Trek India: Dalai Lama
Trek through the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, from the home of the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala to a finish at the Taj Mahal. You start with a free day in Delhi and an overnight sleeper train to Pathankot.
Over five days of trekking, you hike through pine and rhododendron forests, cross suspension bridges and pass through Gaddi tribal villages. You sleep in simple mountain camps and wake to morning yoga and meditation. The highest point is Laka Got at 3,550m, with views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range.
After the trek, you have time in McLeod Ganj before taking the sleeper train back to Delhi. Your trip finishes in Agra, with a visit to the Taj Mahal and the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Medical support travels with the group throughout.
.png){kind=small}
- Walk through Gaddi tribal villages and pine and rhododendron forests
- Climb to Laka Got at 3,550m for views of the Dhauladhar range
- Start each trekking morning with yoga and meditation in the mountains
- Travel on an overnight sleeper train, and experience Old and New Delhi
- Finish at the Taj Mahal in Agra
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and make your way to your hotel. Meet your trek leader and the rest of the group.
Take some time to rest before the journey ahead.
Meals: Own arrangements
Stay: Hotel Amrapali Grand, New Delhi
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast and check-out, you are free to explore Delhi. Old Delhi is a maze of narrow lanes and mosques, and New Delhi has wide tree-lined avenues. You could visit the 17th century Red Fort, see India Gate or wander the shopping streets. Lunch is your own, so try a real Indian curry.
In the afternoon, you return to the hotel for dinner and a briefing. You then transfer to the railway station and board the overnight sleeper train to Pathankot.
Train: 7 to 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Stay: Sleeper train, Delhi to Pathankot
Day 3: Pathankot to Dharamsala
You arrive in Pathankot in the early morning and take a bus to Dharamsala, the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama. The road winds through narrow streets to your hotel in McLeod Ganj.
The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the area. In the evening, the group meets for dinner and a full trek briefing. Lunch is your own.
Drive: 3 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Stay: Sky Heaven Resort, Dharamsala
Day 4: McLeod Ganj to Kareri
After breakfast, you transfer to Satobari Village at 1,750m and start trekking. The route passes through Gaddi tribal villages. You may see farmers moving livestock and children walking to school.
The terrain undulates, with a suspension bridge crossing along the way. Your camp is in a peaceful mountain valley beside a river, away from the village. Camps have toilet tents. There are no showers, and hot water is provided morning and evening for washing. Your bags travel by pony.
Drive: 20 mins
Trek: 12km | +150m | 7.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Kareri Campsite, Kareri
Day 5: Kareri to Bal
After breakfast, you follow a trail up through quiet villages, open meadows and pine forest to a picnic stop by a stream. In the afternoon you climb through the mountains to the small village of Bal.
Trek: 15km | +430m | 8.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Bal Village Campsite, Bal
Day 6: Bal to Triund
The day starts with a yoga and meditation session in the mountains. You then climb through forests of rhododendron and pine to a local tea shop and taste the chai. You may see Gaddi herders leading their cattle to the high pastures.
After lunch, you continue climbing to your camp in a meadow at Triund. The camp has views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range, so dinner comes with a view.
Trek: 14km | +665m | 8.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Triund Campsite, Triund
Day 7: Triund to Laka Got and back
After morning yoga and meditation, you make a steep ascent to Laka Got at 3,550m. The climb is tough, and the views of the white-capped peaks reward the effort. You then trek back down to Triund.
This is your last night under the stars, so look out for shooting stars.
Trek: 10km | +555m | 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Triund Campsite, Triund
Day 8: Triund to Bhagsu Nag and Dharamsala
After a final yoga session and breakfast, you cross a grassy ridge with a last view of the snow-capped peaks. You descend steeply to the Bhagsu Nallaha stream, where guides help you cross by hopping over boulders.
You reach the ancient temple of Bhagsu Nag, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a freshwater spring running through it. You then transfer to Dharamsala. In the evening, the group shares a celebration dinner at a local restaurant.
Trek: 12km | 4.5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Sky Heaven Resort, Dharamsala
Day 9: Dharamsala to Pathankot
You have a free morning to lie in or explore McLeod Ganj. You could visit the Tibetan market or one of the monasteries. Lunch is your own.
In the afternoon, you transfer to Pathankot and stop for dinner at a local restaurant on the way. You then board the overnight sleeper train back to Delhi.
Drive: 3 hrs
Train: 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Stay: Sleeper train, Pathankot to Delhi
Day 10: Delhi to Agra
You arrive in Delhi early in the morning and take a bus to Agra. In the afternoon, you visit the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
The group shares dinner at a local restaurant in the evening. Lunch is your own.
