“The soul is the truth of who we are, the light, the love that is within us. It goes by different names but it is the truth of us.”

- Marianne Williamson -

Safaris for the Soul offer boutique soul adventures for women, involving motorcycles. Safaris for the Soul provide travel experiences to international locations, incorporating meditation, yoga, spiritual learning and practice, wholesome nutrition, time with nature and wonder, creativity, connection, contributing to the local community and of course adventure. It is our intention to provide you with a dedicated space for spiritual growth that is also adventurous, fun, healthy and balanced, beautiful and has lasting impact. We explore fascinating and exotic locations at the same time as our own truth, clarity, freedom and presence. Heavenly Himalaya is one of a series of two-week safaris offered across the globe. Safaris for the Soul, was established by Denise Ferris, Australasia’s most experienced female International Motorcycle Tour Guide, Director of World On Wheels, Registered Psychologist, qualified Energetic Healer and Soul Coach. An extensive world traveller and spiritual adventurer, Denise appreciates the value of both the inner and outer journey, in creating a peaceful, joyous, light and whole life, where we fully express our true potential.

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Heavenly Himalaya

Thursday July 25th – Tuesday August 6th, 2019

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 Thursday 25 July Arrive in New Delhi and transfer to The Claridges Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 2 Friday 26 July Tour opening at Akshardam Temple. Afternoon relaxing and exploring New Delhi.

Day 3 Saturday 27 July Train to Chandigarh. Ride to Kasauli (65 km), Hotel Baikunth. Late afternoon yoga.

Day 4 Sunday 28 July Morning practice. Ride to and explore Shimla (80 km). Staying at the Cecil Hotel.

Day 5 Monday 29 July Daily practice. Ride to Banjara Retreat, Shoja, Seraj Valley (160 km).

Day 6 Tuesday 30 July Ride to Manali (130 km). Staying for 2 nights at John Banon Hotel. Daily practice.

Day 7 Wednesday 31 July Leisurely morning, and yoga practice. Afternoon exploring Manali and relaxation.

Day 8 Thursday 01 August Ride Rohtang La (3978 m) to Keylong (125 km) and Hotel Dekyid. Daily practice.

Day 9 Friday 02 August Morning practise. Ride to (110 km), Planet Himalaya via Baralacha La (4830 m).

Day 10 Saturday 03 August Ride (5328 m) to (260 km), The Grand Dragon for 3 nights. Meditation.

Day 11 Sunday 04 August Morning practice and explore town. Afternoon ride (100km) to ! (5602 m).

Day 12 Monday 05 August Morning practice and relaxation. Afternoon at community project. Tour close and dinner.

On Tuesday 6th August we fly to Delhi for you to connect with your onward flights home or to extend your stay in .

Total riding kilometres during the two week safari: 1,030 km.

Please be aware that this itinerary is a guide only and may need to change due to weather, road conditions or other factors. Your flexibility and understanding will be appreciated, but rest assured your Tour Leader will make the final day-to-day decisions only after consultation with our local agent, authorities and of course, group members.

Please note all yoga and meditation sessions are optional and accepting of all levels of experience and ability.

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Heavenly Himalaya

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Destinations and Places of Interest

1. New Delhi 4. Shimla 7. Keylong 9. Leh 2. Chandigarh 5. Shoja 8. Sarchu 10. Khardung La 3. Kasauli 6. Manali

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The Safari Package

The Heavenly Himalaya safari package price, excluding airfares and joining in New Delhi is US$7,500-00 per person. Riders you must have a valid and unrestricted rider's licence. Pillions are welcome as are non-riders, we have a limited number of passenger seats available for you in our safari support vehicle. Please be aware that all yoga/meditation sessions on safari are optional and accepting of all levels of experience and ability.

To secure your place we require a US$2,000-00 deposit. Final payment will be due 60 days before the tour date, but you have some flexibility on when to pay. You may choose to pay your balance at any time up to 60 days before your safari commencement if the exchange rate is favourable for you, a win-win for us both.

