INDIA / LADAKH - Little Tibet Yoga and Pranayama Purification Tour 2012

Ladakh is known as little Tibet where we will explore Ayurveda, Tibetan Buddhism, Yoga practice (asanas for cell rejuvenation), and Pranayama breathing ( to breathe correctly and regenerate the body). We venture in to the Himalayas, to the center of a deeper mythology of soul and spirit, the red country of Ladakh- visiting monasteries, praying with monks and hermits, discovering the beauty of Tankha paintings, Chortens of high lamas, and holy books and libraries of the sacred. We will tell stories of Shambhala, and we will meet oracles, learn divination, while purifying our bodies and mind with higher yogas, feeling cleansed, purified and refreshed. The purpose of our journey is to feel healthier, more alive, more centered, and attain a deeper clarity through spiritual practice together. As we visit the places of great saints, and visit the great enclaves of the Gompas ( holy books of Lord Buddha) and witness the sacred plays and dances, we will enter a new world of depth, grace, and healthy living. Through daily yogic practice for both beginner and advanced levels- we will revive the body to awaken to its full potential. We will visit indigenous peoples, eat traditional foods, meditate, and realize the teachings of the Boddhisattvas. We will eat seabuckhorn to regenerate our bodies, visit hot sulphur springs to bathe our bodies, and gain ayurvedic and yogic knowledge from doctors and real teachers who have the knowledge of ancient India- the Motherland. One of the great journeys of life, and perfect for 2012- the time of beginning the flowering of a spiritual renaissance, we will find both our outer and inner treasures, and attain peace of mind.

DETAILED ITINERARY FOR FOSTER PERRY’S LADAKH GROUP 2012
(may change due to hotel availabilities)

DAY 01. SEPT.03 ARRIVE DELHI
You will be met on arrival by our representative and provided a transfer to your hotel for the overnight. Hotel: The Justa Residency, New Delhi on Bed & Breakfast.

DAY 02. SEPT.04 IN DELHI
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Delhi, visit Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Presidential Palace and a Sikh Temple. Rest of the day will be free at leisure / shop around. In the evening a brief over-view of your Health Retreat Tour will be given. Overnight at your hotel. Hotel: The Justa Residency, New Delhi on B.B.

DAY 03. SEPT.05 DELHI – LEH (Flight IT 3351 Dep.0910 / Arr.1030)

Early morning wake and after tea/coffee, check out at 0400 HRS. At 0430 HRS, transfer to the airport to connect your flight to Leh, which is the capital of Ladakh. On arrival in Leh, transfer to and check in at your hotel. Since Leh is situated at a height of 3525 Metres above sea level and due to low levels of oxygen, full rest is recommended to acclimatize to the high altitude environment. In the evening enjoy a talk on Yoga followed by a session of meditation. Evening at leisure and overnight at your hotel. Hotel The Grand Dragon on Full Board.

Ladakh - Popularly known as "Hermit Kingdom", Ladakh is a land of snow carved peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture. The district of Ladakh lies at the border with Tibet at the eastern most corner of the State of Jammu & Kashmir. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, Ladakh is a land like no other. Ladakh is often referred to as the "Little Tibet", or the "Last Shangri-La". Ladakh is the trans-Himalayan region, which separates the western Himalayan peaks from the Tibetan plateau. In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia.

Ladakh is a mysterious land shrouded in myth and legend. Much of its ancient history is known only through the mythology of its people as its written history is of very recent origin. Known for centuries as the 'land of passes' (La-pass; Dakh-land), Ladakh was described by Fa-Hien a Chinese traveler, who traveled across its inhospitable terrain in 399 A.D., as “The land where snow never melts and only corn ripens.”

A thousand years ago before the control of Tibet’s rule, Raja Skitde Nemagon, ruled over Ladakh which was known as Muryul (Red Country), as most of the mountains and the soil in Ladakh wears a red tinge. In the 10th Century A.D Skitday Nemagon, along with a couple of hundred men, invaded Ladakh where there was no central authority. The Land was divided in small principalities, which were at war with each other. Nemagon defeated all of them and established a strong central authority. Those days Shey was the capital of Ladakh became to be known as Nariskorsoom, a country of three provinces. The present Ladakh was divided into two provinces while the third comprised western Tibet. The area of western Tibet slipped away from the kingdom but was reunited in 16th Century A.D. by the famous Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal.

