North India tours - 5 unique itineraries

updated 06.02.2024

Discover the colourful tapestry of North of India where history, culture and nature come together to create unforgettable journeys. Experience the timeless charm of this region with our five unique North India tours. From the majestic Himalayas to the bustling streets of Delhi, each trip reveals a different facet of India's rich heritage and diverse landscapes.

How to plan a North India tour

Travelling in North India is an exciting adventure. Start by determining the duration of the journey, keeping in mind the weather conditions and peak tourist activity periods. Make an itinerary corresponding to your desired destinations and adjust according to the duration of the trip.

Book accommodation that suits your budget and choose your preferred mode of transport in advance. Make sure you have all the necessary visas and travel documents, and pack items appropriate for the region's climate.

Consider purchasing travel insurance and familiarise yourself with the local currency. Also, learn a few essential phrases in the local language - this will greatly enhance your ability to communicate.

If you want to save yourself the trouble of planning, contact our local India travel experts - they will create a perfect itinerary for you.

Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan, India © Avigator Fortuner/Shutterstock

Jodhpur, the Blue City, Rajasthan, India © Avigator Fortuner/Shutterstock

Tour #1: North India Explored: From Delhi to Shimla

This 9-day North India Explored tour begins in Delhi, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for accommodation and free time on the first day.

Itinerary overview

The second day is dedicated to exploring Delhi, with visits to historical sites. On the third day, you will fly to Amritsar, a significant Sikh city, and visit the Golden Temple.

Day four is a road trip to Dharamshala, famous for its Tibetan culture and the presence of the Dalai Lama. Day five is dedicated to Makleod Ganju, the residence of the Dalai Lama.

On day six, you'll travel to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. Day seven allows you to continue exploring Shimla at your own pace.

On the eighth day, you will embark on a scenic Himalayan journey on the Toy Train to Kalka and then on the Shatabdi Express to Delhi. On the ninth day, you will leave Delhi and head to the airport to fly home.

Himalayan Queen toy train between Kalka and Shimla © Shutterstock

Himalayan Queen toy train between Kalka and Shimla © Shutterstock

Check out this 9-day North India tour:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Delhi and afternoon at leisure
  • Overnight in Delhi

Day 2

  • Delhi: Old and New
  • Overnight in Dehli

Day 3

  • Golden Temple at Amritsar
  • Overnight in Amristar

Day 4

  • Dharamshala Transfer
  • Overnight in Dharamshala

Day 5

  • McLeod Ganj Discovery
  • Overnight in Dharamshala

Day 6

  • Transfer to Shimla
  • Overnight in Shimla

Day 7

  • Shimla Exploration
  • Overnight in Shimla

Day 8

  • Himalayan Train Adventure
  • Overnight in Delhi

Day 9

  • Departure from Delhi

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now.

Taj Mahal, India © Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

Taj Mahal, India © Don Mammoser/Shutterstock

Tour #2: India: from the Ganges to the Golden Triangle

This 10-day Golden Triangle & the Ganges tour starts with arrival in Delhi where you will be transferred to your hotel. After, you will be taken on a tour of Old Delhi.

Itinerary overview

On the second day, you will fly to Varanasi and take an evening journey along the river to witness the candlelight Puja ceremony. Day three includes a morning journey along the Ganges River, culminating in a Puja ceremony at sunrise.

You will then fly to Khajuraho and visit the famous temples of Khajuraho on the fourth day. The fifth day includes a transfer to Orcha where you will explore the historic architecture and then travel to Agra by high-speed train.

Day six is dedicated to exploring Agra, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. On the seventh day, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the city of victory, before travelling to Jaipur.

On the eighth day, you will explore Amber Fort and the City Palace of Jaipur. The ninth day is dedicated to relaxing and shopping in Jaipur, after which you will head back to Delhi. 

Finally, on the tenth day, you will embark on your onward journey from Delhi International Airport.