Accommodation is provided on a twin-share basis and if you book on your own we’ll do our best to pair you with a suitable roommate. But if you’re the last person to book, there’s obviously the possibility you’ll have to take a room on your own and will therefore be requested to pay the single room supplement (US$1,500-00). So the best idea is to book early or bring your own roommate with you. Or preferably both!

Please note that our prices are subject to exchange rates and we reserve the right to alter any pricing, pursuant to Clause 9 of our Terms and Conditions, up to the date of final payment.

Price includes

• Full motorbike rental for the duration of the Safari (500cc Enfield Bullet) • 12 nights in quality accommodation including one-night luxury camping, twin share basis • All meals (breakfast, lunch and evening) • Airfare Leh – New Delhi at completion of safari • Personal Yoga mat, bag and japa mala (traditional prayer beads used by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists) • Hosted Delhi-Delhi by Denise Ferris • Tour Yoga/Meditation Teacher • Experienced local Escort (and Hindu Brahmin) • Support vehicle and Driver, for non-riders, luggage transport and assistance • Local Enfield Mechanics, spare parts, tools, medicines, first aid equipment • All fuel costs, maintenance and repairs, third party insurance for the bikes • Complimentary tour pack including luggage tags and maps

Price excludes

• Airfares to/from New Delhi (from Australia, approx. Au$2,000) • Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance, and for riders covering use of motorbike (approx. Au$250)* • Tourist visa for India (currently US$60, valid for six months), details on applying provided • Medical examination and vaccinations before departure (recommended) • Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, souvenirs and all drinks • Small tips for hotel luggage porters (eg A$1-2 equivalent per bag) and optional but appreciated group tip for our support staff (Driver, Mechanics and Guide) at the end of the safari (eg Au$100 equivalent suggested)

*Please note personal travel insurance is mandatory. If you have existing travel insurance, we will need to sight a copy of the policy before you will be permitted to participate in this safari. Or if you wish, we can arrange comprehensive travel insurance for you (Australian clients only). Be aware, however, that any travel insurance ceases immediately on return to your own country, even if on-going medical treatment or surgery is required. Private health cover or government Medicare resumes at that point.

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International Flights

You need to arrange your airfares through your own travel agent, or Australian clients may wish to contact our preferred local agent, Press & James Travel Associates. Phone 02 9979 5235 or email natasha_dann@travel- associates.com.au and mention you’re joining the Heavenly Himalaya safari. They have a copy of this itinerary and can arrange your route and flights as well as any stopovers or extensions you desire. Our suggested flight is Singapore Airlines SQ 406, arriving 08.10 pm, Thursday 25th July and if you arrive on this flight we will meet you at the airport for transfer to the Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel.

Food & Health

Sometimes the quality of food can be a concern when visiting exotic foreign lands. We take care in selecting clean and reputable establishments for our meals and the local fare is typically high standard. Even so, an occasional upset stomach cannot always be avoided, so we advise initial caution and we carry various medicines to ensure as much comfort as possible. Participants in any of our adventure safaris are expected to have a reasonable level of health, fitness and capability, but in all cases a consultation with your doctor is recommended to identify necessary vaccinations and precautions, particularly if travelling overseas for the first time. You may also find probiotic supplements useful in supporting your digestive system, whilst in India.

Climate & Clothing

The mountain roads into are only passable for the warm months of the northern summer, July - September. Even then, there can be some snow around, so good cold-weather gear is necessary. The air is crisp and clean in the mountains and the days are usually sunny and warm, but the Himalaya is always unpredictable so we need to be prepared for any eventuality. We can promise you some very hot days, some very cold days, and possibly some very wet days - possibly all in the same day! At times there will be little shade available, so plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and long sleeves are advisable. Kevlar jeans or protective riding pants and riding jackets, T shirts, strong boots and riding gloves tend to be the norm. Helmets should be brought with you from home, full-face or open-face a matter of personal preference.

