Outline and Schedule of the Journey

"Walker there is no way.
You make the way when you walk."

This unique Himalayan expedition is designed so participants are free to follow their own spiritual orientation and practice. On this journey there is no teacher, spiritual training or theories on offer. Rather the journey, itself, is an alchemical process culminating in a heightened awareness by simply ascending to the highest and remotest regions on Earth. Nurtured by a feeling of being out of this world and in immense space, a profound clarity is relatively easy to obtain and perfectly mirrored by the untouched beauty of these unparalleled landscapes.

On this extraordinary journey, you are encouraged to give up the use of watches and mobiles and the need to know ‘where’ and ‘when’ in order to cultivate inner emptiness; to relax into the innocence of truly being present. This is inspired by personal meetings with Shamans en-route who have made this way of being their way of life. Indians say the only way to describe this simple state of being is by using the term ‘Ah….’ While North American Indians once called it ‘Sitting on the wind.’

To accelerate this blossoming, we provide a continuous safe space where all your needs are taken care of, so you can deeply relax and let go of having to do, or be responsible for, anything. Only the sharing of daily reflections, around an open fire after supper, is encouraged but is not compulsory. There is also a daily group meditation on offer of watching the sun set from beautiful scenic locations. The journey has also been designed so that you can explore areas visited either alone, in couples or in organised groups, depending on your individual wishes at the time.

Although we will be travelling to high altitudes, the journey is structured so the ascent is slow, with various remedies provided for continued well being. Immersed in pure air, profound beauty and extraordinary silence, a sense of peace and clarity naturally arises which far out-weighs any initial and temporary adjustments. Likewise, the journey takes place at the best time of year so only light clothing is needed during the day.

Your health and safety is of the utmost importance, therefore great care is given to ensure you return home glowing and with renewed enthusiasm after experiencing what previous participants have termed ‘A journey of a lifetime.’

Emphasis is on a healthy diet and being revitalised by pure, fresh air, as well as the luxury of numerous massages to deepen relaxation and a sense of well being. Mitter, our highly qualified practitioner, has his own ‘Ayurvedic & Yoga Rejuvenation Centre’ in Dharamasala where people from all over the world come to train. His gentle morning yoga and breathing exercises are included in the overall price. (Details of the very reasonable prices he charges for massage - plus the team - are available on our website.)

Daily Schedule

Please note; the routes and names of places have been withheld for the protection of shamans visited and the environments, and are only released either after booking or in some cases at the time of visits.

15th August Day 1 – Arrive in Delhi at midday by ‘Virgin Atlantic’. Rest followed by a group meeting then supper in a nearby restaurant. An early night.

16th August Day 2 – A five hour train journey and stop over night. Visit an ancient Hindu temple or explore the city of Chandrigarth on your own. Group gathering in a well known restaurant for supper.

17th August Day 3 – Journey to a secluded hotel set in an extensive government-protected forestry area where stunning solitary walks are on offer, plus spectacular views of the glaciers. Massage is available along with optional yoga and deep breathing (Pranayama) to help with possible jet lag. In the evening there is a supper party with entertainment given by local musicians & story tellers around an open fire.

18th August Day 4 – Same as above. This is to ensure you are rested and acclimatised to the altitude. An organised trek to a remote Kali temple for those who wish to participate. A late afternoon journey to a solitary peak for a sun set meditation where there is a 360-degree view of the Himalayas. Supper and an early night.

19th August Day 5 – Travel 6 hours to a village setting that has been linked by some anthropologists to the original ‘Shangrila.’ Stop for a picnic lunch on the way. Arrive at our hotel (which the Dali Lama uses for his team of advisors when staying in the area. We have the entire occupancy). Supper on the terrace over-looking two of the most sacred mountains in India. (Photo of this hotel and its views, plus the village are in the photo file enclosed.

20th August Day 6 – Explore the scenic village where ancient and revered Buddhist & Hindu temples are situated side-by-side. Shopping; a variety of traditional handmade shawls/blankets are a special attraction in this area. Sightseeing by walking or using our cars that are (always) at your disposal. Afternoon tea party held at the girl’s orphanage plus a performance of their singing and a traditional play. Supper party on the terrace of our hotel along with traditional musicians and local guests.

