women travelers

Northern India Spiritual Exploration Daily Itinerary

November 4 – 16, 2023

Imagine yourself exploring each day and activity in the itinerary that follows for my Northern India Spiritual Exploration.

What you’ll experience is nothing short of a personal transformation in this unique program I’ve curated with my India travel experts at Learning Journeys.  It will be an incredible time of discovery for you, including a chance to witness the special celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights!  Not only will we visit iconic monuments and temples, but we’ll get to meet the people and organizations that are shaping the world’s most populous country.  You’ll also note that your wellbeing is of top concern in my Essential Earth Explorations tour program.  Throughout you’ll enjoy luxurious hotels, fabulous meals  and daily opportunities to explore the healing traditions of this incredible land.

Are you ready to learn more? Read on, and start imagining!

DAY 1, Fri, Nov 03: DEPARTURE DAY from the USA!

Depart from your home on a journey of the mind, body and soul to Northern India.

(Please ensure that your flight arrives in the evening of day 2)

DAY 2, Sat, Nov 04: ARRIVE NEW DELHI (Midnight flight suggested)

Namaste & Welcome to India at New Delhi Airport. You will be met by our representative in the arrival lounge and transferred to your hotel.  India’s capital city, contemporary Delhi, is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital New Delhi. Check-in at your hotel. Your home for the next three nights will be the Lalit New Delhi-which is a retreat of contemporary accommodation and warm hospitality. (Hotel check-in time is 1400 afternoon)

Overnight in Delhi (Meal: None)

DAY 3, Sun, Nov 05: EXPLORE DELHI – TEMPLE – RAJ GHAT – OLD DELHI MARKETS

Delhi is the city where the future and the past collide every day, there’s something for everyone to explore with joy. Delhi offers both frantic and relaxing moments to visitors so be ready for that! Start the day with blessings of Lord Krishna and visit ISKCON Temple which was established in Delhi to encourage the practice of Bhakti Yoga or Krishna Consciousness. The temple is much more than a place of worship. It is the Vedic Cultural Center for knowledge and learning.

Delight in a “pure vegetarian” lunch at the restaurant inside the temple complex and offers a unique ambience that resonates with the temple.

Post lunch it’s time to visit Old Delhi which is a far cry from the brash metro and an exciting place to be lost in the ocean of people. Walk into narrow lane markets which are laced with history at every turn. Then switch to a rickshaw ride as a joyous immersion. Ride through the buzzing spice market, cloth market, street food stalls, past the lively local life which is a lot more that you might imagine in a capital city. Pay tribute to Mr. Gandhi at Raj Ghat, which is the cremation sight of this great soul,

Today’s dinner at an Indian Specialty Restaurant will be your first introduction to some of India’s delectable cuisines. Your menu will be a genuine treat! Delhi is the heart of North India and has a dominating influence from the Punjabi region lifestyle.

Overnight in Delhi (Meal: B, L, D)

DAY 4, Mon, Nov 06:  DAY VISIT – THE TAJ MAHAL! – RAIL JOURNEY

Once Mark Twain said, “The world is split into two parts, those that have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not!” Today is the day for you to be among the happy group who have seen one of the seven wonders of the world – a UNESCO monument as well.

To reach the Taj Mahal, you will experience India by train! Start very early in the morning to board on one of the quickest trains to Agra.  (Shatabdi Express       Departure New Delhi: at 0600 hrs      Arrival Agra Cantt: at 0812 hrs)

The ambiance of the city of Agra, is still associated with its Mughal period and the monuments of that era. The Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is the sole reason that many people visit India!

The Taj Mahal – a mausoleum, is an architectural marvel that combines elements from Mughal, Persian, and Indian architecture. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants.

Spend some time at the Taj complex and take memorable photographs with this beautiful marble monument. Enjoy a quick lunch before visiting the famous 16th century monument, Agra Fort – again a UNESCO monument. This fortress of red sandstone was constructed to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers at the time.

Rail back to Delhi. (Gatiman Express- Departure Agra Cantt  at 1750 hrs Arrival Nizamuddin at 1930 hrs) Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel.