Professional quality riding gear including jackets, over pants and other protective clothing are an excellent investment and will go a long way to ensuring your comfort in what may sometimes be adverse conditions. If you are susceptible to the cold, then a good set of thermal underwear is advisable. As always layering options are most practical.

For our yoga and meditation sessions, bring apparel that is personally comfortable and can breathe along with you! We will be practising both indoors and outdoors in nature when suitable, so clothing appropriate for both warm and cooler temperatures is recommended.

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Regardless of your experience or ability on a motorcycle, you might want to consider a Rider Improvement course, to brush up on your skills prior to joining an international riding safari. We have teamed up with motoDNA as our Adventure Training partner. An Australian company with an impressive array of very talented instructors (Mark McVeigh, Kevin Magee, Chris Vermeulen, Garry McCoy, Peter Goddard...) they have the skills and the syllabus to get the most out of your riding ability, which will give you the tools you need to survive and enjoy your next ride, whether it be the daily commute or an international adventure with Safaris for the Soul. They offer track training, road training, off-road courses, bush bashing, sand and water techniques, you name it, in venues up and down Australia's east coast.

The Classic 'Royal' Enfield Bullet

Originally manufactured by The Royal Enfield Motorcycle Co of Redditch, Worcestershire, production of the Enfield ceased in Great Britain due to financial difficulties in the mid-1950s. The Indian subsidiary acquired the production line, transferred operations to Madras and simply continued to build Enfield Bullets without bothering to change any original design specifications. To this day they continue to produce brand new, 60 year old bikes! The Enfield is a true classic, with the single cylinder 500cc engine producing a deep, throaty rumble and powerful torque that have prompted some to christen it the two-wheeled tractor. High speed is not what the Enfield is about (any faster than about 80kph in India is unwise anyway!), it's about aesthetics, comfort and style. Riding an Enfield gives a pure, unadulterated pleasure - particularly through the stunning scenery where you’re going. It is the touring perfect bike for this part of the world, taking the rough roads easily in its stride.

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Heavenly Himalaya

The itinerary day by day ...

Day 1. Thursday 25 July. Arrive in New Delhi, India.

Upon arrival in New Delhi, complete customs and immigration and make your way to the arrivals hall. If you are on Flight SQ406 you will be met and transferred to The Claridges Hotel for our two-night stay.

After settling in, we will have a gentle start to our adventure, all meeting informally at the hotel, introducing you to our Tour Yoga/Meditation Teacher and then retiring for an early night and hopefully some sleep! Visit: www.claridges.com for more information on our lovely heritage hotel.

Day 2. Friday 26 July. Morning at Akshardham Temple. Afternoon relaxing and exploring.

This morning after breakfast we will travel together by minivan to the sacred Akshardham Temple.

‘Akshardham' means the divine abode of God. It is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham at New Delhi is a Mandir – an abode of God, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. The spiritual premise of Akshardham is that each soul is potentially divine. Whether we are serving our family, our community, our organisation, our city or country or all living beings the world over, each service can help one move towards divinity.'

A visit to Akshardham is a spiritually enriching experience and it is for this reason we have chosen it as the place for our official safari welcome and opening ritual. Together we will be gently introduced to some divine chanting and mantra meditation whilst immersed in the serene energy of this special Hindu Temple and its gardens. There will also be time during the morning for you to explore this sacred place in your own way. For more informa- tion and images of Akshardham see www.akshardham.com

We will take lunch out at a local Indian restaurant ... our first chance to sample some of the real and exotic Indian fare.

This afternoon you have free time to avail yourself of all the wonderful facilities of the hotel: a relaxing treatment from the spa; a swim in the pool; perhaps a visit to the gym or maybe find a quiet spot with your journal and a cup of herbal tea. There are plenty of options.

