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Spiritual Tour of India

Tuesday, February 12 - Sunday, February 24, 2019 12 nights

Overview

India is a fascinating and spiritual country, where a mix of religions blend. On this tour, you will get to the heart of three of India's most important religious traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.

Start by touring the incredible metropolis of Delhi, before heading to Jaipur and Agra, all stops on the classic Golden Triangle tour. As well as visiting the beautiful historic monuments, you'll get the chance to stay in a local homestay and visit an elephant sanctuary.

Head up to Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, an important Sikh center of worship. From there, drive into the foothills of the Himalayas and spend a few immersive days in a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Take a short day trek in the mountains for fabulous views of the Himalayas.

Travel by overnight train to Rishikesh, to enjoy several days of yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and massage along the banks of the River Ganga, before returning to Delhi.

HIGHLIGHTS

Attend the sacred "Aarti" ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River
Explore Buddhism among the snow-capped Himalayas in Dharamsala
Hear the Dalai Lama give a short teaching from the Jataka Tales at the Main Tibetan Temple
Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest shrine in Sikhism
Experience the classic Golden Triangle from a sustainable tourism perspective
Enjoy thoughtfully led daily yoga & meditation practice with tour leader, Jessica Lohrey, E-RYT 500. The practices will support us with the integration of all that we are experiencing during this once in a lifetime journey

ITINERARY

Feb 12 Arrive Delhi
Feb 13 Delhi - Jaipur
Feb 14 Jaipur
Feb 15 Jaipur - Agra
Feb 16 Agra - Delhi
Feb 17 Delhi - Amritsar train
Feb 18 Amritsar - Dharamshala
Feb 19 Dharamshala
Feb 20 Dharamshala - PTK – RIS
Feb 21 Rishikesh
Feb 22 Rishikesh
Feb 23 Rishikesh - Delhi
Feb 24 Departure Delhi

Day 1: Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be taken to the hotel by a woman taxi driver, a wonderful experience in a country where men occupy almost 100% of the transport employment. Delhi is one of the most historical and vibrant cities on earth, a city of contrasts that is now divided into two zones: Old Delhi, which mostly consists of mogul construction, and New Delhi, the city built by the English in colonial times.

We will take a city walk through the old part of Delhi to visit Gandhi’s graveyard located near the lively district of Chandni Chowk, famous for its gold and silver merchants. Then you will have a city walk through the narrow streets of Nizamuddin, the Sufi area in Delhi, you will be guided by local youth, trained to help you uncover the traditions, monuments, flavors, and history of this neighborhood which is a vibrant mix of old and new, upscale residences and ancient tombs. Travelers and pilgrims flock to the Nizamuddin Dargah, the saint’s tomb, to hear qawwalis, Sufi devotional songs, eat kebabs, and shop in the lively market area.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi-Jaipur

We will head to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City and the gateway to Rajasthan. For two nights, you will experience a cultural and

meaningful immersion into the daily life of the villages of Jaipur, and you will discover the essence of the surrounding rural areas. You will stay in a

joyful family home community we have been supporting for more than 7 years with our travels.

You will immerse yourself and get a hands-on experience in our block printing workshop led by our women artisans and community leader projects.

You will visit the school and small initiatives which make the community life more self-sufficient...including solar panels, biogas facilities, and the organic farm.

In 2011, Open Eyes pioneered and designed meaningful experiences to benefit this community from conscious and well-kept small groups of travelers. The community is not a tourist destination and we still work hard to keep the balance between tourism benefits, culture, and preservation of the community's well-being.

Overnight stay in the community. The rooms are basic but very cozy and the bathroom is shared. Traveler room electricity is also generated with solar panels.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Jaipur

Explore this day in the community. You will learn the art of block printing, one of the oldest arts & crafts and printing techniques in India, from women artisans.

Do it yourself and take home your own block printed scarf using Rajasthan wood blocks! You will have time to interact with the women and share different ways of life and join the community daily meditation in the “Aaradhana” room. You can also share in Indian games and conversations with the youth who live in the community!

Overnight stay in the community.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Jaipur-Agra

In the morning, you will move towards the outskirts and ride to the incredible Fort Ambar by Jeep as we don’t promote elephant rides as a tourist activity. Then you can stroll through the teeming and bustling market of Jaipur before you head to Agra by car.

