version Dec 2014 Asia / India and Nepal / Light and comfortable pilgrimage In the footsteps of the Buddha Dates: 15-30 March 2015 Price: 2950.- sharing a twin-bedded room, incl. a Christmas discount of 150; after 1 January 2015 the price will be 3100 3550.- on a single-room basis, incl. a Christmas discount of 150; after 1 January 2015 the price will be 3700; The discount will be automatically adjusted at the time of payment. Embark on a profound voyage of discovery to the source of Buddhism at the four holy pilgrim sites in Northern India and Nepal 16-day journey from New Delhi to Kathmandu, with overnight stays at a monastery and comfortable hotels This group tour will be guided in English by the Buddhist Pure Land priest and teacher Dr. David Brazier, British author and authority on Buddhist psychology, and the Dutch monk Maarten Olthof, an engaged Buddhist, author and teacher of Zen. A pilgrimage is an encounter wherein to find love, meaning and liberation.
At the end of his life, the Buddha called on his followers to make a pilgrimage to the following locations: Lumbini (Nepal), where the Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama Bodhgaya (India), where he attained enlightenment and became a Buddha or awakened one Sarnath (India, near Varanasi), where he shared his insights with others and taught his first disciples Kushinagara (India), where the Buddha passed away at the age of eighty To Buddhist pilgrims, these sites not only put us in touch with events in the life of the Buddha. They are also closely entwined with the life cycle of each and every one of us. Hence, a respectful visit to these places will always be an intense experience. Following the passing of the Buddha, these four sites became popular pilgrimage sites with monasteries and temples. However, although the pilgrimage route had been walked for over 1700 years, in the 12th century its significance was lost in parallel with the demise of Buddhism in India. During this journey you will learn what is known of the life of the historical Buddha and the time in which he lived. We will look at some of the sutras and discourses of the Buddha that are associated with these sites. This will elucidate both the context in which Buddhism evolved as well as aspects of society that the Buddha sought to oppose. Throughout the trip, an essential atmosphere is evoked vibrantly, bringing to life the spirit of Buddhism in a way no book on its own can. During the trip, there is ample opportunity to meditate and reflect amid awe-inspiring monuments in lush, green environments. In India we will also visit Rajgir, nestled among green hills, the nearby ruins of the monastic university of Nalanda, and the legendary town of Varanasi. In Nepal we will see Kapilavastu, the place where Siddhartha grew up. The trip ends in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where we will visit a number of important Buddhist monuments. DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Day 1 - Sunday 15 March 2015 In the footsteps of the Buddha Arrival in New Delhi. After leaving the arrival hall at Indira Gandhi International Airport you can take a taxi to the hotel, which is situated relatively nearby. Accommodation: a hotel in New Delhi
Day 2 - Monday 16 March 2015 Taking the night train to Gaya A day to recover from your flight. During the day, there is a full introduction to the trip and a chance to meet and get to know fellow pilgrims. In the evening we take the night train to Gaya in Bihar, about 1000 km (621 mi) from Delhi. We spend the night in sleeper coaches with reserved berths and air conditioning. The Indian Railway company is the largest in the world and traveling by train through India is an experience not to be missed. Accommodation: night train Day 3 - Tuesday 17 March 2015 On our way to Rajgir Arrival in Gaya in the afternoon. From here, we cover the 50 km (31 mi) to Rajgir by chartered coach in a journey of approximately 3 hours duration. This is Bihar, India s poorest state. Although nowadays populated mainly by Muslims and Hindus, its name is derived from 'Vihara' or 'monastery', because of the large number of Buddhist monasteries that once dotted the region. Rajgir is surrounded by mountains that emerge dramatically from the dry and flat landscape of Bihar. The city is small and pleasant, with many parks and monasteries. There is also a Hindu temple with hot spring In days gone by this was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Magadha. The Cyclopean wall of 48 kilometers that encircled the city and its 60,000 inhabitants once had hundreds of gates. Whilst the wall is only partially preserved, one
