Travel: Trekking around the Himalayan foothills in northern India

Published: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 3:40 pm

A Journey Through Northern India: Spirituality and Culture

A recent 13-day tour through northern India offered a deep dive into the region's rich tapestry of spirituality and culture. The journey, which included travel by train, car, and foot, immersed travelers in the heart of Hindu and Sikh traditions, as well as the legacy of the Beatles' time in the area.

The trip began in Haridwar, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site on the Ganges River. Here, devotees participate in rituals of purification, offering prayers and washing away sins in the sacred waters. The tour then explored Rishikesh, the "yoga capital of the world," and the abandoned ashram where the Beatles once resided, writing many of their iconic songs.

The journey continued to Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, the most revered religious center in Sikhism. Visitors witnessed the temple's community kitchen, which provides free meals to tens of thousands daily, and observed the nightly ritual of putting the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, to rest.

The tour also included a visit to Dharamshala, the residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Travelers explored the temple complex and observed the practices of Buddhist monks. The trip offered a glimpse into the Dalai Lama's teachings on peace and compassion.

Throughout the journey, the tour group encountered the warmth and hospitality of the local people, from the Sikh host family who shared their home and traditions to the women-run cafe serving regional cuisine. The trip provided a unique opportunity to experience the diverse spiritual and cultural landscape of northern India.

BNN's Perspective: This journey offers a fascinating look at the intersection of spirituality, history, and culture in northern India. The emphasis on community, hospitality, and the enduring power of faith provides a hopeful perspective in a world often marked by division.

Keywords: India, Himalayas, Ganges River, Hindu, Sikh, Beatles, Golden Temple, Dalai Lama, Amritsar, Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Pilgrimage, Spirituality, Culture, Travel.

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