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Teachings in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India

January 4 - 7, 2018
His Holiness will give a three-day teaching on Dharmachakra Parivaretan Sutra on The Four Noble Truths (chokyi khorlo korwe do) & Sutra on Dependent Origination (tendrel chi do) in the mornings at the request of Indians*.

Teachings in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India

January 13 - 16, 2018
His Holiness will give a three-day teaching on Nagarjuna’s Commentary on Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel) & Gyalsey Thokme Sangpos’s Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva (laklen sodunma) in the mornings.

Bodhi January 2018 pilgrimage to India In the Footsteps of the Buddha from January 4 – 17, 2018 - US$ 3250 (This 14-day pilgrimage includes attending the Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodhagaya and the price is based on twin-sharing accommodation)

*Non-Indians will have to sit in a separate enclosure at the Teachings from January 4-7, 2018

TOUR LEADER BIOGRAPHY:

Ajeer Vidya (Kalachakra)
Ajeer Vidya has been a senior member of the elite Indian Administrative Services and holds an M Phil degree in International Economic Relations. He is from the Buddhist region of Himachal Pradesh, though a large part of his career was spent in the eastern state of Tripura. He took early retirement from the Indian Government to dedicate himself to studying and sharing the Dharma in India, and now also runs an Information Technology business. Ajeer is an ordained member of the Order of Inter-being and facilitates one of the Thich Nhat Hanh’s sanghas in Gurgaon/ Delhi. He is also on the Executive Board of Dzongsar Kyenste Rinpoche’s Siddhartha’s Intent Institute. Ajeer, a seasoned meditator and teacher, blends the Zen and Tibetan traditions of Buddhism effortlessly.

BODHI JANUARY 2018 PILGRIMAGE to India In the Footsteps of the Buddha from January 4-17, 2018 (beginning and ending in Bodhgaya) and including HH Dalai Lama’s Teaching in Bodhgaya (January 4-7 and January 14-17, 2018 - US$ 3250

OR

BODHGAYA TEACHINGS OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA
Bodhgaya Teachings January 2018: Attending HH the Dalai Lama’s teachings in Bodhgaya (India):  January 4-7, 2018 - US$ 1000

Bodhgaya Teachings January 2018: Attending HH the Dalai Lama’s teachings in Bodhgaya (India):  January 13-16, 2018 (beginning and ending in Bodhgaya) - US$ 1000

The tour prices include: airport transfers and escort services in Bodhgaya, guide services, transportation within Bodhgaya, registration fee for the teachings, entrance fees at monuments, all meals, bottled water and lodging arrangements for the duration of the journey.  All registration fees are payable in U.S. dollars or the equivalent of other non-Indian currency.

Please note that the cost does not cover: International airfare to and from Bodhgaya, visas and other international arrangements, any extra days spent in India beyond the dates of the journey, excess baggage fees on the flights, phone calls and faxes during the pilgrimage, laundry during the pilgrimage, or medical and other insurance coverage such as travel insurance.  It may be advisable that participants purchase travel insurance.

ITINERARY FOR BODHI+KALACHAKRA

We will provide bottled mineral water.

As a group we will have time for meditation and discussions about the teachings and the wider Dharma. Everything is optional.

It is an opportunity to deepen our knowledge and practice of the Buddha and his teachings and to explore the beautiful surroundings of Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Nalanda. We will arrange a day excursion to visit Rajgir and Nalanda. We will also visit the sites around Bodhgaya including the Dungasiri caves.

On this journey we touch a culture and civilization that is ancient and virtually unchanged for many centuries.
India herself is a great teacher. Travelers get a real sense of our living and ancient cultures. We will visit local homes and will have an opportunity to share ideas and stories with local people. This journey is not only intellectually stimulating, exposing the mind to challenging ideas and diverse lifestyles, but is also spiritually transformative.

Normally the groups are not large, which allows for greater individual attention in the context of a supportive sangha and also makes it possible to cater to personal needs and interests. We are very conscious about the comfort, health and safety concerns of our travelers.

You are expected to bring:
a) 2 passport sized photographs for registration at HH Dalai Lama’s Bodhgaya Teachings
b) An FM radio with headphones
c) Your meditation cushion

CANCELLATION

For cancellations received up to eight weeks before the commencement of the journey only the deposit will be forfeited.  The cancellation within eight weeks of the beginning of the journey will be 100% of the total cost.
It may be advisable for registrants to purchase travel insurance.  The range of coverage can vary significantly from policy to policy, and travelers are encouraged to speak with a travel agency to identify a policy that suits their needs.  Things to consider are travel delays, trip cancellation or interruption, medical coverage, and baggage loss or delay.  Before purchasing insurance, you may wish to check with your health insurance carrier to see if your policy includes medical care overseas.  Please note that many insurance carriers require that insurance be purchased at the time a deposit or final payment is made; check with your carrier for details. 

ARRIVAL
Arrival and departure are to and from Bodhgaya, India.  Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip flight arrangements from their point of origin to Bodhgaya and back.  For international flights, tickets should be booked as early as possible.  Flights to and from India are frequently full, and since the Kalachakra Teachings are very popular, the flight may get booked out early, so please book as soon as possible.  We are happy to help you book the flight to Bodhgaya.  You may check with us before you confirm your international flight bookings.

You will be met at Bodhgaya airport and taken to your hotel.

EXTRA NIGHTS
For those wishing an extra day or two to recover from air travel before the pilgrimage begins, or who wish to stay longer after the pilgrimage ends, we would be happy to do that.  Please make your hotel bookings well in advance.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
You will need a valid passport and visas for India The visa for India should be obtained before travel and can be either Single Entry or Multiple Entry. Normally the visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue.  The visa should be obtained before travel.