Drive: 5 to 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Stay: Hotel Surasena Regal Vista, Agra
Day 11: Agra
After breakfast, you drive to Fatehpur Sikri, a red sandstone city 39km from Agra. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You return to Agra and visit Agra Fort.
You share dinner together in the evening. Lunch is your own, and entry fees for Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort are not included.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Stay: Hotel Surasena Regal Vista, Agra
Day 12: Depart
After breakfast, your trip ends. You can make your own way to Delhi airport or start your extension.
Meals: Breakfast
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels for 5 nights, camps for 4 nights and sleeper trains for 2 nights
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Entry to the Taj Mahal
- Luggage transportation on every day of the trek
- A team of local trek guides and a Dream Challenges leader
- Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your trip
- Medical support who will accompany you throughout the trek
I'm worried about signing up on my own…
Please don't be! Many participants sign up for Dalai Lama Trek Northern India solo, and it's a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers. Once you've registered, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group where you can connect with fellow trekkers, share training tips and swap travel plans.
You may also want to reach out in the group to find training partners in your local area.
Is there a minimum/maximum age limit?
Everyone aged 18 and over by the departure date is welcome to join this trekking adventure. If you would like someone under the age of 18 to participate, please contact us at least 17 weeks before departure to discuss options. You can reach us at 01590 646410 or bookings@dream-challenges.com.
What's included?
Your deposit secures your place on the trip and goes towards your trip cost.
Your trip cost covers:
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels for 5 nights, camps for 4 nights and sleeper trains for 2 nights
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Entry to the Taj Mahal
- Luggage transportation on every day of the trek
- A team of trek guides and a Dream Challenges leader
- Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your trip
- Medical support who will accompany you throughout the trek
Accommodation is based on twin-sharing. If you'd prefer a room to yourself, a single supplement is available for £TBC. Please email bookings@dream-challenges.com at least 17 weeks before departure to arrange this.
Do I need special equipment?
Good quality hiking boots with ankle support are essential. We also recommend quick-dry clothing and warm layers for cold mornings and evenings. You'll need to bring your own water bottles or a hydration system.
What other costs will I pay?
In addition to your trip cost, you'll need to budget for:
- Your international flights
- Airport transfers
- Personal travel insurance
- India e-visa (if required for your nationality)
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Any meals not included in the itinerary
- Entry fees for Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort
If you'd like a single supplement, please contact us at bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 at least 17 weeks before departure.
Where will we sleep overnight?
You'll stay in comfortable hotels in Delhi, Dharamsala and Agra, in simple camps on four nights of the trek, and on two overnight sleeper trains. Camps have toilet tents and hot water for washing in the morning and evening. There are no showers or phone charging at camp. Accommodation is based on twin-sharing, but if you'd like a private room, we can arrange a single supplement for £TBC. The camp and train nights are shared, so the single supplement covers the hotel nights only.
Can I pay for a single supplement?
Yes! If you prefer your own room, you can book a single supplement for £TBC. Please email bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) at least 17 weeks before departure to arrange this.
Can I extend my stay at the end of the trip?
Yes. You arrange your own international flights so you can arrive in and leave India when you like. There will be an extension package available to book by 6 months before your trip start date.
What will the group size be?
The trip requires a minimum of 8 participants to run and is limited to 20 participants for an intimate and well-supported experience.
What about insurance and visas?
Travel Insurance
You must arrange personal travel insurance that covers health, accident, loss, cancellation and repatriation. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance as soon as you register to ensure coverage from the moment you book.
Dream Challenges provides details of a recommended insurance policy that covers adventure trekking and cancellation due to medically diagnosed COVID-19. You can find more information here: Dream Challenges Preparation Site (https://www.dream-challenges.com/preparation).
You are also welcome to arrange your own insurance, but it must cover trekking in India, including up to 3,550m. Please check with your insurer to confirm.
Visa
It is your responsibility to obtain a tourist visa for India if required. Please apply well in advance to avoid any delays. UK citizens currently need an e-visa for India, which you apply for online before you travel.
How will you support me?
The Dream Challenges team will support you every step of the way, from signing up to completing the trek. Once registered, you'll receive regular email updates starting six months before departure, covering everything from the itinerary and training plans to kit lists and travel advice. For preparation tips, check out: Dream Challenges Preparation Site (https://www.dream-challenges.com/preparation).
Can you offer travel vaccination advice?
As we're not medical professionals, we can't provide direct vaccination advice. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic for the latest health recommendations. For general travel health guidance, visit the NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.
Choose your style
Selected: Challenger 2027
Available dates: 19th October 2027
Duration: 12 days | 5 trekking
Grade: 4 out of 5
Daily trekking: 10 - 15 km per day
Total distance: 63km
Elevation gain: + 1,800 m
£1,735 pp
Deposit: £174 pp