can still get a sense of its size and the majesty of the people it protected. The Buddha enjoyed staying here because of the many caves in the area, the proximity to the city for his daily alms round and because of his friendship with King Bimbisara and Queen Vaidehi. Accommodation: a Japanese hotel in Rajgir Day 4 - Wednesday 18 March 2015 In the Saptaparni cave In the morning we will visit the Venuvana bamboo forest, near the hotel, a grove where monks first built shelters in which to spend the rainy season. They used this time to exchange ideas and to share experiences during their travels. The monastery was born out of these meetings. Thus, such institutions can be considered a Buddhist invention. The bamboo grove has been restored and over the last decades a large Japanese temple has been built here. The founder of Jainism, Mahavira, was a contemporary of the Buddha and regularly stayed in Rajgir too. Accordingly, there is also here a Jain Institute, Veerayatan, which houses both a monastery and a museum. In the afternoon we will visit the caves where the first Buddhist council took place shortly after the Buddha s demise or parinirvana. Following several centuries of oral tradition, the resulting canon was recorded, becoming known as the Tripitaka. We take a rewarding walk past the Hindu temple and hot springs to the place where the first monks used to meet. Walking time: approximately 3-4 hours, 200 m ascent and descent on stepped pathways Accommodation: a Japanese hotel in Rajgir
Day 5 - Thursday 19 March 2015 Peace pagoda near Vulture s Peak In the morning we traverse the valleys of Rajgir to Ratana Hill. On the way we make a stop at Bimbisara s prison, where queen Vaidehi visited her husband after he was imprisoned here by their son Ajatasatru. With all kinds of tricks she was able to keep Bimbisara alive, but finally he passed away in custody. At the top of Ratana Hill lie a Japanese monastery and the white-washed World Peace Stupa, where daily prayers are held for world peace. A cable car will take us up 150 meters. From here we descend on foot, following a paved path to the lower Vulture Peak. This place is where the Buddha preferred to stay when he was in Rajgir. Dotted with caves and surrounded by green hills, it was rediscovered thanks to ancient travel accounts left by bygone pilgrims. Walking time: approx. 4 km (2,5 mi); 2.5 hours incl. sightseeing; from Ratana Hill 150m (500 ft) down a stepped pathway. You can also visit Ratana Hill without doing the walk. Vulture Peak, however, can only be reached on foot. The afternoon is devoted to the nearby ruins of Nalanda, which means inexhaustible in giving. From the fifth century (Christian era) many thousands of monks studied at the vast Buddhist university complex settled here. Buddhists from as far away as China and Indonesia came here to study, and some to teach. The university campus was an ingenious display of architecture. We will see temples, monasteries with sleeping quarters and places where tuition was given. The most eyecatching is the stupa of Sariputra, the foremost disciple of the Buddha. The university complex once stretched over a length of some ten kilometers. To date, only one kilometer or 10 percent has been excavated. Accommodation: a Japanese hotel in Rajgir
Day 6 - Friday 20 March 2015 Dungeshwari Today we immerse ourselves in the period six years prior to the enlightenment of Siddhartha. A bus will take us to Dungeshwari, on the way to Bodhgaya. Here we will visit the monastery, set on the hillside. There, in the caves, Siddhartha sought in vain to see the light through practicing extreme asceticism. There are remains of several stupas on the ridge, from where one has a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. From Dungeshwari we walk to the place where an emaciated Siddhartha, after six years of fruitless asceticism, finally accepted a bowl of rice porridge from the shepherdess Sujata. He saw that this path would no more deliver him insight than the hedonism of his youth had done. Instead, he discovered a middle way. A large stupa was later built for Sujata, the excavation of which has only recently been completed. From the stupa we walk to Bodhgaya, the place where Siddhartha finally attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya is the first of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites and is the spiritual center of the Buddhist world. Bus ride: approx. 3 hours Walking time: approx. 4 hours, 11 km (6,8 mi), 100 m (330 ft) ascent and descent on stepped pathways. Part of the walk leads through a dry riverbed, which occasionally holds some water. You are free to follow a part of the program that requires a minimum of walking. Accommodation: a monastery in Bodhgaya
