Package

The Sikh Saga: Hola Mohalla Festival & Golden Temple

Theme type: Festivals & Celebrations

About

Delhi, the capital of India, is a dynamic metropolis that blends ancient history with modernity. As a sprawling city with a rich cultural heritage, Delhi is home to iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Qutub Minar, which reflect its historical grandeur. The city serves as a major political, economic, and cultural hub, featuring bustling markets like Chandni Chowk, upscale areas like Connaught Place, and diverse neighborhoods. Delhi is known for its vibrant street food scene, diverse cultural festivals, and extensive public transport network. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for exploring its myriad attractions and experiencing its energetic ambiance.

Unique Experiences

Sectors Covered: Delhi II Chandigarh II Anandpur Sahib II Amritsar II Gurdaspur (Farm Stay) II Dharamshala II Shimla II Delhi Departure. 

Festival Calendar Dates (Dates may vary):

  • 04th March 2026
  • 22nd March 2027
  • 11th March 2028
  • 01st March 2029 

Hola Mohalla is a three-day Sikh festival celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab, after Holi, featuring military-style mock battles, martial arts, and horse-riding displays to showcase bravery and courage. Established by Guru Gobind Singh, the festival translates to "the charge of an army" and includes daring feats like Gatka (mock sword fights), tent-pegging, and community langars (free meals). It serves as a reminder of the importance of being both a saint and a soldier. The festival's name, "Hola Mohalla," translates to "the charge of an army" and conveys a message of courage and readiness. It encourages participants to embody a combination of spiritual devotion and warrior-like strength. 

  • Visit to Delhi, the awesome blend of modern and traditional.
  • Visit to Anandpur Sahib, the holy city of bliss and join the celebration of Hola Mohalla festival
  • Witness beating the retreat ceremony at Wagha Border (Indo-Pak boarder).
  • Experience the rural life of India during the farm stay in Gurdaspur.
  • Visit the summer capital of British India, Shimla

Destinations

Delhi Day 1-3
Chandigarh Day 3-4
Anandpur Sahib Day 4-6
Amritsar Day 6-8
Gurdaspur Day 8-9
Dharamshala Day 9-12
Shimla Day 12-15
Delhi Day 15-16

The best time to visit

Delhi October to March
Amritsar October to March
Chandigarh October to March
Shimla March to June & September to November
Gurdaspur October to March
Dharamshala March to June & September to November
Anandpur Sahib October to March
Day 1
DAY 01 || 28 FEB 2026 || SAT || ARRIVE DELHI || INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

Welcome to the capital city Delhi, India. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and assisted by our company representative at airport. After traditional welcome transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
DAY 02 || 01 MAR 2026 || SUN ||DELHI

After breakfast proceed for guided city tour of Old and New Delhi. Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi which was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries. Visit Jama Masjid, the Royal Mosque which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes followed by a short walk in the main street of Old Delhi - the colourful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk. Drive past the Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Proceed for a brief visit to Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial. In the afternoon visit New Delhi - the imperial city created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi. You will drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan is where the Viceroy once lived and now is the official residence of the President of India and India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honor of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Later visit Humayun’s Tomb & Qutub Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage site), a soaring tower of victory which is 72.5 meters high and has five distinct stories. Later you will be taken for a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Sikh temple), is the most prominent Sikh shrines, known for its golden dome, peaceful atmosphere, and the holy Sarovar (water tank). Located near Connaught Place, it welcomes visitors of all faiths and is renowned for its community kitchen (Langar) that serves free meals to thousands daily. Your tour ends with a visit to Khan Market an upscale, U-shaped market established in 1951 originally a market for refugees, it has evolved into one of India's most expensive retail locations and is named after freedom fighter Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, the brother of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan. It is known for high-end boutiques, bookstores, and gourmet food options, making it a popular hangout for expats, diplomats, and affluent locals. It also offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bakeries making it a perfect spot to end the day. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 3
DAY 03 || 02 MAR 2026 || MON || DELHI - CHANDIGARH || TRAIN

Early morning transfer to railway station to board your train Kalka Shatabdi (Dep 07:40/Arr 11:00 Hrs) to Chandigarh. Upon arrival in Chandigarh transfer to your hotel and get some rest. Later in the afternoon start half day city tour of Chandigarh and visit the famous Rock Garden, is a remarkable open-air sculpture park in Chandigarh, India, created by Nek Chand Saini. He began building it secretly in 1957 using industrial and household waste — things like broken tiles, glass bangles, ceramic pots and discarded sanitary ware. It now stretches over about 40 acres and features winding pathways, waterfalls, courtyards and thousands of sculptures made from recycled materials.  followed by scenic Sukhna Lake excursion. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4
DAY 04 || 03 MAR 2026 || TUE || CHANDIGARH - ANANDPUR SAHIB || 130 KMS/2 HRS 35 MINS

After breakfast check out and drive to Anandpur Sahib, is one of the most important sacred places of the Sikhs and is closely linked with their religious traditions and history. The ninth Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur founded Anandpur Sahib in 1665, near the ruins of ancient Makhowa. Overnight at the camp.

