Drive or take a morning train from New Delhi to Amritsar; by car/train plan for 6–8 hours depending on traffic. Leaving early maximises time in Amritsar.
The spiritual heart of Sikhism with the free langar and beautiful gold shrine; open 24/7 but late afternoon/early evening is atmospheric. Remove shoes and follow dress guidelines.
Historic memorial to the 1919 massacre adjacent to the Golden Temple; generally open ~6:00am–7:00pm — visit in late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours and crowds.
Patriotic Beating Retreat ceremony at the India–Pakistan border; timings change with sunset (typically 4:30pm–6:30pm), so check the local daily schedule and allow 45–60 minutes travel each way.
Scenic drive of around 4.5–6 hours (approx 200–250 km) depending on route and stops; expect mountain roads entering Kangra Valley as you approach Dharamshala.
Spiritual centre and residence of the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj — prayer halls, flags and monks; visitor hours generally 9:00am–5:00pm, check for teaching schedules.
Learn Tibetan exile history at the museum (typically 10:00am–4:30pm) and browse McLeod Ganj markets for handicrafts, prayer flags and thangka paintings.
Scenic 2–3 hour drive to Khajjiar (the 'Mini Switzerland of India') where you can walk the plateau and enjoy pine-forested views; Khajjiar is accessible all day.
Leisurely walk along Mall Road, browse bakeries and shops, and visit Subhash Bowli and Gandhi Chowk viewpoints; shops typically open from 9:00am–9:00pm.
Visit Dainkund for sunrise views and Pancapula for waterfalls and streams; outdoor sites are accessible daylight hours, best visited morning-to-afternoon.
Early start for the long drive/transfer to Pathankot station/airport for connections to Delhi; road travel to Delhi is roughly 10–12 hours from Dalhousie by car.