Day 7 - Saturday 21 March 2015 At the Mahabodhi temple In the morning we pay a visit to the Mahabodhi temple, an attractive setting with gardens. It was here under the bodhi tree that Siddhartha, at the age of 35, attained the state of enlightenment and became the Buddha. Pilgrims from around the world come together here to follow the ancient practice of circumambulating the temple. It is a spiritually evocative experience to join with this circling stream of people and realize that this place unites and inspires both Buddhists and non-buddhists from around the world to reflect on the essence of life. Here there will be a chance to meditate, either in or near the beautiful temples of Bodhgaya. In the afternoon there will be a chance to visit several monasteries in Bodhgaya, as well as the giant statue of the Buddha. Almost the entire Buddhist world is represented in Bodhgaya, each Buddhist country having built a monastery according to its own national style. One wonderfully colorful example is the monastery built by the people of Bhutan. Accommodation: a monastery in Bodhgaya Day 8 - Sunday 22 March 2015 The ghats in Varanasi A quiet day. During the afternoon we travel by train to Varanasi, called Benares in the time of the British Raj. This will take just over 4 hours. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It became significant during the life of the Buddha, just over 2500 years ago. This majestic city is now the most important pilgrimage site for Hindus the world over. Pilgrims come to bring a fire offering to the River Ganges in the evening, bathe in its waters by the light of the rising sun, meditate on the ghats the steps along the banks or do their yoga exercises near the water. Hindus consider it extremely
beneficial karmically to die here. Throughout the day, the dead can be seen being cremated along the riverbanks. In so many ways, a visit to this city can make a profound impression on any traveler. The Buddha, however, opposed the ritual sacrifices and the power the Brahman priests exercised. Accommodation: a hotel in Varanasi Day 9 - Monday 23 March 2015 Excavation at Sarnath We travel by bus to Sarnath, the second of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Without Sarnath the world would not have known Buddhism. In the same year he had attained enlightenment, the Buddha walked for more than 200 kilometers from Bodhgaya to Sarnath to share his insights with some friends. It is said that the Buddha "set the Wheel of the Dharma into motion" at Sarnath. This event occurred in the famous deer park. Following a period of neglect, this park has now been restored to its former glory. Here the Buddha spoke the words that later were to be recorded as the Dhammacakkappavattana sutra. This is a pivotal speech in which he explains "the middle way" and the Four Noble Truths, and explains "the Eightfold Path", the description of a life lived in the spirit of the Buddhadharma. In the park we find ruins of monasteries, temples and the impressive Dhamek Stupa. In the museum of Sarnath, we see the world-famous capital of the monolithic edict pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka and one of the most striking Buddha statues from the Gupta period around 500 EC (Christian era), the Golden Age of India. At sunset, a boat takes us across the Ganges to the place where every day a fire puja is performed for thousands of Hindu pilgrims as they sit on the ghat or drift in their boats on this holiest of rivers. This puja already existed in the time of the Buddha. As we know, however, he had little affinity with such practices. Nevertheless, the intriguing performance still impresses and touches many a visitor, Hindu, secular and Buddhist alike. It is part of the tradition of India and the cultural history from which Buddhism as we now know it was born. Accommodation: a hotel in Varanasi
Day 10 - Tuesday 24 March 2015 Boat trip on the River Ganges At dawn we make another boat trip, this time to observe the water offerings at the Ganges. We will also see Hindu pilgrims bathing in the Ganges to be freed from their sins. We pass the ghat where the dead are cremated, day and night. A chartered coach takes us to Kushinagar in approximately 10 hours. Kushinagar is the third of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites. This is where the Buddha passed away at the age of 80, having traveled through northern India for 45 years to share his insights with others. During that period he gained many followers from all sectors of society. Accommodation: a hotel in Kushinagar Day 11 - Wednesday 25 March 2015 Statue of the deceased Buddha Today we have time to visit the various temples and historical remains in Kushinagar. In a tranquil park are the Parinirvana stupa and temple, with a fifth-century statue of a reclining Buddha. This is the place where the Buddha passed away. Here we also find remnants of an ancient monastery complex. In the past few decades Buddhists from several countries have built monasteries and temples in Kushinagar. Further along, near a stream, there is a large ash stupa at the site where the Buddha was cremated.