Overnight stay at a hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Agra-Delhi

Your dreams will come true when you visit the world-famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal, at sunrise/sunset. Visiting early will make for spectacular views and will give you enough time to enjoy the swimming pool at the hotel.

In the afternoon, we will stop at a café run by acid attack survivors, where you can read, relax, and interact with the women entrepreneurs. In the afternoon, we will head back to Delhi to visit an elephant rescue center and learn about the rescued elephants. You may even have a chance to walk with them and bathe them.

Arrive back in Delhi and take a direct transfer to the airport.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Delhi-Amritsar

You will be transferred to Amritsar, known as the Mecca of the Sikh culture. Here you will visit the famous Golden Temple, and be part of a daily military ceremony called Wagah. This ceremony takes place in the Indo-Pakistan borders and is a symbol of the two countries' rivalry, as well as the brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Amritsar-Dharamsala

You will head to Macleod Ganj located in Dharamsala, which is known as the little Tibet. In this city, you will stay in a Tibetan Monastery. On this day, you will visit the Dalai Lama Temple where you will have the opportunity to accompany the Buddhist Monks in their daily activities, such as practicing deep meditation.

Overnight stay at the Monastery.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Dharamsala

On this day, you will hear the Dalai Lama give a short teaching from the Jataka Tales at the Main Tibetan Temple. The chance to see the Dalai Lama in person is truly a once in a lifetime experience! You will also enjoy trekking in the sacred Himalayas, starting in McLeodganj with the final point in Triund, at 8,200 feet. It is a beautiful walk through mixed forests of deodar and oak trees as well as rhododendron plants. Triund is situated on a ridge with a beautiful view of the whole Kangra valley on one side, and the Dhauladhar mountain range on the other side.

Overnight stay at the Monastery.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: Dharamshala - Pathankot - Haridwar

Transfer from Dharamshala to Pathankot, and Haridwar by car to take an overnight train to Rishikesh.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10: Haridwar – Rishikesh

Arrival in Rishikesh, well-known as the International capital of Yoga. On this day, you will experience the magic of this city at the spectacular evening ceremony “Aarti”, which takes place every day by the sacred river, Ganges.

Overnight stay at the Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11: Rishikesh

Practice Yoga on the banks of the sacred Ganges and learn the principles of Ayurvedic nutrition in a home-based cooking class. You will have a lecture in Ayurveda by a doctor specialized in this ancient medicine and enjoy an Ayurvedic massage.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12: Rishikesh– Delhi

Day transfer to Delhi by train.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12: Rishikesh– Delhi

Day transfer to Delhi by train.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13: Delhi

Departure for home

Meals included: Breakfast

Price per person

$2995 (double room)

$3245 (single room)

Only 10 spots available. Reserve your space now with a $1080 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance will be due by January 31, 2019.

Payments can be made via cash or check written to Jessica Lohrey.

Credit card transactions will be charged an additional 3% which will be added to final payment.

For more info and mailing address, please email info@ashevilleyogaretreat.com.

Price per person includes:

• Airport transfers. All road transfers will be in a vehicle equipped with air conditioning.
• Experience with women taxi drivers (subject to availability)
• Train transfer Delhi-Amritsar, Haridwar-Rishikesh, Rishikesh-Delhi in 2 class with AC wagon
• Shared double rooms in boutique hotels, superior bed and breakfast and heritage properties, which all include breakfast. In Dharamsala, you will stay in a Buddhist Monastery.
• Local Tour guide for the whole trip
• City walk experience in Nizamuddin (Sufi area in Delhi).
• Entrances to monuments Amer Fort (Jaipur) and Taj Mahal (Agra).
• Experience in the elephant rescue center in Agra.
• Experience in the rural area in Jaipur.
• Trekking day in Dharamsala.
• Yoga classes led by local teachers in Rishikesh.

• Yoga classes with tour leader, Jessica Lohrey.

• Ayurveda lecture, massage and cooking classes in Rishikesh.
• The accommodation in the countryside consists of dormitories shared with people of the same sex. The rooms are simple, but cozy and include a shared bathroom. All the meals offered during the stay in the center are included.