* This is a preliminary itinerary. The final itinerary may change a little based on the needs of our partners and new opportunities which present themselves. This should give you a really good idea of what the program will look and feel like.
Day 1-2: Orientation at the Ganga
After your arrival in Delhi, we'll get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city and head straight to Rishikesh for our orientation. In one of India's holiest cities, we'll settle in and acclimatize to our new surroundings on the banks of the Ganga. The eastern edge of Uttarakhand, often referred to as 'Land of the Gods', has been a centre of spiritual practice for hundreds of years and will be the perfect place to begin our Mind & Body adventure.
Day 3-7: Exploration and Ashrams in Rishikesh
Over the next 5 five days, we'll explore the diversity of traditions practice and taught in Rishikesh. We'll engage in meaningful and thought-provoking discussions with people who are trying to tackle the question of how modern, ancient, secular and religious traditions fit together and inform each other. We'll also enjoy a number of daily meditation and yoga classes, of course!
From there, we head over to the Parmath Niketan Ashram for an exploration into how these ancient spiritual centres function today. We'll also have time to hang out by the Ganga, wander the often-crowed streets of Rishikesh, and soak up this holy city which many Indians may only visit once in a lifetime, if at all.
Day 8-9: The Dhauladhar Challenge
After an overnight bus ride, we'll arrive in Dharamsala with a few hours to get ready for our first big physical challenge. Triund is the crown of Dharamsala and a rite of passage for travellers to the region. The ridge gentle wraps around the beautiful Dhauladhar range that rises above it providing incredible views of the mountains above and Kangra Valley below.
We'll being our 10 km/6.2 mi. climb in Mcleod Ganj at 2,082 m./6,830 ft., passing mixed forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron before ascending to the camp of Triund. If we're feeling particularly adventurous, we'll continue on up to the snowline at about 3,400 m./11,154 ft. It's going to be an unforgettable adventure that will simply take your breath away. Get ready to stand in complete awe of the Himalaya!
Day 10-12: Tibetan Buddhism Practices in 'Little Lhasa'
We will dive into the unique cultural side of Dharamsala to help us explore how Indian traditions have grown and changed in Tibet. During our time together, we'll have the opportunity to work alongside the Tibetan refugee community located around the Dalai Lama's temple in Mcleod Ganj. It'll be an enriching experience bursting with lessons. We'll get a first-hand look at how Tibetan organizations support the study and practice of these traditions while also applying them to community service.
Day 13-15: Disorientation
After a jam-packed two weeks, we'll slow down for two days of "disorientation". A staple of every OG program, this is an opportunity to relax, unpack, and reflect on our adventure. We'll kick back together in Dharamsala for one more day, celebrating all our new memories, new friendships, and new perspectives on some of South Asia's most ancient traditions.
We'll then travel overnight to Delhi for our final day together. In this busy metropolis, we'll pay heed to our practices and enjoy the sunset with a rooftop meal in Paharganj. Then it's off to the airport for some tearful goodbyes!
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