The awareness of the passing of the Buddha on this very spot, the reminder of one's own mortality, the passing of loved ones and of countless people day after day make a visit to Kushinagar a moving experience. It is a historical irony that, following the cremation of the Buddha, the major kingdoms nearly came to blows in determining who should possess ownership of the ashes of the Buddha. Eventually, the ash, the embers and the urn were divided over ten stupas. In the third century (Christian era), Emperor Ashoka is said to have re-distributed the contents of these stupas among more stupas across his entire empire, which included present-day India and extended as far as modern-day Afghanistan. After the excursion we drive to a former maharaja hunting lodge in Shivpatinagar. Accommodation: a hunting lodge in Shivpatinagar Day 12 - Thursday 26 March 2015 Ash stupa in Kushinagar Bus journey of approximately 4 hours to Lumbini in Nepal. Crossing the Indian-Nepalese border, we will need some time to complete entry formalities. Lumbini is the place where the Buddha was born as Siddhartha ("he who has attained his goal"). Lumbini is the fourth of the four main pilgrimage sites for Buddhism. In the time of the Buddha, the place was a park-like area. After local custom, Queen Maya, expectant with Siddhartha, traveled to her parents' hometown to give birth to her firstborn with the help of her mother. Along the way, however, the child was born unexpectedly in the Lumbini park. Remarkably, Siddhartha, like Jesus, was born not in the comfort of home but at the roadside. There are other similarities, too, regarding their respective birth stories. The past splendor of the former park has only relatively recently been restored. Cranes nest here and the nilgai (blue buck), the largest antelope in the world, can be spotted regularly. In the evening the cry of jackals can be heard. Accommodation: a hotel in Lumbini
Day 13 - Friday 27 March 2015 The birth of the Buddha in Lumbini We visit the birthplace of Siddhartha in the Sacred Garden, amid the Mayadevi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and the Sacred Pond. In recent years, various excavations have been completed here that have made it clearer throughout the Buddhist community that Lumbini is the place where Prince Siddhartha was born, and that Lumbini rightly deserves its place as a World Heritage Site. Again, many countries have built monasteries here in their national style, such as the Burmese monastery, the Japanese Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the beautiful Chinese temple. In the afternoon we visit Kapilavastu, 30 km (18,6 mi) away by bus. At the age of 29 Siddhartha decided to leave his hometown and, like many of his contemporaries, look for insights about the origins of suffering and ways to reduce the dissatisfactions of human existence. We see the remains of a palace and the important Eastern Gate, amongst other features. Accommodation: a hotel in Lumbini Day 14 - Saturday 28 March 2015 Flight to Kathmandu
In the morning, we take a domestic flight to Kathmandu with potentially a spectacular view of the Himalayas (weather conditions permitting). Our hotel in Kathmandu is located in a quiet area with a pleasant garden and a comfortable roof terrace. Those interested can become acquainted with the work of the Vajra Foundation, founded by Maarten Olthof for development aid in Nepal. The foundation builds schools, offers scholarships and oversees medical projects. In Bhutanese refugee camps, it also leads the world's largest solar oven project, where 85,000 people have been utilizing the sun as their energy source for cooking. You will have the chance to visit the first ecological school in Nepal, built by the foundation, and to meet with students, teachers and volunteers. The meal served here will be prepared in the solar kitchen of the school. Accommodation: a hotel in Kathmandu Day 15 - Sunday 29 March 2015 Vajra Academy near Kathmandu In the morning we visit the huge hilltop Swayambunath stupa, also known as the monkey temple because of the many rhesus monkeys that roam freely around here. At this temple, Hinduism and Buddhism blend into one another almost seamlessly. After lunch we visit the equally enormous, ancient stupa of Bodnath, located on the old trade route to Tibet. Bodnath has always had strong ties with Lhasa and is even now an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. We cross to the Pashupatinath Hindu temple, dedicated to Shiva. This is the most important Hindu temple in Nepal and also a Hindu pilgrimage site. Just as in Varanasi, the dead are cremated here on the banks of the Bagmati River, whose water flows into the Ganges in India. A visit to Pashupatinath is always impressive, not least for the way this site deals with death and mourning. Walking time: in total, you will walk some 5 km (3,1 mi) today with plenty of time for sightseeing. Swayambunath lies approx. 140 m (460 ft) above and can be reached by a stepped pathway. The monuments can also be reached without making the journey on foot. In the evening there will be a fitting closing gathering, followed by a sumptuous farewell dinner and ample opportunity to share and savor your travel experiences together. Accommodation: a hotel in Kathmandu
Day 16 - Monday 30 March 2015 Bodnath stupa End of program. Notes on the program: You will be part of an international group in which English will be spoken. The listed walking times are approximate and do not include time for breaks. Completion of the program depends on local conditions. Any changes to the program will be taken in consultation with you as much as possible, but are ultimately always at the discretion of the tour guides. We continually monitor and review our programs and itineraries. Since sometimes unforeseen circumstances force us to alter a program, details of an itinerary may need to be amended mid-season. If these alterations have significant consequences for the course of the journey, you will be notified before the start of the pilgrimage.