During 5th to 15th centuries, Ladakh was an independent kingdom assigned to Tibet. Little by little, due to tensions among local kings and the pressure of China over Tibet, the relationship got worse. The ancient inhabitants of Ladakh were Dards, an Indo-Aryan race from down the Indus. But immigration from Tibet more than a thousand years ago largely overwhelmed the culture of the Dards and moped up their racial characters. In eastern and central Ladakh, today’s population seems to be mostly of Tibetan origin. Buddhism reached Tibet from India via Ladakh. The area was the stronghold of Buddhism before Islam reached Ladakh.

People of Ladakh are mostly Mahayana Buddhists belonging to the sect of the Red or Yellow Hat Lamas. The faces and physique of the Ladakhis and the clothes they wear are more akin to those of Tibet and Central Asia than of India. In eastern and central Ladakh, today’s population seems to be mostly of Tibet origin. Further west, in and around Kargil the people's appearance suggests a mixed origin. Buddhism reached Tibet from India via Ladakh. The area was the stronghold of Buddhism before Islam reached Ladakh. It is difficult to establish when Buddhism was introduced into Ladakh. It is however definite that its first influence dates back to the start of Christian era or just a little before that, under the reign of the Emperor Ashok. It is not astonishing therefore that stories based of the lives of the Buddha are the predominant theme of the traditional theatre.

Ladakh's Gompas or monasteries are really its treasure. They contain the finest examples of the region's artistry in metalwork, painting, sculpture and the decorative arts. A visit to these gompas is necessary to appreciate the full flowering of the religious beliefs and the artistry that has gone into Ladakh's celebration of Buddhism.

Generally, the gompas have a central courtyard with one or more prayer flags on tall poles. It is here that the masked dances take place during a gompa's festival. Off this courtyard is the Dukhang or main assembly hall, where the lamas gather for prayers and meals. The entrance verandah to the Dukhang will almost always have a mural of the Guardians of the Four Directions: yellow is for north, blue for south, white for east, and red for west.

The Dukhang usually has a high seat reserved for the gompa's Rimpoche (an Incarnate Lama, who is the gompa's head), two or more rows of seats for the lamas. It has numerous thankhas (religious paintings on cloth hung like a banner) decorating the walls and pillars, and statues of various figures, including at least one of Lord Buddha. The Dukhang also has one or more chortens decorated with semi-precious stones. They contain ashes of a high lama o perhaps, simply offerings of grains, jewels, or the holy books of Buddhism. The Dukhang may also house these holy books in bookcases on the sidewalls.

Religious books are printed with wooden blocks on separate sheets of paper. Wooden boards are placed on the top and bottom, and the whole is then wrapped in brocade cloth. Each gompa keeps a complete set of these holy books, known as Kandshur (108 volumes of Buddha's teachings) and Tandshur (a 225 volume commentary on the Kandshur), in the Dukhang or a separate library room. Wealthier gompas will have more than one complete set.

DAY 04. SEPT.06 IN LEH (Visit Hemis Monastery)

Early morning wake up for Yoga & Meditation. After breakfast (Fruits & Juices), proceed for a sightseeing tour. One hours’ drive will bring you to Hemis, which is one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh region. Return to your hotel for lunch and rest. Consultations for Ayurveda will be effected today. In the evening, participate in a session of Yoga & Meditation. Evening free & overnight at your hotel. Hotel The Grand Dragon on Full Board.
Hemis is one of the most famous and the largest of all monasteries in Ladakh. Founded in the 17th century, it belongs to the Drugpa order. Stagsang Raschegn who was invited to Ladakh by King Singee Namgyal founded the monastery. The king offered him religious estates and appointed him as his principal guru. The gompa (monastery) has well preserved Thangkas, copper gild statue of Lord Buddha, various stupas made of gold and silver and many auspicious objects.

