September 15th-October 5th 2011
Group Journey to Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
Day 1/September 15th : Arrival in Delhi
Day 2/ September 16th: Transport to airport, flight to Srinagar and transfer to luxury Houseboat at Nageen Lake.
Day 3/ September 17th: Enjoy the splendour of nature and the snowy mountains with a full day tour of Gulmarg which is one of the most beautiful summer resorts in the valley. One of the highest points in Kashmir is Khilanmarg (about 13500 ft) and we will take a cable car from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, in the evening return to Houseboat dinner and overnight at houseboats.
Day 4/ September 18th: Full day excursion: Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh (the garden of pleasure)Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love), Chashmashahi (Royal spring), tour of the old city with visits to the historical green masjid and Jamia masjid. Return to houseboat for dinner and overnight.
Day 5/ September 19th: After breakfast depart for Jammu. We will visit floating gardens & surrounding areas on the way. Train departs at 2:30 to Patankot and Jeep transfer to Dharamsala (*Possible itinerary change to Amritsar/overnight, dependent on the group)
Day 6/ September 20th: Free day Dharamsala(or the day in Amritsar and jeeps to Dharamsala)
Day 7/ September 21st: Morning trip to Jangchub Jong/Afternoon to Gyoto for an audience with His Holiness Karmapa, free evening Dharamsala
Day 8/September 22nd: We will visit to Tashi Jong en route to Bir (You will have the choice to stay at Deer Park or in a home stay with a Tibetan Family)
Day 9/September 23rd: (Home stay in Bir with Tibetan family): Today we will visit Sherab Ling and have interviews with any Rinpoche’s in residence. We will also do a walking tour of Bir with Visits to: Deer Park Institute and Pema Ewam Choegar Monastery
Day 10/ September 24th: (Home stay in Bir with Tibetan family): Today we will visit the nunnery of Tenzin Palmo and then come back for free afternoon/evening
Day 11/ September 25th: Travel to Tso Pema where we will be set up to do three (3) days of solitary retreat at Namkha Ling Monastery. This is the lake where Guru Rinpoche was found sitting, cool and fresh, on a lotus blossom in its centre after he was burned alive. We will begin the retreat after a visit to Padmasambhava’s cave and hanging prayer flags over the valley.
Day 12/ September 26th: Trip to caves after breakfast. Retreat starts after lunch. meals brought to the rooms.
Days 13-15/ September 27th-September 29th: Retreat days
Day 16/September 30th: Retreat ends after breakfast. Packing and after lunch drive to Chandrigarth, in Luxury Jeeps/Overnight
Day 17/October 1st:After breakfast continue the drive to the picturesque pine scented valley of DheraDun. nestled in the foothills of Himalayas. Mindrolling Monastery will be our base for 3 nights/two days.
Day 18/ October 2nd: Day trip tp Mussoorie and the nunnery of Khandro Rinpoche, Samten Tse.
Day 19/ October 3rd: Free day/ Optional day trip to Rishikesh can be arranged. Located on the banks of river Ganga, it is one of India’s most holy cities.
Day 20/October 4th: Evening train to Delhi (departs 5:00pm) transfer to Hotel:
Day 21/October 5th: Departure day
* It is advised that you arrive in India one or two days before beginning of tour to adjust
*Trip does not include airfare to/from India
* This is NOT a guided tour, please bring a guide book to plan your free days
* To participate in this trip, you must have previously done a minimum of a week solitary retreat and have a solid foundation of practice
