Tibetan Path Tour

Learn from the Dalai Lama, Develop a Practice of Meditation
and take part in a Tibetan Cultural Exchange Program

21 Day Tour: Delhi & Dharamsala

Operated in cooperation with Spiritual Quest Adventures

TOUR TO BE RE-SCHEDULED
LOOK FOR NEW DATE T.B.A.

High in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas is a small town called McLeod Ganj that is home to the most famous refugee in the world, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Since the cultural revolution in Tibet, thousands of Tibetans have arrived in this Indian town more widely known as Dharamsala, bringing with them all the sacred wisdom and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. People travel from all over the world to this place, surpassing many obstacles along the way, all for the once in a lifetime chance to see His Holiness and learn from him. On this tour we are opening the gateway to just that. The host is Lisa Tully, who is originally from Ireland and a practising Tibetan Buddhist. She works hand in hand with the local community and will take you to McLeod Ganj, India to attend public teachings by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, learn Buddhist meditation from teachers of his lineage and hang out with the local Tibetan community.

Click to watch the video…

Attending public teachings by His Holiness will afford you the opportunity to experience the immense power of this man’s heart. He refers to himself as “a simple monk” but rest assured this is a typically Tibetan understatement. Although His Holiness tirelessly travels the globe reaching out to as many “brothers and sisters” as possible, the authenticity of seeing him reach out to his own people in his home temple is a totally different experience. For example looking around you will see devotees falling into deep states of meditation simply by being in his presence. People bursting into tears at the mere sight of him as he gentle opens hearts that little bit wider. As the saying goes “a broken heart is an open heart.”

Our meditation retreat is a 10-day silent retreat run by the internationally renowned Tushita Meditation Centre. Nestled high in the forests far away from any hustle and bustle, this welcoming haven is perfect for those who want to get away so they can go in and explore their true nature. A serious retreat that will provide the tools needed to begin or enhance a daily meditation practice. A chance to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and harness some of its benefits for yourself and the people you share your life with by bringing home the souvenir of greater peace, love and compassion.

McLeod Ganj is also known as ‘Little Lhasa’ as it is filled to the brim with Tibetan lamas, monks and nuns meditating for the benefit of all sentient beings in the many monasteries, nunneries and secluded retreats scattered around the hilltops. Simply by being in this location, visitors are benefiting on many levels as the vibration of this sacred place is so high. It provides the perfect setting to embark on a lifetime’s journey of meditation and spiritual growth.

For those looking to join a family that takes you to your inner places less traveled, we are only delighted to welcome you into the our fold!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday, November 16 – Delhi

We greet you at airport then transfer you into the heart of Delhi. As you whizz your way across the city you will get to experience the Indian way of life that is totally unique! Sometimes people want to arrive on an earlier date to rest and have time in Delhi before the drive up to Dharamsala, we are happy to assist such requests. However please bear in mind that for early arrivals your time is your own until the tour start date.

Day 2 – Sunday, November 17 – Dharamsala

Early morning drive to McCleod Ganj, the scenic town that rests in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is the home to the Dalai Lama in exile and is also known as “Little Lhasa.” We will reside in that general area for the duration of our tour. Believe us when we say you won’t want to leave this Shangri-La! We travel up there by private transfer (approx 12 hours), then check into our hotel. If you would prefer you can also fly from Delhi to Dharamsala and meet us when we get there, it is a one hour flight (for an extra cost). We can arrange a car to greet you and take you to the hotel.

Day 3 – Monday, November 18 – Buddhist Retreat

In the morning we will do a walking meditation around the scenic circle of the Dalai Lama’s home known locally as the ‘Kora’ as we get acquainted with the local Tibetan culture. Check out of our hotel and transfer to the nearby peaceful Buddhist meditation centre up in the hills of McCleod Ganj. This place is quiet, surrounded by trees and hillside views with Buddhist stupas scattered about the grounds for you to stumble upon as you take a stroll. The 10-day Introduction to Buddhism meditation retreat starts that afternoon. Please note tour host Lisa does not attend the Tushita retreat with you. Both Tushita & Lisa feel is not necessary as you are in safe hands & it helps you keep the silence better. It also means there is an extra place for someone who has not been at this over subscribed centre before & that Lisa is available should somebody not be able to complete the full 10 days for whatever reason.

Days 4 through 9 – Tues, Nov. 19 through Sun, Nov. 24 – Buddhist Retreat

Introduction to Buddhism silent meditation Temple-retreat. Yes we did say silent. Are you ready to go inside and meet your Buddha nature?

Day 10 – Monday, November 25 – Buddhist Retreat

Final day of the Buddhist meditation retreat. Check out is between 1 pm and 3 pm. Transfer by local taxi to McLeod Ganj town centre. Even the town centre has beautiful buildings such as the temple seen here in the photo to the right. Enjoy the rest of the day at your well deserved leisure.

Day 11 – Tuesday, November 26 – Full day at leisure

This is time for you to take stock and relax. We encourage you to make the most of it to ensure you are full of energy for the rest of the tour.

