• DAY 1 – Arrive Delhi
  

  • Pickup at Delhi Airport
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Stay Overnight at Delhi Hotel to rest and recuperate
• DAY 2 – Fly to Leh, Ladakh
  

  • Dropoff at Delhi Airport
  • Fly to Leh, Ladakh in the early morning
  • Free time in afternoon
  • Stay at Leh Guesthouse
• DAY 3 – Leh Tour & Acclimatization
  

  • Morning Hike to Shanti Stupa
  • Leh Palace
  • Leh Market Wandering with Free Time
  • Stay at Leh Guesthouse
• DAY 4 – Likir Monastery & Alchi Monastery
  

  • Depart Leh
  • Likir Monastery School Visit
  • Zanskar River Sangam (Confluence)
  • Visit to Alchi Monastery
  • Stay in or around Alchi Monastery
• DAY 5 – Alchi to Lamayuru Monastery
  

  • Village walk + Visit Alchi Monastery in the Morning
  • Visit Drukpa Nunnery & Khatsa Gompa Tia
  • Travel to Lamayuru Monastery
  • Stay in or around Lamayuru Monastery
• DAY 6 – Lamayuru Monastery
  

  • Visit the Lamayuru Festival
  • Stay in or around Lamayuru Monastery
• DAY 7 – Lamayuru – Zanskar Valley
  

  • Full day Travel
  • Drive over Mountain Pass
  • Stay in Zanskar Valley
• DAY 8 – Zanskar Valley Exploration
  

  • Stay in Zanskar Valley
• DAY 9 – Zanskar Valley Exploration
  

  • Stay in Zanskar Valley
• DAY 10 – Zanskar to Leh
  

  • Full Day Travel
  • Stay in Leh Guesthouse
• DAY 11 – Hemis & Thiksey Monastery Exploration
  

  • Visit Hemis and Thiksey Day Tour
  • Return to Leh
  • Stay at Leh Guesthouse
• DAY 12 – Leh to Delhi
  

  • Late Morning flight to Delhi
  • Stay in Delhi Hotel
• DAY 13 – Depart Delhi
  

  • Breakfast at Hotel
  • Depart Delhi for further travel

Q: What is the nature of this pilgrimage?

A: This is a meditation and himalayan excursion designed to invigorate your mind and body and awaken your spirit in one of the most spiritually charged and majestic places on earth – Ladakh.

Q: Is there any trekking?

A: There will be light walks through the monasteries and sites. In Zanskar Valley we may have an option for a longer trek.

Q: What will the weather be like? Should we expect rain?

A: June in Ladakh is summer, Because of global warming, we have found extreme changes in temperature year by year. The skies are mostly clear, with afternoon clouds, the day times can be pleasant or hot reaching temperatures between 60-85 degrees F (21 Celsius with sunshine, and the nights are still cool to cold with temperatures between 45 – 50 degrees F/8 Celsius). However, weather can change rapidly in the mountains so it’s always good to be prepared with lots of layers.

Q: What is the climate of Ladakh?

A: The climate of Ladakh is of a high altitude arid desert. Most find that the skin gets easily burnt, and extremely dry, so please bring appropriate skin protection and hydration items.

Q: What is the method of travel?

A: You will be traveling by air to Leh. The rest of the tour is done by a comfortable van.

Q: How long are travel days?

A: Generally 6-7 hours usually when we have to cover long distances, including many stops in between

Q: What altitudes will we travel?

A: Our travels will take us from around 11,000 feet to 18,500 feet.

Q: Should I worry about altitude illness?

A: In previous years, our participants have gotten sick with altitude illness (mainly because they overdid it!) The trip is designed to allow us to gradually acclimate with a rest day in Leh, and we will discuss ways to maintain your body, mind, and breath to support the ascension. None-the-less, we recommend consulting with your doctor regarding this. Plenty of water, plenty of rest in between can help you.

Q: How can I prepare for this pilgrimage?

A: Physical fitness and overall good health are important elements for a spiritual excursion like this. If you haven’t already, we suggest that you begin a regular practice for conditioning your body. Aerobic exercise is especially helpful to prepare for trekking and high altitudes. One method is fast walking, building up to a steady pace on inclines, hilly terrain, or stairs, and increasing distance* Also, the yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) of kapalabhati, bhastrika, and nadi shodhanam (alternate nostril breathing) are also good preparation, as is the practice of agni sara to energize the solar plexus and help sustain vitality. These practices are best done regularly, starting with a few repetitions and progressing gradually according to your capacity. If you don’t know these techniques, we recommend that you take a pranayama or hatha yoga class with a qualified instructor.

