We leave the mountains early this morning and begin our journey toward Amritsar, the spiritual center of Sikhism and one of the most meaningful stops on our route.

Our plan is to depart around 8:00 am and take a 5-hour drive straight to the border. At Wagah-Attari, we will witness the famous daily border-closing ceremony between India and Pakistan. Soldiers from both countries perform a dramatic and highly choreographed series of marches, salutes, and synchronized movements as the two national flags are lowered.

It is patriotic, theatrical, energetic, and completely unique, while still carrying deep significance for both countries.

After the ceremony, we continue into Amritsar and visit the Golden Temple at night. Covered in gold and reflected in the sacred pool surrounding it, the temple is especially beautiful after dark.

We will finish the evening with dinner at a good authentic Amritsar restaurant, because after a Himalayan morning, a cross-country drive, a border ceremony, and the Golden Temple, we will definitely have earned it.

OVERNIGHT: Fairfield by Marriott or similar

MEALS: Breakfast