Discover India’s astonishing cultural and spiritual richness on this wonder-filled 16-day journey through North India.
On this ‘soul journey’ commencing 9th March 2023, the days will be filled with exploring India through her temples and ancient monuments, lively markets and mountain landscapes as well as walking through her crazy, chaotic streets.
This tour takes you on an inner healing journey in an ancient land where the spiritual mechanism that underpins all of life is still felt to be breathing. India provides the perfect backdrop for the transformation of body, mind and spirit. This wonderful tour will amaze and inspire you!
Itinerary
Day One
On arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the early evening we have a group meeting to commence our wonderful journey. Overnight Delhi
Day Two
This morning we have a short flight to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of India. Enjoy some time to settle into our lovely hotel room overlooking the Ganges. Afternoon stroll followed by the aarti ceremony at Parmath Ashram. Overnight Rishikesh.
Day Three
After breakfast, we embark on a guided walking tour. There is some free time in the afternoon with many optional activities, including massage, relaxation etc. In the early evening we witness the sunset prayer ceremony performed on the banks of the River Ganges at Triveni Ghat. Overnight Rishikesh
Day Four
After breakfast, we head to Vasishta Cave and ashram for meditation and an optional dip in the Ganges. In the early evening we witness the sunset prayer ceremony performed on the banks of the River Ganges. Overnight Rishikesh.
Day Five
There is free time today for you to stroll around, relax, shop or enjoy a massage. Overnight Rishikesh
Day Six
After breakfast we head to Dehradun airport for a short flight to Delhi and then onto Amritsar. Overnight Amritsar
Day Seven
After breakfast we go for a guided tour of the Golden Temple, where priests keep up a continuous chant from the Sikh holy book and welcome all people into this deeply spiritual place. You will be amazed by the Golden Temple kitchen, where more than 100,000 people are fed every day no matter the culture or creed. Visit some other sites and in the evening we will enjoy another visit to the Golden temple to view the lights and see the closing ceremony. Overnight Amritsar
Day Eight
Drive to Mcleod Ganj – home of the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan people living in exile. Overnight McLeod Ganj
Day Nine
Go on a guided tour of Mcleod Ganj and surrounding areas. This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the vibrant and friendly Tibetan Culture. Visit the Dalai Lama’s temple and museum as well as the beautiful Tibetan Children’s Village and stunning views of snowy peaks. Overnight McLeod Ganj
Day Ten & Eleven
This morning we enjoy a walking meditation of the outer kora path around the Dalai Lama’s temple. Experience the peaceful ambience of Norbulingka Institute, established to teach and preserve Tibetan art and culture. There is free time with many different activity options including: Tibetan cooking classes, walks, prayer time at the Dalai Lama’s temple, a Tibetan massage or shopping at the many inexpensive stores. You can also join an English conversation group with Tibetan monks and refugees. Overnight McLeod Ganj
Day Twelve
Drive to Gaggal airport for a short flight back to Delhi. On arrival we set off for a drive to Vrindavan, home of Lord Krishna, to explore some of the temples and sights of this historical town. Overnight Vrindavan.
Day Thirteen
Enjoy an insightful day in Vrindavan with a walk around the parikrama path and a look around the interesting old city. Overnight Vrindavan.
Day Fourteen
Enjoy a leisurely morning and after lunch, we have a short flight back to Delhi. Enjoy a final group dinner. Overnight Delhi
Day Fifteen
Depart any time today.
Additional Information
This wonderful 16-day experience includes air-conditioned travel, all accommodation, all excursions and entrance fees, internal flights, some meals, yoga and meditation classes, guides and guide tips
Price $4290 per person twin share
(Single supplement $1090 aud)
Dates – 9th to 24th March 2023
Your facilitator: Jay Weinstein
Jay Weinstein is a Mumbai-based, Hindi and English-speaking photographer and travel guide of mainly Australian-American heritage. At the age of 3, he moved to India with his schoolteacher parents and spent the next 12 years living in Vrindavan, a historic town filled with temples and monkeys. At 15, his family moved back to Australia to facilitate his secondary education. Though Jay thought he was done with India, he ended up returning year after year, drawn by her overpowering, vibrant, chaotic cadence. His passion for photography was ignited on these trips. Later, his profession had him traveling from the lush, palm-dotted southern states to the breathtaking Himalayan mountains of Nepal; the ancient majestic forts of Rajasthan to the unending paddy fields of West Bengal. Jay generously imparts his local knowledge and opens doors to many experiences ‘off the tourist trail’.
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on altered circumstances
Testimonials
The opportunity for day tours with locals from the areas we visited added a deep personal tone to the trip. We could ask extensive questions of our guides and learned history, attitudes and beliefs of the people whom we visited.
Visiting the kitchen and dining areas at the Golden Temple was amazing as were the prayer flags at the caves in Rewalsar and having the opportunity to share during an English conversation class the insights and feelings of Tibetan refugees. The many walks and spiritual moments are still present with me. Thank you!