Q: What will be practicing?

A: This pilgrimage focuses on letting participants deepen in their meditative practices. Khushi will also share about Buddhist and Yogic techniques for those that are less familiar with meditation or are needing guidance. There may be a chance here and there to do some asana together, but our focus is on meditation and having daily opportunities to sit in the monasteries or out in nature (or both!)

Q: Are children allowed?

A: This trip because it is meditation focused, can only allow children that are quite mature and actually interested themselves by the premise of the tour. There will be times of silence, meditation and reflection along with long travel days that requires more stamina and motivation towards these practices. Please contact us to assess whether your child may be ready.

Q: What airport do I fly into?

A: You will fly into New Delhi, India, otherwise known as DEL

Q: When should I book my airfare?

A: Once the tour is confirmed as running with enough participants (you will receive a notice)

Q: Do I need a passport or visa?

A: Passports and visas are required for travel to India. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after your return date from India. It is also recommended that you have at least 3 blank pages in the back of your passport. A valid passport must be submitted with the visa application and your passport must be signed where indicated.

Q: Where do I apply for my visa?

A: You may apply for an e-visa directly on the Governement of India website. You can apply for this visa 30 days before you travel. You will receive an email copy within 3 days – once you arrive into India, you will get a stamp in your passport for the actual visa.

Q: What are the COVID protocols for entering the country?

A: As of now, none are required

Q: What immunizations do I need?

A: No immunizations are required for the areas we are traveling to in India. You’re welcome to check the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization websites for their list of recommended vaccines. These vaccines are optional and the decision to get them is strictly a personal choice. We encourage you to discuss immunization with your health professional in order to make an informed decision based on your own personal preferences and health history.

Q: Are there natural ways to enhance my health before going to India?

A: Amla (Amalaki) is one of the world’s most concentrated naturally occurring sources of antioxidant Vitamin C. Also ashwaghanda can help with maintaining good energy levels and is adaptogenic in nature.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?

A: Reverse Osmosis (RO) water or bottled (mineral) water is recommended when staying in hotels in India and it can be purchased directly from the hotel or other local sources. Boiled and filtered water is also safe.

Q: What medicines should I bring with me?

A: If you are taking prescription medication, bring an adequate amount with you. Although some medicines are available in India, their supply and quality are not reliable. Bring homeopathic or herbal remedies of your choice. Consult in advance with your health practitioner regarding other medications and recommendations for known allergies, possible altitude sickness, diarrhea, or general stomach upsets. We will also carry an array of the most necessary allopathic and homeopathic medicines, as well as a first aid kit.

Where will we be staying?

A: Accommodations will vary from 3 star hotels, monastery guest homes (simple), and guest houses/bed and breakfasts. See itinerary for day to day details. Accommodations are based on single or double occupancy shared rooms/tents depending on your reservation.

Q: What type of meals can I expect? Is alcohol allowed?

A: Freshly prepared vegetarian meals will be served throughout the trek, as well as some Ladakhi local foods. Inquire about special dietary needs. This is a spiritual pilgrimage with a focus on meditation so we ask all guests to refrain from all intoxicants.

Q: Will I be able to do laundry?

A: It may be possible to do hand laundry on portions of the pilgrimage when there are stays of more than one night, and weather conditions are favorable for drying.

*Baggage allowance – one carry-on 7kg and one suitcase 15kg*

The following items are essential:

• Daypack
• Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes/boots
• Sandals
• Flip Flops for bathrooms
• 2–3 active wear T-shirts
• 2–3 long sleeve trekking/activewear shirts
• Medium thermal base layers (tops and bottoms)
• 1 medium or heavyweight fleece jacket/ Lightweight Down jacket
• 2–3 trekking pants
• Gloves (consider bringing a lightweight and warm pair)
• Warm hat
• Hiking socks (4–5 pairs)
• Lightweight travel or pack towel
• Two 1 – liter or one 2 – liter water bottle or hydration bladder*
• Thermos for hot water
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Walking stick / trekking poles if you have difficulty trekking
• Folding Chair if you have trouble sitting on ground (This we can get in Delhi)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (vaseline)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Personal toiletries, including soap and shampoo
• Wet Wipes or other hand sanitizer
• Prescription medicine, if required
• Lightweight stuff sack or bag for excess items you may want to purchase**
• Plug adaptor
• Items for meditation (cushion, rug etc. – can be purchased in Leh or from us)