India Visa Information

The Indian Embassy in the US has outsourced its visa applications at http://www.in.ckgs.us/index.shtml

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as e-Tourist Visa (eTV)  is also available for travelers from 116 countries including Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, Singapore, Germany, Russia, Mexico, China, Japan, Norway, Finland...   https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

You can apply for this Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) a minimum of 4 days before your date of travel and a maximum of 30 days before your date of travel. This visa is issued for 30 days only and is for SINGLE ENTRY ONLY.

The Indian Embassy has a Consulate in New York (Tel: 212 774 0699), Chicago (312 595 0405), Houston (713 626 2148) and San Francisco (415 668 0662). The main embassy is based in Washington DC and their number is (202) 939 7000. Please ensure that the visa covers the travel period for which you are applying. If you need a reference in India, you can give:  Mr. Shantum Seth, 309-B, Sector 15A, Noida 201 301, District Gautam Buddha Nagar, India.  Telephone: +91-120-2511633.

You may need to submit the following information about the tour company:
Company Name: Seth Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (Government-Approved Tour Operators)
Registered Address: 50/8 First Floor, Tolstoy Lane, Janpath, New Delhi 110001, INDIA
Tel: +91-120-2511633, +91-120-4334284; +91-120-2512162, 
Email: info@buddhapath.com

IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Each participant must provide the following details in order to reserve train, air and hotels:  Name, gender, date of birth, passport number, date of issue of passport, date of expiry of passport, place of issue of passport, and emergency contact information.  In addition, registrants must provide the visa number, date of issue, date of expiry and place of issue as soon as the visa for travel to India has been issued.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE, ACCEPTANCE OF CREDIT CARDS & TIPPING
As stated above, hotel, food, transportation in and guide services are all covered by the tour fees.  It is suggested that travelers carry cash for expenses like gifts or souvenirs.  Travelers will also need money if they are planning to extend their stay in India before or after the pilgrimage.  Credit cards such as VISA or American Express are accepted at the large shops and most hotels but not at all the places we visit.  There are ATM machines in some places where one can access cash, but their presence is not universal as it is in the U.S.  As of January 1, 2016, one U.S. dollar approximates 60 Indian Rupees.  We recommend that you convert some cash at the airport when you arrive.  There is no need to exchange it in the U.S. — it is best to do so in India.  There are a couple of banks with a standard exchange rate at the airport both before and after you clear customs.  ATM machines are also an easy method of exchanging currency into rupees.  Please keep your bank receipts carefully in case you need to change the money into dollars when you return home. 

Travelers often have questions about tipping.  Tips are estimated to be around $5 per person per day.

HOTELS/HOUSING
We will stay at a guesthouse/hotel in Bodhgaya, on a shared basis - twin-bedded rooms with a private bathroom attached.
If you prefer a single room there is a price supplement of $1500 per person for the full Bodhi pilgrimage and $700 for those who only want to take HH Dalai Lama’s Teachings.

WEATHER & CLOTHING NEEDS
Given that there can be a high variation between the daytime and evening temperatures (the general range is from 5 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius (centigrade), layering is a practical approach.  It’s important to be comfortable and modestly dressed.  We recommend that you bring one thick jacket and two light sweaters, perhaps a shawl if you want to meditate in the morning. For the warmer part of the day, cotton shirts and T-shirts work well, and some pilgrims even bring cotton trousers.  There is no need to bring formal clothing.   It is handy to have an umbrella that can double as a sunshade if it gets too sunny or even be used as a walking stick.  Please bring comfortable sneakers or sandals (which you can wear with socks if it gets cold).   We also visit a number of temples where you will need to remove your shoes, so it is helpful to bring a pair of socks (the airline slip-ons are very convenient).  It is always useful to have a hat or cap to protect you from the sun.  We are allowed 15kilos (33 lbs.) checked in baggage and 7 kilos as cabin baggage on Indian airplanes, so we recommend that you travel light.  Laundry facilities are available and laundry is returned within 24 hours.

HEALTH CONCERNS
We are staying in a clean, safe place and the food will be clean, fresh and prepared to suit a delicate digestive system.  You will be provided bottled mineral water for drinking.
If you are coming from Africa or some parts of Latin America, a certificate of yellow fever inoculation is required by the Indian authorities.  There is no other medical restriction upon your entry into India.  We normally recommend a Hepatitis-A shot and a Tetanus shot.  If you prefer to be more careful, then please speak to your physician.  We do carry a first-aid kit with us, but please do bring along any regular medications you are taking.  We would recommend you get an insect/mosquito repellent and also a stomach medicine for both diarrhea and constipation as one’s stomach has its own way of adjusting to different foods.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL SERVICES (e.g. shuttle buses, taxis)
We provide all the transport services during the teachings, including having you met on arrival in Bodhgaya.  There is no extra charge for meeting people at the airport.

DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Seth Consultants Pvt. Ltd., while undertaking tours, transportation, hotel accommodation and other services only act on the clear understanding that they shall not be in any way responsible or liable for any accident, damage, loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with travel and other facilities arranged by the company, their employees or agents. All bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is taken for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond their control.

By making a deposit for the tour, participants acknowledge that they have read and understood this document in its entirety, and have consented to all conditions herein, including the Disclaimer and Release of Liability.  For participants under age 18, their parent or legal guardian shall sign on their behalf and the same Disclaimer and Release shall apply.

REGISTRATION FORM

Each pilgrim must complete this form in full, and send (email is fine) with a non-refundable deposit of $500 per pilgrim to:

Ms Bina Aranha
Buddhapath, 309-B, Sector 15A
Noida 201 301, India
Tel: +91-120-4334284; 2511633; 2512162
Email: info@buddhapath.com

*Forced single room supplement (in case we are not able to room you with anyone else) will be 40% of the single supplement)