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Alternatively, you may want to head outdoors to explore some of the exotic New Delhi markets and shops or take a tuk-tuk ride to some of the city's other many places of interest.

For others, you may opt to enjoy a quiet afternoon nap while your body continues to adjust to the new Indian time zone. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.

Day 3. Saturday 27 July. Delhi - Chandigarh - Kasauli (65 km).

This morning we have an early start. We head to the New Delhi Railway Station to board the air-conditioned Shatabdi Express heading north, bound for the Haryana state capital of Chandigarh where our shiny Royal Enfields await! Our 3.5 hour trip gives us the chance to savour the many and varied sights of India and perhaps we'll enjoy a simple meditation along the way.

The relatively small city of Chandigarh is a much better place than Delhi to come to terms with our motorcycles and the Indian traffic. So, we will practise a bit in the car park to the amusement of the inevitable crowd of onlookers, before head- ing out onto the road. Today will be our shortest riding day on tour, only 65 km, gently breaking us in to the adventure up ahead!

We will visit a local dhaba for lunch en route and all going well will arrive at our resort in Kasauli by mid- afternoon, Baikunth Resort: www. http://baikunth.com/kasauli/home.aspx. This afternoon we can enjoy our first yoga class together ironing out the wrinkles of our first days travel and the remainder of the afternoon is free time for you to nurture yourself as you need.

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly worn out, screaming woohoo - what a ride !”

- Unknown. -

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Day 4. Sunday 28 July. Kasauli - Shimla, 'the Queen of Hill Stations' (80 km).

This morning we can savour a lovely yoga class and delicious breakfast before departing. Our destination today is the picturesque hill station of Shimla around 80 km away. We ride a hilly and winding road to the Himachal state capital of Shimla, frequently alongside the railway track where the 'Toy Train' runs on narrow-gauge line through more than 100 tunnels in less than 100km, up to this picturesque hill station. Shimla was the summer national capital in the days before the British Raj, when the entire government would relocate up here for three months every year to avoid the heat of Delhi. The stately English houses are starting to look a little ragged around the edges these days, but the main street is still called The Mall where the locals enjoy a daily hawakhanna, their evening stroll. We will take our lunch in Shimla, followed by a short walking tour and few pleasant hours taking in the charms.

Tonight we are staying at the The Oberoi Cecil, located at the quieter end of the bustling Mall Road, near the Viceroy Lodge: www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-shimla-cecil. During the times of the British Raj, this was one of the most exclusive hotels in Shimla, known for its fabulous ballroom dances and fashionable clientele. 130 years later, this restored luxury heritage hotel retains much of its colonial charm. It is a wonderful setting to refresh after a fulfilling day riding and exploring the town. Our dinner this evening will be in the restored grand ballroom restaurant, serving a wide variety of international, pan-Indian and local Himachal dishes. Life is good!

Day 5. Monday 29 July. Shimla - Sojha, Great Himalayan National Park (160 km).

After breakfast we head off for our first full days ride towards Sojha, (160 km) along twisting roads, above stunning terraced slopes, such as might be seen gracing the cover of travel magazines on Bali. Densely wooded hillsides flank the many streams of the area.

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Today’s ride may well be one of the best on safari, enjoying exhilarating twists and turns on sublimely sealed road along with the seemingly unending descent of the fabulous Jalori Pass at 3,120m. We'll take lunch today at a roadside restaurant or perhaps stop for a relaxed picnic if we feel inclined, then cross the River before arriving at our remote destination Banjara Retreat in the Seraj Valley: www.banjara camps.com/camps-retreats-in-himalayan-valley-himachal/holidays-in-sojha-himachal/31default.aspx. Tonight, before dinner, we can enjoy an evening practice together, at our home for the night in the Great Himalayan National Park.

Day 6. Tuesday 30 July. Sojha - Manali (130 km).