Overnight in Delhi (Meal: B, L, D)

DAY 5, Tue, Nov 07: DELHI – RISHIKESH – YOGA CAPITAL

Rishikesh is the gateway to the Himalayas and considered the Yoga Capital of the World. The best way to reach there is to board a train to Haridwar, the last train stop in Shivalik foothills, and then travel one hour further by motorcoach. Enjoy a delicious lunch stop enroute.  (Train Shatabdi Express            Departure New Delhi at 06:50 hrs          Arrival Haridwar at 11:25 hrs)

Rishikesh – at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level, Rishikesh is nestled in the lower Himalayan mountain range and on the banks of the silvery flow of the river Ganga. The town is a major center of spirituality and Hindu pilgrimage. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganges here in Rishikesh. Throughout history, Yogis & Sadhus have lived and practiced Hinduism here. This small hill town got an introduction to the western world in late 1960’s when The Beatles came here to learn Transcendental Meditation and stayed at an ashram.

Visit Laxman Jhula – the iron suspension bridge built in 1939, dedicated to the younger brother of lord Rama, and Geeta Bhawan where the famous Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharta are described here through beautiful wall paintings. Establish a connection with the Beatles who came to this area in 1968 to find something that all their fame and name could not give them! Visit the ashram where they stayed, now abandoned but open for tourists, their lovers and peace seekers.

Tonight, attend the divine Ganges prayer ceremony at Triveni Ghat on the bank of this holy river. The ceremony is called Ganga Aarti and commences with the singing of bhajans (prayers), the lamps are lit, and flowers are offered to the goddess river Ganga. This is a very spiritually engaged ceremony offering a beautiful and unique experience. Your home for the next five nights will be the Hotel Neeraj Ganga Heritage Palace.

Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B, L, D)

DAY 6, Wed, Nov 08: RISHIKESH – VASHISTHA GUFA CAVE, AYURVEDA & PALMISTRY

Meet the group’s yoga teacher in the morning for our first session. It will be a gentle practice geared to the group, followed by breakfast.

Another spiritual experience awaits today with a visit to Vashistha Gufa (the cave) – where in ancient times Sadhus and Yogis used to live during periods of deep meditation. Return to the hotel by lunch time.

After lunch attend a lecture on Ayurveda – the world’s oldest holistic healing system and a noble gift of India to the world! Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. This science promotes good health rather than a fight with disease.

The day is not over yet! Be ready with questions as you will meet a Palmist. Palmistry in India has deep roots and surprisingly most of the people have deep faith in it.  Indian Palmistry focuses on your past and future life as a human. This is going to be an interesting session for you! Dinner at hotel.

Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D)

DAY 7, Thu, Nov 09: RISHIKESH – PURKAL VILLAGE NGO

AM yoga session at hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy the two-hour drive to learn about the Purkal Youth Development Society – a Community Organization.

Serving the Community brings peace to our soul which is struggling in a chaotic world and helps us to make life purposeful. Purkal is the group of selfless people who have created a community organization that strives for excellence in rural children through free holistic education, day long nutrition, and complete health care. This Non-Government Organization is not only running a school but also ensuring students develop the skills to transition into a successful adulthood. Meet some aspiring young souls who greet visitors with smiling faces.  Enjoy your lunch with the staff and children here.

After an eventful day, relax over dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D) 

DAY 8, Fri, Nov 10: RISHIKESH – AROMA THERAPY

AM yoga session at hotel.

Visit Maya International Healing School where we will have an interactive session on Aromatherapy – derived from the ancient practice of using natural plants essences to promote health.

Lunch at the hotel or at local restaurant. In the afternoon, let’s go to the local market for shopping! Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

OPTIONAL: Visit a nearby spa for a treatment if you choose.

Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D)   

 DAY 9, Sat, Nov 11: RISHIKESH – KUNJAPURI TEMPLE

AM yoga session at hotel.

After breakfast, travel to Kunjapuri Temple – situated at the height of 1645 meters above sea level. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti (a form of Goddess Durga). Plan to walk up (and later, down) 150 steep steps to reach the temple  Your fatigue is compensated by the breathtaking view to the Himalayas. On the way back, visit a village to meet some local residents.

Today’s lunch will be at the unique Madhuban Ashram Restaurant..

Afternoon remains at leisure today

OPTIONAL: Visit a nearby spa for a treatment if you choose.

 Dinner at hotel tonight.

Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B,L,D)

DAY 10, Sun, Nov 12: RISHIKESH – HARIDWAR – NGO VISIT – DIWALI DAY

AM yoga session at hotel. Check-out and drive to Haridwar – the magnet for Hindu Pilgrims and Saints.