DAY 05. SEPT.07 IN LEH (Visit The Oracle of Saboo Village)
Early morning wake up for Yoga & Meditation. After breakfast, proceed for a visit to the village of Saboo, which is famous for its Oracle and its medicinal spring water believed to be healing in nature. Close to the spring is located the Monastery of Saboo, where three senior hermits reside. Ten monks also live close by. Today some of the group members will meet the Oracle and the balance group members will meet the Oracle on the next day.
After lunch at your hotel, stroll at an easy pace in the bazar of Leh, Shankar Gompa & Shanti Stupa. In the evening attend the Yoga & Meditation Session. Dinner & overnight at your hotel. Hotel The Grand Dragon on Full Board.
The Oracle of Saboo - In a small stone house in the village of Saboo, a hair-raising healing ritual is taking place. A Buddhist man ailing from liver problems, a Muslim woman suffering from depression, and a Judeo-Christian New Zealand trekker needing spiritual guidance have all come to the region seeking the healing powers of a lha-mo, or female oracle. In front of them, Ayu Lha-mo—also called the Oracle of Saboo, after her village—is dressed in a multicolored robe and a golden hat with sharp edges. Shrouded in a veil of juniper incense she prays and chants loudly, rocking back and forth on her knees, beckoning a spirit to enter her body so it can heal patients through her.
"Ayu Lha-mo is probably the most famous oracle in Ladakh. She's known for taking a knife from a fire and burning her tongue with its tip to show patients her powers and invulnerability." The rituals of Ladakh oracles are little known to the outside world, even though as many as 200 may practice in the region. The rites and rituals likely derived from the cultures of animistic tribes and shamans of Central Asia, China, Tibet, and Mongolia. These days most oracles are Tibetan Buddhists, one of the primary religions in Ladakh.
Oracles usually meet patients in their houses, bringing them to an altar in the kitchen. Generally, the oracle works with several patients simultaneously and talks with each about their ailments before going into a trance. It is said to take about 15 minutes of chanting, ringing bells, praying, and beating drums for a spirit to enter an oracle's body. Oracles usually invite spirits to take them over, but some oracles report that they become possessed when they don't want to. Spirits that possess oracles during trance states are usually said to be from the pantheon of Buddhist deities but sometimes lesser-known or unknown spirits, even those from other religions, can control the oracles, they say.
Once possessed, oracles perform therapy by sucking out disease-causing substances from their patients. The oracles later show these substances—usually black mucus or little tar-like pieces—to the patient and audience, and then spit them into a bowl or on the ground. Oracles also use straws or pipes for sucking out substances from patients, placing them directly against ailing body parts—for example, the chest of a patient suffering from asthma. Seeds, cups of blessed water (and sometimes alcohol), incense, and other instruments assist in the ritual.
The oracles also play the role of exorcist—expelling or controlling malign spirits believed to be in patients. Newcomers’ witnessing the rituals, often get startled by oracles in violent trances wielding weapons. Oracles may also treat the patient violently. A man suffering from liver problems due to alcohol abuse may get yelled at.
Patients, if they can afford it, pay oracles for their work. The amount is meager. With just a couple of patients each day, Ayu Lha-mo is no wealthier than the average Ladakh farmer—earning the equivalent of a few U.S. dollars a day for battling spirits and healing the sick.

DAY 06. SEPT.08 IN LEH (Visit Spituk & Phiyang Monasteries + Pathar Sahib & Oracle of Saboo Village)
Early morning wake up for Yoga & Meditation. After breakfast, visit the village of Saboo to meet the oracle for those group members who could not get a consultation on the day before. Others can have Ayurvedic Consultation at the hotel. Return to your hotel for lunch.
After lunch, proceed for a visit to the monasteries of Spituk & Phiyang. Thereafter visit Pathar Sahib – a Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) with a most interesting history. Attend the evening yoga & meditation class. Dinner & overnight at your hotel. Hotel The Grand Dragon on Full Board.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib – is associated with Guru Nanak Dev, the founder Guru of the Sikh faith. During his lifetime Guru Nanak travelled to many distant places and one such place was Tibet. Guru Nanak is well respected by Tibetan Buddhists who consider him a saint; The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Buddhists in Tibet, has also stated that Tibetans revere Guru Nanak as a Buddhist saint under the name of Guru Gompa Maharaj.
In the late 1970s, during the construction of the Leh-Nimu road, a large boulder was found by the Lamas in the middle of the road bed covered with Buddhists prayer flags. The boulder was covered with Buddhist prayer flags, the type of flags that are often found, strung by Buddhist Lamas, along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas to bless the surrounding countryside. The bulldozer driver tried to push the huge stone to the side, but it refused to move. Gunning the engine he pushed the powerful machine to its limits, but the boulder refused to give way. Suddenly, with a large snap, the blade broke and the work stopped. That night the driver had a dream in which a voice told him not to move the stone. In the morning he narrated his dream to one of the army officers who guard the mountain passes of Ladakh. The soldier told him, not to give any importance to the dream. When all efforts to remove the boulder had failed, it was decided to blow it apart with dynamite the next day. That night the army officer also had a dream not to remove the stone. He too decided the dream should be ignored, but early that morning, being Sunday, he and the workers were visited by several Lamas and other Ladhakhis who came to tell them the story of a Holy Saint they called Nanak Lama and the unyielding boulder. Listening they learned that the Pathar (Boulder) the road crew had been having so much trouble with was a 'mould' with a negative impression, of their revered Lama Nanak that contained a hollow imprint of his shoulders, head and back. He was told that during the period of 1515-18 when Guru Nanak was returning to Punjab through Srinagar, after travelling to Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet, he had rested at this place. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev reached Leh via Sikkim, Nepal, Tibet and Yarkand. Today the site and the Gurdwara that now covers the boulder are revered by both the local Lamas and Sikhs. Currently the Army is looking after the Gurdwara.
According to a local legend, once a wicked demon live in the area that terrorized the people where the Gurdwara is now situated. The people prayed to the Almighty for help. It is said that Guru Nanak heard their woes and came to their aid. He settled down on the bank of the river below the hill where the wicked demon lived. The Guru blessed the people with sermons and became popular in the area. The locals called him Nanak Lama. Seeing this, the demon got into a rage and decided to kill Guru Nanak Dev.