This morning we saddle up to ride to the foothills of the majestic Himalaya. We ride through the wonderful Kulu Valley (often referred to as 'The Valley of the Gods'), a spectacularly beautiful region of lush green hills alongside the Beas ('Bee-Ahs') River, growing in popularity for white water rafting, angling and a range of other watersports. The scenery is simply spectacular. We encounter a rather daunting tunnel along the way; 3km through a hill- side; and without great lighting! Make sure you know where the Enfield's headlight switch is, and slide your sunglasses down your nose.

We'll stop for lunch at a lovely spot along the river. Taking the back way into Manali, we plan to arrive mid- afternoon, in the town sometimes referred to as 'the adventure playground of the Himalaya', our destination for the next two nights. We can settle in and then enjoy a short practice together before dinner at our family run private boutique hotel, John Banon Hotel: please take a look at www.banonhotel.com

Day 7. Wednesday 31 July. Rest day in Manali.

Today we start acclimatising, before we begin the serious business of climbing the Himalaya proper.

It is also our first full rest day since we started on the road. So, this morning we can begin by enjoying a delicious breakfast and joyful yogic exercise, breathing and meditation practice amidst the charm of our heritage surroundings.

The afternoon is free time to explore the vibrant town of Manali. You might like to take a wander through the markets, visit the nearby 500- year-old Hadimba Devi temple, spend time in the surrounding verdant deodar forest, or visit the hotel’s nurturing spa before re- connecting over dinner together at our hotel.

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Day 8. Thursday 01 August. Manali - Keylong (125 km).

Today, we really start exploring the majestic Himalayan mountain range; it's on with the gloves and the jacket liner, we are going up! As we reach the snowline the sun will begin to disperse the mists, revealing the most sensational views ever imagined. Endless valleys stretch out in every direction from the 3,978 metre Rohtang La ('Pass') where we enter the remote world of the Lahaul Valley. You will be turning your head from side to side in constant amazement all the way to the small village of Keylong, our home for the night. Before dinner there will be time for an evening practice in the surrounds of our village hotel, please see: www.hoteldekyid.com

Day 9. Friday 02 August. Keylong - Sarchu (110 km).

This morning we have a leisurely start, allowing us to savour our naturally stunning location. Before breakfast there’s time to enjoy a nurturing yoga and meditation practice, great preparation for our adventurous day to come.

Today it's another day riding in the Himalayan mountain range and another exhilarating high pass up ahead. Every turn into a new valley produces a breathtaking change of colour, texture, formation. Enormously deep river canyons combine with wind, rain and ice to carve impossible sculptures out of rock and gravel. Several times today we may find water gushing across the road from glacier melt, causing us to dismount if deep; we push bikes through with ignition turned off to prevent shorting out the spark plug. And yes, the water is cold. After visiting the top of Baralacha La (4,830 m) our afternoon destination is a community of a dozen tents in a semi-permanent 'town' just before a police checkpost at Sarchu which marks our entry into the state of J&K (Jammu & ).

Our tents while relatively simple are an oasis offering quality facilities and services ... not bad at 4,400m! They are a wonderful way, for one night, to enjoy the wonders of nature that will surround us in the desert land of Sarchu. Tonight, a well-furnished dining 'hall' offers Indian, Continental and Ladahki cuisines. Please take a look at: www.planethimalaya.in/camping

Day 10. Saturday 03 August. Sarchu - Leh (260 km).

It's an early start this morning, for our biggest riding day on tour. The day starts with us tackling the 21 switchbacks of the Gata Loops, up the side of a rocky mountain, then zipping along a flat, straight, lunar-

- 12 - landscape plateau where nomadic peoples tend their goats and yaks, which appear to have developed the ability to survive on a diet of gravel and sand. Then it's up, up and more up as we climb to the Taglang La, at 5,328 metres, the second highest motorable road in the world. At this altitude the Enfields as well as ourselves may have difficulty breathing the rarefied air, there's not a lot of oxygen up here! It's also typically quite cold, so after the obligatory photo- graphs we’ll proceed to legendary Leh, the Ladakhi capital and a stunning green oasis in this other-wise desolate area. Red coloured run-off from the copper-rich bulk of the mountains (zanz means copper, kar is white) feeds the sacred , source of all life in this unique and remote region.

