All Aboard the Himalayan Toy Train

Winding through 96km of breathtaking landscape from India’s northern plains up to the hill town of Shimla, the Himalayan Toy Train is one of the world’s greatest train journeys.

Completed in 1903, it was built by the British so they could leave the humidity of the city for the temperate coolness of the mountains during the summer, and was such a feat of narrow gauge engineering that it is now heralded as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Our WAFA programmes join the journey at Solan, where you will be able to board the Himalayan Queen for the spectacular last 55km to Shimla. Make sure you sit on the right hand side of the train to see the very best views of the forested, snow-covered Himalayas, (the top speed rarely exceeds 20 mph so you will have plenty of photo opportunities), and enjoy the novelty of jumping off to buy a cup of chai or a dish of channa daal (chickpeas) when the train stops at the many stations en route.

Michael Portillo made the  journey for a BBC series last year and was blown away by the experience, as you can see in this clip.  And if watching it makes your feet itch, why not book your own place on our WAFA & Beyond the Pink City Extension?