India Yoga Vacation
Himalayan Shangri-la:
Where Orchids Bloom and Thunder Roars...

Sikkim, the "Land of Happiness." with Cora Wen & India Supera

May 10th - 24th, 2008
with optional Bhutan Excursion afterwards

Price: $3595 land only.

Additional $744 for in-country air.

In addition you must purchase international air to New Delhi, India arriving by May 10.

Seated in the lap of the Himalayas,bordering Tibet and nestled between Nepal and Bhutan, lies a small stretch of rugged land, the Kingdom of Sikkim. A small independent Buddhist kingdom until 1975, Sikkim now welcomes a few visitors from around the world to share its beautiful mountain setting covered in flowers and forests, with hidden valleys, mystical monasteries and snow-fed lakes. The remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora & fauna and ancient Buddhist monasteries makes Sikkim a Shangri-La in the Himalayan region.

Sikkim has over 4,000 varieties of flowers, including Orchids and rare Rhododendrons that cover slopes and mountains. 550 species of birds and 600 varieties of butterflies along with endangered species of Himalayan Bear, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Blue Sheep are found in the region.

Stunning snow-capped mountains, lush tropical and temperate forests, cascading brooks, swift glacial rivers and rich flora and fauna create a true "Nye-mae-el" (heaven)... The overall raw natural magnificence will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!

The Sikkimese are beautiful people, descendents of the vanishing Himalayan races, who radiate with life's simplicity and livein harmony with nature. Religion forms an integral part of daily life, and Kanchenjunga (the third highest mountain on Earth) is revered as the sacred and protective deity.

Darjeeling - "Dorje Ling," or 'Place of the Thunderbolt,' is the Queen of India's hill stations in a setting of incomparable beauty. Victorian old world charm surrounded by fragrant tea gardens and untamed jungle fern and bamboo groves amidst sweet evergreens. Darjeeling retains legacies of its colonial past and is a striking example of the British Raj influence. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges have been luring nature lovers from around the world for centuries. Darjeeling's verdant hills and valleys are steeped in colour, interspersed with rolling emerald green tea gardens. Presiding over all is Kangchenjunga, looming over the horizon, lending a magical aura to a land that leaves one's senses intoxicated.

SIKKIM ITINERARY:

SIKKIM AND DARJEELING
DURATION: 15 DAYS.

DAY 0
May 8 or 9,

Depart US

DAY 01
May 10, Friday
Jaypee Vasant Hotel

Arrival - Delhi

Our driver will be waiting outside the Customs at the New Delhi airport. Make sure to drink as much water as you can to help rehydrate from the flight and get some sleep.

DAY 02
May 11, Saturday
Norkhill Hotel

Delhi/Bagdora/Gangtok

This is a transfer day. Flight to Bagdogra. Coach transfer to Gangtok, a scenic six hour trip along the beautiful Teesta River. Check in to hotel and get ready for delicious Tibetan and Chinese food! Gangtok 'the hill made flat,' the capital of Sikkim lies at an altitude of 1600m (5300 ft).

DAYS 03, 04
May 12, Sunday/May 13, Monday

Gangtok

In Gangtok we will have Yoga in the mornings and tour various sites after breakfast including:

The Institute of Tibetology where the library houses rare Tibetan manuscripts and books, thangkas, coins and statues. Next to the institute is Do Drul Chorten with it's large stupa surrounded by 113 small prayer wheels inscribed with the mystic mantra OM MANEPADME OM in Tibetan. An audience with Trullsi Rinpoche will be arranged - Rinpoche is a highly respected master and the monastery is famous for the "Wish-Fulfilling" Stupa. Inside this stupa are a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects.

The famous Rumtek Monastery, the largest in Sikkim and the official residence of the Karmapa Lama. We will have a guided tour by resident monks and have special permission to go inside the extraordinary gem-studded Golden Stupa to ask for blessing from the "Wish Fulfiling Gem."

DAY 05
May 14, Wednesday
Hidden Lodge

Gangtok/Lachen/Lachung

 

Early morning Yoga and breakfast, then drive to Lachen, meaning "high pass," a Tibetan village of 200 less than 20k from the China/Tibet border. The drive is about 120 kms and takes about 6-7 hrs. Enroute stop at scenic places like Tashi View Point, Kabi Lungstok (the historic place where the Lepchas and the Tibetans signed the blood brotherhood treaty), Naga waterfalls, the holy rock of Guru Rimpoche at Chungthang (confluence of the Lachung Chu and the Lachen Chu), Bhim Nala Waterfalls. Stop for Lunch at Mangan, the district HQ of North Sikkim.