Days 12 through 17 – Wed, Nov. 27 through Mon. Dec. 2 – Cultural Exchange Program

This involves pairing off with a “Mutual Learning Partner,” a Tibetan English language student from the charity Lha who will share stories about their lives and experiences. They will take you to visit their homes, meet members of their family and make friends in the Tibetan refugee community. There will also be talks delivered by guest speakers about the political situation in Tibet. Lha also offers classes on Tibetan language & Tibetan cooking which you can partake in if you wish.

Day 18 – Tuesday, December 3 – Experiencing Monks Chanting & Sacred Tibetan Art

We will journey to the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Arts where you will get to witness sacred art in the making. It was set up to preserve Tibetan traditions and safely pass it on to the next generation. Plus you will get to visit a beautiful monastery which is home to the Tibetan master the 16th Karmapa in exile. Early evening we will attend our own private Green Tara prayer session. Here you will experience the power of Tibetan chanting as monks pray for our benefit. Green Tara is particularly helpful for any areas of your life you need swift action in so come with your intentions prepared!

Day 19 – Wednesday, December 4 – Blessing Your Future

The agenda on this day will be a relaxed one as it is our last day and we know you will want to run around saying goodbye to your new friends and buying rare gifts for your loved ones back home. In the afternoon we will do a prayer flag puja. This involves writing names on prayer flags and hanging them in auspicious places which is believed to blow all fears away. The perfect ending to a heart-warming trip that we believe will stay with you and impact you & your loved ones for many years to come.

Day 20 – Thursday, December 5 – Delhi

We drive back down to Delhi by private transfer (approx 12 hours). Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 21 – Friday, December 6 – Delhi

Exchange contact details with your new global family and then transfer for individual travel arrangements. For later departures we can arrange for you to attend a morning tour “Street Life by Street Children” where you will be taken into the realities of local Delhi life by its most vulnerable people, and in doing so you will be supporting them.

Click Here for More Tour Details

Click Here for Tushita Meditation Centre Details

“Do not wait! Take the next flight to Dharamsala :). We all get so caught up in our careers, families, responsibilities that we forget about ourselves. This tour will allow you some “me” time to find the real “you” and the answers to your questions. I cannot stress enough the benefits you will discover at the end of your trip!”
– Sonia, USA

Keep in mind: The planning of these tours depends upon the teaching schedules of both His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama and the Tushita Meditation Centre. We plan as far ahead as all schedules allow and we do appreciate your patience on this. Please note anything with the itinerary can change at short notice especially with the nature of India but if that happens we will do our best to substitute something else equally wonderful.

Tibetan Path Tour Prices

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.

$3,885  payments via check or money order
$4,089  payments via credit card

Late Sign-up Price $4,199 ($4,425 credit card) if full payment received after November 6, 2013

Single Room Subsidy for hotel in Delhi & McLeod Ganj $639 payments via check or money order ($679 credit card). Does not include Tushita Meditation Centre where room choice depends on availability at check-in. Single room subsidy payment is due with tour deposit.

A deposit of $300 is required (payments via check or money order – $315 via credit card). Full payment is due not less than 56 days prior to your tour start date. When bookings are made less than 56 days before the tour start date full payment must be made when booking.

A cancellation by you must be advised to us in writing. If a booking is cancelled we reserve the right to apply cancellation charges as follows:

• Up to 60 days prior to tour date: Initial deposit amount
• 25 to 59 days prior to tour date: 50% of total cost
• 14 to 24 days prior to tour date: 75% of total cost
• 1 to 13 days prior to tour date: 100% of total cost

If a trip is cancelled more than 56 days before the tour start date we will happily refund all the money you have paid except for a $100 processing fee.

Cost Includes:

• English speaking host for duration of trip
• Transfers to and from Delhi international airport
• Land transfers from Delhi to McLeod Ganj and back to Delhi
• Transfers from McLeod Ganj to Buddhist Meditation Centre and back
• 2 nights accommodation in Delhi (sharing unless single room requested)
• 11 nights bed & breakfast in McCleod Ganj (sharing unless single room requested)
• 8 nights dormitory accommodation at the Tushita Meditation Centre
• Suggested donations by Buddhist Meditation Center to cover cost of dorm accommodation and food. The food provided is dinner on day 1, 3 meals day 2 to 7, and breakfast and picnic lunch on day 8 of the retreat
• Dinner evenings of Cultural exchange program
• Breakfast & lunch when traveling on day 2 & 20

Cost Excludes:

• Personal expenses
• Visa and passport fees
• Travel insurance
• International & domestic flights
• Train fares
• Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage unless specified
• Meals other than those specified
• Optional activities and sightseeing
• Tips
• Donation for Street Life by Street Kids tour

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this tour.

Travel Insurance

Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Travel Insurance.

If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

For Flight Assistance and Ticketing, call: *631-459-1830
or email horstkitzig@peoplepc.com

* Please note that Horst cannot accept calls from blocked numbers. If your phone is blocked you must enter *82 and then wait for the dial tone before dialing.