Road to the Himalayas: Heights of India & Including the Taj Mahal

Transcription

1 Road to the Himalayas: Heights of India & Including the Taj Mahal July 5-18, 2017 DELHI SHIMLA MANALI DHARAMSALA AMRITSAR AGRA

2 Road to the Himalayas A smorgasbord of Delhi, Manali, Shimla, Dharamsala,Amritsar and Agra envelopes you completely in a cultural, historical, social and culinary experience. From playing to teaching, meditating to learning this trip undertakes a religious, educational, adventurous and spiritual flavour. Absorb the onion domes of the Mughal architecture, experience the generous Himachal and Punjabi hospitality, ride across the plains of North India and ascend the mountain peaks for a 360 degree experience. Journey (14 Days / 13 Nights) 05 July Depart Newyark USA 06 July Arrive Delhi 07 July Delhi 08 July Delhi Shimla 09 July Shimla 10 July Shimla Manali 11 July Manali 12 July Manali Kullu Manali 13 July Manali Dharamsala 14 July Dharamsala 15 July Dharamsala Amritsar 16 July Amritsar Agra 17 July Agra 18 July Agra Delhi Departure *Arriving back in US on 18 July or 19 July depends on flight departure schedule from India Accommodations Delhi Shimla Manali Dharamsala Amritsar Agra Meals As per itinerary The Palms Clarkes Hotel Banon Resorts Udechee Huts Radisson Radisson Road to the Himalayas 2

3 Itinerary in Detail 06 July Arrive Delhi Meet your Travel Manager upon arrival at the New Delhi Airport. Welcome to New Delhi - the capital city of India! This city is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West end of the Gangetic Plain, the capital city paints a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries and gardens. Overnight: The Palms Meals: Dinner 07 July Delhi Begin your first day in India with a visit into Old Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. Rising from between the crowded medieval streets of Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Explore the winding streets of Old Delhi by bicycled powered rickshaw! Enjoy a photo opportunity of the iconic Red Fort, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan before leaving Old Delhi. Drive past the India Gate War Memorial and pass Parliament as you discover India s modern political history. Also visit Gandhi Memorial Museum, showcasing the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. Later you will discover Humayun s Tomb, the most beautiful monument in the city. This monumental tomb bears similarity to the later Taj Mahal and demonstrates the evolution of architectural styles under the Mughal emperors. Overnight: The Palms Road to the Himalayas 3

4 08 July Delhi Chandigarh Shimla Today morning take an Express train to Chandigarh and upon arrival board the van and drive to Shimla. Learn about the colonial history of the British Empire during your visit to Shimla, the summer capital of British India. Stroll through the town and see how life in Shimla revolves around the busy mall road in the center of town. Overnight: Clarkes Hotel 09 July Shimla Today you will see the highlights of the town during your visit to the Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre and the Vice Regal Lodge. Afternoon is free to explore the town on your own. Overnight: Clarkes Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 10 July Shimla Manali This morning, say goodbye to Shimla and board your motor coach for Manali! Enjoy a mountain drive and the dramatic scenery of this region as you learn about the local people and the area s flora and fauna. Relax this evening at your hotel. Overnight: Banon Resorts Road to the Himalayas 4

5 11 July Manali Begin your mountain adventure! Note: the order of activities may vary due to the mountain weather conditions. Start your morning with an exploration of rural Manali villages. Here, you will experience the life styles of residents in this remote mountainous region. Keep your eyes out for passing yaks! Gain insight into life in the villages during a visit to the local temple and houses in the area. Meet a local family and receive a warm welcome over tea. Explore Kothi Village before boarding your motor coach for the Solang Valley. Ride by cable car ropeway to experience the snow and majestic views of the Himalaya Mountains. Enjoy some mountain trekking in your beautiful surroundings. Have the option to try your hand at zorbing (globe-riding, sphering, zorbing), an exciting recreational activity where participants roll downhill in a large orb, generally made of transparent plastic on a gentle slope or a level surface. Overnight: Banon Resorts Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Road to the Himalayas 5

6 12 July Manali Kullu Manali Drive to Kullu and gear up for your river rafting adventure! White water rafting is all about team work and learning to paddle a raft on light river rapids with your expert guides. Prepare to get wet as you cross the river! Tonight, enjoy a cultural dance performance followed by an outdoor dinner. Please note: All adventure activities are subject to weather conditions. Overnight: Banon Resorts Road to the Himalayas 6

