Fall 2007 Daily Itinerary
Please note: the below itinerary is planned months in advance and may change due to group interest, health and safety concerns, or other factors beyond the control of Global Learning Across Borders.
In United States:
Sept 14 - 16: Group orientation at Hudson River Valley retreat center
In India:
Sept 16 - 17: Flight--Newark to Delhi nonstop!
Sept 18 - 19: In country orientation, introductory language lessons, and visits to key cultural and religious sites in Delhi
Sept 20 - 22: Arrival in Leh and introduction to Ladakh; Ladakhi language lessons and walking tours of Leh Old Town and Shanti Stupa; day excursions to Tikse Gonpa and an audience with the Leh Oracle; guest speakers to include local political figures, intellectuals, religious leaders from both Buddhist and Muslim communities, and youth activists.
Sept 23 - 30: Homestays and service work in Domkhar village. Continued Ladakh Language Lessons. Volunteering with Domkhar Government High School. Excursions to Alchi and Likir Monasteries. Possible visit to SECMOL.
Oct 1 - 10: Trek to spectacular Nubra Valley ending at Diskit for the Gustor Festival and Cham Dances.
Oct 11 - 13: Return to Leh. Finish guest speaker series, Visits to Tsemo Gonpa and Leh Palace.
Oct 14: Arrival in Delhi: Visit to Amity School; Bollywood dance lesson or cinema experience in the afternoon.
Oct 15 – 17: Train to Amritsar, site of the Sikh pilgrimage center the Golden Temple, experience nightly ritual flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah Border, Jallianwalabagh.
Oct 18 – Nov 2: Train to Pathankot/bus to Dharamsala, Tibetan language lessons and orientation. Begin Dharamsala homestays, ISPs, guest lecture series, school/museum visits.
Nov 3 - 12: Introduction to Buddhism retreat at Tushita Centre
Nov 13 - 18: Travel to Delhi and Agra. Visit Taj Mahal, Fatepur Sikri, Keoladeo National Park, Agra Fort
Nov 19 – Dec 5: Jaipur homestays, ISPs, language study, and possible desert excursions to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur
Dec 6 - 13: Student-led portion: Train to Rishikesh, introduction to Ganges River, Haridwar, and Varanasi (to be determined by students)
Dec 14 - 15: Return to Delhi
Dec 16: Flight to USA