Red Fort in Agra, India © Shutterstock

Red Fort in Agra, India © Shutterstock

Check this 10-day North India tour:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Dehli and afternoon City Tour
  • Overnight in Dehli

Day 2

  • Transfer to Varanasi and Candlelight Puja Ceremony
  • Overnight in Varanasi

Day 3

  • Ganges River Morning Ceremony
  • Overnight in Varanasi

Day 4

  • Temples of Khajuraho
  • Overnight in Khajuraho

Day 5

  • Visit the temples of Orcha
  • Overnight in Agra

Day 6

  • Taj Mahal and Agra Fort - Golden Triangle with Varanasi and Khajuraho
  • Overnight in Agra

Day 7

  • Fatehpur Sikri Visit
  • Overnight in Jaipur

Day 8

  • Amber Fort and City Palace
  • Overnight in Jaipur

Day 9

  • Shopping in Jaipur and transfer to Delhi
  • Overnight in Delhi

Day 10

  • Departure from Delhi

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Jag Mandir Palace, Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India © Blue Sky Studio/Shutterstock

Jag Mandir Palace, India © Blue Sky Studio/Shutterstock

Tour #3: Gems of India & Taj Mahal

Stay in the most beautiful hotels, and have a knowledgeable private tour guide by your side all throughout this unique, 15-day tour of North India & Taj Mahal.

Itinerary overview

Your journey begins in Delhi, where on day two you will explore Old and New Delhi. On the third day, you will travel to Agra. Day four begins with a morning visit to the iconic Taj Mahal before travelling to Jaipur. Day five offers an introduction to Jaipur's bazaars, cuisine and handicrafts.

On the sixth day, you will travel to the village of Chhatrasagar. Day seven begins with sunrise yoga and a birding boat tour on the Chhatra Sagar Lake.

On the eighth day, you will travel from Chhatrasagar to Jawai. The ninth day includes a morning safari and a visit to a Rabari settlement.

On the tenth day, you will depart Jawai for Udaipur, and on the eleventh day, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. On the twelfth day, you will travel to Mumbai where you will explore the markets and temples on the thirteenth day.

The fourteenth day offers a tour of the slums of Mumbai. Finally, on the fifteenth day, the driver will take you to the airport for departure.

Rajpath in Delhi © Shutterstock

Rajpath in Delhi © Shutterstock

Check this overview of the North India 15-day tour:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Delhi
  • Overnight in Delhi

Day 2

  • City Tour - Old and New Delhi
  • Overnight in Delhi

Day 3

  • From Delhi to Agra
  • Visit Agra Fort
  • Cycle Rickshaw for a first glimpse of the Taj Mahal
  • Overnight in Agra

Day 4

  • Morning visit to the Taj Mahal
  • From Agra to Jaipur
  • Rajathstan cultural walking tour
  • Overnight in Jaipur

Day 5

  • Jaipur - Bazars, cuisine and crafts
  • Overnight in Jaipur

Day 6

  • From Jaipur to Chhatrasagar Village
  • Sundowner and dinner
  • Overnight in Chhatrasagar

Day 7

  • Yoga at sunrise
  • Birding boat excursion
  • Overnight in Chhatrasagar

Day 8

  • From Chhatrasagar to Jawai
  • Overnight in Deogarh

Day 9

  • Leopard safari
  • Rabari Settlement visit
  • Overnight in Deogarh

Day 10

  • From Jawai to Udaipur
  • Overnight in Udaipur

Day 11

  • Udaipur City Tour
  • Cooking Class
  • Overnight in Udaipur

Day 12

  • From Udaipur to Mumbai
  • Overnight in Mumbai

Day 13

  • Mumbai - markets and temples
  • Overnight in Mumbai

Day 14

  • Community Experience Tour - Visit the Slums
  • Overnight in Mumbai

Day 15

  • Departure from Mumbai

Ready for an adventure? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Pushkar town and lake aerial panoramic view in Rajasthan state of India © Shutterstock

Pushkar town and lake aerial panoramic view © Shutterstock

Tour #4: Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury. This 15-day tour of Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills.

Itinerary overview

Your tour begins in Delhi with an afternoon city tour on arrival. On the second day, you will continue your exploration of Delhi.

Day three includes a transfer to Agra, where on arrival you will have free time to explore the city. Day four begins with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.

On the fifth day, you depart for Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri. On the sixth day, you will explore the sights of Jaipur.

On the seventh day, you will travel to Pushkar. On the eighth day, you will visit a government primary school and continue to Khimsar Fort, where on the ninth day you will go on a jeep safari and explore the village.

On the tenth day, you will travel to Jodhpur, known as the 'blue city'. After that, the eleventh day allows you to spend some free time in Deogarh.

The twelfth day involves exploring Deogarh and on the thirteenth day, you will go to Udaipur.

The fourteenth day is a full-day tour of Udaipur and on the fifteenth day, you will fly from Udaipur to Delhi for your flight home.

