"Pilgrimage is a journey of risk and renewal. For a journey without challenge has no meaning; one without purpose has no soul."
Pre Tour Extension Nepal
The Pre Extension Tour will cover two important places – Kathmandu and Lumbini, which is the birthplace of Buddha.
DAY 01 (Feb 22):
ARRIVE IN KATMANDU
In the evening, meet to get to know the other travellers. Retire early to bed.
DAY 02 (Feb 23):
OVERNIGHT KATHMANDU (B, L, D)
Orientation will be after breakfast. The group
is welcomed in the traditional Nepalese way followed by debriefing with
Sheena and a chance to meet your guide for Nepal. During the afternoon,
we walk over to
Swayambhunath
, a major Buddhist Stupa on a hilltop.
Free evening.
DAY 03 (Feb 24):
OVERNIGHT KATHMANDU (B, L, D)
We will go to
Boudhnath
to participate in the daily evening prayer ritual of the Tibetans as they circumbulate around another ancient Buddhist Stupa with their prayer beads and move the 147 prayer wheels. After lunch a drive through the medieval city of
Bhaktapur.
Dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant.
DAY 04 (Feb 25):
OVERNIGHT LUMBINI (B, L, D)
(Optional) Early morning flight over Himalayas. Late morning Visit to the Main Durbar and the central part of Kathmandu and catch up with your shopping. We will visit a factory where real pashmina shawls are made and demonstrated and also visit a special home run by an amazing woman who rescues girls and boys who have been sold by their parents in the guise of finding them employement in India, but instead are used for prostitution. She rescues them back, teaches them skills and gets many of them married if the families do not accept them back. This is a good place to give donations.
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DAY 05 (Feb 26):
OVERNIGHT KATHMANDU (B, L, D)
This morning, we fly to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha who was born 2,500 years ago. We will stay in the vicinity of the birthplace amongst the foliage which once was part of the legendary garden of Lumbini, where during 6th century B.C., Maya Devi, Siddhartha’s mother took a dip when her the contractions were getting strong and delivered her son under a tree. The Chief Archeologist of Lumbini will give us a personal tour of this sacred place.
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DAY 06 (Feb 27):
OVERNIGHT KATHMANDU (B, L)
Free morning for meditation or visiting the other Buddhist temples created by countries where Buddhism is the main religion. Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Free Evening.
DAY 07 (Feb 28):
(B)
Morning flight to Mumbai via Delhi. Rest of the day is free.
Main Tour - Soul of India Journey
DAY 0 (Feb 28):
ARRIVE AT INDIA(B)
Depending on your country of origin, you will begin travel your travel to India arriving on March 1th.
DAY 01 (Mar 01):
OVERNIGHT MUMBAI
Upon arrival, each member of your party will be met at the airport by a representative of our hotel Leela, and/or Reconnection Journey Tour company representative and transferred to the hotel for check in. Please note that most international flights usually arrive very late evening.
DAY 02 (Mar 02):
OVERNIGHT AURANGABAD (B,L,D)
We begin our time in India with a morning Orientation Session. We will have an opportunity to meet our tour escort/guide and staff that will be assisting us during our time in India. After lunch we will fly to Aurangabad.
DAY 03 (Mar 03):
OVERNIGHT AURANGABAD (B,L,D)
A morning half day excursion to the Ellora Caves. The gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora, Aurangabad is named after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. From ancient times Aurangabad has been a place of great importance due to it’s location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed across the breadth of Asia to reach Europe. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt.
The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries A.D.), many more richly decorated caves were added to the original group. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence. While we are at the caves there may be a group meditation or silent contemplation. A surprise is in store for us in the evening before dinner.
DAY 04 (Mar 04):
OVERNIGHT AURANGABAD (B,L,D)
Full day excursion to Ajanta caves.
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/khtml/2006/11/05/travel/20061105_CAVES_FEATURE.html
Packed lunch will be provided. Group meeting before or after dinner.
DAY 05 (Mar 05):
OVERNIGHT VARANASI (B, L, D)
Aurangabad/Mumbai/Varanasi (fly) -
Departing for Mumbai in the morning, we will arrive in Varanasi around 15:35 pm. Fly Aurangabad – Mumbai-Varanasi. We will go directly to the hotel and settle in for the night.
DAY 06 (Mar 06):
OVERNIGHT VARANASI (B, L, D)
Varanasi -
In the morning we will visit Sarnath, the spiritual centre of Buddhism (where Buddha gave his first sermon). The ancient ruins are fascinating including the Dhamekh Stupa which is believed to mark the spot where Buddha preached his famous sermon; the archaeological museum is excellent. There is also a monument dedicated to Buddha and a modern Buddhist temple with murals by a Japanese painter depicting the story of the life of Buddha.
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In the early evening, a peaceful boat ride on the ganges on the way to participate in the evening aarti. (Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals and is performed and sung to develop the highest love for God.)