21st August Day 7 – One and a half hour drive to visit a small, remote Buddhist monastery. Lunch provided by the Lama’s. (This monastery is only open to Mary’s groups). Set high in a rock face, with spectacular views, there’s time to explore caves and areas where the Lama’s stay for solitary retreats. On the way back we obtain passes for our journey into the higher regions which, being within 7 Kilometres from the borders of Tibet, is a military governed zone. Supper at the hotel and early night.

22nd August Day 8 – An early start into the remotest regions. A spectacular 4 hour drive to a small Tibetan village (7 Km from Tibet) where we stay for 2 nights. On the way we stop at a solitary temple where a 500 year old mummy of a Tibetan Lama is enshrined. At our stay in this ancient village, we have access to a 1000 year old temple for meditation and also a rare viewing of its original sacred texts. This is one of only two places (we will visit both) where Buddhist texts were first translated into Sanskrit and vice-versa.

23rd August Day 9 – Absorb the stunning surroundings and panoramic view of the glaciers. This village also has a natural lake. A gathering after supper for indigenous entertainment and stories related to local legends/myths.

24th August Day 10 – Drive to our next location stopping at a mountain peak monastery on route. Picnic lunch prepared by our team. Arrive at the 1000 year old monastery where we will stay over night. This monastery has a very interesting shrine area and the residing Lama’s will hold a special morning ‘Puja’ for us in the oldest area. We will also have a personal meeting with a close colleague of the Dali Lama.

25th August Day 11 – Slow drive to our next location stopping for photo shots of unusual rock formations traditionally believed to be celestial beings – ‘guardians who timelessly watch the world.’ Quiet walk along the isolated glacier river road while the team go on to prepare a cooked picnic lunch. Visit an ancient monastery that has stunning views and have afternoon tea with the Lama’s. Arrive for supper at our unique, isolated luxury hotel surrounded by glaciers. (As with all our accommodation en-route, we have the entire occupancy of this hotel).

26th, 27th 28th August – Day 12/13/14 – A chance to deeply relax and absorb this unique and stunning location. Time to wander alone or simply be in a perfect environment for self-reflection. Optional trips to nearby monasteries where our on-board Lama’s ensure clear translation in relation to any questions you may have with ascetics we meet. After supper an optional gathering around an open fire to gaze at the clarity of the night sky while sampling 10 year old Tibetan brandy! There will be time on these days for longer periods of silence. There is also a 150km round trip (one full day) on offer to an isolated lake for those who wish to visit.

29th August Day 15 – Travel back to our previous hotel in a village setting stopping for picnics and tea. Supper and rest.

30th August Day 16 – Free day with our drivers at your disposal. Dinner party with indigenous entertainment and special guests.

31st August Day 17 – Begin the descent back down to the foothills staying one night in a famous British Hill Station.

1st September Day 18 – Continue down by coach to our hotel by the banks of the Ganges. Supper & rest.

2nd 3rd September Day19/20 – A variety of things to choose from in this entertaining area made famous by the Beatles and regarded as the ‘Yoga Capital of India.’ Ashrams, temples, jewellery, clothes & book shops plus many characters and colourful sights. Rafting down the Ganges. Famous evening ‘Arti’ by the banks of the Ganges and supper in a well known restaurant. Jeep trips into the surrounding jungle inhabited by tigers and elephants. Visit to Mary’s cave and ‘tiger’ waterfall – all to be decided upon individually at the time.

4th September Day 21 – Travel back to Delhi by coach. Full moon visit to a Sufi backwater where the tomb of Hazrat Inayat Khan & Pir Viliyat Khan are located. Farewell 44 supper in a restaurant.

5th September Day 22 – After breakfast, the coach to Delhi airport.

All inclusive price per person for this luxury 22 day journey (exclusive of flights, massages & bottled water)

Double en-suite accommodation for one person - £2,200
Double en-suite occupancy (with single beds) for 2 people sharing P.P £1,850

You may book online here