One morning when the Guru was sitting in meditation, the demon pushed a large Pathar (boulder), down from the hilltop, with the intention of killing the Guru. The boulder gained speed as it rumbled down the hillside, but when it touched the Guru's body, it softened like warm wax and came to a halt against Guru Nanak's back. The Guru kept on meditating unhurt and undisturbed. Thinking that the Guru had been killed, the demon came down and was taken aback to see the Guru deep in meditation. In a fit of anger, he tried to push the boulder with his right foot, but as the Pathar still had the softness of warm wax, his foot got embedded in it. Pulling his foot from the boulder the demon was dumfounded to see the impression his foot had just left in the stone.
On seeing this, the demon realized his own powerlessness in comparison to the spiritual power of the great Guru. He fell at the feet of Guru Nanak Dev and begged for forgiveness. Guru Sahib advised him to get rid of his wicked ways and asked him to lead a life of a noble person. This changed the life of the demon, who gave up evil deeds and started serving the people. Guru Nanak Dev thereafter continued his holy journey towards Srinagar via Kargil. The Pathar pushed down by the demon, with the imprint of the body of Guru Nanak Dev and the footprint of the demon, is at present on display in Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. It is said that since the visit of Guru Sahib (in 1517) to the building of the roadway in 1965, the local Lamas had held the Pathar sacred and offered prayers to it as, no doubt, they do to this day.

Spituk (Pethup) Gompa - The Spituk "Exemplary", was founded by Od-Lde in the 11th century AD. When the monastic community was introduced, Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo, the great translator visited this monastery and named it Pethup. In those days the Gonpa belongs to Kadanpa School, but during the reign of king Darkspa Bum-Lde, Gelukspa order was introduced and Lama Lhawang Lotos restored the monastery.