DAY 07 (Mar 07):
OVERNIGHT KHAJURAHO (B,D)
Varanasi / Khajuraho (fly -
Early morning at dawn, we will take a short trip on a large country rowboat on the sacred river Ganges to see the Ghats and witness the living traditions of Hinduism. Pilgrims and locals flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition. Return to your hotels for breakfast, then free time to roam the ghats on your own or visit the famous silk looms similar to the ones when Buddha was alive. Varanasi is world famous for its Benarasi silk saris. In the late afternoon, take a flight to Khajuraho.
DAY 08 (Mar 08):
(B)
Khajuraho -
Khajuraho is the home of the Kama Sutra inspired temples which were built (900-1100 AD.). These temples are patterned according to ancient Hindu mandalas, where temple dancers offered their art in the worship of the Divine and where priests and priestesses practiced the highest form of sacred tantric sex. These were rituals symbolic of male and female elements in the Universe. Full day tour of the temples with the best tour guide in Khajuraho affectionately called “Mamaji”. After sundown , there is a Sound and Light Show depicting the story of the temples which you will enjoy.
DAY 09 (Mar 09):
(B,L,D)
Khajuraho / Orcha / Agra -
After morning meditation board our coach for a 4-hour journey to Orcha. Lunch at Orcha. Catch train from Jhansi 6:00 pm. Arrive Agra 8:00pm. overnight Moghul Sheraton.
DAY 10 (Mar 10):
(B,D)
Khajuraho / Orcha / Agra -
A morning visit to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal glows softly pink at dawn, and at close of day reflects the fiery tints of the setting sun. The Taj in all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration of poets and painters, writers and photographers. Shah Jehan built the Taj in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. No cost was spared to make it the most beautiful monument the world had ever seen. White marble and red sandstone, silver and gold, camelian and jasper, moonstone and jade, lapiz lazuli and coral were fashioned by 20,000 skilled workers to make the emperor's dream a reality. It took 22 years to complete - a symbol of eternal love where Shah Jehan too lies buried, re-united at last with his beloved Mumtaz. We will visit a shop that demonstrates the ancient inlay work in marble seen covering the walls of the Taj Mahal. Free afternoon. Group meeting before or after dinner.
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DAY 11 (Mar 11):
(B,L,D)
Agra / Jaipur -
HOLI.
Wear clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting colour on as this is one of the 5 days of Holi.
The festival of Holi is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. During Holi, the Festival of Colors, to herald the advent of Spring. After lunch begin our 5-hour bus journey to Jaipur stopping en route for tea.
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DAY 12 (Mar 12):
(B,L)
Jaipur -
We will be attending the Elephant Festival in the afternoon. The Jaipur Chaugan (Elephant Festival) is brought alive with elephants, dancers, musicians and onlookers from all around the globe. The Elephant Festival starts with an impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets. Free evening.
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DAY 13 (Mar 13):
(B)
Jaipur -
In the morning, we will do a half-day excursion to the Amber Fort built by the Rajput kings in 1592. Ornately decorated elephants usually take us from the base to the top of the hill to the fort and back. Since the elephants will have gathered for the Festival, we are not sure whether they will be available for the ride to Amber Fort. The fort is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. We will visit the fascinating Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory raised in the 18th century by an astronomer-king. And we will of course enjoy shopping for carpets, jewelry and silks in the afternoon.
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DAY 14 (Mar 14):
Jaipur / Delhi -
After our morning meditation, we will drive back to Delhi stopping en route for lunch. Upon reaching Delhi, we will have just enough time to visit Raj Ghat, which is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is not far away from the banks of River Yamuna. From there we will take you to our hotel for our last night together. Farewell dinner.
DAY 15 (Mar 15):
(B)
Jaipur / Delhi -
This will be the last day in Delhi for shopping. A trip to India is not complete without a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi – Chandni Chowk still reminiscent of olden days with its narrow streets and crowded colourful shops. Transfer to airport late evening for overseas flights just past midnight.
Post Tour Extension Amritsar / Dharamsala
The Post Extension Tour will cover two important places for Sikhs and Buddhists.
DAY 1 (Mar 15):
OVERNIGHT AMRITSAR (B,L,D)
Delhi / Amritsar (Fly) -
For those who are continuing, we will fly from Delhi to Amritsar at 5:30pm. arriving at 6:30pm. We will head directly to the Golden Temple and witness religious traditions of the Sikhs at this sacred site. This will include both a guided tour by one of the Sikh priests as well as time for individuals to explore independently and reflect/meditate. Everyone must cover his or her head to enter the Temple. Shoes and socks are checked with attendants, as everyone walks through water to cleanse their feet before entering the Temple.
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Originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion and a philosopher-saint, came to live and meditate by the peaceful lake. After the passing away of Guru Nanak, his disciples continued to frequent the site; over the centuries it became the primary sacred shrine of the Sikhs. The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Moslem artistic styles, yet represents a unique co-evolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the Golden Temple was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Moslem and Hindu saints. We will have the privilege of eating “langar”, the Sikh communion, where people are fed food no matter what race or nationality one comes from.