The word Haridwar is the combination of two words “Hari” meaning the God and “Dwar” meaning the gate. The literary meaning of Haridwar is the gate to Gods. The city is located at the point where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas to begin its journey across the plains. This makes it a particularly holy place. Every 12 years the Kumbh holy bath festival attracts millions of pilgrims who come and bathe in this exact place in the river.

Explore another meaningful community organization when today we visit Matranchal Orphanage for Girls. “Matranchal” means “Mother`s lap” which is very true with this organization. The organization not only gives love and shelter to girls but also provides them with quality education so these girls can live their life independently.

Enjoy lunch at hotel and have some time at leisure.

Today is Diwali – the festival of lamps, light and firecrackers!

This is a very special day in India that you will witness! In the evening, your guide will take you to his home for a wonderful festive evening. Diwali celebrations are very lively in India and celebrated by all! Join this lovely family for evening preparations, a special Diwali Prayer and dinner. Your home for the next two nights will be the Hotel Radisson Blu Haridwar.

Overnight in Haridwar (Meal: B, L, D)

DAY 11, Mon, Nov 13: GODDESS TEMPLE – SAREE SHOPPING WITH NEETU – HOLY GANGA

Breakfast at hotel and enjoy a leisurely morning.

Later, visit Goddess Kaali Temple and Chandi Devi Temple on a hilltop (Chandi is a form of Goddess Kaali).

Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, your host Neetu Singh would love to take you to the market to experience shopping for a colorful saree as a local.

In Haridwar, life sails along with the river Ganga. This river is considered as a holy mother or goddess. In Hinduism, river Ganga is respected as a preserver of life, and hence every evening priests, sadhus, and devotees gather on the banks for a prayer ceremony. Visit Har-Ki-Pauri to attend such Aarti Ceremony.

Dinner at hotel.

Overnight in Haridwar (Meal: B, L, D)

DAY 12, Tue, Nov 14: HARIDWAR – DEHRADUN – DELHI (Flight)

AM yoga session at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Dehradun Airport for your afternoon flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check-in at the Lalit New Delhi.  Dinner at hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Delhi (Meal: B,L,D)

DAY 13, Wed, Nov 15: LAST DAY SHOPPING – DEPARTURE DELHI

After breakfast, it’s time for shopping. Start the day with a visit to Gandhi Museum followed by a visit to Dilli Haat which provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here we can witness a synthesis of crafts, food and cultural activity. The stalls selling handicrafts are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of the vast and varied land of India at nominal payment for a period of fifteen days. An interesting place to shop, Dilli Haat can be thought of as “Mini India”.

Lunch at a local restaurant.  After lunch take a walk to the famous Janpath Market – the best bet for street shopping ranging from Indian art, decorative items, clothes, souvenirs and more. Test your bargaining skills with the local vendors

Afterward, head back to the hotel for dinner before transferring to Delhi airport for your flight back home (Meal: B,L,D)

Taj Mahal

Program Pricing*

Northern India Spiritual Exploration , November 4 – 16, 2023

$ 4,825 per person – Double occupancy

$ 5,930 per person – Single occupancy

  • 13 day/12 night fully-inclusive land package includes:
  • 12 nights luxury accommodations in Delhi, Hardiwar and Rishikesh
  • 33 meals including 11 days of breakfast, lunch and dinner with a variety of traditional and contemporary Indian fare and vegetarian meals
  • Tour accompanied by professional, English-speaking local tour guide
  • Learning Journeys Representative for assistance at Delhi airport and railway station
  • Air-conditioned ground transportation in mini coach
  • Train to and from Delhi/Agra and Delhi/Hardiwar
  • Economy Class Airfare Dehradun to Delhi
  • Entrance fees to all sites and monuments

Special Site Events & Activities

  • Cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi lanes
  • 6 Yoga Sessions in Haridwar / Rishikesh as per itinerary
  • Visit Matrachaya Orphanage of Girls in Haridwar
  • Family meet and cooking in Haridwar for Diwali
  • Meeting with a Palmist in Rishikesh
  • Lecture on Ayurveda and a session on Aromatherapy
  • Aarti Ceremony of Ganges in Haridwar and Rishikesh
  • Visit to the hilltop temple of Goddess of Power in Rishikesh
  • Community service day in Purkal Youth Development Society
  • All currently applicable taxes, tolls, parking fees, fuel cost and service taxes

