Ladakh
29 April–3 May 2010
One of many magnificent views of the Himalayas around Ladakh
Join us in this rare spiritual adventure to "Little Tibet", where we'll experience one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth; meditate in ancient, powerful Buddhist temples, monasteries, and caves; and share joyful satsang with other like-minded souls.
An extension of the Tibetan plateau, Ladakh is a separate world from the rest of India, yet just over an hour's flight from Delhi. This is one of the most beautiful flights in the world, flying directly over the Himalayas.
The spiritual heritage of Buddhist mystical teachings travelled from India first to Ladakh, then to Tibet. They've been preserved and practised uninterruptedly for the last 1,200 years, and today remain a vibrant reality that we can experience.
Left: face of the 10-metre-high Buddha,
Tikse Monastery.
Below: Tikse Monastery.
Our home base for 4 days is one of Central Asia's most scenic towns, tranquil, historic Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and long an important stopover on the old Silk Road across China, India, and Europe. Our hotel is within walking distance of the main bazaar—a mixture of Tibetan and Kashmiri curio shops, trekking provision stores, bookstores, street vendors, and restaurants.
On this pilgrimage we'll wend our way up and down the Indus valley, bordered by 2 of the world's highest mountain ranges—the Himalayas and the Karakorams.
We'll meditate in temples and prayer halls—spiritual havens where Buddhist monks have meditated, prayed, and chanted for centuries. We'll discover exquisitely detailed wall murals, thangkas (religious paintings), and sculptures, amazingly preserved by Ladakh's rarefied air and dry climate.
Meditating in Chemrey Monastery
In Thak Thok Monastery, we'll meditate in a cave where Padmasambhava, who established Buddhism in Tibet, lived and meditated for 3 years. In Hemis Monastery—one of Ladakh's richest and most renowned—we'll meditate where some say Jesus studied during his "lost years".
We'll follow the Indus River downstream to the village of Alchi, where we'll find unique temples created 1,000 years ago by Kashmiri Buddhists.
Proposed Schedule
Thursday 29 April
6:10 am
8:00
3:00 pm |
Depart Delhi on Kingfisher Red flight to Leh
Arrive at hotel, check in, rest
Visit Shanti Stupa for view, and walk around main bazaar
Opening satsang and dinner together at hotel
|
Friday 30 April
7:30 am
8:30
9:30
|
Meditation
Breakfast
Visit and meditate in Tikse and Hemis Monasteries, and visit Shey Palace
Free time for resting or visiting bazaar
Dinner at hotel
|
Saturday 1 May
7:30 am
8:30
5:00 pm
|
Meditation
Breakfast
Visit to Alchi Temple, Spituk and Likir Monasteries
Dinner at hotel
|
Sunday 2 May |
Early morning prayers and chanting at Tikse Monastery
Breakfast
Visit to Chemrey and Thak Thok Monasteries
Optional nature walk
Dinner at hotel
|
Monday 3 May
6:00 am
6:45
9:25 |
Breakfast
Depart for airport
Arrive in Delhi |
Accommodations, Meals, and Transportation
We will be staying at the 'A'-rated Spic-n-Span Hotel in Leh (similar to 3-star), with heated rooms. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel are included in the price. Lunch and snacks are available at simple dhabas or at the hotel. Transportation in Ladakh will be by Scorpio-type jeep.
Children
Older children are welcome only if they are used to a meditative environment and are under constant supervision of a parent. Ladakh is interesting to children, and there is ample time outdoors.
About the Altitude
Leh is at an elevation of 3,500 metres (2,175 miles). Arriving by flight requires a 12- to 24-hour acclimatisation period to adjust to the elevation and thin air. We'll spend our 1st day resting, drinking extra water, and having light, optional activity within the town of Leh. By taking this rest period, most people have little discomfort. You should consult your doctor if you have a chronic problem that could be affected by elevation.
There is no need to walk long distances; however, visiting most monasteries involves climbing many stairs. Those with asthma or heart conditions should consult their doctors and may need to limit their activity.
Monks at Hemis Monastery, where historical
support has been found for a stay by Jesus Christ
Programme Fees
Double occupancy:
Rs. 15,000 per person, plus airfare.
Single occupancy:
Rs. 17,000 plus airfare. |
 Fall 2009 pilgrims |
If you wish double occupancy accommodation and you don't know another pilgrim, you'll be assigned a roommate if possible.
Programme fees include group ground transportation; lodging; breakfast, dinner, and mineral water; entry fees; tips to hotel, taxis and guide.
Not included in the programme fees are airfare; lunches; beverages other than water; medical insurance, or medical care should you need it; donations at monasteries; personal hotel expenses such as laundry, telephone, or Internet.
Flight
We'll fly Delhi-Leh-Delhi, a flight of just over an hour each way. The flight on Kingfisher Red is currently Rs. 8,200 round trip (refundable with penalty). This price may increase rapidly close to our departure. For this reason we encourage you to apply soon. We can book your ticket for you unless you apply late. Using the above figures, an estimate of total expenses is about Rs. 25,000 per person, double occupancy, including the flight and all meals.
Payments
The application form and payment of Rs. 10,000 (or Rs. 1,000 if you book your own flight) are due by 1 March in order to purchase air tickets. Balance due by 1 April. In case of cancellation, Rs. 1,000 of fee is non-refundable (plus Rs. 1,000 or more of airline ticket, depending on date of cancellation).
Preparation for Pilgrimage
Weather? What to pack? What to wear? Luggage restrictions?
We'll help you through all these questions and more by e-mail, with letters on preparation and answers to any individual questions.
"The benefit of pilgrimage to holy places is not because of their rich history but for the fact that divine blessings can be experienced when visiting them. Their very soil is impregnated with a higher consciousness." —Swami Kriyananda
Tour Leaders
This pilgrimage will be led
by Keshava and Daya Taylor of
Ananda Sangha India. They will be assisted by a local Ladakhi guide