DAY 2 (Mar 16):
OVERNIGHT AMRITSAR (B,L)
Amritsar -
In the morning after breakfast, we will take an official tour of the Golden Temple (Gurdwara) and Jalianwala Bagh. We will pay a visit to Jalianwala Bagh, the place where 2,000 Sikhs were invited to celebrate Baisakhi, a big Sikh festival, and then massacred by British soldiers. Many Sikhs in panic had jumped into a well and drowned. Optional visit at night to the Gurdwara. We will witness the moving ceremony of the “Night Palki” when the Adi Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book known as the eleventh and last Guru of the Sikhs, being taken from the inner sanctum and put to bed in another part of the Gurdwara. Free afternoon and evening.
DAY 3 (Mar 17):
OVERNIGHT DHARAMSALA (B,L,D)
Amritsar/Dharamsala (coach) -
In the morning drive on to Dharamsala. Packed lunch will be provided (8 hours. Upon arrival in Dharamsala, we will go through the formalities of getting our identity cards made and purchasing FM radios for the lecture. The British originally built Dharamsala as a hill station in 1840's. With the exodus of the Dalai Lama and many of his countrymen after the Chinese invaded Tibet in 1960 it has become the Tibetan capital-in-exile with a large community of lay people and monks. Dharamsala is also the home of Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Tibetan Buddhists, who is now headquartered at nearby McLeodganj. Also known as the ‘Little Lhasa’, McLeod Ganj is an enchanting world in itself where the spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the message of peace and universal harmony. We will meet with our Guide in the evening to prepare us for our time in Dharamsala.
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Also known as the ‘Little Lhasa’, McLeod Ganj is an enchanting world in itself where the spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the message of peace and universal harmony.
DAY 4 (Mar 18):
OVERNIGHT DHARAMSALA (B,L)
Dharamsala -
We attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings from 9:30 – 12:00am. We are hoping to visit a nunnery for Tibetan nuns run by the sister-in-law of the Dalai Lama. After that an excursion to Norbulingka Institute which is a major center for Buddhist teaching and practical work. Named after the summer residence of the Seventh Dalai Lama, it was set up to ensure the survival of Tibetan Buddhism cultural heritage. Over 100 students learn a variety of crafts in wood, metal, silk and thangka painting. The temple has a 4.5 meter high gilded statue of The Buddha and over 1000 painted images. Free evening.
DAY 5 (Mar 19):
OVERNIGHT DELHI (B,L)
Dharamsala -
(Optional) We attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings from 9:30 – 12:00am. After lunch a visit to the Tibetan Children’s Village.
DAY 6 (Mar 20):
OVERNITE TRAIN FROM PATHANKOT TO DELHI (B,D)
Dharamsala/Pathankot/Delhi (coach and train) -
A free day in Dharamsala to either attend the teachings in the morning or free to explore the area on your own and perhaps find quality thangkas, Tibetan singing bowls, shawls or just browse. Late afternoon we will catch a bus to Pathankot (4 hrs) and then take an overnight sleeper train to Delhi.
DAY 7 (Mar 21):
DELHI (B,D)
Delhi –
We will arrive in Delhi at 8 am. and go straight to our hotel. Have breakfast and rest up in your rooms. This is our last day to catch up with our shopping for ourselves and our friends or perhaps to just laze in the hotel before catching your international flight back to your home country. Farewell dinner. Flights are usually late in the evening or just past midnight.
Main Tour Cost Includes:
Land Price: $3330
Land plus International air from New York or Los Angeles: $4700
Single Supplement: $1050
*Above price is based on a minimum of 15 tour participants
Pre-Extension Tour Nepal Cost Includes: (Need 10 people for this price or a small increment will be charged for fewer participants. This will be determined one month prior to the start of the journey)
Land Price: $1000
Single Supplement: $350
Post-Extension Tour Dharamsala Cost Includes: (Need 10 people for this price or a small increment will be charged for fewer participants. This will be determined one month prior to the start of the journey)
Land Price: $1150
Single Supplement: $350
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Airport meeting
and assistance upon arrival and departure
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Accommodation
at all hotels on twin sharing basis and internal flights
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Meals as outlined
in the itinerary as (B) Buffet breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner.
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Taxes and
service charges at hotels
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All transfers
to or from hotels, excursions by large air conditioned coach
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Entrance fees
to monuments
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Boat ride
on Ganges in Varanasi
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Accompanied
by tour organizer Sheena Singh AND a tour escort/guide. There
will be local guides at some of the places.
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All tips,
gratuities, portage. Tip is extra for the tour escort/guide.
Not included items:
Airline ticket – International (approx $1400)
Airline ticket – Delhi – Kathmandu – Delhi (290) – Mumbai ($150 For people on Nepal Extension)
Hotel in Delhi for overnight stay to go to Nepal (approx $150-$200)
stay to go to Nepal
Visa fees to Nepal or India
Individual airport meeting, assistance and transfer ($35 both ways)
Trip Cancellation Insurance – highly recommended
Cancellation/Refund policy for Individual Travelers
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Cancel more than 60 days prior to departure – 100% of payments to that point minus $200 administration costs.
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Cancel between 30-60 days prior to departure – forfeit deposit + airline tickets purchased in India for internal flights
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Cancel less than 30 days prior to departure – NO REFUND of tour cost
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No refunds are available for unused services during your trip.
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