Day 5
DAY 05 || 04 MAR 2026 || WED || ANANDPUR SAHIB (HOLA MOHALLA)

Today you will Witness the Hola Mohalla festival, is a vibrant Sikh festival celebrated annually, primarily at Anandpur Sahib, usually in March - just after the Hindu festival of Holi. It was introduced by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, as a day of mock battles and martial displays to encourage courage, discipline and the martial spirit among Sikhs. During the festival you will witness Grand processions with drums, weapons and mounted horsemen, martial arts demonstrations (like Gatka), sword-fighting, horse-riding stunts. Community meals (langar) where everyone – regardless of background - eats together, embodying Sikh values of equality and service. Overnight at the camp.

Day 6
DAY 06 || 05 MAR 2026 || THU || ANANDPUR SAHIB - AMRITSAR || 185 KMS/3 HRS 30 MINS

Today check out and drive to Amritsar, is a vibrant cultural and spiritual center best known as the home of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the holiest shrine of Sikhism. Founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the city beautifully blends history, devotion, and tradition. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. In the evening enjoy food walk in the lanes of Amritsar. It is a delightful culinary journey through the city’s vibrant streets, offering authentic Punjabi flavours. From Amritsari kulcha and chole to melt-in-the-mouth jalebis, lassi, and the famous kada prasad at the Golden Temple, it showcases traditional recipes and legendary eateries. It’s the perfect way to explore Amritsar’s culture through its rich and soulful cuisine. On this evening visit with a local guide, you can watch the nightly ceremony unfold in Golden Temple. The temple is arguably at its best at night, when it’s illuminated and the central promenade leading to the inner sanctum is lit with strings of lights. Chanting begins as the book is placed upon an embroidered pillow and carried to the Akal Takht, a five-tiered marble building, to rest for the night. Your guide will explain the ritual as you watch the procession pass by. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7
DAY 07 || 06 MAR 2026 || FRI || AMRITSAR

After breakfast morning visit to Golden Temple complex again, a visit to the Golden Temple is not complete without a visit to the community kitchen (langar). The kitchen is open 24 hours/day and feeds 100,000 people each day. The kitchen is open 24 hours/day and feeds 100,000 people each day. Later visit Jallianwala Bagh it is a historic garden and ‘memorial of national importance’, preserved in the memory of those wounded and killed in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that occurred on the site on the festival of Vaisakhi, 13 April 1919. After the temple you will visit the Partition Museum a dedicated memorial to the 1947 Partition of India, showcasing personal stories, photographs, documents, and artifacts from survivors. Located near Town Hall, it offers a moving and immersive experience, preserving the memories and impact of one of the largest human migrations in history. From here you will further procced to Durgiana Temple, is a Hindu religious site, where devotees pay tribute to warrior goddess Durga; wealth goddess Lakshmi; and Vishnu, the protector of the universe. On your way inside, pay attention to the exquisite silver doors, depicting holy figures. The distinctive feature is responsible for Durgiana Temple's nickname as the Silver Temple. In the late afternoon travel to Wagah Border to watch the lowering of the flags ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border which is a daily military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan have jointly followed since 1959. It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry, as well as brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations. If time permits you can optional visit to Gobindgarh Fort, more than 250 years old, the Gobindgarh Fort has become one of the most iconic symbols of Punjab. The heritage site hails from a time when the Indian subcontinent was divided into small principalities and ruled by kings. At one point, some 12,000 soldiers manned the fort to protect Amritsar from potential invaders. In modern days, Gobindgarh Fort has transformed into an educational attraction dedicated to the history and culture of Amritsar. The complex contains four museums, including a Warfare Museum showcasing rare weapons, a Turban Museum explaining headgear from the region, and a Sikh Art Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8
DAY 08 || 07 MAR 2026 || SAT|| AMRITSAR - GURDASPUR || 75 KM/1 HR 25 MINS