Map
What happens after you have booked this pilgrimage? If you book before 15 January 2015 you have paid 15 percent advance money downpayment and you will receive an E-mail message around 15 January 2015 with payment options for the remaining 85 percent. Please note that your international flight ticket is not included. We advise you to book your international flight once it has been confirmed by us that the pilgrimage will be taking place. Please book the international flight by yourself. Make sure that you book a outward flight to New Delhi plus a return flight from Kathmandu, as this trip ends in Kathmandu. Before you do this, check at the top of this page if the pilgrimage has a guaranteed departure, which means that the minimum number of participants has booked. At the latest, this decision will be taken on 15-01-2015. Your outward flight has as its destination New Delhi (India), with a final arrival date of 15 March 2015. The return flight will be leaving from Kathmandu (Nepal), with an earliest departure date of 30 March 2015. Three weeks before departure, you will receive the latest information, with maps, addresses of accommodations, a reader with sutras and other useful data. Where will I meet the group? You will meet your fellow travelers at the hotel in New Delhi. From Indira Gandhi International Airport you can take a pre-booked taxi to the hotel. Your journey with the group ends in Kathmandu. Accommodation We stay in charming and good-to-comfortable accommodation, in twin rooms with en-suite shower and toilet facilities. A garden is usually available for your relaxation and enjoyment. A limited number of single rooms will be available. At many of the locations there will be a chance in the evening to participate in group meetings to read and/or meditate together. We are also scheduled to spend several nights in a monastery, again in twin rooms. At the monastery, shower and toilet facilities may need to be shared. Please bear in mind that monasteries are not hotels. The level of comfort may therefore be simple and visitors will be expected to respect certain rules, such as refraining from smoking, drinking alcohol and maintaining quiet conditions. A single night will be spent in berths on a night train. Meals All meals on the trip will be vegetarian, as is the widespread custom in this region. This has the great advantage of considerably reducing the risk of food poisoning. The fact that both India and Nepal have a long tradition of vegetarianism, means that we will get the chance to sample some very tasty food. During the trip, careful attention will be paid to hygiene, which can make many diseases preventable. Included - transfers by bus and train as described in the program - two boat trips on the Ganges - domestic flight in Nepal - accommodation in monastery and hotels based on double-room occupancy - breakfast and evening meals - all entrance fees and excursions as listed in the program - services of expert travel guides Dr. David Brazier and Maarten Olthof - anthology of sutras - basic maps
Not included - international flight - single-room supplement - contribution to a Travel Guarantee Fund ( 15) - vaccination costs - other meals - other entrance fees and excursions - insurance - visa fees - personal expenditure - unexpected travel costs - tips for local guides, drivers, hotels etc. Difficulty level of the trip The program includes many short walks that cannot be called difficult, especially since they are mostly over flat terrain. Some walks are on mountain paths with steps. The tours run during the winter season when the climate in India is most agreeable. You are always at liberty to skip walks our day program is optional. You can participate in many parts of the program without doing so on foot. Additional transport is usually available. There is always time for contemplation, individually or collectively, at the special places we visit. Tour guides The tour is escorted by the Buddhist Pure Land Priest and teacher Dr. David Brazier and the Zen monk Maarten Olthof. Maarten and David David Brazier Dharmavidya David Brazier is the head of the Order of Amida Buddha, a Pure Land Buddhist sangha originally established in the United Kingdom and now with a significant number of groups around the world. As head of the Order over the last decade or so, David has taken the lead role in training and ordaining priests and ministers who undertake engaged work within a diverse range of situations. David is a widely known and respected spiritual teacher, a founder member of the European Buddhist Union an international authority on Buddhist psychology, author and psychotherapist. He lectures regularly in many countries, is president of Instituto Terapia Zen Internacional, registered in Spain and patron of a philanthropic association in India. David has had extensive experience of Western methods of psychotherapy, has long established contacts and collaborative relationships with teachers and sanghas from all schools of Buddhism, as well as other religious and spiritual traditions. He writes extensively on the subjects of Buddhism and psychotherapy. His most recent book is titled Not Everything is Impermanent (2013), a collection of dharma talks and reflections on life. The titles he is best known for and that reflect his international following are Zen Therapy (1995), a thorough account of the application of Buddhist psychology in the helping professions, and The Feeling Buddha (1997), an exploration of the teaching of the Four Noble Truths that has transformed many peoples understanding of the core teachings of Buddhism. David has also written many articles, chapters and monographs on psychology, spirituality and culture, including articles for Tricycle magazine. During the pilgrimage David will give daily dharma talks and will guide meditations on the archaeological sites visited as well as during evenings.
