The Heights of the Spirit
India: Delhi, Ladakh and Kashmir
June 13—June 28, 2006
Tour Guides: David and Anna Less
On this tour we will visit some of the highest places in India, both literally and spiritually. We begin in Delhi, where we will join in the ceremonies paying homage to the great Western Sufi teacher, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, on the anniversary of his death (the Urs, or "wedding.") After the celebrations at the dargah (Sufi tomb), the tour will contiunue to the clear coolness of the Himalayas, visiting the Tibetan Buddhist sancturaries of Ladakh, and then travelling overland through the Himalayas to the serenity and beauty of Srinigar.
“The atmosphere I experienced at Pir Vilayat's dargah was peaceful, expansive, full of light and love.”
Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
The Urs of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
After arrival in Delhi we will take a few days for explorations of Delhi, prior to celebrating the Urs at the Dargah of Pir Vilayat. In addition, we will visit the dargah of Hazrat Inayat Khan, and the Hope Project. Join celebrants from around the world in offering meditations and sharings from the life and work of Pir Vilayat. The concentration of spiritual energy at the dargah is profound.
We will also journey to Leh, the capital of Ladakh (in India), which is one of the most truly exotic places on earth. Completely closed to outsiders for centuries, only since the 1970s have travellers been allowed. Even today it remains virtually unknown, and off-limits in many areas. Ladakh is Buddhist, and in many ways closer to the original Tibetan Buddhist culture than is the Tibet of today. Many Tibetan expatriates live there, continuing the ancient ways. It is a land of empty sere landscapes filled with light, temples that are shamanic, and a clear mountain atmosphere that naturally unburdens the mind. At the edge of the world, this is an unforgettable place.
Buddhist Gompa, Leh Photo: Karsten Nebel
The Road at the Top of the World
The Leh-Srinagar road is one of the world's highest (up to 13,479 ft), a dazzling trek though some of the most impressive scenery and colors on earth. All who travel this road find its unworldly beauty and vivid contrasts to be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
We will overnight in Kargil—the Apricot city—before descending to Srinagar and the welcoming houseboats. Kargil is Ladakh's second largest city, once the gateway for caravans on the Silk Road.
Kashmir: Srinigar
After the Urs, we journey north to the cool air of the Himalayas to visit Kashmir, the fabled Jewel of India, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Kashmir is renowned for its natural beauty and the merging of lakes and mountains. On the legendary “houseboats” of Dal Lake—stationary moored houses that gently float upon the lake—tranquility of Kashmir can be felt in the soul. We will attend a Kashmiri wedding, which is like a Medieval festival of endless song, food and prayer. We’ll also visit the reputed tomb of Jesus, and bathe in the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality. The quality of meditations in Kashmir and the surrounding mountains is serene and crystalline.
Water taxis and houseboats, Srinigar
“The houseboats were the most peaceful, heavenly places I've ever lived in. I wish I could stay there forever!”
Provisional Itinerary, subject to change:
June 12-13: leave US (depending where you live)
June 14: arrive late at night (possibly after midnight) in Delhi (1st night in Delhi)
June 15: Delhi (2nd night Delhi)
June 16: Delhi (3rd night in Delhi)
June 17: Urs of Pir Vilayat (4th night Delhi)
June 18: travel by plane to Ladakh, (1st night Leh)
June 19: Ladakh (2nd night Leh)
June 20: Ladakh (3rd night Leh)
June 21: Ladakh (4th night Leh)
June 22: travel overland on the Leh-Srinagar road
(1st night Kargil)
June 23: Arrive Kashmir (1st night Srinagar)
June 24: Kashmir (2nd night Srinagar)
June 25: Kashmir (3rd night Srinagar)
June 26: Return by plane to Delhi (5th night Delhi)
June 27: Day in Delhi
June 28: (night of 27th) leave India
All hotels will be of 5-star quality or the best available in the locale. As the temperature will be quite hot in Delhi, it is important for health and happiness reasons to stay in the best accommodations. As the temperature is cool in the mountains, be sure to pack warm clothes!
Click here to Register for this tour.
Click here to request More Information.
or phone +1(941) 349-4484.
Roadside tea between Leh and Srinagar
The price of the complete tour is US$3450, starting on the night of the 14th in Delhi. For those who wish to make other arrangements on their own to attend the Urs, and to join the tour when it leaves for the Himalayas, the price is $2750. If you wish a single room, add $700. A deposit of $1000 and a completed tour application form is due by April 15, 2006, for participation in this tour. Complete payment is due by April 30, 2006. Add 4% for payment by credit card. The price of this tour excludes international air fare (see below), and includes all domestic flights and transportation within India, breakfasts and dinners, all lodging, admission to all sites visited, tips and gratiuties. Not included is the cost of the Indian visa, lunches, personal items (e.g., laundries), and drinks at meals.
Houseboat, Srinagar
If you book your own airfare, be sure to take into account that international flights usually arrive at night in Delhi, and your arrival should be set for the evening/night of the 14th, or the very early morning of the 15th (i.e., after midnight on the night of the 14th). Check your times and dates carefully! The tour provides the hotel room for the night of the 14th, and so you need to arrive either late PM on the 14th, or early AM on the 15th. If you wish to come earlier, tell us and we'll reserve a room for you, and you can pay for the extra night(s) separately.
Travellers from Europe:
The price of the complete tour is €3050,
starting on the night of June 14th in Delhi. For those who make other arrangements on their own to attend the Urs, and wish to join the tour when it leaves for the Himalayas, the price is €2400. A deposit of €800 along with a completed tour application form is due by April 15 for participation in this tour. Please see the link below for the tour application form. Complete payment is due by April 30, 2006. You may contact Kate Eggers at katesalah@yahoo.com for payment instructions.
Contact Zahir Roehrs at the Zenith Institute (mail@zenithinstitute.com) if you are traveling from Europe and wish to attend the Urs without going on the tour to the Himalayas.