Sacred Journeys & Wellness Travel - Nepal
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Tour Description
Join us on an amazing experiential adventure through the Kathmandu Valley in
Nepal to discover the fascinating art and science of Ayurveda. Thought by many
to be the original home and birthplace of Ayurveda, Nepal is one of the
richest countries in the world in terms of its biodiversity. Because of its
unique geographical position, its varied terrain provides ideal conditions for
an array of herbs, flowers and aromatic plants to grow, which not only add to
the scenic beauty of Nepal, but are highly effective medicinal plants used in
Ayurvedic therapies.
Encompassed by the intoxicating view of the majestic Himalayas you will wander
through the Kathmandu Valley to admire the fascinating flora. Come face
to face with many of the flowers, herbs and medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic
remedies and connect with their spiritual and healing energies.
Through the guidance of your Tour Leader, Todd Caldecott and Special
Guest Teacher, Vaidya Madhu Bajra Bajracharya, as well as other Ayurvedic
practitioners and physicians, you will learn, experience, and witness all that
Ayurveda has to offer. Obtain a wealth of information through fascinating
lectures, and visits to Ayurvedic Clinics, Healing Centres and Herbal
Pharmacies. Witness authentic Ayurvedic practices and treatments as well as the
preparation of time-honoured Ayurvedic remedies. Study a variety of herbs and
medicinal plants with experienced Ayurvedic physicians and deepen your knowledge
and appreciation for this ancient wisdom which influenced Chinese, Arabic,
Greek, Tibetan and modern medicine.
Throughout the journey you will have the opportunity to spend much free time in
fascinating Kathmandu, the fabled “Shangri-La”, a city rich in art,
culture and heritage. Wander through its maze of narrow lanes, immerse yourself
in the swirling activity, and wonder at the inspiring temples and palaces.
Enjoy visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Changu Narayan Temple,
the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, as well as many sacred sites
such as Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important places of
pilgrimage for followers of Hinduism, Boudhanath Stupa, one of the
holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, and Swayambhunath, an ancient sacred
Buddhist complex.
A highlight of the journey is the unique opportunity to experience the exuberant
Holi Festival, the “Festival of Colour and Water”. Gather in the streets
of Kathmandu and envelop yourself with the exciting activity while dodging the
playful throws of water and vermillion powder filled balloons which are hurled
at passersby. With all splashed in an array of vibrant paints and colours,
admire the animated processions accompanied by folk songs, dances and a general
sense of abandoned vitality.
End off this inspirational and once-in-a-lifetime experience in Nepal with a
little pampering. Enjoy a luxurious Ayurvedic Massage by experienced
Ayurvedic Therapists to relax, renew and rejuvenate – a wonderfully indulgent
finale in this fascinating land.
Make the most of your time in this captivating area of Asia, and continue your
adventure to India with our optional extension, In the Footsteps of Lord
Buddha - A Cultural Exploration of the Sacred Sites of India. As you make
your way to India from Nepal, you will trace the footsteps of the Buddha: his
birthplace in Lumbini, the place of his enlightenment in Bodhgaya,
the site of his last sermon in Kushinagar, and more! Delve into the world
of Hinduism as well with a visit to sacred Varanasi, known as the heart of
India, and explore popular sites such as the Agra Fort and the majestic
Taj Mahal.
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Your Leaders
Todd Caldecott
Todd Caldecott has been in practice as a clinical herbalist and ayurvedic
practitioner for over a decade. He has had a broad array of clinical
experiences, from Canada and the United States, to Trinidad and India. His
interest in natural healing began early in life and deepened through his
extensive travels throughout India and western Asia. He has had the great good
fortune to have traveled to many interesting places and to have met many
enlightening people. His studies have been diverse, including classical Indian (carnatic)
music in Tamil Nadu and Buddhist meditation in Sri Lanka and Bodhygaya, India.
In his search for spiritual and physical health, he has visited the famed
'healthy' Hunza peoples in the remote villages of the Karakorams in Northern
Pakistan, and has had the great honour to spend time with a famed Sufi master in
Shiraz, Iran.
