Day 1

Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to hotel.

Day 2 and 3

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city with a vast historical context. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history.
You will be able to see and feel the pulse of Delhi and it’s old city, the red fort whose complex was built as the new capital of the 5th Mughal emperor of India Shah Jahan, who pushed architectural refinement to its peak at this time.

Visit some major sites including the tomb of Humayun, Qûtb Minar, Jama Masjid mosque and the famous Sikh Sri Bangla Sahid Gurudwara temple where thousands of people are served a free meal everyday, by a number of volunteers. Get a glimpse at a market or two and discover other surprises are awaiting you depending on time available.

Lodhi colony
A green and peaceful neighbourhood where you will see dozens of murals painted on houses built for government employees in the 1940s.

Day 4

Road to Rishikesh
Made famous in 1968 with the arrival of the Beatles who came to learn to meditate, this place quickly became a magnet attracting people in search of spirituality. Considered one the 7 holy cities of India, it offers a very wide range of spiritual practices but also its part of new age trend activities.

Rishikesh, the city of the rishis, the holy men, is the gateway to the Himalayas and the place where the sacred gang river originates from the Bhagirathi river in Gangotri. It’s fast moving moving waters are much clearer than those to the south of its course of some 3,000 km.

To entre Rishikesh is to enter the heart of a world of temples, ashrams, pilgrimage, philosophical and spiritual practices of all sorts. It also means being at the crossroads of backpackers, trekkers, hippies, rafting and bungee adventurers. People who live there for several months or years affectionately speak of it as « the village ». A spécial atmosphere reigns there and for those who let themselves be lulled by the flow, an intimate contact with themselves can emerge in a very interesting way. The omnipresence of ashrams, temples, sadhus, yogis, booksellers offering an array of books on spirituality and followers of all path of disciplines touches the sacred in the self and inspires great respect for this dimension we all carry.

Day 5 to 26

Yoga retreat, 3 weeks dedicated to the spirit of yoga. It includes asanas, meditation, pranayam, mantra practice, satsang (listening to oneself and others, it refers to truth). This package is based on a stay at a resort where classes and most meals are provided (a similar retreat can be offered with a hotel stay and meals being on a self, non included plan). In addition Francine Tellier will offer to facilitate some introspective work in the form of private session in Depth Hypnosis and Applied Shamanism following the method of Isa Gucciardi from the Foundation of the sacred Stream where she is graduated from. These processes will be offered on an individual basis for the people who might be interested in deepening their healing and growth processes. They are not included in the package and will be available with extra cost.
A global approach in line with the breath of life path, with the path of consciousness. It will also be possible to do the sacred ritual bath in Ganga Ma. A spiritual act unrelated to pleasure bathing or swimming.

This time for the soul will be punctuated with visits and activities among which:

• Aarti ceremony
• Visit of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram where the Beatles learnt a form of meditation which was later to be called transcendental
• Visit of the very famous and ancient ashram Parmath Niketan
• Walk in the village to discover its small markets and charming coffee shops and bakeries, to do ‘‘people watching’’ and simply enjoy being there.
• Spend time around and in between the two symbolic bridges of Laxman and Ram Jhula
• Stroll around the Ganges during free time, in areas where the only activity to be found is local and mostly constituted of women doing laundry. A perfect place for meditation, contemplation and introspection activity.
• Trek to Patna waterfalls
• Visit to the Neelkanth Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Immerse yourself in the holy activity of Haridwar where Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, attracting millions of sadhus and other pilgrims. This visit may happen on the way to Rishikesh or back to Delhi or while in retreat as the case may be.
• Other surprises according to weather conditions and availability
• Some of the optional activities available include rock climbing, rafting and trekking in the surrounding mountains.

Day 27

Road to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi or direct transfer to airport according to the flights. End of services.

 

Possibility of an extension to McLeod – Dharamsala

Organization of luggage to leave in Delhi as domestic flights allow only 15 kg of
registered luggage and a small and light carry on.

Overview of the circuit
Price for 4 travellers and up: $ 2,510 USD – 7 or 8 nights (depending on transportation)

According to flight schedule, an extra night may have to be spent in Delhi (overnight stay and food not included in the package, extra charges).

Flight to Dharamsala. Transfer to the Norbulingka Institute.

Visit the art studios of the Norbulingka Institute, which is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture and arts. Passage to the Gyuto Tibetan Tantric Temple as well as to the Thosamling Convent (Buddhist nuns).

One day traditional Tibetan art workshop including a sketch of Thangka, woodcarving, wood painting to choose from. Subject to availability.

McLeod Ganj. Possibility to stop on the way at the Tibetan Children Village, an orphanage that also serves as a school for Tibetan refugees. Always a very touching moment filled with many stories.

Transfer to a Tibetan hotel. Exploration of the surrounding.

Walks in the village of McLeod, mountain trek and ethnic villages.

Visit the Tsug LaKhang and Namgyal temple where the Dalai Lama has established residence. Trek in villages around.

Free time to enjoy the village atmosphere and to make your last souvenir purchases. A variety of classes are offered here and you may as well want to to take part in one of them or just spend spend time at leisure. Courses and workshops are not included in the package and fees are extra.

Transfer to Dharamsala and flight back to Delhi. Transfer to hotel

Departure. Transfer to airport. End of services.