Weary but in awe and wonder, we arrive tonight at The Grand Dragon Hotel (the best in Leh), in the cradle of The , our home for the next three nights! We can share a gentle practice together in the late afternoon light of Leh before taking a relaxed meal in our exquisite hotel, which showcases the architecture and intricate ornamention traditional to the Ladakhi people along with an array of contemporary local art. Please visit: www.thegranddragonladakh.com.

Day 11. Sunday 04 August. Leh - Khardung La - Leh (100 km).

This morning we can all enjoy a well-earned sleep in, followed by a delicious, leisurely breakfast and optional practice.

By mid-morning you'll probably want to wander up to the centre of Leh town and explore the rich local culture, sights and experiences. Whiling away some time in an upstairs cafe, sipping on a tea or a coffee and observing the life and colours below is highly recommended. Photo- graphic opportunities abound. A visit to the local Tibetan bazaars is a must. There are several great Ladhaki art galleries showcasing thankas (Tibetan wall hangings), traditional paintings and artifacts, jewellery and many interesting shops and markets with local wares, souvenirs etc.

Today is our final riding day and this afternoon we are going to the Top!! Our destination Khardung La, at 5,600 metres, is the highest motorable road in the world. This is as close to heaven as we'll ever get on a bike! After lunch it's a half day ride to 'K Top'; on the same road His Holiness The Dalai Lama travelled a few years ago. This whole area is actually a military zone and special permission is obtained from the authorities because it is fairly close to the sensitive border with China, aka Tibet. At the summit, we can look out in 3 separate directions one way towards China, one to India and the other Pakistan ... not a bad view from the roof of the world!

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There'll be plenty of time for photos (and high fiving!) and then we'll descend from the heavens winding our way once more back to the hotel. Unless you feel like venturing further afield, then Thikse Gompa, a dramatic Buddhist monastery clinging to the side of a hill, or the fascinating Palace, are both only a short ride back along the Indus Valley.

This evening, we say goodbye to our trusty Enfields that have bought us so far. Congratulations! you have completed an epic 1000+km trans-Himalayan riding expedition.

Day 12. Monday 05 August. Rest day in Leh and All Religions Women’s Wing Community Project.

Today is our last full day together on safari. This morning there is free time to be nurtured and nourished by our last morning practice and a delicious breakfast. Then you might want to do a bit more exploring of the sights of Leh or re-visit the markets and stalls, completing any final shopping of the treasures on offer.

This afternoon it’s time to give a little back to the place that has given us so much. The All Religion Women’s Wing (ARWW) of Leh, established many years ago is comprised of women from Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Muslim Shea faiths and together they run a local hostel accommodating and supporting the education of girls from Leh and surrounding rural Ladakhi villages. We will meet with women from the ARWW and their girls and participate in a project that has been designed especially for us, to be of most practical support to their work.

In India, it’s estimated: up to 42% of Indian girls under 19 experience sexual violence; 47% marry before 18 and some 4 million girls give birth before the age of 15. Educating girls helps to improve all these. scenarios.

Before dinner we can share a simple evening practice together.

What a soul adventure it has been! It is time to celebrate and tonight we will hold our special farewell dinner in grand style at The Grand Dragon Hotel !

Tuesday 06 August. This marks the official end of our Heavenly Himalaya safari. This morning it’s time to complete the packing of the bags, say our goodbyes, swapping email addresses and phone numbers. We will fly together from Leh to New Delhi, before heading home or travelling on to other parts of India …

Thank you for your company over the last two wonderful weeks and Namaste.

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy” - Rumi -