Spiritual North India

9 NIGHT(S)

A spiritual journey through North India, tracing sacred rivers, golden temples and ancient cities steeped in devotion and ritual.

Your journey begins in the sacred foothills of the Himalayas, flying from Delhi to Dehradun and settling in Rishikesh, the spiritual heart of India. Here, where the Ganges flows clear and serene, witness the mesmerising evening aarti ceremony and meet local priests at an ancient ashram.

Continue north to Amritsar, home to the resplendent Golden Temple, where pilgrims bathe in holy waters and thousands share a meal in the vast community kitchen. Visit the poignant Jallianwala Bagh memorial and return in the evening for the peaceful Palki Sahib ceremony, when the Guru Granth Sahib is carried to rest.

Fly onward to Delhi to explore its rich spiritual diversity, from the serene Lotus Temple and tranquil Sacred Heart Cathedral to the colourful Lakshmi Narayan Temple and the Sikh haven of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

Your pilgrimage culminates in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and the spiritual heart of Hinduism. Drift along the Ganges at sunrise and sunset, witnessing the cycle of devotion and life along its sacred ghats. Visit nearby Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, before ending your journey with quiet reflection and a final glimpse of India’s enduring spirituality.

Show More

Trip Highlights

  • Witness the riverside ritual of fire and prayer as lamps float across the sacred Ganges.

  • Marvel at the shimmering shrine and its vast community kitchen serving thousands daily.

  • Discover Delhi’s sacred sites, from the serene Lotus Temple to the vibrant Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.

  • Drift past ancient ghats in Varanasi as pilgrims greet the dawn with chants and offerings.

  • Visit the tranquil site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.

  • When to go

    The best time to visit North India is from October to March, when the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for sightseeing and spiritual experiences. Avoid May to September, when high heat and monsoon rains can disrupt travel, particularly in Rishikesh and Varanasi.

    BEST TIME TO VISIT

    "Traveling through India with a tailor-made itinerary and private guide was an unforgettable experience. Every detail was perfectly planned to suit my interests and pace."

    – Humboldt Client

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Dehradun, India
    Arrive in India

    After landing in Delhi, you will board a domestic flight to Dehradun, before being transferred to your hotel for the next two nights.

    1
    Rishikesh, India
    Discover Rishikesh

    Enjoy the morning at leisure before exploring Rishikesh in the afternoon with your guide and experience the evening Ganga Aarti, a devotional fire ceremony on the river.

    You will also visit an ashram for an interaction with a priest.

    2
    Amritsar, India
    Travel to Amritsar

    Today you will fly to Amritsar, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights.

    3
    Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, India
    Explore Amritsar

    Enjoy an early visit to the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine, and its community kitchen serving 80,000 meals daily. Continue to Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial to the 1919 massacre.

    In the evening, visit the Golden Temple for the Palki Sahib Ceremony when the Guru Granth Sahib is carried to rest.

    4
    The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, India
    Transfer to Delhi

    Fly back to Delhi and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

    5
    Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Delhi, India
    Spiritual Delhi

    In the morning, your guide will take you to visit the Lotus Temple, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Bodhi Temple.

    In the afternoon, explore the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, learning about Sikh traditions.

    6
    Overview of hotel, Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India
    Travel to Varanasi

    Fly to Varanasi, where you will be transferred straight to your hotel for the next two nights.

    Enjoy an evening boat ride on the Ganges with a private blessing and attend the Ganga Aarti.

    7
    Holy ghats of Varanasi, India
    Explore Varanasi

    Enjoy a morning boat ride and guided walking tour through the old city and ghats.

    In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the on-site museum.

    In the evening, you have the option for a walk along the river for sunset prayers.

    8
    Jama Masjid, Delhi, India
    Travel back to Delhi

    Enjoy the morning at leisure before your flight to Delhi.

    9
    Aeroplane home
    Fly home

    Transfer to the international terminal for your onward flight.

    10

    Where to stay

    Taj Anand Kashi, India
    Taj Anand Kashi
    Taj Amritsar, India
    Taj Amritsar
    The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, India
    The Imperial
    Overview of hotel, Nadesar Palace, Varanasi, India
    Nadesar Palace

    Interested in Exclusive Use properties?

    Why Travel with Us

    A truly personalised service

    We offer a truly personalised service providing a more authentic, caring experience. As a family-run business, we like to treat our guests like an extended part of our family rather than just clients.

    Tried and tested expert knowledge

    Our team have visited and experienced every region we sell. We design your holiday using this first-hand knowledge, ensuring you have the benefit of our specialist’s depth of experience.

    Luxury travel with a conscience

    We believe that luxury travel can be a force for good, creating transformative experiences that give back; enriching lives, uplifting local economies, and preserving the planet’s most precious places.

    Don’t just take our word for it

    At Humboldt we go the extra mile and pay attention to the smaller details so that your trip is individually crafted with care.

    Independent Service Rating based on 296 verified reviews.

    1 June 2026

    Great service start to finish - true experts

    17 April 2026

    The Golden Galapagos - Trip of a Lifetime!

    Lisa Z

    16 April 2026

    14 March 2026

    Excellent service and unique personalised itinerary.

    Rob Masson

    6 March 2026

    Going to South American, Speak to Humbolt travel

    Paul Edmondson

    27 February 2026

    Colombia trip with Humboldt Travel

    Siwan Jones

    11 February 2026

    Trip of a Lifetime to Antarctica & Chile Patagonia!!!

    9 February 2026

    Excellent adventure in Brazil

    John and Katie Wilkinson

    26 January 2026

    Peru - high Andes and Lima

    Pam Cowan

    22 January 2026

    The Peru Adventure

    22 January 2026

    PROUDLY FEATURED IN
    Amritsar, India

    Chat to us to start planning your adventure

    Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.