* Package price does not include:  International airfare; the highly recommended Trip Cancellation and Medical Emergency Evacuation Insurance; spa treatments; alcoholic or soft beverages; laundry services; telephone or fax calls; camera/video fee at monuments; any medial expense; tipping (averaging $20 daily) for tour guide, drivers, porters/bellmen and wait staff; and any services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Please note: Traveling in India is a unique and captivating experience that will require travelers to walk unaided and with ease at distances of a mile or more, to move quickly through crowds, climb and descend steps, and get in and out of vehicles that may require a sizeable step up. If you have respiratory challenges, India is not a suggested travel destination.

Travel arrangements and payment for the Northern India Spiritual Exploration are made through Learning Journeys.

LIMITED SPACE IN THIS EXCLUSIVE, SMALL GROUP

Questions? Call Marty today at 801-712-5406

Diwali celebration

Terms & Conditions for Northern India Spiritual Exploration Program

November 4 – 16, 2023

TERMS & CONDITIONS THIS AGREEMENT sets forth the terms under which we, Learning Journeys agrees to provide you with the services and accommodations for your custom/or package tour.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT. A $500 per person deposit is due at the time of booking. The land balance is due 65 days before departure and is non-refundable.

FINAL DOCUMENTS REVIEW. While Learning Journeys takes the utmost care in making sure the information on your itinerary and travel vouchers (collectively, “Final Documents”) is complete and accurate, it is your responsibility to carefully read and review the final documents upon receipt. Failure to contact us in time to allow for the correction and re-sending of the final documents could result in the loss or cancellation of your reservation, tickets or services listed on the documents for which Learning Journeys will not be responsible. In such a case, no refunds will be possible. Documents will not be issued unless full payment has been received. Your final travel documents will be emailed to you 14 days prior to departure.

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive to the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time; and 2 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT and VISA. For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. . Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well.

Select countries require additional documentation for children under the age of 18 years especially when one parent is traveling without the other parent. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and can not offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NOTE: A visa is required for India and must be secured prior to travel.

Everything you need to know about Indian Visa Application for US Citizens (india-visa-online.org) https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 95 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CANCELLED LAND SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land reservation, the cancellation charges shown below will apply. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the time Learning Journeys is notified of your cancellation, to the start of the services provided – whether air and land or just land services. (Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained below).

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. It is the passenger’s responsibility to travel with a collapsible wheelchair, if needed. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe motor coach transportation will be provided to you based on the number of participants in your party. Should the number of participants on any motor coach tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches may not have the same facilities as full-size coaches (no lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense.

There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, here are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

TRAVEL SAFE:  Due to the current pandemic this is the cleaning protocol: we may reduce the capacity of our vehicles in order to guarantee the safety distance. We have enhanced the cleansing and sanitization processes of our buses: professional and trained staff carry out the sanitization of the vehicles after each trip using ozone machines and disinfection of all surfaces. A sanitizing gel dispenser will be provided on board. Travelers will be responsible for bringing their own personal protective equipment such as face masks and gloves.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay the extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for trip delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in the itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost unless otherwise requested by the agent. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour.

Suggested Tipping to be given in the end of each tour (in USD):

  • Local Guide: $8 for half-day tour and $10 per person for a full day
  • Driver: $4 per person per day
  • Tour Escort: $10 per person per day
  • Exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip.

SINGLE ROOMS. Be aware that single rooms are often smaller than double rooms. Ask about a “double room/single use” option at a cost above the normal single supplement.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours may be cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.

INSURE YOUR INVESTMENT:  We HIGHLY recommend you purchase a comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance policy including Medical Emergency Evacuation.  One never knows when this investment which MUST be made within 10 days of booking your land package, will be needed.

It is always advised to protect your program, should unexpected circumstances arise. We recommend Redpoint Travel Insurance, which can be purchased here: https://redpointtravelinsurance.com/partner/learning-journeys. The Redpoint team is standing by to answer any policy questions you may have.

NEED FLIGHTS?:  There are many excellent online choices which offer flexibility for your personal choices and preferences.  Our Northern India Spiritual Exploration group program is not guaranteed until 90 days prior to departure. It is best to wait until we give you the guaranteed “green light” to confirm your air as many fares are non-refundable.