Vaidya Madhu Bajra Bajracharya
The practice of Ayurveda has been passed down through the generations in Madhu’s
family. Madhu Bajra Bajracharya learned much of Ayurvedic Medicine from his
father, Vaidya Mana Bajra Bajracharya, a renowned Ayurvedic physician, healer,
teacher and Buddhist Priest in Nepal, who practiced Ayurveda for 40 years. Dr.
Mana, as he was fondly called, was in turn taught by his own father and mother
as well.
Vaidya Madhu is now continuing the same practice after his father’s death. He
continues to study and attend to his patients from across the world and his
helping to modernize the Ayurvedic field.
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Tour Summary
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 Morning at Leisure; Lecture at Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya; Welcome Dinner
Day 3 Morning at Leisure; Lecture at Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya
Day 4 Kathmandu Valley, Full Day Trek & Herb Walk
Day 5 Visit Bhaktapur & Changu Narayan Temple
Day 6 Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath
Day 7 Morning at Leisure; Lecture at Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya
Day 8 Visit Ayurvedic Factories in Banepa and Arubari; Lecture
Day 9 Festival Day – Holi in Kathmandu
Day 10 Maharajgung – Ayurvedic Treatments
Day 11 Depart Nepal or Continue to India
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Tue, Mar 3: Arrive Kathmandu (B)
Arrive in Kathmandu, once thought to be the fabled Shangri-La. Meet and
greet upon arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check in.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2 Wed, Mar 4: Morning at Leisure; Lecture at Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya;
Welcome Dinner (B, D)
Enjoy the morning at your leisure to take in the sights and sounds of the city
and familiarize yourself with Kathmandu. This fascinating city is rich in
legends and artistic and cultural heritage. Follow the labyrinthine narrow lanes
which lead to a multitude of small squares. Check out the Durbar Square crowded
with temples and palaces and immerse yourself in the bustling activity.
In the afternoon we make our way to Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya to enjoy our
first lecture with Vaidya Madhu – Introduction to Nepalese Ayurveda and the
Bajracharya Tradition. Vaidya Madhu will give us an introduction to Newar
Buddhism, the Bajracharya consecration, and insight into his own family
traditions. He will also explain the definition of Ayurveda, its historical
background and the 8 limbs (ashtanga) of Ayurveda.
We later gather in the evening to enjoy our Welcome Dinner to learn more
about each other and share our intentions for the journey.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 3 Thu, Mar 5: Morning at Leisure; Lecture at Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya
(B)
Enjoy the morning at your leisure independently. In the afternoon we make our
way to Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya once again to enjoy our second lecture with
Vaidya Madhu – Tridosha Siddhanta. During this lecture Vaidya Madhu will
explain the different aspects of the three active dohsas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form three
dynamic forces or interactions called doshas, which means “that which changes”.
Doshas are constantly moving with each other in a dynamic balance and are
required for life to occur. Dosha is also known as the governing principle as
every living thing in nature is characterized by the dosha. With the guidance of
Vaidya Madhu, we will examine our own states and characteristics to discover if
we have Vata, Pitta or Kapha constitutions and learn the ways in which we can
balance the doshas to achieve and maintain good health.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 4 Fri, Mar 6: Kathmandu Valley, Full Day Trek & Herb Walk (B)
Today we enjoy a full day trek and herb walk through the scenic
Kathmandu Valley for an introduction to the important Ayurvedic plants of
Nepal. As we hike through the stunning natural environment, Vaidya Madhu will
explain various herbs and medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic therapies. We will
have an opportunity to ask questions regarding the flora we encounter and learn
about the importance the natural environment has on Ayurvedic medicine and our
health. Vaidya Madhu will also discuss the principles of “dravyguna” or
pharmacology, along with the taste qualities, energy, effect and special
properties of medicinal plants and herbs. This will be an exhilarating day to
reconnect with Mother Nature and form a deeper respect and appreciation for our
great Earth.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 5 Sat, Mar 7: Visit Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Temple (B)
Today we begin the day with a guided tour of Bhaktapur, an ancient Newar
town in the Kathmandu Valley. The city is known as the “City of Devotees”, the
“City of Culture”, the “Living Heritage”, and “Nepal's Cultural Gem”. It is one
of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley and is renowned for its elegant
art, interesting culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances, as well as
some tasty treats such as “Juju Dhau”, a “royal yogurt” made from buffalo milk.