DAY 07. SEPT.09 LEH – ALCHI – ULEY TOKPO (Drive 2 Hours)
Early morning wake up for Yoga & Meditation Class. After breakfast, check out and proceed to Uley Tokpo. En-route visit Bazgo Fort and Alchi Monastery. En-route visit Magnetic Hill, where the vehicles seemingly move uphill without a running engine. On arrival, check in at Ule Ethnic Resort on Full Board. Day free to enjoy the magnificent views of the great River Indus, which flows by the resort. Yoga & meditation in the evening under a fantastic night sky full of stars. Overnight at Ule Ethnic Resort on Full Board.
Alchi Choskor - "religious enclave" is 69 kms west of Leh and is the most famous and largest of all the Gompas built by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo (the great translator) in the 11th century and later he appointed four families to look after the Choskor as three was no monastic community introduced. Thereafter in the 15th century Choskor was taken over by the Likir monastery and since then Choskor is being taken care of by Likir Monastery.
Ule Ethnic Resort is located at an altitude of 3300 Metres above sea level and has been developed in a complete eco resort that provides today’s traveler with parallel facilities at par with the world while maintaining the ancient wisdom of what has passed on from our fore fathers. As of today Ule Ethnic resort stands alone as the only eco resort that is running an organic stay with the food grown in the vegetable garden at the camp site, electricity produced by their unique mini micro hydro power for each occupation and a campus that so well blends technology with today’s tourist consumption pattern issues of the Himalayas.
The resort has developed a complete sustainable model of Eco tourism that gives today’s eco conscious traveler a light conscience of travelling the Himalayan without any impact - if not contributing to the fragile Ecology. From food to materials used for setting up the resort to the power that runs through the camp site, it’s a model that has been worked out as an answer to most of the questions asked by the environmental activists who have travelled to Ladakh and questions the inflow of tourist and its impact on the local flora of the place.
Today the resort has 31 canvas huts and 15 Independent Cottages / Chalets that have their own mini micro hydro-power plants for generating electricity designed in the most Ecological architectural understanding as applicable to the Himalayan region of Ladakh.
The resort opens to the great Indus River in the Himalayas that was instrumental in the setting up of the Indus Valley civilization and there is an opening at the resort that opens to the river bank just a walk through the resort. Its rich apple and Apricot groves with its juicy fruit to pluck from the trees and to enjoy gives live a basic meaning that brings the travelers closer to Mother Nature and its abundance of providence.

DAY 08. SEPT.10 IN ULEY TOKPO
Today the whole day will be dedicated to Yoga / Meditation Sessions & Ayurvedic Consultations and enjoy the quiet environs of Uley Tokpo. Overnight at Ule Ethnic Resort on Full Board.

DAY 09. SEPT.11 IN ULEY TOKPO (Full Day Trip To Lamayuru & Dha Hanu)
After the morning Yoga Session and breakfast, proceed for a tour of the oldest monastery of Ladakh region, namely the famed Monastery of Lamayuru. Visit the magnificent prayer hall of this monastery and meet the monks (lamas). Thereafter, proceed for a visit to the villages of Dha & Hanu, which have become famous due to the pure Aryan racial ethnicity of its inhabitants. Meet these handsome people with their interesting cultural traits.
Return to your hotel for Yoga Session & Meditation. Overnight at Ule Ethnic Resort on Full Board.

Lamayuru Monastery is the largest and the oldest monastery in Ladakh. It was founded in 11th century by Maha Siddhacharya Naropa and belongs to the Red Hat Sect of Buddhism. Situated in Ladakh in between Bodhkharbu and Kha-la-che, on a steep rock mountain, Lamayuru lies at a distance of approximately 127 km to the west of Leh town and houses approximately 150 Buddhist monks. The monastery is made up of a number of shrines and also has a very rich collection of thangkas and magnificent wall paintings. At the outset, the Lamayuru Monastery consisted of five buildings, out of which only the central one exists today.

Every year the Lamayuru Gompa plays host a masked dance, which takes place on the 17th and 18th day of the 5th month of Tibetan lunar calendar. The monks from the monasteries of the nearby areas also come to take part in the celebrations. There is an interesting legend associated with the Lamayuru Gompa of Leh Ladakh. It is said that the Lamayuru Valley used to be a clear lake, at the time of Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha) and Nagas (holy serpents) used to reside in the lake.

Bodhisattva Madhyantaka had once a prediction quite a long time back that the lake would eventually be dried, making way for the construction of a Buddhist monastery. The legend moves further to state that Mahasiddhacharya Naropa, an 11th century Indian Buddhist scholar, sat in meditation for a number of years in one of the caves in Dukhang. He was the one who caused a crack in the hillside surrounding the lake. Through this crack, the lake started draining. When the lake dried out, the scholar found a dead lion lying inside it. On the same spot, where he found the lion, he constructed the first temple of the area, known as the Singhe Ghang (Lion Mound).
Later, King Jamyang Namgial offered the monastery to Chosje Danma. And this led to the observance of the rituals of the Digung Kargyud School, with the monastery being renamed as Yungdrung Tharpaling. Today, the Lamayuru Monastery is served by the successive reincarnations of Skyabsje Toldan Rinpoche.

Dha and Hanu are two villages situated in the Dhahanu valley, about 163 km southwest of Leh in Ladakh. Being on lower altitude Dhahanu is warmer than Leh. The Dards of Dah Hanu are nominally Buddhist but also worship their own Pantheon of gods. They have an Indo-European appearance in contrast to the predominant Tibeto-Mongol inhabitants of most of Ladakh.