DAY 06
May 15, Thursday
Modern Residency

Lachung/Yunthang Valley

After breakfast drive to Yumthang Valley with an amphitheatre of lush green valleys and high mountains. In May, the flowering season, the valley is struck by a riot of colors - Rhododendrons, Primulas and other varieties of alpine flowers. We'll visit the Sulphur hot springs, a popular place for the medicinal attributes of the waters. After Lunch guided walk of the Lachung village and the local cottage industry.

These Rhododendron-laden areas deep in the mountains are inhabited by Lachungpas, who have preserved and maintained a unique culture and society governed by a village council-"Dzomsa." The Teesta and Rangeeta rivers also offer the thrill of riding the wild waters.

The region of Sikkim is inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, the Lepchas - the original inhabitants who comprise about 10% of the Sikkim 's population today, the Bhutias - who later migrated from Tibet - about 25% and finally the Nepalese who comprise about 60% of the population - a colorful composite of cultures.

Early morning Yoga and a tour of Lachen Monastery, at an altitude of 2926 meters (9600ft). Built in 1858 this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism.

Following breakfast, we head to Lachung, a small village in alpine surroundings whose inhabitants long ago migrated from the western valleys of neighboring Bhutan - panoramic view of the surrounding hills and countryside. Meals and Overnight with local Tibetan villagers. Try the local beer - Chang, brewed from fermented millet.

DAY 07
May 16, Friday
Norkhill

Drive back to Gangtok. Enroute visit the Phodang, Labrang Monastery and the Tumlong Palace. Stop at Singhik Lookout point, with an amazing view of the Himalayas, where Kanchenjunga looks close enough to touch!

DAYS 8, 9,10,11
May 17, Saturday/ May 18, Sunday/May 19, Monday/May 20, Tuesday
Norkhill

Gangtok

DAY 12
May 21, Wednsday
Mayfair

Gangtok/Darjeeling

Morning Yoga then a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute formerly directed by the Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Visit The old Ghoom Monastery - the oldest monastery in Darjeeling which was built by a Mongolian Monk in the year 1850. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoo and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, with handicraft workshops run by the Centre.

DAY 13
May 22, Thursday
Mayfair

Darjeeling

Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill to witness a spectacular sunrise over the snows of Kanchenjunga and the Skkim Himalayas. On a clear day even Mt. Everest is visible from this point. Return to hotel for Yoga and breakfast. Lunch at the Hotel and afternoon visit tea garden to see the tea manufacturing process, evening walk around the local market and the Mall.

DAY 14
May 23, Friday
Mayfair

Darjeeling

DAY 15
May 24, Saturday
Jaypee Vasant

Darjeeling/Delhi

At this point our Sikkim travelers return to Delhi for their homeward flights.

DAY 16
May 25 Sunday

Delhi/Onwards

Please note that for ease of transfers we ask that you arrive in New Delhi, India by Friday, May 9, 2008. For other arrivals hotel transfer will cost $25. If you would like to arrive early, please contact our office for assistance with booking rooms.

Your tour includes:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis. (A few singles are available
  at a charge of $720, please contact us immediately. There are no
  singles in Lachung and Lachen.)
• All meals
• Services of English speaking guides from arrival till departure
• Entrance fees to all monuments during the trip

Not included: any expenses of personal nature such as laundry, table drinks, telephone calls etc. Any tips or gratuities either at airport or hotels or to drivers or accompanied Guides.

Cost: $3595, land only, by check or money order only ($3700 by credit card). A non-refundable deposit of $750 is required to hold your space. In addition you must purchase round-trip airfare between your home and New Delhi, India and in-country air estimated to cost $700. We ask that you plan on $150 in tips. Final Payment is due March 12, 2008.

International Air: Our agent Stephanie Munk, 800-735-6343, has a great price on a Chicago/Delhi direct flight. Please give her a call. Airport/hotel transfer from this flight is included in the cost.

Cancellation Policy: Because the Feathered Pipe Foundation is subject to non-refundable payments, there are no refunds after March 12, 2008. If you cancel before March 12 we will retain your deposit and refund any balance. We urge you to purchase travel insurance to safeguard your investment. Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions must be purchased within 15 days of our acceptance of your deposit, therefore we will not process your deposit until you either provide proof of insurance or sign a waiver of coverage. We recommend Travel Guard Insurance (www.travelguard.com) which can be purchased through Stephanie Munk at 800-735-6343.