Bhaktapur is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines and is filled with terra
cotta monuments, carved wood columns, and palaces and temples with elaborate
carvings, gilded roofs, and open courtyards. Lying along the ancient trade route
between India and Tibet, Bhaktapur is surrounded by mountains and provides a
magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Later we visit Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the
Kathmandu Valley, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is named
after Vishnu, the deity for which it enshrines, and is adorned by some of the
finest specimens of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple is of
great importance due to its shrines which are rich in architectural beauty, as
well as its idols such as, the Vishnu idol which has ten heads and ten arms and
is an excellent example of 5th century stone carvings.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 6 Sun, Mar 8: Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (B)
Another day of fascinating sightseeing! We begin the day with a guided tour of
Pashupatinath Temple which lies in one of the most important places of
pilgrimage for followers of Hinduism. Pashupatinath is known as the guardian
spirit and the temple is thus, considered the holiest of all Shiva shrines in
Nepal. On both sides of the temple doors there are artistic niches of different
sizes containing beautiful images of Apsara, Ashtha Bhairava and other gods and
goddesses. In the sanctum of the temple, lies Shivalinga with its four faces,
each having a different name and significance. These faces are also defined as
the symbol of the four dharmas, the most famous places of pilgrimage for Hindus,
and the four Vedas, sacred books of Hindus. The images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi
and Ganesh are also placed in the sanctum of the temple. Sitting along the
shores of the Bagmati River, the temple is surrounded by a large bustling market
with many vendors, giving us an excellent opportunity to pick up gifts and
souvenirs.
We then visit Boudhanath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. The
city is home to the ancient Buddhist Stupa which dominates the skyline and is
one of the largest in the world. The Stupa's massive mandala also makes it one
of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. According to legend, Boudhanath
Stupa was built by an old poultry woman who asked the king for land to
construct a shrine to the Buddha. The king agreed, and offered her as much land
as she could cover with the skin of a water buffalo. The woman proceeded to cut
a buffalo hide into thin strips, and placed them end to end to form a huge
circumference. The king realized that he had been tricked by the old woman, but
he adhered to his word, and the Stupa was constructed according to these
dimensions. Nowadays, the Stupa is the most popular site for Buddhists in Nepal,
and throughout the day pilgrims can be seen circling the structure while
chanting mantras. At night the Stupa is adorned with brilliant butter lamps
creating a dramatic light display.
Finally we end the day with Swayambhunath, an ancient religious complex atop a
hill in the Kathmandu Valley. Considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in
Nepal, it is second in importance only to the Boudhanath Stupa. According to
Swayambhu Purana, the entire valley was once filled with an enormous lake, out
of which grew a lotus. The valley thus came to be known as Swayambhu, meaning
“Self-Created”. The water was drained out of the lake, leaving the valley in
which Kathmandu now lies and the lotus was transformed into a hill which became
the Swayambhunath Stupa. The Swayambhunath complex consists of the Stupa, a
variety of shrines and temples, a museum, library and also has a face of the
Buddha painted on it with Buddha's eyes and eyebrows. The eyes represent the
awakening or enlightenment as each person achieves wisdom and compassion. What
is believed by some to be a nose is actually the Nepali symbol of unity in the
main Nepali language dialect. The dome at the base of the Stupa represents the
world, and the thirteen pinnacles on the top symbolize the thirteen stages one
must pass to reach enlightenment.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 7: Mon, Mar 9: Morning at Leisure; Lecture at Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya
(B)
Enjoy the morning at your leisure independently to relax or stroll through the
city to explore more of what Kathmandu has to offer. Visit the King’s Palace to
view the giant fruit bats hanging from the trees, or enjoy some shopping on
Thamel Chowk.
In the afternoon we make our way to Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya once again to
enjoy our third lecture with Vaidya Madhu – Daily Living in Ayurveda.
Today Vaidya Madhu will discuss “swasthya vignana”, the daily practices of
Ayurveda, as well as “ahara vignana”, dietics in Ayurveda. He will also teach us
about “Rasayana Tantra”, which deals with geriatric issues and immunoptentiation.
