Amritsar Tours and Trips

The Kolkata to Amritsar tour was a fantastic experience. If this is the first time to India, the traffic is nothing we’ve experienced before, and an initial shock, but it does work, very little accidents (goodness knows how) and you will get use to it. Highlights were, the Golden Temple, Agra Red Fort, the Taj Mahal, city tour of Kolkata (inc Mother Theresa orphanage) We added the Ranthambhore tiger trailing at the end of this holiday which was fantastic and a highlight. Be prepared for long hours on Indian trains, as the distance travelled was extensive. Most journeys are around 5 hours long and the overnight train is 14 hours! The toy train is a bit of a bone shaker and uncomfortable, but an experience (not one I’d want to repeat) Most of the hotels are clean and comfortable. The one in Bodhgaya is not good, but we understand we’re the last to be staying at this hotel on this tour as it is being changed. The one in Varanasi, is ok, but needs to be closer to the Ganges, as it is a 30-40 minute Tuck tuck ride away. Raj our guide was fabulous. He guided us through the very busy areas with his extensive expertises and with professionalism. He helped to book activities during our free time during the tour and between plane journeys. This was extremely helpful and kind of him. He also escorted us on the optional Kolkata city tour in his rest time. Overall India is an experience you won’t forget, so if you are undecided if to go or not, just do it!

This trip is not for the faint hearted! The majority in my group were 'returners' to India and for me this was my third visit. Having visited various parts of India before was helpful in recognising the difference India's Little Tibet offers to the rest of India, geologically, culturally, socially and in its cuisine. The high altitudes were at times a little challenging for some but the reasonably slow acclimatisation to increased height was very helpful as we ascended the high mountain passes. Having never visited the Himalayas before or indeed many parts of the world higher than Snowdon (!), I found the scenery breath taking. The skill of our drivers in negotiating what must, at times, have been challenging roads to drive was exemplary. I always felt safe even in the presence of mountain rubble on the road side.

Accommodation at Alchi was substandard unclean and way below the all other hotels etc on the trip (hotel Zimskang). We were in the old wing of hotel for one night. This was clearly needing a complete overhaul and cleaning within it was way below a standard. The stairs to the first floor were marble with no handrails and had a big chip out the top step. On second night we were moved to the new wing (main hotel) the fabric of the building was 100% better however there was still cleaning issues. The bin in the room had not been emptied and general cleaning was not great. The visit to Alchi was well worth it however another hotel should be used and there were some in the village. This was main reason why I gave accommodation an average score this would have been good or above if it had not been for Hotel Zimskang.

When Air India cancelled all their flights on 24 June, Explore quickly got me an alternative flight with British Airways on the following day. I and another couple were picked up at Amritsar and taken straight to Dharamsala to join the rest of the group so we only lost one day of the trip. I can't thank Explore enough for their prompt action.

Itinerary was exactly as stated. We had problems with flights as the air space had been closed down. Explore were outstanding in getting us alternative flights and we caught up with the group only a day late. Top marks explore.

On the train journeys, my friend and I were often separated, even though we had booked the holiday together. Sometimes we could swap with others, but I am surprised that we were not booked on the trains as a pair, travelling together as friends. Otherwise an excellent trip.