PASSPORT: Your passport must be good until at least November 24, 2008 (December 28, 2008 if you are coming along to Bhutan with us). If it is not, please begin renewal proceedings right away as there is a six-month lag time in processing. The Indian embassies in the US are no longer issuing visas, this function has been taken over by Travisa. All the information you need is here:
http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com

Bhutan Excursion
- The Land of The Thunder Dragon

To some, strong>Bhutan is Earth's last Shangri-La; a pristine jewel nestled in the Himalayas, east of Nepal, north of India and south of Tibet. Very little has been heard of Bhutan and it has been a hidden kingdom shrouded in mystery. Its landscape is dotted with a myriad of spiritual symbols. Chortens rise from the hillsides, prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and prayer wheels, turned by the rushing waters of mountain streams, stand like sentinels at the entrance of most monasteries.

Known for its culture and spiritual heritage - this is a land where its people are fiercely independent and proud of their traditions. Religious festivals and pilgrimages fuel the spirit of the Bhutanese and provide time for both rest and celebrations. If you have dreamed of visiting this fabled Bhuddist Kingdom, one of the "Last Edens", this is an opportunity to see a greater part of the country, and an authentic look at the Bhutanese lifestyle.

Bhutan has remained isolated and no tourism existed until 1974, preserving the rich natural environment and lively Buddhist culture. It has continued a policy of regulated tourism to safeguard the environment, cultural heritage and unique life of its people making Bhutan one of the least traveled countries in the world. So join us and unravel the wonders for yourself, of this last Shangri-La - a land of snow-capped mountains, emerald green landscape, fascinating wildlife and gentle people.

The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'. Bhutan will celebrate its 101 years of Monarchy in 2008. The centenary offers a once-in-a- life time opportunity to witness and participate in the nation-wide year-long celebrations

Bhutan Itinerary, 6 Days:

DAY 01
May 24
Hotel Druk

Darjeeling/ Phuentsholing

This day our coaches with guides will pick you up from Phuentsholing border and then check you in at the hotel. In the afternoon we'll walk around this border town of Bhutan to get the feel of it.

DAY 02
May 25
Hotel Jumohlari

Phuentsholing - Thimphu

This morning after an early breakfast we drive on to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, through some of the most beautiful terrain in Bhutan. It is a good opportunity to view southern Bhutan as you wind up to the Himalayas with spectacular views of waterfalls, far flung villages and hanging vegetation. This day you will drive for approx. 6 - 7 hours. Lunch will be served enroute at Bunakha. In the afternoon we'll visit the King's Memorial Chorten, continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels.

Then visit the Center School of Fine Arts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts) where the traditional arts are being revived by the government, Folk and Textile museum, and end with a visit to Tashichhodzong, "Fortress of the glorious religion." This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch's throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

DAY 03
May 26

Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Punakha

Enjoy an early breakfast, a few more sites then we're off for a scenic drive on the mountain route towards the former capital of Bhutan, passing through Dochula Pass (Alt: 10,000ft) where a large Chorten and a forest of prayer flags greet you. On a clear day you can view an endless chain of Himalayan Peaks such as Gangar Punsum (24,000 ft), the highest unclimbed peak in the world, Ganchenta, Teri gang, table mountain among other all above 20,000 ft. From there you descend 5,5000 ft through temperate forests coloured with rhododendrons and magnolias down to the semitropical zone of oranges, banana and cactuses.

On the way down you will see the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monks of Tashichhodzong. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the two mighty glacial rivers, Mo Chu and Pa Chu, which descend from the lofty heights of the Himalayas. Hike on to Chhimi Lhakhang situated near the river on a small plateau. It was built by the famous "divine madman" Drukpa Kuenley; a famous pilgrim site for infertile women who wish to bear children.

DAY 04
May 27

Punakha - Paro

This day after an early breakfast drive on to Paro enroute visiting Simthoka Dzong from outside as it is under renovation. Have a nice evening walk around Paro.

DAY 05
May 28

In Paro

This morning after breakfast, we hike up to Taktsang monastery (The Tiger's Nest), for people unaccustomed to the altitude it takes about three hours at an average walking speed to reach the temples. Enroute stop at teahouse for a refreshing drink and have an excellent view of the monastery. The path may at times appear to be somewhat hair-raising but it is well defined and there is no danger whatever of falling off. Taktsang monastery is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world and it contains 13 holy places. Taktsang, the "Tiger's Lair," gets its name from the story of its foundation. In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche came to Taktsang in a miraculous manner, flying on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong in the region of Kurteop. According to Bhutanese tradition, the tigress was a form taken by one of the Master's consorts for the occasion. Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. Return walk is all down hill and takes about 1 1/2 - hour.