Maarten Olthof Maarten is ecologist, author and Zen teacher involved in engaged Buddhism. He has designed and guided dozens of trips in Nepal, India, Tibet, Bhutan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, among other destinations. He has been guiding the pilgrimage tour 'In the footsteps of the Buddha' since the nineties of the last century. In 2003, Maarten traveled on foot down the forgotten thousand-kilometer route through India and Nepal that interconnects the Buddhist pilgrimage sites. About this journey he wrote a travel account and a literary introduction to Buddhism: Lopen in het voetspoor van de Boeddha ( Walking in the footsteps of the Buddha ). This book is currently being translated into English, and American filmmakers have begun work on a documentary movie based on this foot journey. In 1997 Maarten founded Vajra Foundation (www.vajra.nl). This NGO focuses on social activities in Nepal, such as building schools, providing medical care and providing relief to Bhutanese refugees in Eastern Nepal by means of a solar cooker project which, with its 85,000 users, has become the largest of its kind in the world. Maarten takes care of the bookings and, during the pilgrimage, of the logistics. On the way he shares his knowledge about the history of the time of the Buddha, about archaeological findings to be visited and about the Indian and Nepalese society. Minimum number of participants 12 Maximum number of participants 30 Suitable travel period The chosen period for travel avoids both the hot and rainy monsoon season and the chilly winter months. The weather at this time of year is dry and without the extreme heat that characterizes India in summer. Nevertheless, the afternoon maximum temperature can reach 30 C (86 F). It is however a dry heat, to most people less strenuous than a tropically moist heat. Do make sure you dress appropriately on hot days. In the evening and at night temperatures can drop significantly. Luggage The tour includes a number of train journeys in India, as well as a domestic flight in Nepal. The luggage allowance for the domestic flight is 15 kg (33 lb). In addition you will be allowed 5 kg (11 lb) of hand luggage. We ask therefore that you try and limit your luggage, as indeed befits a pilgrimage. This will prove an advantage for the train journeys too. We recommend you pack your luggage in a lockable hard-shell suitcase. These are also available in smaller models. It will protect your luggage in transit and can be locked while kept in your hotel room and on the train. Pocket knives, nail scissors (and anything that can be considered a potentially dangerous sharp instrument by airline personnel), lighters, liquids and batteries should be put in your checked-in luggage before flying
Gear and equipment - first aid: broad-spectrum antibiotics and an anti-diarrheal drug - day bag (backpack) - light hiking shoes - sandals - mosquito net - light but fully-covering clothing - warm clothing - sun hat or cap - swimming gear (for hotels in Delhi and Varanasi) - photocopies of travel documents - sun lotion - sun glasses - insect repellent - small torch - water flask - towel - toiletries (biodegradable) - lip balm with UV filter Insurance You are obliged to take out a good travel insurance that covers medical and extraordinary costs at cost price. What types of transport are used Transport between Lumbini and Kathmandu is by domestic flight, as described in the itinerary. The other journeys in India and Nepal are by train and chartered bus. The trip concludes in Kathmandu. Travel money During your stay in India and Nepal, you should expect only a minimum of additional costs. The program is on a half-board basis. All meals except lunch are included. The cost of drinks, personal expenses, airport taxes, tips etc. will be met at one's own expense. For lunches and drinks during the trip we will have a collective kitty. These costs will be modest by Western standards. Lunch, drinks and gratuities during your trip are unlikely to cost you more than 220. Credit cards are accepted in few places and there will always be a fee for using one. Fortunately, you can withdraw money in most places, although you shouldn t rely on cards alone. So always remember to bring some cash. You can exchange money directly after arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. Importing notes of 500 Indian rupees into Nepal is prohibited. Make sure you keep your bills of exchange safe in case you want to change back any currency at the end of your trip.