The Brokpa are a small community of Dard people residing in the Dha-Hanu valley about 163 km southwest of Leh in Ladakh. They are thought by some to b e the purist descendants of the ancient Indo-Europeans.Dha and Hanu are two villages situated in the Dhahanu valley where they are found. They are also scattered in other parts of Ladakh. Part of the community are also located in the Deosai plateau just across the Line Of Control in the Baltistan. Like the people of Gilgit, they speak an archaic form of the Shina language unintelligible with other dialects of Shina. They are originally said to have come from Chilas and settled in the area generations ago. They are predominantly caucasoid in contrast to the Tibeto-Burman inhabitants of most of Ladakh. They are nominally Buddhist, however animist and Bön rituals still survive.

The traditional Brokpa diet based on locally grown foods such as barley and hardy wheat prepared most often as tsampa/sattu (roasted flour). It takes in different ways. Other important foods include potatoes, radishes, turnips, and Gur-Gur Cha, a brewed tea made of black tea, butter and salt. Dairy and poultry sources are out of menu because of religious taboos. Brokpa takes three meals a day; Chin-nana (Breakfast); Beh (Lunch) and Ganzang (Dinner). Brokpa vary with respect to the amount of meat (mainly mutton) that they eat. Household’s economic position decides the consumption of meat. It is only during festivals and rituals all have greater access to mutton.

DAY 10. SEPT.12 IN ULEY TOKPO
Today the whole day will be dedicated to Yoga / Meditation Sessions & Ayurvedic Consultations and enjoy the quiet environs of Uley Tokpo. Overnight at Ule Ethnic Resort on Full Board.

DAY 11. SEPT.13 ULEY TOKPO – LEH (Drive 2 Hours)
After a long session of Yoga & meditation, check out and proceed to Leh. On arrival in Leh, check in at your hotel. In the attend another session of yoga & meditation. Overnight at your hotel. Hotel The Grand Dragon on Full Board.

DAY 12. SEPT.14 LEH – NUBRA VALLEY (Drive 4 Hours)

After the morning session of Yoga & Meditation, check out after breakfast and proceed to Nubra Valley. Today you will drive through the highest motorable pass in the world namely The Khardung La Pass situated at a height of 5602 Metres / 18380 Feet above sea level, which will lead us to the beautiful Nubra Valley. The air is very thin at Khardung La Top, so we will stop just for a few minutes to take pictures and then quickly start descending towards Nubra Valley. Khardung La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Chinese Central Asia. About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen at Hundar, in the area north of the pass.

Nubra Valley - like the rest of Ladakh is a high altitude desert with rare precipitation and scant vegetation except along river beds, where irrigated, and on high slopes. The villages are irrigated and fertile, producing wheat, barley, peas, mustard for oil, and a variety of fruits and nuts, including apple, walnut, apricot and even a few almond trees. Most of the Nubra Valley is inhabited by Ladakhis who speak Ladakhi; the majority of them are Buddhist, with a minority of Shia and Sunni Muslims. In the western or lowest altitude end of Nubra Valley, along the Shyok River, the inhabitants are Balti, speak Balti, and are Shia and Sufia Nurbakhshia Muslims.

Silk Route Cottages - Located in a quaint village (Sumur) Near Samstaling Monastery in Nubra Valley , it is a very large property with lush green feilds and gardens. Best Possible & the only A Class property located in the beatiful serene vilage of Sumur in Nubra Valley with attached toilets and showers. The rooms are fitted with modern ameinities and are very spacious & comfortable. Amidst beautiful apricot and apple orchards located in Nubra Valley. The organic vegetables grown in the garden are used for preparing the meals.

DAY 13. SEPT.15 IN NUBRA VALLEY

After morning Yoga & Meditation and breakfast, proceed for a short walk through the village and meet the local folk. Thereafter you may proceed to Panamik to visit the hot sulphur springs. Finally and subject to availability enjoy a ride on a Bactrian Camel through the sand dunes located nearby. Evening Yoga Class with meditation and a question answer session on yoga / ayurveda will follow. Overnight at your hotel. Hotel: Silk Route Cottages on Full Board.