Taj Mahal and Agra © Shutterstock

Taj Mahal and Agra © Shutterstock

Check an overview of this 15-day North India tour:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Dehli and afternoon city tour
  • Overnight in Dehli

Day 2

  • Dehli Sightseeing
  • Overnight in Dehli

Day 3

  • Agra Sightseeing
  • Overnight in Agra

Day 4

  • Taj Mahal at Sunrise
  • Overnight in Agra

Day 5

  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Overnight in Jaipur

Day 6

  • Jaipur Sightseeing
  • Overnight in Jaipur

Day 7

  • Brahma Temple
  • Overnight in Pushkar

Day 8

  • Pushkar Village School Village
  • Overnight in Khimsar

Day 9

  • Khimsar Jeep Safari
  • Overnight in Khimsar

Day 10

  • Jodhpur Desert City
  • Overnight in Jodhpur

Day 11

  • Free afternoon in Deogarh
  • Overnight in Deogarh

Day 12

  • Deogarh Exploration
  • Overnight in Deogarh

Day 13

  • Udaipur City of Lakes
  • Overnight in Udaipur

Day 14

  • Udaipur Full Day City Tour
  • Overnight in Udaipur

Day 15

  • From Udaipur to Delhi and departure

Excited to discover? Waste no time and book this trip now.

Leh palace, India - Ladakh © Shutterstock

Leh palace, India - Ladakh © Shutterstock

Tour #5: Rajasthan: A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

This 13-day Trek Tour Through Ladakh's Markha Valley combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

Itinerary overview

The journey starts in Delhi with a day tour of the city on the first day. On the second day, you fly to Leh and spend the day at leisure.

The third and fourth days are dedicated to sightseeing in Leh including monasteries, stupas and Leh Palace. On the fifth day, the trek to Rumbak village begins, passing through scenic landscapes and valleys.

On the sixth day, you will continue the trek and head to the remote village of Yurtse. On the seventh day, trek to Markha, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains of Ladakh.

On the eighth day, you will trek to Khankar through the Chacham Valley and on the ninth day, you will trek to Nimaling. The tenth day includes a challenging climb to Kongmaru La Pass and on the eleventh day, you will descend to Shang Sumdo.

On the twelfth day you return to Leh, visit Hemis Monastery and have free time. Finally, on the thirteenth day, you fly back to Delhi and continue your journey back home.

Check an overview of this 13-day North India tour:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Dehli and afternoon city tour
  • Overnight in Dehli

Day 2

  • Leh Transfer and Discovery
  • Overnight in Leh

Day 3

  • Discovering Leh's Sites
  • Overnight in Leh

Day 4

  • Trek to Rumbak Village
  • Overnight camping in Markha Valley (Rumbak Village)

Day 5

  • Trek to Yurtse
  • Overnight camping in Markha Valley (Yurtse Village)

Day 6

  • Trek to Skiu via Ganda la Peak
  • Overnight camping in Markha Valley (Skiu Village)

Day 7

  • Trek to Markha
  • Overnight camping in Markha Valley (Markha Village)

Day 8

  • Chacham Valley to Hankar
  • Overnight camping in Markha Valley (Thachungtse Village)

Day 9

  • A Short Hike to Nimaling
  • Overnight camping in Markha Valley (Nimaling Village)

Day 10

  • Hike up Kongmaru La
  • Overnight camping in Markha Valley (Shang Sumdo Village)

Day 11

  • Return to Leh
  • Overnight in Leh

Day 12

  • Return to Delhi
  • Overnight in Delhi

Day 13

  • Departure from Delhi

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now.

Yak in Markha valley Ladakh, India © Shutterstock

Yak in Markha valley Ladakh, India © Shutterstock

Must-see locations in Northern India

Northern India attracts with its wealth of captivating landscapes, vibrant culture and historical treasures. From the serene Himalayan foothills to the majestic forts of Rajasthan and bustling metropolises, the region boasts a plethora of must-see destinations.

Blue city of Jodhpur

On the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur, dubbed “the Blue City” after the colour wash of its old townhouses, huddles below the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. This is the most spectacular citadel in Rajasthan, which dominates the cityscape from atop its huge sandstone plinth. 

Jodhpur was once the most important town of Marwar, the largest princely state in Rajputana, and now has a population of around 1.3 million. Most people stay just long enough to visit the fort, though there’s plenty to justify a longer visit. 

