Grand Indian Mountain Railways Expedition
27 December – 9 January
A curated winter rail expedition across India’s most evocative mountain railways, combining exclusive charter operations, colonial hill stations and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
A Journey Through India’s Mountain Rail Heritage
This unique winter expedition brings together three of North India’s most celebrated mountain railways, offering an immersive experience into the golden age of narrow-gauge travel. From exclusive steam charters in the Eastern Himalayas to scenic valley railways beneath snow-capped peaks in Kangra Valley and the elegant colonial charm of Shimla, the journey blends railway heritage with cultural discovery.
Designed for railway enthusiasts and heritage travellers alike, this carefully curated programme combines private charter operations, scheduled mountain rail journeys, handpicked hotels and seamless internal flights..
Travel during the festive season adds a special atmosphere to the journey, with New Year celebrations in Darjeeling and cool winter air enhancing the Himalayan panorama
ITINERARY
27 December – Arrival in Delhi / Siliguri Passengers arrive in Bagdogra where they are met and assisted before boarding a charter bus to Siliguri. In the afternoonl, the group transfers to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to board a private diesel charter operating between NJP and Siliguri. In the evening, guests enjoy a specially arranged dining charter before an overnight stay in Siliguri.
28 December – Siliguri / Tindharia A private charter operates from Siliguri to Tindharia, offering a scenic ascent into the Himalayan foothills. Guests enjoy a traditional thali lunch followed by an exclusive visit to the historic railway workshop (subject to permission). Overnight stay in Siliguri.
29 December – Tindharia / Kurseong The private charter continues from Tindharia to Kurseong, showcasing one of the most spectacular sections of mountain railway alignment. Guests have time at leisure to explore Kurseong before an overnight stay there.
30 December – Kurseong / Darjeeling The charter proceeds from Kurseong to Darjeeling, one of India’s most iconic hill stations. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.
31 December & 1 January – Darjeeling (Free Days) Two full days are at leisure to explore Darjeeling independently. Guests may visit tea estates, enjoy Himalayan views, explore local markets or relax in the colonial atmosphere of the town. New Year’s Eve will be celebrated in a traditional English-style pub in Darjeeling. Overnight stays in Darjeeling.
2 January – Darjeeling / Delhi / Amritsar / Pathankot Guests transfer to Bagdogra Airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, they board the evening IndiGo flight to Amritsar. From Amritsar, a tempo traveller transfers the group to Pathankot for an overnight stay.
3 January – Pathankot / Palampur / Joginder Nagar The journey continues by train from Pathankot to Palampur before boarding the Kangra Valley Railway train to Joginder Nagar. After the rail journey, guests return to Palampur by coach for an overnight stay.
4 January – Dharamshala Excursion A full-day excursion to Dharamshala explores the scenic and cultural highlights of the region before returning to Palampur for the night.
5 January – Palampur / Chandigarh Transfer to Kangra Airport for a scheduled flight to Chandigarh. Overnight stay in Chandigarh.
6 January – Kalka / Shimla Transfer to Kalka to board the Kalka–Shimla Railbus for a picturesque mountain railway journey to Shimla. Overnight stay in Shimla.
7 January – Shimla (Free Day) A full day at leisure in Shimla to explore the historic hill station. Overnight stay in Shimla.
8 January – Shimla / Kalka / Delhi Travel from Shimla to Kalka by railbus, followed by the Shatabdi Express to Delhi. Overnight stay in Delhi.
9 January – Delhi Visit to the Delhi Railway Museum and sightseeing of historic Delhi. An optional excursion to Agra will be available. Overnight stay in Delhi.
Pricing & Section Options
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Section (27 Dec – 1 Jan)
Twin Share: £1,495
Single Supplement: £375
Kangra Valley & Himalayan Foothills Section (2 Jan – 5 Jan)
Twin Share: £745
Single Supplement: £195
Kalka–Shimla Mountain Railway Section (6 Jan – 9 Jan)
Twin Share: £1,050
Single Supplement: £225
Complete 14-Day Grand Expedition
Twin Share: £2,999
Single Supplement: £795
All prices include internal flights within India, charter train operations, tour management services, group tipping fund and accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
What’s Included
● All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary (twin-sharing basis)
● Private charter operations on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
● NJP–Siliguri private diesel special
● Exclusive dining charter experience
● Scheduled journey on the Kangra Valley Railway
● Railbus travel on the Kalka–Shimla Railway
● Shatabdi Express rail travel (Kalka–Delhi)
● Internal flights within India as specified (Bagdogra–Delhi, Delhi–Amritsar, Kangra–Chandigarh)
● All transfers and overland transport as detailed
● New Year’s Eve celebration in Darjeeling
● Services of a UK Tour Manager
● Services of an experienced Indian rail coordinator
● Group tipping fund (drivers, porters and service staff)
● Visit to the Delhi Railway Museum
● All railway permissions and charter arrangements
What’s Not Included
● International flights to/from India
● Any pre-tour domestic flight to Bagdogra
● Indian visa fees
● Travel insurance (mandatory)
● Alcoholic beverages and personal bar expenses
● Meals not specifically mentioned
● Optional Agra excursion
● Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, room service etc.)
● Excess baggage charges on domestic flights
● Camera/video permit fees where applicable
● Costs arising from weather disruption, railway operational changes or force majeure
● Any services not specifically mentioned under 'What’s Included'
● Charter operations and workshop visits are subject to final railway permissions and operational approval. The tour commences in Bagdogra and concludes in Delhi.