DAY 14. SEPT.16 NUBRA VALLEY – LEH (Drive 4 Hours)
Today will be the final day of Yoga Sessions and Meditation. Check out after breakfast and drive to Leh. On arrival in Leh, check in at your hotel. Day at leisure to enjoy your hotel and attend the final class of Yoga / Meditation in the evening followed by a vote of thanks to the Yoga Teachers / Ayurvedic Doctors accompanying the group. Evening at leisure & overnight at your hotel. Hotel The Grand Dragon on Full Board.

DAY 15. AUG.25 FLY LEH – DELHI (Flight 9W 2246 Dep.0825 / Arr.0940)
Check out early morning at 0530 HRS and at 0600 HRS transfer to Leh Airport to connect your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to Hotel Justa Residency on Full Board. Day free to unwind and pack your bags. In the evening enjoy a nice Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Finally, transfer to the International Airport to connect your flight on the way back home.

DAY 15. SEPT.17 FLY LEH – DELHI (Flight IT 3352 Dep.1100 / Arr.1220)
Check out early morning at 0530 HRS and at 0600 HRS transfer to Leh Airport to connect your flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to Hotel Justa Residency, Gurgaon on Full Board. Day free to unwind and pack your bags. In the evening enjoy a nice Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Finally, transfer to the International Airport to connect your flight on the way back home.

DAY 16. SEPT.18 DEPART DELHI
After breakfast, transfer to the International Airport to connect your flight back home.

COST: is as given below, per person and on a twin room sharing basis.
The full price is 3,899 USD (which is 3,080 Euros with the exchange rate in Euros - as of January 16, 2012 – amount in Euros can be lower or higher depending on the day of charging).

The deposit payment to hold the space is: 1,950 USD.

Extra for Single Room Occupancy: Rs.36,500.00 = 730 US Dollar.
Present day exchange rate is US$.1.00 : Rs.50.00

COST INCLUDES:

• 15 night’s accommodation on meal plans & hotels as mentioned above.
• All tours, transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
• Entire ground transportation using Air Conditioned Deluxe Coaches in Delhi and SUVs in Ladakh with 4 persons in each vehicle.
• Services of local English speaking guides at all monuments/monasteries visited.
• 12 days of detoxification using classical Yoga & Ayurveda.
• Services of minimum 2 specialists (Ayurvedic Doctor + Yoga Expert) for 12 days.
• Special utensil for each participant for performing certain yogic cleansing techniques.
• Yoga Mat for performing yoga asanas (postures) / meditation.
• Entrance fees at all monuments visited.
• River rafting in Leh.
• Bactrian Camel Ride in Nubra Valley (Subject to the availability of the camels).
• Farewell dinner in Delhi on the day of departure.
• All presently applicable taxes & levies.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Delhi – Leh – Delhi Airfare (Approximately: Rs.11500.00 – Rs.12000.00 Per Person - if booked early)
• Camera fees, wherever applicable.
• Expenses of a personal nature like mineral water, drinks, laundry, phone calls, etc.
• Any massages, medication and other treatments, which are person/disease specific.
• Any other item not included in the “Cost Includes” section above.
• Any cost hike in Fuel Prices will be chargeable extra.

To make reservations for the Ladakh / India Journey, please call or e-mail the Golden Hummingbird Office and request a registration package. You can also find the application forms on our website and pay directly through our secured shopping cart.

Payment regulations: A deposit of 50% is required to hold your space. Please pay it immediately after your registration. Then we will be able to proceed with the booking of hotels and flight. Only with having paid the deposit your reservation will be sure. The final payment has to be done not later than June 16th, 2012. Payment can be made by MasterCard or Visa. You may also wire the money directly to one of our bank accounts in USA or Germany (please call, fax or email for details) or you may visit our secured website at www.goldenhummingbird.com.

Cancellation Policy:
If cancellation happens there will be a 150.00 Euros processing fee no matter what the reason for a cancellation. This is the cost of processing your application for the trip.
If cancellation happens 45 - 31 days before the commencement of the tour - 75% refund will be given.
If cancellation happens 30 - 1 days before the commencement of the tour - No refund will be given.
Once the journey has begun, there will be no refunds.

Contact: Golden Hummingbird office Europe
Nicole Heidemann
Tel: +49(0)911 8159 648
Fax: +49(0)911 8159 649
Cell: +49(0)172 86 191 05
E-Mail: office@goldenhummingbird.com

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