Vaidya Madhu will explain the methods used in Rasayana Tantra to maintain youth,
increase longevity, intellectual capacity and strength, as well as the ways in
which it enables the patient to be freed from disease.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 8 Tue, Mar 10: Visit Ayurvedic Factories in Banepa and Arubari; Lecture
(B)
Revel in a day of discovery with our full day excursion to the Ayurvedic
Herbal Pharmacies in Banepa and Arubari. Today we will learn
about a variety of medicinal herbal and aromatic plants and the way they are
used in Ayurveda to help cure and prevent diseases, and promote good health.
Later in the day we enjoy a lecture with Vaidya Madhu on The Preparation of
Ayurvedic Remedies, where we will learn about the different combinations of
plants and herbs used to create medicinal remedies.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 9 Wed, Mar 11: Festival Day – Holi in Kathmandu (B)
Today is festival day in Kathmandu allowing us to experience the excitement and
vibrancy of Holi, “the Festival of Colour and Water”. Holi celebrates the
slaying of the female demon Holika, marking the triumph of good over evil.
According to a Hindu myth, the demon king Hiranayakashyapu ordered his sister
Holika to kill her son Prahlad. She attempted to do so by stepping into a fire
with Prahlad in her arms. While she was burnt to ashes, the boy came out
unsinged. The festival commences with the erection of the chir pole in Durbar
Square, acting as a warning to all that anyone could be splashed with water
balloons and vermillion powder. Children and adults gather on the streets,
hurling the water and vermillion filled balloons at passersby leaving everyone
and anything covered in an array of vibrant colour and blessed with good luck
and fortune.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 10 Thu, Mar 12: Maharajgung - Ayurvedic Treatments; Farewell Dinner (B,
D)
Relish a day of pampering and luxury! Today we travel to Maharajgunj
to enjoy an authentic Ayurvedic Massage. Take the time to relax, renew
and rejuvenate as you are drenched in herbal infused oils, and massaged by
expert Ayurvedic Massage Therapists.
In the evening we gather one last time for our Farewell Dinner. As we
celebrate our time in Nepal we will have the opportunity to review and share all
we have learned and experienced with our new found friends and ask any remaining
questions we may have.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 11 Fri, Mar 13: Depart Nepal or Continue to India (B)
Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your return home or continue on to India
with our optional extension.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
NOTE: This itinerary subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
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Tour Inclusions & Price
Tour Includes:
• 10 nights accommodation at a 4 star hotel in Kathmandu
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• Daily Breakfast, 2 Dinners
• Private Coach Transportation
• Hotel taxes
• Baggage handling at the hotels (1 bag per person)
• Fees and gratuities to Tour Leaders
• Admission to all sites as per itinerary
• All guide services as per itinerary
• Services of local English speaking guides for all sightseeing as per itinerary
Added Features:
• Travel with Clinical Herbalist and Ayurvedic Practitioner Todd Caldecott
• Lectures with Vaidya Madhu Bajra Bajracharya
• Full Day Trek & Herbal Walk
• Holi Festival in Kathmandu
• Ayurvedic Massage Treatment
Tour does not include:
• International Airfare
• Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian)
• Tips for Bellboys, Maids, Restaurant Waiters, Local Guides and Bus Driver
• Meals and drinks not included, as indicated in the itinerary
• Cost to obtain valid Passport and Tourist Visa
• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls.
Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary
Tour Price Per Person (Land Only)
Single Supplement
USD$ 2225.00. USD $400.00
Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are not traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be happy to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.