**On domestic flights within India, baggage is restricted to 1 carry-on and 1 15kg bag

Other things to consider:

• Vest (down or fleece)
• Sleeping bag silk liner
• 1 Long dress/long skirt
• Stole/scarf/shawl (can be purchased in Leh, Ladakh)
• Waterproof liner for inside your duffel (or a large garbage bag)
• Slip-on shoes and/or rubber sandals/flip flops
• Rain poncho
• Extra Zip Lock or plastic bags
• Camera and accessories
• Power bank (portable charging device) (kept in carry-on not checked bag)
• International converter kit for rechargeable items, or bring extra batteries
• TSA luggage locks (locks keep zippers closed during handling, and help prevent accidental opening)
• Pocket knife (packed in checked baggage, not in carry-on)
• Toilet paper and/or pocket tissues (can be purchased in Leh, Ladakh)
• Laundry soap (for hand laundry- can be purchased in Leh)
• Eye mask/Earplugs
• Electrolyte drink mix
• Snack bars, trail snacks (can be purchased in Leh)

Q: Where can I change money?

A: Change currency into Indian rupees before exiting the Customs area at the Delhi airport. Traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted, therefore, plan to bring cash for exchange. State Bank of India, near the baggage claim area (across from carousel 14) and before the Customs exit, is recommended for currency exchange. Count your rupees before leaving the window and be sure you are given an encashment certificate for your transaction. Retain this encashment certificate to use for exchanging any excess rupees at the end of your travel.

Q: Will we have access to a phone or internet?

A: Wifi will be available in guest house lobbies, and you can get a SIM card in the Leh Market for use in Ladakh.

Indian culture is drastically different than what one might be accustomed to in the West, especially in rural India. Mountain culture is dictated by hardship and hard work, as well as communion with the environment. Participants might be amazed and surprised by the amount of work women do in the community. Please be respectful to the traditions and customs, and practice being an observer. Some things you see might be contrary to your beliefs; however, we ask that you maintain an attitude of acceptance and curiosity. Any questions you might have along the way, please feel free to ask Mohan or Khushi and they will advise you accordingly, or just follow their lead. Please note the following cultural considerations:

• CLOTHING
  • Participants are expected to dress modestly and in line with local cultural norms. Shorts (long shorts for men are ok), tank tops, and other tight or revealing clothing is not appropriate at the monasteries, nor is showing legs for womxn
  • No tank tops or spaghetti straps worn in public
  • Temperature variation from the valley regions to mountain sites is considerable therefore clothes for warm bright days and cool nights is advisable (light fleece, shawl or jacket).
  • Women are advised to wear a stole or light shawl (known as a chunni or dupatta).

• SOCIAL ETTIQUETTE
  • If visiting someone’s home, please do not enter any kitchen unless invited by the elders in the family
  • If you are entering a religious place like – a temple, mosque and gurudwara – you must take off your footwear outside. Most homes also follow this tradition
  • Julley is the traditional greeting in Ladkh region. Namaste (with folded hands) is the traditional hello and goodbye greeting as well. A more respectful version of Namaste is Namashkaar
    
• FOOD:
  • If you are eating with local people and you have your own food, it is customary to share it with everybody
  • Wash your hands with water or sanitize before touching food
  • Don’t touch any food with your hands that is not already in your plate
  • Unlike the West, it is seen as highly disrespectful to share something that has touched your mouth with others (i.e: sharing your water bottle with the others etc.). You make share water if the water bottle has not touched your mouth, or food that you haven’t already bitten into. Also, while cooking, in India we never taste with the same spoon again and again. Please use a new spoon for any tasting.

 How do I register?

A: Register online above and submit your deposit or full payment (Khushi will contact you with best way to pay)

Q: What if I need to cancel?

A: Requests for cancellation must be made in writing to Khushi. 2 months or more before the start date of the retreat, full refund is possible minus $150 processing fee. Any in country closures due to emergency – full refund is given minus $150 processing fee. As a non-profit we are unable to offer exceptions to our cancellation policy – we therefore highly encourage participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance in the event you need to cancel your reservation due to any reason.

Q: What is the minimum number of participants needed to run the tour?

A: Minimum is 6 people. If we do not have enough, participants will be refunded their deposits.