It has been said that ‘Most of India does not exist in the modern world of science, it exists in the world of God, a realm in which the mystery of all of life is still felt to be breathing’.
Discover India’s spiritual richness and breath-taking beauty on this wonderful pilgrimage. Walk, breathe, meditate, practice yoga and chant at 4 of India’s holiest temples. September 2020 is your chance to feel the Divine pulsing in the earth and within you as never before. We will visit sacred sites in the high Himalayas, beginning and finishing in Rishikesh.
There will be teachings and meditation interspersed throughout the journey and some of the most stunning scenery that you will ever come across.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 16th September: Delhi
Arrive in Delhi any time day. We have a group meeting in the early evening.
Overnight Delhi
Day 2 – 17th September: Delhi – Rishikesh
After breakfast, we have a short flight to Rishikesh. In the afternoon, we have a guided walk along the Ganges followed by a wonderful Ganga aarti ceremony at sunset.
Overnight Rishikesh
Day 3 – 18th September: Rishikesh – Barkot
Today after breakfast, we drive to Barkot, situated 45 Klms before Yamunotri temple. This is an ideal place to stay for visitors to Yamunotri, where paranomic views of the Bandarpunch Peaks can be seen.
Overnight Barkot
Day 4 – 19th September: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot
This morning we drive to Janki Chatti to start our 6klm trek to Yamunotri. You have an option to either walk, hire a Pony or go by Doli. After bathing (optional) in Surya Kund (hot spring) visit Yamunotri temple for Darshan and Puja, before returning to our accommodation.
Overnight Barkot
Day 5 – 20th September: Barkot – Gangotri
After breakfast, we head to Gangotri, enjoying the very picturesque Harsil valley, Bhagirathi River and magnificent Himalayan views as we drive along. Enjoy an early evening puja at the temple. This Temple is one of the holiest places in India. Near the source of the Ganges, the shrine is dedicated to the origin of Hinduism’s most sacred river.
Overnight Gangotri
Day 6 – 21st September: Gangotri
After an early river side meditation, breakfast and a river puja, we visit some swamis we live in in this very picturesque mountain abode. There are some beautiful scenic walks or you can visit with some yogis who live along the river.
Overnight Gangotri
Day 7 – 22nd September: Uttarkashi
After breakfast, we drive to the sacred town of Uttarkashi. Here, there is an option to take a dip in the Bagarathi-Ganga river, visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath temple and visit the ashram of Anandamayi Ma.
Overnight Uttarkashi
Day 8 – 23rd September: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi
After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Guptkashi.
Overnight Guptkashi
Day 9 – 24th September: Guptkashi
In the early morning, we drive to Sonprayag, where we are transferred by jeep to Gaurikund. Our beautiful 22 klms trek to Kedarnath commences from this point. Tucked at the base of 6970m peaks, Kedarnath is in the most dramatic location of any of the char Dham temples. The 1000-year old Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a carved exterior and is located in a courtyard protected by Nandi (Shiva’s bull).
Enjoy puja and darshan of Lord Shiva in the afternoon.
** For those who cannot do the trek, there are other options.
Overnight Kedarnath
Day 10 – 25th September: Guptkashi
After early darshan at the temple, we trek back down to Sonprayag, where we are transferred by jeep and vehicles back to our hotel.
Overnight Guptkashi
Day 11 – 26th September: Guptkashi – Badrinath
Today after breakfast, we drive to Badrinath where we stay for 2 nights. The scenery in these mountains is totally stunning, making our travel very rewarding. In the early evening, witness the aarti ceremony at the temple. Overnight Badrinath
Day 12 – 27th September: Badrinath
Some people may like to do a special puja in the early hours of the morning – Badrinath is a significant place for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). We can help you to arrange this. After breakfast, we visit near-by Mana Village, a very significant place for the Mahabaratha, including Vyas and Ganesh Gufas, Bhimkund and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River.
Overnight Badrinath
Day 13 – 28th September: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag
This morning, we enjoy breathtaking views as we drive to Joshimath. Surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan Ranges, Joshimath is a revered site for Hindus and is home to numerous temples. Joshimath is one of the four maths founded by Adi Guru Sri Shankaracharya during the 8th century. On arrival, we visit some of these wonderful places. You also have the option of taking the chair lift to Auli for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks including Nanda Devi at 7800m.
Drive to Rudraprayag for overnight.
Day 14 – 29th September: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh
After breakfast, we return to Rishikesh. This is a stunning scenic drive with a stop on the way to visit Devprayag, where 2 rivers meet to form the Ganges. If we arrive early enough in Rishikesh, we can attend another sunset aarti.
Overnight Rishikesh
Day 15 – 30th September: Rishikesh – Delhi
Today is the conclusion of our magical journey. Take a short flight back to Delhi, extend your stay in Rishikesh or visit some other amazing part of India.
Additional Information
The pilgrimage includes all accommodation, all road transport, 2 domestic flights, tours and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary, local guides, many meals (approx. 2 per day), bottled water.
Price $3495aud ($2490US) per person twin share
Single room supplement $830aud ($570us)
Dates – 16th to 30th September 2020
About Michael Trembath
Michael’s approach is to help you learn to listen to your body and coach you into healthy relationships with your body, your life, and the people around you.
Michael is a uniquely qualified therapist with 27 years of clinic experience. He has trained in Europe, the USA and India with some of the world’s greatest healers, including Mahatma Gandhi’s doctor, a Zen Master, and the Ayurvedic physician for H.H. the Dalai Lama.
Michael practices in Sydney and teaches regularly in Austria, France, Switzerland, Belgium, India and the USA. With 10 years of business experience before studying healing, Michael understands the demands and challenges of creating balance in the modern world. His sessions and classes are practical, powerful and often life-changing.
An exceptionally sensitive and compassionate therapist, Michael’s touch is gentle yet penetrating, whether using subtle or extremely deep contact. His warm, welcoming style is supported by a B.A. in Psychology, a B.S. in Business, a Diploma in Therapeutic Massage, a 2-year apprenticeship in Osteopathy, and certificates in Samvahan, Zen therapy, Triggerpoint Anatomy, EFT, and Ayurveda.
You can read more about Michael at – https://samvahan.com
Please Note
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on altered circumstances
