Ladakh Pilgrimage August 2-18, 2020 (17 Days) Dr. Miles Neale & Local Guests
BREIF OVERVIEW
Julley! (Greetings in Ladakhi). This 17-day pilgrimage takes us to Ladakh (aka “Little Tibet”) in the Himalayan region of Northern India where we will be immersed in Tibetan Buddhism, along with a host of Ladakhi cultural practices including traditional medicine, divination, astrology, ritual, art and eco-sustainability. Ladakh offers a unique time capsule for life as it once was in Tibet before the invasion by China and we are so fortunate to catch a glimpse of this mystical land and its people.
Dr. Miles Neale leads this trip in partnership with our local tour operator Tsewang Gonbo of Lungta Travels and featuring local guest teachers, scholars, healers and more who will showcase an insider perspective of Ladakhi culture and sacred practices.
The pilgrimage doubles as a fundraiser in collaboration with the Tibetan Nuns Project (www.tnp.org) to support the nuns of Dorjee Zong Nunnery in nearby Zanskar. Each pilgrim will commit to raising at least $500 USD before we embark, thereby exercising the principle of generosity that is the engine of the path to awakening.
We are limited to 20 spots, in addition to the CSP team.
After the pilgrimage we are offering a special seven-day extension to Zanskar to meet the nuns of Dorjee Zong Nunnery.
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 2 TOUR DESCRIPTION
To reach Ladakh we will travel in stages. All pilgrims will meet in New Delhi, India on August 2, 2020. A representative will greet and transfer you to the Prime Plaza Hotel in Delhi’s Aerocity near the airport where you can rest from your international flight.
Very early the next morning we will travel as a group from Delhi to Leh.
Your hotel in Delhi and round-trip domestic airfare from Delhi-Leh are included in your tour cost.
Our final day on August 18 is exclusively a travel day with no activities planned, so you may book your return flight at your own discretion. We recommend that you allow around 3-5 hours transit time in Delhi between your arrival from Leh and your ongoing international flight. If you need assistance with additional plans in Leh or Delhi please let us know and we will connect you with our regional agents.
Once we arrive in Leh, our journey is divided into two legs: the first week we will use Leh as our base and visit surrounding ancient monasteries, meet traditional Tibetan healers and an oracle. The highlight of our initial leg will be the auspicious series of public teachings offered by H.E. Tri Rinpoche, head of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. During the second week we will move to Ulytokpo outside of Leh, and from there visit rural villages, a sustainability school, more monasteries, and meditation caves and settle in for a special two day retreat led by Miles under the limitless blue sky of the high Himalayas.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Please see page 7-12.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ZANSKAR
This year we are offering a very special optional extension of 7 days after our pilgrimage to the remote and beautiful valley of Zanskar where you will meet the nuns of Dorjee Zong! This portion of our trip is led exclusively by our local partner Lungta Travels.
Please see the Zanskar attachment for the itinerary and cost of the extension.
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 3 ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Leh sits at roughly 3,500 meter above sea level on the high Tibetan plateau. Inevitably this will require a period of adjustment, perhaps 2 days or so, as we acclimatize to altitude. If you don’t take this seriously and/or have a preexisting medical condition, altitude sickness can occur and may pose a more serious health risk. Everyone must read the brief info below, consult with your medical provider and receive their consent for travel, as well as secure travel insurance. If you have any concerns speak with us directly. http://www.travelconsultants.biz/prevent-altitude-sickness/
ACCOMIDATIONS
Pride Plaza Hotel New Delhi August 2 (1 night) Meals Provided: Dinner, Breakfast A very comfortable hotel, conveniently located near the airport. https://www.pridehotel.com/delhi/new-delhi-aerocity/overview/
Chamba Hotel - Thiksey Monastery Guest House Leh, Ladakh August 3-10 & 17 ( 8 nights) Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch on excursion) A modest, clean and comfortable guest house with a wonderful view of Thiksey Monastery and conveniently located near their main shrine hall (gompa) where we can join the monks in their morning prayers. A restaurant on site serves simple, vegetarian meals and there is (sporadic) WiFi available. http://www.thiksay.org/chamba_hotel_10.html
Ule Ethnic Resort Uletokpo August 10-17 (7 nights) Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch on excursion) A charming property of deluxe cottages and private huts on the banks of the river Indus, completely eco-friendly, and near the quaint village of Uletokpo. A vegetarian restaurant on site serves simple, local meals but note there is no WiFi here. http://www.uleresort.com
PASSPORT & VISA
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival August 2, 2020.
