Semester 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.
In United States:
Feb 16 - 18: Group orientation at US retreat center
In India:
Feb 18 - 19: Flight to India
Feb 20 - 21: Delhi – Arrival, orientation, introductory language lessons, and visits to key cultural and religious sites in Delhi
Feb 22 - 24: Haridwar – Shri Ram Ashram Orphanage and School, visits to Ghats, intro to Hinduism
Feb 25 – Feb 27: Boat ride on Ganga River starting in Allahabad arriving to Varanasi
Feb 28 – Mar 17: Varanasi homestays, ISPs, guest lecture series, Hindi language study, visits to Sarnath and Bodh Gaya
Mar 18 – Mar 19: Train to Amritsar, site of the Sikh pilgrimage center the Golden Temple, experience nightly ritual flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah Border, Jallianwalabagh
Mar 20: Train to Pathankot/bus to Dharamsala, Tibetan language lessons and orientation
Mar 21 – Apr 3: Dharamsala homestays, ISPs, guest lecture series, school/museum visits visits to Tso Padma/Bir/Tashijong
Apr 4 - 13: Introduction to Buddhism retreat at Tushita Centre
Apr 14 - 16: Agra – visits to Taj Mahal, Keoladeo National Park, Fatepur Sikri and other important sites
Apr 17 - 19: Delhi – visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Apr 20 – 21: Arrival in Leh and introduction to Ladakh; Ladakhi language lessons and walking tours of Leh Old Town and Shanti Stupa; day excursions to Tikse Gompa and an audience with the Tikse Oracle; visit to Siddhartha School and student exchange; visit to Hemis Gompa and nearby hermitages; visit at SECMOL; guest speakers to include local political figures, intellectuals, religious leaders from both Buddhist and Muslim communities, and youth activists.
Apr 22 – 29: Ladakh Homestays in Domkhar Village, group ISP at Domkhar High School, Ladakhi language
May 1 – 8: Trek to a spectacular high mountain location
May 10 - 15: Student Choice (to be determined)
May 15 - 16: Return to Delhi
May 18: Flight to USA