to Dharamshala, but you can expect a similar approach to rejuvenating yoga designed to complement your days walking in the hills. Today is all about exploring the sights and tranquil settings of the Tibetan temples and complexes around Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, and a chance to rest the legs ahead of yesterday's longer hike. First head to the Norbulingka Monastery complex – an institute dedicated to preserving Tibetan art and culture – before returning to McLeod Ganj where you'll have time to explore the town and markets. Next, you'll visit the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet at the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which is situated in front of the residence of the Dalai Lama, before finally taking in Tse Chokling Gompa, a beautiful temple on a hilltop above Dharamshala with views over the entire valley. Your guide can show you around these sights, or if you prefer you may explore on your own before returning to your hotel.

Rise early for another restorative morning yoga practice on the idyllic rooftop as the sun rises over the distant mountains. Today's hike takes you in search of the mountaintop temple of Guna Devi. You'll pass through several small villages on a flat trail before a short but steep climb up to the village of Galu. After a rest, and perhaps a chai or lemon tea from one of the teahouses, there is an hour's gradual ascent up to the temple. Rising on a small prominence above the trees, the temple has stunning views of the forest below as well as snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. Named after the Hindu Goddess Guna Devi, the temple is believed to have been built to celebrate the victory of the local people over evil forces and boasts a unique blend of traditional Himachali and North Indian architecture. After soaking up the ambiance of this serene spot it's time to head back down the trail to Naddi, where you can relax with a drink in front of one of its famous sunset viewpoints.

By now your morning yoga ritual may have become second nature and today is another opportunity to continue your practice. Afterwards, today's hike takes you through the forests of the Kangra Valley and Shivalik Hills, exploring the villages and rural life of this corner of Himachal Pradesh. Starting in Bhagsu Village, pass through Tibetan Markets and the ancient temple of Bhagsu Nag. The five-thousand-year-old shrine was damaged by an earthquake at the turn of the 20th century but has since been restored by the resident Gurkas, the water in its two pools is said to have healing properties and many take the chance to bathe in the holy water. Leaving the village behind you'll soon reach Bhagsu Waterfall and another opportunity to cool off in its natural pools. Refreshed, you'll head on a quieter route up a winding mountain trail to Leta Village. The village is home to many goat herders, whose companions you'll see dotted along the trail, and a few small kiosks and teahouses. After spending some time here, descend back through the forest, passing small Tibetan villages until the end of the hike at Tandi. From here it's a short drive back to the hotel.

Limber up for your final morning yoga session before the drive out of the mountains to Pathankot. There'll be time to grab some lunch before heading to the station for the Swaraj Express train to Delhi. You'll arrive back to Delhi late evening and be taken back to your hotel, where you can celebrate the end of your trip with your fellow adventurers.

After one last breakfast, your host will provide a group transfer back to Delhi Airport, where you can catch your flight home.