When most people think of India, they envision the bustling crowds and metropolis of Calcutta. Or they envision the majestic Taj Mahal. What most people forget is that North India is home to the Himalayas in Himachal, also known as the Switzerland of North India. The Himalayas not only are one of the most splendid sites in North India that a visitor should see, but a place that any naturalist, climber or outdoors person will want to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Himachal is one of the most beautiful states in India and has some of the finest scenery. You'll be in awe at the presence of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, the flower-laden valleys that sit between the mountains, and the resplendent blue skies of Himachal. You'll also travel to Pradesh where you'll have another view of the soaring Himalayas. During your Himachal Pradesh tour you'll also have a chance to visit some of North India's ancient temples, monuments and other sites.

The 10-night, 11-day tour program of Himachal Pradesh will start in Delhi, home to architectures that rival those in Athens, Rome and Istanbul. From Delhi you'll travel to Chandigarh India's famous architectural city designed by Swiss Architect le Corbusier - which is how Himachal Pradesh got the name the "Switzerland of India". Your next stop will be Dalhousie, one can have a great view of the valleys crossed by rivers Chenab, Ravi and Beas and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Dalhousie was previously the recreation center of the British and now, many Tibetans have emigrated here. Many of the highlights of the Himachal Pradesh tour is a trip to Chamba which lies at the foot of the Himalayas, and Khajjiar, where you will get to see the Khajjiar temples. While in Dharamshala, you will visit important spiritual spots like the residence of the Dalai Lama. Then it's on to Manali, also known as the ?Queen of the Mountains?. While in Manali, you'll visit the old Hadimba Devi temple, the Vashist sulphur bath and the Tibetan monastery. Next stop: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh' capital state. This is where you want to buy up some of the handmade items that are ideal gifts to take back home. You'll also have time to visit the beautiful surrounding cities of Kurfi and Chail before travelling back to Delhi.

So now, when you hear someone talk about the Himalayas, and you conger up visions of sherpas backpacking with llamas up into the ragged, snow-covered crests of the world's highest mountains, remember: you can be there and experience it for yourself! Now you have a once-in-lifetime chance to enjoy the beauty of Switzerland and the exotic atmosphere of North India when you book Classic Holidays? Himachal Pradesh tour today at