You will need to obtain an Indian Visa at you own expense. https://www.in.ckgs.us/visa/
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 4 TOUR COSTS, INCLUSIONS, & EXCLUSIONS
Double Occupancy $ 3995 USD - Before February 1, 2020 Double Occupancy $ 4295 USD – On and after February 1, 2020 Single Supplement $ 500 USD – A very limited number of single rooms are available and based on availability at the time your deposit is received.
Cost Includes:
• Round trip domestic airfare Delhi <> Leh • 16 nights accommodations (including Delhi) • All meals throughout including a special farewell dinner • Round trip group airport transfers in Delhi and Leh • Expert guide & local teachers • Entrance fees to sacred sites • Donation to Ngari Institute for the teachings of H.E. Tri Rinpcohe
Cost Excludes:
• Fundraising donation of at least $500 for Dorjee Zong Nunnery (this is tax deductible through the Tibetan Nuns project (www.tnp.org) • Round trip international airfare • Passport and Indian Visa fees • Personal expenses and incidentals • Required medical clearance & travel insurance • Tips for guides, hotel staff and other personal services
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We require that you purchase travel insurance that includes both emergency medical evacuation and trip cancelation to protect you in an unforeseen event.
We do not recommend a specific insurance company to use but can suggest the following sites to help you compare plans that might best suit your needs and budget. https://www.travelinsurance.com https://www.insuremytrip.com
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 5 PAYMENTS & CANCELATIONS
• Upon acceptance a $1000 non-refundable deposit secures your spot (we can not guarantee your room preference, but will notify you first if its not available).
• The tour cost increases $300 on and after February 1, 2020.
• Second payment of 50% before March 1, 2020 | Remaining Balance before May 1, 2020
• 50% of the entire trip cost (not including the deposit) is refunded when you cancel via email before June 16, 2020.
• No refunds after June 17, 2020.
• No refund during the pilgrimage even if for medical reason, so we require Travel Insurance.
REGISTRATION & FORMS
1. You must register for this pilgrimage by completing our REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/pougByhYCkH1VeDe7
2. Upon acceptance via email you may reserve your spot with a non refundable deposit, using one of the following PAYMENT METHODS. https://www.milesneale.com/reserve-now
Please note that your room preference is based on the order the deposits are received.
3. We will then email you a link to a personal DropBox folder containing a checklist and our REQUIRED FORMS: a) Medical Clearance b) Liability Waiver c) Copies of your Travel Insurance d) Copy of your Passport and Indian visa e) Copy of your international Flight Reservations
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 6
DETAILED DAILY ITINERARY
DAY-01: Aug. 2 – New Delhi
Arrival at the IGI airport transfer to hotel with the help from our Delhi representative.
DAY-02: Aug. 3 – Delhi to Leh
Very early morning group departure from Delhi to Leh where we will enjoy a short flight with one of the most sensational views in the world. Reception at Leh airport (3500 meters) by Lungta representative and transfer to Chamba Guest House in Thiksey (30 minutes: 18 km). Please take a rest as we acclimatize to the high altitude.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Lunch and Dinner at Hotel
DAY-03: Aug. 4 – Thiksey & Shey Monasteries; (3 hrs)
Thiksey: To mark the auspicious opening of the pilgrimage we’ll attend the morning prayers of Thiksey Monastery with the monks at 6:15 am followed by a tour of the entire monastery and grounds. Resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa in Tibet, Thiksey monastery is one of the most beautiful and largest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh (3575 m) affiliated with the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Key attractions of Thiksey Monastery: 49 ft statue of Maitreya Buddha- largest in Ladakh and Dukhang Karmo – a huge long assembly hall, where the monks regularly meet for prayers. Proceed to Shey Palace after breakfast at the hotel.
Shey: Shey Palace currently houses the largest statue of the Buddha, three stories tall, and made of gold plated copper. Its name translates as reflection (mirror = Shey) as the entire palace is so vividly reflected in the lake in front of it. It was compulsory for a queen in Ladakh to shift to Shey palace to give birth to the prince/princess.
