North India, suggest route and transport

Sorry! There is most likely a post for this route?? But I have looked and can't seem to find anything specific!

I came across this recommended "Himalayan Loop" on a blog, but i am struggling to find any information on how realistic or doable it is!
what are the best/ only sources of transportation, we would have 4 weeks tops! Is this route even possible, especially in our time frame?
If not, can you recommend a shorter version? I really want to see Amristar and travel a bit of the Himalayas if possible!

Delhi - Amristar - Dharamsala - Manali - Shimla - Rishikesh - delhi

Thank you xx

Can you provide more details? What month will you travel? What are your interests? Do you plan to do some hiking or trekking? Do you have the budget for air travel?

Delhi - Amristar - Dharamsala - Manali - Shimla - Rishikesh - delhi

Start with night train Delhi-Kalka , toy train to Shimla early morning. And , yes more on when etc please.

@jode_cook554363

we would have 4 weeks tops! Is this route even possible, especially in our time frame?

No problems timewise.

I really want to see Amristar and travel a bit of the Himalayas if possible! Delhi - Amristar - Dharamsala - Manali - Shimla - Rishikesh - delhi

No Taj Mahal?

Flight from Delhi to Dehradun, for Rishikesh (or train from Delhi to Haridwar, for Rishikesh)

From Hardiwar, overnight train to Amritsar https://erail.in/train-enquiry/14631/HW/ASR

From Amritsar by road to Dharamshala (although I expect you mean McLeod Ganj)

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/himachal-pradesh/mcleod-ganj

From McLeod Ganj by road to Manali (bus from Dharamshala).

https://www.redbus.in/search?fromCityId=65769&toCityId=757&fromCityName=Dharamshala%20&toCityName=Manali&busType=Any&opId=0&onward=28-Feb-2019
Worthwhile stops you might consider: Palampur and / or Mandi.

From Manali by road to Shimla.

From Shimla - options include:

bus to Delhi; or
bus or car to Chandigarh and then train to Delhi; or

'toy train' to Kalka and then train to Delhi;
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1027115448851214338
https://www.lonelyplanet.in/magazine/articles/16956/high-5-iconic-rail-journeys-in-india

If you want certainty for train travel then you need to book as far in advance as possible.

For Dhasa you should check Dalai Lamas schedule : if you want to sit thru a teaching you need to register days ahead , and if you don’t you should be aware that the place is packed up to the rafters whenever there is a planned public appearance.

Thank you!

We will be seeing the Taj Mahal previous to this!
As we already have a route planned that we take us roughly 4 weeks, prior to arriving in Delhi( maybe less? but I wanted to ensure we had plenty of time to allow for changes in weather, travel problems or if we decide to stay somewhere longer, transport depending).
Then we have a further 4 weeks allocated for Delhi onwards!
Thank you, I am booking my trains ASAP( I know they open the train tickets 120days in advance!)

We will be arriving Mid July in Delhi, we would like to explore and maybe do a short trek? We would love to see the Tibetan community and relax, possibly partake in some guided meditation?
Yes we would also consider air travel within our budget!

Thank you!!

As we already have a route planned that we take us roughly 4 weeks, prior to arriving in Delhi...Then we have a further 4 weeks allocated for Delhi onwards!

So you have 12 weeks in India? What are the other legs? I'm concerned you might be transiting through Delhi unnecessarily.

We will be arriving Mid July in Delhi

Just in time for monsoon. That may affect your travels.

and maybe do a short trek?

Plenty of options for that on your route.

We would love to see the Tibetan community

McLeod Ganj is certainly one place - but India has a number of Tibetan "settlements".
https://centraltibetanreliefcommittee.org/doh/settlements/india/settlements-in-india.html

possibly partake in some guided meditation?

Again, plenty of options for that - dependent upon what exactly you want to do.
http://tushita.info/programs/drop-in-sessions/daily-guided-meditations/

If your travels will take you to south India, be sure to stop by Bylakuppe--you won't find more Tibetans elsewhere outside of Tibet.
In July, with this much time, I suggest you consider dropping Rishikesh and perhaps Manali, and going to Leh, on top of the world, especially if you can budget for air travel.
I'm not sure of any short-term guided meditation programs, but if you can stomach butter tea, the suggestion to attend one of HHDL's teachings would be a good experience.

Delhi - Amristar - Dharamsala - Manali - Shimla - Rishikesh - delhi

It's a great route, and as above, no problems w/ 4 weeks, that's easy. July is early in monsoon season, but even so pay attention to the news in Himachal Pradesh state. If heavy rain occurs, it's possible to have road closures if there's a mudslide. Big problem with that in Manali last year.

We would love to see the Tibetan community...

If you are staying in Delhi , start with staying in Majnu ka Tilla . Five minutes with riksha/cab to Vidan Sabha Metro station.

Would it be OK to drop you a message?? to discuss our route?

Sure, no problems.

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