7 13 July Manali Dharamsala Visit a local market before departing for Dharamsala. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region as you cross mountain passes along the way. Relax and enjoy free time this evening after your mountain travels. Overnight: Udechee Huts 14 July Dharamsala Enjoy the opportunity to interact with the children of the TCV (Tibetan Children s Village) during a special moment. Visit the workshop at the Norbulinka, Tibetan Cultural Center. Later in the evening you will do a Kora walk starting from His Holiness the Dalai Lama s Temple and learn about the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in this region. Late in the evening explore the markets of Mcleodganj. Overnight: Udechee Huts Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Road to the Himalayas 7

8 15 July Dharamsala Amritsar Begin the day with a spiritually refreshing yoga session at your hotel. Yoga is perhaps the world's first system that recognizes the interconnection and Interaction between body and mind. The main purpose of yoga is to isolate the mind of all thoughts, worries and fears, and to increase the strength and flexibility of the body. The regular practice of yoga can help keep stress and tension at bay and facilitate the mind to a state of well-being and peace. Depart the mountains of Himachal Pradesh for the Punjab. Wear comfortable clothing for the drive through the mountains to Amritsar, located on the historic Grand Trunk Road. This evening engage yourself in community service at the Langar of the Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple, the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion. We suggest bringing a head covering garment for your time in the temple facilities. Overnight: Radisson Road to the Himalayas 8

9 16 July Fly Amritsar Delhi & Drive to Agra Today, depart for Agra via Delhi. Board your flight to Delhi upon landing, set out by motor coach for Agra. Get oriented to the medieval city of Agra during your visit to the expansive Agra Fort. Gain insight into the private lives of the Mughal Emperors as you wind your way through the royal apartments. Overnight: Radisson 17 July Agra Weather permitting, rise early for a special sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! Explore the majestic complex of gardens and buildings culminating in Shah Jahan s iconic monument to love, the Taj Mahal. This protected UNESCO World Heritage site blends perfect symmetry with stunning inlay work and marble detailing. Gain insight into the historic process of marble inlay work used to decorate the Taj Mahal during a demonstration by local artisans. This ancient craft is considered a dying art and only practiced by a small number of families in Agra. In the afternoon you will visit the Agra Fort. The Agra Fort is a great monument of red sandstone that dominates a bend in the Yamuna River and was constructed by the Mughals during It was Emperor Akbar who laid the foundation of this majestic citadel in The fort was ready by 1571 during the period of Shah Jehan, Akbar's grandson. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. The Fort's colossal double walls rise 69 ft in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference encircled by a moat and contain a maze of buildings which form a small city within a city. The fort contains splendid mosques and palaces in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of creative builders during the time of Akbar and later Jehangir and Shah Jehan. This evening enjoy the Bollywood style show Mohabbat-e-Taj, based on the story of Eternal Love The Taj Mahal Overnight: Radisson 18 July Agra Delhi Departure This morning drive back to Delhi. Late evening, board your return flight to the United States. Meals: Breakfast Road to the Himalayas 9

10 Accommodations Delhi The Palms B Block, Sushant Lok, Phase I, Gurgaon , India Tel: Website: Shimla Clarkes Hotel The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh , India Tel: Website: Manali Banon Resorts New Hope Orchards, Circuit House Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh , India Tel: Website: Dharamshala Udechee Huts Village Naddi, PO Dal Lake, District Kangra, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh , India Tel: Website: Road to the Himalayas 10

11 Amritsar Radisson Blu Hotel Opposite Intl. Airport, Ajnala Road, State Highway 25 Bal Chander, Amritsar, Punjab , India Tel: Website: Agra Radisson Blu Taj East Gate Road, Uttar Pradesh , India Tel: Website: Contact Information USA John J. Quinesso, Jr. Worldwide Adventures India Towne Place at Garden State Park 923 Haddonfield Road - Suite 300 Cherry Hill, NJ USA Ph: jjq2@hotmail.com INDIA Manoj Abraham Worldwide Adventures India P Ltd Suite 211, Tower A, Spazedge, Sector 47, Sohna Road - Gurgaon, (NCR-Delhi) Telephone /72/73 manoj@worldwideadventuresindia.com Road to the Himalayas 11

12 Tour Prices & Other Information Per person twin-share Single room supplement Tour Price Includes USD 4499 (Based on minimum of 10 people traveling) USD 1000 (Additional for staying in Single room) Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodations in hotels with private facilities and daily breakfast Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Transfers on arrival and departures Air-conditioned bus transportation International flights (From the gateway city as determined by WWA) Internal flight from Amritsar to Delhi Sightseeing and excursions All community services as per program Entrance fees as per itinerary One Travel Manager Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. Video fees at Monuments Travel insurance Visa/Domestic flights within USA Gratuities Road to the Himalayas 12