Afternoon, a short guided tour of Leh town to locate essential services like ATM, Bank, selective shops for prayer flags and local souvenirs and lunch spots showcasing multiple cuisines.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 7 DAY-04: Aug. 5 – Teachings by H.E. Tri Rinpoche at Ngari Institute
In the morning after practice and breakfast we will attend a talk on the history, diagnostic method, basic pharmacology and treatment according to the amchi system of Tibetan medicine by a local traditional healer. We’ll also tour the nearby Tsemo castle and Leh Palace, which are iconic Ladakhi landmarks.
In the afternoon we will attend teachings by H.E. Tri-Rinpoche on the Three Principles of the Path and the Yamantaka Initiation at Ngari Institute.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-05: Aug. 6 – Teachings by H.E. Tri Rinpoche at Ngari Institute
In the morning after practice and breakfast we will visit a local village to meet an oracle and see the role of shamanic divination in Ladakhi society. Villagers with serious illnesses might consult an oracle before deciding to proceed with either a traditional or allopathic medical approach.
In the afternoon we will continue with teachings by H.E. Tri-Rinpoche on the Three Principles of the Path and the Yamantaka Initiation at Ngari Institute.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-06: Aug. 7 – Teachings by H.E. Tri Rinpoche at Ngari Institute
In the morning after our practice and breakfast we will meet with a scholar from the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) for an interactive session on Tibetan Buddhist rituals, astrology or other esoteric intrigues.
In the afternoon we continue with the teachings by H.E. Tri Rinpoche at Ngari Institute.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 8 DAY-07: Aug. 8 – Stakna-Takthok-Chemde Monasteries (5 hrs)
Stakna: Locally known as Tiger’s Nose this is a small and serene monastery, founded during the reign of King Jamyang Namgyal in 1580. Located on the left bank of Indus River and perched on a hill, Stakna monastery in Leh Ladakh offers jaw-dropping views of the Indus valley. Stakna monastery’s affiliation is with Bhutan.
Takthok: Located in Ladakh’s Sakti Village, Takthok is the only monastery of the Nyingmapa tradition. It is one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh and houses close to 55 lamas. It possesses an amazing architectural style with rocky walls and roofs, central courtyard, assembly hall, beautiful frescos, murals, and the holy throne of His Holiness Dalai Lama. The 108 volumes of Kangyur teachings of Buddha are preserved here.
* Time permitting in the afternoon we will hear H.E. Tri Rinpoche begin the Guru Puja commentary teaching, as well as Tsewang and Tenshug ceremonies.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-08: Aug. 9 – Hemis and Matho Monasteries; (5 hrs)
We’ll take it a bit easier this morning and begin touring at 9 am as both the monasteries we visit are on the right hand side of Indus river.
Hemis: Built during the rule of the King Singge Namgyal, Hemis is one of the largest and most popular monasteries in Ladakh. This is also one of the wealthiest Buddhist monasteries in the region and hosts several stupas made of silver and gold and shares its origin with Naropa - an Indian Buddhist saint (mahasiddha) who attained enlightenment here. The attractions here include Shambunatha cave above the valley (1.5 hrs walk), splendid museum, Dukhang, and Guru Lha-khang. After an early lunch we’ll continue on to visit Matho or even Stok palace.
Matho: Located around 26 kilometers away from Leh, on the picturesque Indus Valley, Matho Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery built under the Saskya Monastic Establishment. It was constructed around 500 years ago by Lama Dugpa Dorje in 1410, which belongs to Sakya order. It houses a marvelous collection of ancient thangka paintings and known for its Matho Nagrang Festival in the first half of March.
* Time permitting in the afternoon we will continue with H.E. Tri Rinpoche commentary on the Guru Puja, as well as Tsewang and Tenshug ceremonies.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 9 WEEK TWO: BEYOND LEH
DAY-09: Aug. 10 – Spituk Monastery–SECMOL Alternative Institute
This morning we’ll visit the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) and receive a lecture on sustainability and associated eco and educational reforms in Ladakh. We’ll take a guided tour of solar buildings to see how they harvest solar energy to heat their houses in winter.
Likir: (or Klu-kkhyil gompa) means the Naga serpent encircled. The Gelugpa sect of Buddhism is the guardian of Likir gompa. Tsongkhapa founded this monastery in 15th century. The monastery is located at a distance of 62 kmt in the west of Leh.
Check-in to Uley Ethnic Resort Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-10: Aug. 11 – Rizong Monastery
After breakfast we drive to Rizong monastery (25 min) and visit its nunnery on the way. After an extensive tour of the monastery the group assembles a group practice in the main hall. Rizong Monastery belongs to the Yellow hat sect (Gelugpa order) of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is renowned for maintaining a very serene atmosphere, and is home for over 40 monks. This monastery was founded by Tsultim Nima in 1831. The previous Tri-Rinpoche is the abbot of this monastery.