Getting lost in the blue maze of the old city you’ll stumble across Muslim tie-dyers, puppet-makers and traditional spice markets, while Jodhpur’s famed cubic roofscape, best viewed at sunset, is a photographer’s dream.

The pink city of Jaipur

A flamboyant showcase of Rajasthani architecture, Jaipur has long been established on tourist itineraries as the third corner of India’s “Golden Triangle”, along with Agra and Delhi. 

At the heart of Jaipur lies the Pink City, the old walled quarter, whose bazaars rank among the most vibrant in Asia, renowned for their textiles, jewellery and Rajasthani handicrafts.

Jaisalmer - the Golden City

In the remote westernmost corner of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is the quintessential desert town, its golden, sand-coloured ramparts rising out of the arid Thar like a scene from the Arabian Nights. 

Rampant commercialism may have dampened the romantic vision somewhat, but even with all the touts and tour buses, the town deservedly remains one of India’s most popular destinations. 

In addition, there are numerous sights out of town, as well as the desert itself. Camel safaris are an extremely popular activity here, and most take the chance to spend at least one night out in the sands.

Amritsar - the land of faith

The Sikhs’ holy city of Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab and one of the most popular tourist destinations in this whole chunk of India. Sikh pilgrims, domestic tourists and international visitors arrive en masse for one gleaming reason – the fabled Golden Temple. 

Its domes soar above Amritsar’s teeming streets and are certainly one of the most captivating sights in the whole country. The temple aside, Amritsar is a little noisy and congested, but its old city in particular is as lively as any in India.

Not a fan of planning? Our fully customisable India itineraries allow you to go on the trip of your dreams without the hassle of researching and planning.

Beautiful island and Hanging Bridge On the way to Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Northern India © ImagesofIndia/Shutterstock

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Northern India © ImagesofIndia/Shutterstock

Valleys of Manali

Himachal’s main tourist resort, Manali, stands at the head of the Kullu Valley. Despite lying at the heart of the region’s highest mountain range, it remains easily accessible by road from the plains. 

The Kullu Valley’s spectacular alpine scenery makes it perfect for trekking. Trails are long and steep, but more than repay the effort with superb views, varied flora and the chance to visit remote hill stations. Within striking distance of several major trailheads, Manali is the most popular place to begin and end treks.

Taj Mahal

Described by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the face of eternity”, the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Mughal architecture. Volumes have been written on its perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures and guidebooks. Nonetheless, the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice. 

The magic of the monument is strangely undiminished by the crowds of tourists who visit, as small and insignificant as ants in the face of the immense mausoleum. That said, the Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet of early morning, shrouded in mist and bathed with a soft red glow.

Temples of Varanasi

The great Hindu city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Benares, stretches along the River Ganges. Its waterfront is dominated by long flights of stone ghats where thousands of pilgrims and residents come for their daily ritual ablutions. 

Located next to a ford on an ancient trade route, Varanasi is among the holiest of all tirthas – “crossing places”, that allow the devotee access to the divine and enable gods and goddesses to come down to earth. It has attracted pilgrims, seekers, sannyasins and students of the Vedas throughout its history, including sages such as Buddha, Mahavira and the great Hindu reformer Shankara.

Leh & Ladakh

Located in the very north of India, Leh and Ladakh offer extraordinary experiences like nowhere else. This high-altitude desert region is renowned for its rugged, breathtaking landscapes including rugged mountains, pristine lakes and barren expanses.

Travellers are drawn here by its serene beauty and the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries such as Thiksey and Hemis. Adventurous travellers come to Leh and Ladakh for thrilling activities like trekking, river rafting and cycling through rugged terrain.

The unique blend of Tibetan culture, warm hospitality and incomparable natural beauty makes this destination a must-visit for those seeking an unusual, transcendent Himalayan experience.

Can't decide when you want to go? Read our guide on the best time to visit India.

Varanasi, Ganges, India © Shutterstock

Varanasi, Ganges, India © Shutterstock

Prepare for your North India tour

Allow our team of local India travel experts to curate your dream trip to India. When you're ready to embark on your adventure, reach out to us, and we'll craft a personalised itinerary just for you.

 Feel free to browse our pre-designed India itineraries for ideas, and remember that all can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in India.

Prefer to do it alone? Get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to India and start planning your perfect tour. We also recommend reading our essential India travel tips.

Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 06.02.2024

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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