Preparing for your trip We recommend you start the journey well-rested and in good shape. We will travel through areas that are amongst the poorest in the world. Although we have endeavored to set up the tour as comfortable as possible, unforeseen circumstances are conceivable that may bring some level of discomfort. Flights and train journeys, for example, could be severely delayed or even canceled. Roads can sometimes become impassable and museums may be closed unexpectedly. In the case of many religious events, hotels can quickly become overbooked. It goes without saying that a flexible and adventurous attitude suits the nature of the trip and can contribute to a positive travel experience for you and your travel companions. Travel documents Passport For a stay in India you need a passport that is valid for at least another 6 or 9 months respectively at the time of your visa application (at least 6 months when applying for a visa for a 3-month stay, or 9 months for a 6-month stay). You will be asked to provide your passport number at the time of booking. Should you need to renew your passport, please do so no later than three months before departure. Note: We recommend bringing a copy of your passport to be kept separately in case of loss or theft. Note: These details are subject to change. Please consult the Indian embassy and consulate in your home country for the latest information. Visa You will need an entry visa for both India and Nepal, to be obtained in your own country before departure. Contact the visa offices well in advance about procedures. For the Indian leg of the trip, you will need at least two blank facing pages in your passport for the visa. Recently, additional (much stricter) rules have taken effect for visa applications for India. Be sure to inquire at your local visa office in good time. Medical Passport A Medical Passport or health card is not a valid travel document! It is very handy, however, for people who regularly require medication. Ask your doctor for more details. On the Medical Passport your doctor can provide information about any illness and required medication. This document will help you avoid problems with customs. A separate license is required for bringing into the country medication such as opioids (codeine etc.). Health When you travel, it is important that you are well-rested and in good health. This will help reduce to a minimum of inconveniences such as traveler's diarrhea caused by differences in climate and local food. If you have a medical condition, it is strongly recommended that you carry a card or tag identifying this condition, bring a list of prescribed medication and sufficient meds for the duration of your journey. You should also inform your tour guides of your condition. Note: Make yourself aware of potential import conditions on your medication. This will prevent problems with customs (see also under 'Medical Passport ). Health care The health facilities in India and Nepal are not comparable to those in the Western world. There are also diseases unknown in the West. Note: Do not leave without comprehensive health and travel insurance.
Hygiene Good hygiene is extremely important during your holiday. We recommend washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after toilet visits and before eating. A few packs of wet wipes will often come in handy. Drink only boiled water or bottled mineral water. Avoid ingesting/eating salads, ice cream and ice cubes. Practical advice If you wear glasses, hang them from a cord around your neck, bring a spare pair of glasses and make sure you know your specifications. If you wear contact lenses, remember to also bring spare glasses. After some time, dust can make it difficult to wear or apply contact lenses. Vaccinations and prophylactic measures required If you have left a yellow-fever area within six days before you enter India, a yellow-fever vaccination is required. There is no yellow fever in India and Nepal. Recommended Measures to avoid malaria are highly recommended. Typhoid vaccination is recommended. Make yourself aware of the risks of measles and Japanese encephalitis. Malaria To minimize risks of malaria and other communicable diseases by mosquitoes, protection against mosquito bites and good anti-mosquito measures are important. For protection against malaria, it is recommended you take medical advice from your doctor. Should you develop fever or flu-like symptoms during or after a stay in a malaria area, always consult a doctor immediately. Advice on vaccinations For personal advice, seek advice from your GP and/or a doctor at a travel advice center 4 to 6 weeks before departure for the latest information on required/recommended (repeat) vaccinations by disease and country, along with related general protection advice. For targeted medical advice, bring the itinerary to show in which area you will be traveling. Safety India and Nepal are generally safe countries in which to travel, especially in a group. Just as you would anywhere else in the world, be vigilant of pickpockets and the possibility of theft. Take extra care with your money and valuables. Taxi drivers and street vendors in India and Nepal can be pushy. You should also be wary of people who approach you with warnings that hotels or ticket offices are closed. These are often people who want to prey on you for money. If necessary, the tour guides will inform you on additional safety precautions.