NOTE: THIS IS A VERY STEEP HIKE OF ATLEAST 3 HOURS. IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT DO IT WE SUGGEST THAT YOU VISIT KYICHU LHAKHANG INSTEAD.

This temple is one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries of the Kingdom - built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century BCE. It is an important place of pilgrimage and of ceremonies for the royal family. "In the seventh century an event occurred that was decisive for Bhutan's history: the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (619-649) erected the first Buddhist temples, the Kyichu-Lhakhang in Paro and the Jampe-Lhakhang in Bumthang. The display of the monuments marked the victory of Buddhism over pre-Buddhist deities. Songtsen Gampo wanted to tame a huge demon whose body covered all of Tibet and its neighbouring areas, which posed a particularly big problem to the spreading of buddhism. The king thus decided to erect a temple on each of the demon's joints so that she would no longer be able to move. Songtsen Gampo was said to have magically multiplied himself and to have sent all of his emanations into the various areas of Tibet so as to erect 108 temples in one day. Towering over the heart of the demon there is the famous Jokhang-Temple in Lhasa. The demon's left knee is held by the Jampe-Lhakhang of Bumthang and her left sole is fixed by the Kyichu-Lhakhang in Paro."

DAY 06
May 29
Jaypee Vasant

Paro/Delhi

DAY 07
May 30
Jaypee Vasant

Paro/Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel and thereafter in time proceed to airport to connect flight for onward destination.

Cost: $2249, land only, by check or money order only ($2320 by credit card). A non-refundable deposit of $750 is required to hold your space. In addition you must purchase in-country air estimated to cost $340. We ask that you plan on $150 in tips. Final Payment is due March 12, 2008.

Cancellation: Same as Sikkim trip above.

Your tour includes:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis for a total of six nights.
  (A few single supplements are available for $200.
  No singles in Punakka).
• All meals
• Transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per above program using
  twenty-seated Toyota Coaster Buses.
• Services of English speaking guides from arrival till departure.
• Entrance fees to all monuments during the trip.
• Government Royalty Tax.
• Bhutan Tourism Development fee of US $10 per person.
• Visa Fee of US$ 20 per person.

Not included:

Any expenses of personal nature such as laundry, table drinks, telephone calls Etc.

Any tips or gratuities either at airport or hotels or to drivers or accompanied Guides.

Your Tour Leaders:

Cora Wen

Cora Wen took refuge in the Buddha at age 13 and has been committed to practicing Yoga to develop compassion and joy since 1995. After a stressful Ivy League education and fervent career as Vice President of a bank, she left Corporate America finding her passion in yoga, and has been leading workshops and retreats internationally since 1998. Cora is an avid and focused practitioner of Hatha yoga, and has been influenced by many FPR legacy teachers including Judith Hanson Lasater, Erich Schiffmann, Patricia Walden and Rodney Yee. She has worked with Erich, Judith and Rodney as student, apprentice and assistant in workshops and trainings throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.

From 1996-2003, she benefited from personal teaching apprenticeship with Erich Schiffmann, and since 1998 continues to assist Judith Hanson Lasater in Relax and Renew teacher trainings and therapeutic workshops.

India Supera

As many friends of the Feathered Pipe Ranch know, India Supera has long loved the great civilization of India. She spent her 20's studying with her guru Sai Baba and living and traveling extensively in India. Inspired by the culture, beauty and spirit of the country, she has brought the Sacred Spirit of India to the Ranch.

India Supera has brought some of the best teachers of our age to the Feathered Pipe Ranch. She herself has been a passionate and vibrant leader inspiring many in their personal spiritual journeys. As the founder and Director of the Ranch for the past 30 years, she has led many retreats and tours around the world. For the ultimate spiritual tour of pilgrimage destinations, there can be no journey more inspiring than a tour in India of the holy cities. India will introduce you to the India she loves with great Compassion and Joy. Her knowledge of the culture and history will enrich this tour of the majestic beauty, architectural splendor, and natural wonder in the land saturated with spirituality and divine love- Mother India.

Cora, raised in Far East Asia, and a lifelong student of Buddhist teachings, and India, student of many spiritual disciplines and committed to a life of compassion, are excellent guides to the Sacred Sites of India.

AIR TRANSPORT:

For the best airfares to New Delhi, India please contact Stephanie Munk at Morris Travel, 1-800-735-6343.

Special Note: Travel insurance to cover pre-existing conditions must be purchased within 15 days of our acceptance of your deposit. The travel insurance information is attached. To purchase a policy please contact our travel agent Stephanie Munk at 800-735-6343.

Download India Visa info

Download Travel Insurance info

Download Travel Insurance Waiver info