Today check-out and drive to Gurdaspur, a historic district known for its cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and spiritual significance. Bordered by the rivers Beas and Ravi, it serves as a gateway to the Himalayas and neighboring Jammu & Kashmir. The district is home to several historic gurdwaras, temples, and colonial-era landmarks. Gurdaspur also played a notable role during India’s independence movement. Its tranquil villages, fertile fields, and warm Punjabi traditions make it a charming blend of history, spirituality, and rural beauty. Upon arrival in Gurdaspur check into a Farmhouse to experience the rural Indian life. You may choose to go for village ride on tractor, milking the cow/buffalo, picking the eggs, plucking fruits/vegetables, sowing / harvesting / weeding etc. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight at farm house.

Day 9
DAY 09 || 08 MAR 2026 || SUN || GURDASPUR - DHARAMSHALA || 130 KMS/3 HRS 25 MINS

Today you will check out and drive to Dharamshala, is a serene hill station known for its scenic beauty, Tibetan culture, and spiritual ambience. It serves as the residence of the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, making it a hub of Buddhist learning and meditation. Surrounded by cedar forests and views of the Dhauladhar range, Dharamshala offers a blend of spirituality, nature, and vibrant local life. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10
DAY 10 || 09 MAR 2026 || MON || DHARAMSHALA

Today explore Mcleodganj, located above Dharamshala, is a charming hill town known as “Little Lhasa” for its strong Tibetan influence. It is home to the Dalai Lama and a vibrant Tibetan community. The town is famous for its monasteries, colorful markets, and stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountains, offering a perfect mix of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. The place is famous for some vibrant Tibetan Restaurants, souvenir shops and handicraft markets. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11
DAY 11 || 10 MAR 2026 || TUE || DHARAMSHALA

Today spend exploring more of the region's unique cultural sites and natural beauty by visiting Norbulingka Institute, a beautiful cultural center dedicated to preserving Tibetan art and literature. See the workshops where artisans practice traditional crafts like thangka painting and wood carving, and visit the "Seat of Happiness Temple". Dharamshala Cricket Stadium (HPCA Stadium), one of the highest and most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains in the backdrop. Then proceed for a visit to War Memorial & Tea Gardens, pay respects at the War Memorial surrounded by pine forests. Afterwards, take a walk through the lush green Dharamshala tea gardens, the smallest tea region in India. Head to Naddi village in the evening to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Dhauladhar range. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12
DAY 12 || 11 MAR 2026 || WED || DHARAMSHALA - SHIMLA || 240 KMS/7 HRS

Today you will drive to Shimla, is a picturesque hill station once known as the “Summer Capital of British India.” Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests, it is famous for its colonial architecture, bustling Mall Road, and scenic viewpoints. With its cool climate and charming heritage buildings, Shimla remains one of India’s most popular hill destinations. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13
DAY 13 || 12 MAR 2026 || THU || SHIMLA

After breakfast, begin your day with a scenic drive through Shimla’s charming streets surrounded by pine and deodar trees visiting Jakhoo Temple, located atop Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Enjoy panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas and the town below. Later explore Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapathi Niwas) - closed on Mondays, a magnificent colonial building once used by the British Viceroy with its historic architecture, manicured gardens, and museum exhibits. Learn about the region’s art, culture, and history through traditional artifacts, paintings, and sculptures at Himachal State Museum. Afternoon stroll through the Ridge, Shimla’s iconic open space with colonial charm and visit Christ Church, one of North India’s oldest churches. Shop for souvenirs, woollens, and local handicrafts on Mall Road. Evening enjoy a beautiful sunset view from Scandal Point, where the Ridge meets Mall Road. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14
DAY 14 || 13 MAR 2026 || FRI || SHIMLA - KUFRI - SHIMLA || 16 KM/45 MINS – ONE WAY

Today proceed for an excursion to Kufri, a scenic hill spot offering breathtaking views and adventure activities. Visit Kufri Fun World, go horse riding to Mahasu Peak, or enjoy a walk through the lush trails. Return to Shimla for an overnight stay. Rest of the evening free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15
DAY 15 || 14 MAR 2026 || SAT|| SHIMLA - KALKA - DELHI || 90 KM/2 HRS & TRAIN

After breakfast check out and drive to Kalka railway station to board your train Kalka Shatabdi (Dep 17:45/Arr 21:55 Hrs) to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16
DAY 16 || 15 MAR 2026 || SUN || DELHI DEPARTURE || INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Delhi international airport for onward journey.

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