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Optional Extension to India
In the Footsteps of Lord Buddha
A Cultural Exploration of the Sacred Sites of India
March 13 – 22, 2009
Tour Summary
Day 11 Fly from Kathmandu to Lumbini, Guided City tour
Day 12 Transfer from Lumbini to Kushinagar, India
Day 13 Travel to Patna; enroute visit Vaishali
Day 14 Travel to Bodhgaya; enroute visit Rajgir & Nalanda
Day 15 Bodhgaya Sightseeing
Day 16 Travel to Varanasi
Day 17 Early Morning Boat Trip on River Ganges; Walking Tour of Varanasi; Train
to Agra
Day 18 Arrive Agra; Visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal
Day 19 Travel to Delhi
Day 20 Full Day Sightseeing Tour; Depart Delhi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 11 Fri, Mar 13: Travel from Kathmandu to Lumbini, Guided City tour (B)
Fly from Kathmandu to Lumbini. Meet and greet on arrival at the airport and
transfer to the hotel for check in. After settling into our hotel we head out
for a guided tour of sacred Lumbini, which means “the lovely” in Sanskrit, a
Buddhist pilgrimage site where pilgrims from across the globe flock to. Lumbini
is said to be the place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddartha Gautama,
the Lord Buddha, who in turn gave birth to Buddhism. The holy site of Lumbini is
a UNESCO World Heritage site, bordered by a large monastic zone, in which no
shops, hotels or restaurants can be built, only monasteries. It is separated
into an eastern and western monastic zone, the eastern having the Theravadin
monasteries, the western having Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries. The holy
site of Lumbini also has ruins of ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree, an
ancient bathing pond, the Asokan pillar, and the Mayadevi temple, the precise
place of birth of the Buddha.
Overnight in Lumbini
Day 12 Sat, Mar 14: Transfer from Lumbini to Kushinagar, India (B)
After breakfast we bid our farewells to Nepal and drive from Lumbini to
Kushinagar, crossing the Indian border. Kushinagar, an important Buddhist
pilgrimage site, is the place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and
breathed his last breath. During this last sermon, Buddha proclaimed “All things
must pass. Decay is inherent in all things”. In ancient times Kushinagar was
known as Kushavati with many stupas and viharas dating back to the 3rd century
BC. Now Kushinagar welcomes tourists and pilgrims from across the world and is
home to many temples constructed by Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Thai, Burmese,
South Korean, Tibetan and Japanese Buddhists, as well as ancient monasteries and
stupas. Here we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city and visit Rambhar
Stupa, the most important landmark in Kushinagar where Lord Buddha was cremated.
Overnight in Kushinagar
Day 13 Sun, Mar 15: Travel to Patna; enroute visit Vaishali (B)
This morning we will continue on to Patna, stopping enroute in the ancient city
of Vaishali which received its name from King Vashal. At the time of the Buddha,
Vaishali was a very large, rich and prosperous city, but is now a small village
surrounded by banana and mango groves as well as rice fields. Buddha first
visited Vaishali in the fifth year after his Enlightenment and continued to
visit frequently to preach his sermons. On the outskirts of the village lies the
grand double-storied Buddhist Monastery where Buddha taught. Here he founded the
Holy Order which admitted women and allowed them to attend his sermons and
teachings. One of the greatest legends of Buddha states that it was here in
Vaishali, when on one of his visits, several monkeys dug up a water tank for
Lord Buddha’s comfort and offered him a bowl of honey to eat.
After out visit we will continue on to the modern city of Patna, one of the
oldest continually inhabited places in the world. Upon arrival we will check
into our hotel and retire for the evening.
Overnight in Patna
Day 14 Mon, Mar 16: Travel to Bodhgaya; enroute visit Nalanda & Rajgir (B)
Today we travel to Bodhgaya, famous for being the place of Lord Buddha’s
attainment of Nirvana, stopping enroute to visit Nalanda and Rajgir.
Nalanda was a great centre of Buddhist learning which flourished between the 5th
& 12th century and has been called “one of the first great universities in
recorded history”. The name Nalanda is a Sanskrit word that means “giver of
knowledge”. Huen Tsang, the famous Chinese traveller, has left glowing accounts
of the activities at Nalanda and the site has attracted students from all over
India, South East Asia and China.
Next we move on to Rajgir. Rajgir, which means “house of the king”, was the
ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when
Ajatashatru moved the capital to Pataliputra. In those days, it was called
Rajgrih, which translates as “the home of Royalty”. The rocky Rajgir hills are
known for a large number of Buddhist and Jain monuments. During Buddha’s
lifetime, the hills and caves were home to many spiritual teachers. Like many
others in search of truth, Lord Buddha renounced his royal heritage and came to
this city to seek the path of salvation. Rajgir is now home to the World Peace
Studio with its images of the Buddha, and the Nipponzan Myohoji Temple, both
built by the Japanese. The area is also a popular winter escape due to the hot
springs and pools which add to the charm of this holy place.