13 Terms & Conditions HOW TO BOOK Complete, sign and return the booking form (attached page 15) with your deposit to John Quinesso. DEPOSIT & SUGGESTED PAYMENT INFORMATION* Initial Deposit: US$ 500 Due at the time of registration First Payment US$ 2000 Due on 5 th January 2017 Final Payment US$ 1999 Due on 70 days prior to departure Single room supplement should be paid if applicable PAYMENT INFORMATION Payments are accepted by check made payable to: Worldwide Adventures India Mail to: OR Give to: Worldwide Adventures India Towne Place at Garden State Park 923 Haddonfield Road - Suite 300 Cherry Hill, NJ USA Professor John Quinesso, Jr. Rowan University James Hall - Suite 3068 PH: or Quinesso@rowan.edu or jjq2@hotmail.com CANCELLATION POLICY a) Cancellation by You - Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below, calculated from the day written notification is received by Worldwide Adventures. In addition to cancellation fees for tours operated by Worldwide Adventures as shown below, airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose up to 100% cancellation charges. Prior to 90 days Only International Ticket Cancellation Fee 89 to 70 days USD International Ticket Cancellation fee 69 to 31 days 20% of tour cost 30 to 15 days 70% of tour cost Less than 14 days 100% of tour cost International Flight Cancellation Charges USD 550 In addition to the above, cancellation charges may apply for additional arrangements booked by Worldwide Adventures, such as air tickets, hotels. If the reason for cancellation is covered by your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. b) Cancellation by Us - We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers). Except for force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 days before departure. No further compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Worldwide Adventures. A full refund of monies paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Road to the Himalayas 13

14 Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply for additional travel arrangements booked by Worldwide Adventures. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VACCINATIONS All travelers must be in a possession of a valid passport most countries require a 6-month validity from your date of entry or exit. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the valid visa. You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. TOUR PRICES Prices quoted in our tour information are based on exchange rates, cost of services and applicable taxes at the time of publication. Prices may be subject to change in the event of significant currency fluctuations or the introduction of new taxes, up until final payment is received. In the event of a price increase, whether because of a currency fluctuation, increase in taxes or a correction in advertised prices, we will advise you and you have the option of accepting the amended prices, inclusions and booking conditions or withdrawing from the tour and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Once final payment is received, all prices will be guaranteed and no surcharges will apply. FITNESS AND PARTICIPATION Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of fitness. If you (or we) have any doubts about your level of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor s appraisal. This would require your doctor to read the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written confirmation of your ability to participate. MODERATE For the overall benefit of the group, all tour members must possess a moderate level of mobility, including the ability to: negotiate airports without wheelchair assistance use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities) undertake walking tour of 1-2 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces stand for long periods in museums and other sites embark/disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance handle your own luggage Road to the Himalayas 14

15 Payments and Booking Form Please send your completed booking form to: Worldwide Adventures India P Ltd Worldwide Adventures India Towne Place at Garden State Park 923 Haddonfield Road - Suite 300 Cherry Hill, NJ USA Ph: Attention: Professor John Quinesso, Jr. Quinesso@rowan.edu or jjq2@hotmail.com **PASSPORT INFORMATION ** Passport #:... Nationality:..... Issued At:... Issue Date (mm/dd/yy):... Passport Name:... Expiry Date (mm/dd/yy): Date of Birth: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected date of your return home. I do not yet have a passport, but will be applying for one. In completing this form, I affirm that I am in general good health, capable of performing the required exercise to participate, and that I have not recently been treated for, nor am I aware of, any condition that would jeopardize myself or other members of this tour. I accept as my personal risk the hazards of such participation, and will not hold Worldwide Adventures India or its representatives responsible. I confirm that I am over the age of 18 and hereby release and forever discharge Worldwide Adventures, its officers, directors, servants and agents from any liability whatsoever arising as a result of my participation in this trip, and I declare this release is binding upon me, my heirs, executors and assigns. I agree that this agreement shall be governed in all aspects by, and interpreted in accordance with, the law of TRIVANDRUM, INDIA. I have read the Terms & Conditions as outlined above. I also understand that the unique nature of this type of travel involves accommodations, transport, safety and medical facilities not found on a conventional vacation. SIGNATURE: DATE: Road to the Himalayas 15