Uley Ethnic Resort Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-11: Aug. 12 – Dha-Bema (6-7 hrs)
Dha, Bema and Garkund villages are off the beaten track and populated by a unique tribal people descended from the ancient Aryan race and who possess different beliefs and cultural practices from Buddhists. While in Uley our resort is located in the Sham area, a region famous for organic farming and produces the best apricots and other organically grown agricultural products. At this time of the year a variety of farming activities are still possible to observe. We will also see the small Gonpas or village shrines and a picnic lunch will be served under the shade of apricot trees.
Uley Ethnic Resort Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 10 DAY-12: Aug. 13 – Alchi & Mangue Monasteries (5 hrs)
Alchi: built by the great translator Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. However, inscriptions in the monastery date it to be of the 11th century, and overlooked by Likir Monastery. The main complex has three temples: Sum-tek, Manjushri and Dukhang (assembly hall). Alchi is a treasure trove of early Buddhist art in the Kashmiri tradition, a style quite different from the Tibetan art found in Ladakh's other monasteries.
After lunch at Alchi we’ll drive for 30 minutes to Mangue, a small village which hosts one of the major temples built by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo with paintings and artifacts similar to Alchi. Other points of interesting include farming activities like manual harvesting of barley fields. Miles will lead a meditation session in a small nearby temple.
Uley Ethnic Resort Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-13: Aug. 14 – Retreat at Skindiyang
After experiencing so much on our tour let’s settle in for a mini two-day retreat led by Miles under the open sky of Ladakh. The retreat will be held in the newly built Gonpa in Skindiyang village located in a magical, hidden valley far from hassle and bustle of development!
Uley Ethnic Resort Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-14: Aug. 15 – Retreat at Skindiyang
Continue with our group retreat at Skindiyang village.
Uley Ethnic Resort Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-15: Aug. 16 – Trek to Fokar-rDzong (7-8 hrs) or Extension to Zanskar*
After an early breakfast we drive to Fokar village and undertake a 3-hour long hike (round trip). Packed lunch will be served in the most sacred Fokar-rdzong vicinity with an unbelievable tranquil and serene atmosphere where Guru Rinpoche spent time in caves on retreat. A number of self-arising sacred formations in the hard rock are among the main attractions here.
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 11 While returning from the Guru Rinpoche caves we will visit Lamayuru monastery. Yuru Gonpa or Lamayuru monastery (3493 m) is one of the fascinating places to visit, famed as Tharpaling ‘place of freedom’. Over 30 monks live here. Lamayuru is the oldest monastery in Ladakh. The Bodhisattva Madhyantaka made a prediction that a monastery will be built here. Naropa visited Ladakh in 11th century and spent many years meditating in a cave near here.
* Those who are participating in the Zanskar extension will separate from the pilgrimage group here at the most remote point of the tour and carry on from Fokar onwards to Kargil and Padam to meet the nuns of Dorjee Zong!
Uley Ethnic Resort Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-16: Aug. 17 Uley Tokpo – Retrun to Leh
The day begins at 9 am by driving back to Leh on the way we’ll visit Phyang and Spituk monasteries located at a distance of 20 and 7 kilometer respectively in the west of Leh. Basgo castle is a UNESCO world heritage site worth visiting if energy and time permit. You’ll then have a relaxed day in Leh to rest and reflect or visit the market for last minute souvenirs. We’ll close with a farewell dinner.
Overnight stay in Chamba Guest House, Thiksey, Leh Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel Lunch on the road
DAY-17: Aug. 18 Departure Day
No activities are planned this morning. We have arranged for your transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Delhi, where you’ll connect with your international flight home. If you don’t want to join the seven day “Extension to Zanskar” but would like a day or two in Delhi to visit Agra and the Taj Mahal please let us and know and we can connect you with out local agent.
CHANGES IN PLAN
We make every effort to follow the plan as advertised including the sites, route and guest lectures by local healers, oracles, and scholars who will share their knowledge on medicine, ritual, astrology and sustainability. However, our plans may change for a variety of reasons and we ask for you flexibility so we can remain open to emergent opportunities and unforeseen challenges.
Dr. Miles Neale | Contemplative Psychology, PC | +1-917-750-3594 | [email protected] 12