We continue on to Bodhgaya and check in to our hotel for our overnight stay.
Overnight in Bodhgaya
Day 15 Tue, Mar 17: Bodhgaya Sightseeing (B)
After breakfast we begin our sightseeing tour of sacred Bodhgaya. Historically,
it was known as the Bodhimanda, ground around the Bodhi-tree, where Gautama
Siddartha sat in meditation to reach enlightenment. Disciples of Gautama began
to visit this sacred site during the full moon in the month of Vaisakh
(April-May) as per the Hindu calendar. Over time the site became known as the
Bodh Gaya, whereas the day of enlightenment became known as Buddha Purnima, and
the tree as the Bodhi Tree. Today Bodhgaya is an important place of pilgrimage
visited by many in search of wisdom and enlightenment.
Though it is not mentioned in the scriptures, the Buddha must have visited
Bodhgaya again in the course of his teaching career. About 250 years after the
Enlightenment, the Buddhist Emperor, Ashoka visited the site and founded the
Mahabodhi Temple and established a monastery. According to the tradition, Ashoka
erected a diamond throne shrine at this spot with a canopy supported by four
pillars over a stone representation of the Vajrasana, the Seat of Enlightenment.
The temple's architecture is superb, but its history is shrouded in obscurity.
It was constructed with the main intention of making it a monument and not a
receptacle for the relics of the Buddha. Several shrines were constructed which
encased images as altars of worship. The basement of the present temple is 15m
square, 15m in length as well as in breadth, and its height is 52m which rises
in the form of a slender pyramid tapering off from a square platform. On its
four corners, four towers gracefully rise to some height. The whole
architectural plan gives pose and balance to the observers. Inside the temple
there is a colossal image of the Buddha in the “touching the ground pose”,
Bhumisparsha mudra. This image is said to be 1700 years old and is facing east
at exactly the place where the Buddha sat in meditation with his back to the
Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment.
Overnight in Bodhgaya
Day 16 Wed, Mar 18: Travel to Varanasi (B)
This morning we depart Bodhgaya and travel to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of
India. Our drive will take a better part of the day so we will be able to sit
back, relax, reflect and enjoy the surroundings as we continue on our journey.
Regarded as a holy place by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains alike, Varanasi is one
of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and its culture is
closely associated with the river Ganges and the river's religious importance.
Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and settle in for the evening.
Overnight Varanasi
Day 17 Thu, Mar 19: Early Morning Boat Trip on River Ganges; Walking Tour of
Varanasi; Travel
to Agra (B, D)
We awake in the early morning and revel in a relaxing boat ride on the holy
River Ganges to greet the dawn. Experience the early morning life in the city,
which revolves around the ghats, abuzz with activity. Witness pilgrims, yogis
and mystics who flock to the ghats which lie along the banks of the Ganges, to
take a cleansing dip in India's holiest river, practice yoga, meditate, or to
complete mundane earthly chores such as washing clothes and vessels. We then
return to our hotel to enjoy breakfast followed by some independent time to
enjoy the city.
In the afternoon we begin our walking tour of Varanasi. Since Varanasi is mainly
associated with Hinduism, the temples will be the main attraction. Some of the
temples we may visit are the Durga Temple, the Vishwanath Temple, the Sankat
Mochan Temple, the Tulsi Manas Temple, and the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses
a huge relief map of the whole Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau. We
will also stroll by the Ganga Ghats (river fronts) which are the main centre of
religious activities and rituals and also one of the main attractions of the
city. We will stop to visit the Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka
Darera. The Mosque, built by Aurangzeb, is a blend of the Hindu and Mughal
styles of the architecture. Alamgir stands on the site of another of Varanasi's
most ancient and sacred shrine, the Temple of Bindu Madhava, and overlooks the
Panchganga Ghat.
In the evening we gather together for dinner at the Ideal Tower and then
transfer to the railway station to board an overnight train for Agra.
Overnight on Train
Day 18 Fri, Mar 20: Visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal (B, L)
We arrive in Agra at approximately 7:15 am and transfer to our hotel. We begin
the day by enjoying breakfast at the hotel and then off for a visit of Agra
Fort. The fort, which lies on the bend of the River Yamuna, was built by Emperor
Akbar between 1565 and 1573, and reveals the Mughal talent for combining
defensive architecture with beauty and design. Construction for this fort palace
was initiated by Akbar as a purely defensive citadel. It was subsequently
completed by two successive generations that added the delicate mosaic and
magnificent marble palaces. The fort is the history of Mughal life in Agra and
offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal. After our visit of the Fort we enjoy
lunch at the Taj View Hotel.
Following lunch we visit the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal to admire its splendour.
Built by Sha Jahan in 1630 for his Queen, Mumatz Mahal to enshrine her mortal
remains, it is described as “a tear on the face of eternity” by the poet
laureate Tagore, and is an enduring monument to love. This architectural marvel
is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands
testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey,
France and Italy. The construction of this “Love Poem in Marble” took 17 years
to complete.
Overnight in Agra
Day 19 Sat, Mar 21: Travel to Delhi, Farewell Dinner (B, D)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we check out. Today we spend the day driving
to Delhi, giving us another opportunity to relax and regroup and share all our
experiences and insights thus far.
Upon arrival in Delhi we will check into out hotel, settle in, and then gather
together to enjoy our Farewell Dinner.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 20 Sun, Mar 22: Full Day Sightseeing Tour; Depart Delhi (B)
After breakfast we head out for a full day of sightseeing in New Delhi and Old
Delhi. We begin the tour of New Delhi with a visit to the Qutab Minar Complex,
overshadowed by the 234 foot Victory Tower, followed by the spectacular Rajpath,
passing the triumphant House of Parliament, Diplomatic Enclave, President’s
House, and the India Gate. We also stop to visit the famous Birla Mandir.
Enjoy lunch independently. In the afternoon we continue with the second part of
our tour through Old Delhi. We visit the great Red Fort, the opulent residence
of Sha Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Modu Masjid (Pearl
Mosque), which dominates the skyline. We then visit the Raj Ghat, the cremation
site of Mahatma Gandhi, and later walk through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace
of Shahajahanabad, now a picturesque bazaar. Later in the day we explore some of
the main shopping areas in Delhi to pick up some last minute gifts and
souvenirs.
A late evening transfer takes us to the Delhi international airport for our
return home. (Many international flights depart late in the evening. Please
advise us of your flight details.)
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Tour Inclusions & Price
Tour Includes:
• Airfare from Kathmandu to Lumbini
• 8 nights accommodation at 4 star hotels and 1 night accommodation in Sleeper
Berth on Train
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners
• Private Transportation throughout
• Train Fare from Agra to Varanasi in 2nd Class Sleeper Berth
• Hotel taxes
• India Service Tax of 3.09% on entire tour
• Baggage handling at the hotels (1 bag per person)
• Admission to all sites as per itinerary
• Services of local English speaking guides for all sightseeing as per itinerary
Added Features:
• Travel with Clinical Herbalist and Ayurvedic Practitioner Todd Caldecott
• Boat Ride on River Ganges
• Lunch at Taj View Hotel
• Sacred Sites relating to Lord Buddha
Tour does not include:
• International Airfare
• Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian)
• Tips for Bellboys, Maids, Restaurant Waiters, Local Guides and Bus Driver
• Meals and drinks not included, as indicated in the itinerary
• Accommodation or Day Room for the night of March 22 in Delhi
• Cost to obtain valid Passport and Tourist Visa
• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls.
Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary
Tour Price Per Person (Land Only)
Single Supplement
USD $1995.00 USD $530.00
Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a private room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are not traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be happy to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this process.
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Sacred Earth Journeys, Ste 220 - 133 E. 8th Ave. Vancouver,
B.C. V5T 1R8 Canada
Tel: (604) 874-7922, Toll Free 1-877-874-7922 www.sacredearthjourneys.ca