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Weather: the best season is October-March. September and April are also nice choices since the weather is not too hot yet and its not the peak season so its not crowded.

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Guides: we employ both western scholars and local Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan guides. All of our local guides are college educated and have had special training through the Government of India Tourism Department. They speak fluent English as well as many other languages including German, French, Spanish. If your primary language is other than English, you may request a guide for your preferred language. Drivers: all of our drivers are registered with the Government of India; in addition they are certified mechanics. What professional organizations do you belong to? our operators are members of ASTA, PATA, LATO and are recognized by the Government of India Dept.of Tourism.

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GROUP TOURS
SPIRITUAL INDIA: A YOGA JOURNEY The emphasis of the tour is really on the philosophy of yoga (unity or union with a higher consciousness) not the physical practice. It is about visiting the pilgrimage sites of the various religions of India and having opportunities to witness and practice their spiritual rituals. There will be opportunities for physical yoga practice as well as meditation, chanting, dharma talks and other traditional rituals.
What level of yoga are other group members? Group membersÕ experience range from very beginner to advanced teachers with a few people never having ever taken a class previously. The classes will be taught so that all levels can participate and each person will do what they can.
I do yoga but my husband doesnÕt. Participation in yoga/meditation practice is not required. The classes occur in the early morning or evening and group members who do not wish to participate can relax at the hotel, take a walk or sleep in. What is the age range of the group? Last year we had a range from 24 yrs old to 73. It seems most people signed up right now are 30's-50's.
What is the ratio men-women? Usually more women. maybe 4-6 men in a group of 16.
Can you match me with a roomate? Very likely. most people joining are solo and want a roomate. .
Will we be able to see the Taj at sunrise? sunset? we will visit the Taj at sunrise as a group and with our guide. Those who would like to return to view the Taj at sunset may do so by taxi (a short and inexpensive ride). If the whole group wants to go then we can arrange to use our bus, if we know this the day prior. The second entrance fee is not included in our price.

ANCIENT CULTURES OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYA
This trip can only be done with a tour company and permits require a minimum of 4 travelers. We will spend a good portion of time traveling through the regions of Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, (near the Tibetan border), which has been retricted to foreign travelers until just recently. There are no hotels, restaurants, polluting trucks and buses, satellite dishes or telephones. From the hill station Shimla, we go to the eastern part of Himachal Pradesh--Spiti, Kinnaur region, which has been restricted to foreign travelers up until a couple of years ago. So the ancient culture still exits as it has for thousands of years, untouched by the western world, and the beauty of the environment is breath-taking. We go very close to the Tibetan border, to the village of Tabo where the oldest Buddhist monastery (996 AD) is located, still intact with original sculptures and thankas. From Tabo we head west over the Kunzum Pass and then over Rohtang Pass. From Rohtang we head south through Kullu Valley and fly back to Delhi from Kullu.
I am a little out of shape, is this a difficult trip? No. This is meant to be an alternative to the strenuous trekking that many companies offer. We do not trek for days with packs on our backs. We travel in jeeps from point to point stopping enroute to see various stupas/monasteries, the scenics and to stroll thru villages. From base camps, there are easy hikes to nearby ancient villages.
What are the accommodations like? We stay in a 5 star hotel in Delhi and top hotels in Shimla & Sarahan. From Chitkul until we reach Manali, we camp in very comfortable 12Õ tents with real beds, zippered private bathroom in rear of each tent. There are 2 places in which there are no base camps and there we sleep in regular tents in sleeping bags. In Manali we enjoy the comforts of a fine resort. We travel with a staff who cooks for us in a dining room tent.
Who is our guide? Our guide is Mr Sanjay Verman, the foremost expert for this region. Mr Verman explored this area and developed the base camps. No one knows this area better.
What is the weather like? Mid-July thru mid-Sept is the only time we can do this trip as the passes are closed the rest of the year. The days should be in the low 80's and the nights in the low 50's. It will be dry in the eastern part but may rain in Manali in Sept.
What is the highest altitude? The highest point is Kunzum Pass at 14,760 ( we just drive thru it but donÕt stay), next is Rohtang Pass which is 13000 feet. We visit there one afternoon but do not sleep there. Basically the altitude throughout the trip is very moderate and there should not be any difficulty adjusting. Shimla is 8000 feet and Kullu is only 4000. Kibar (15 km nw of Kaza) at 13,792 feet is said to be the highest village in the world. The village of Kalpa (11,808 feet) is located close to the foot of the holy Mt Kinnaur Kailash (19,844 feet). What are the other people like who sign up for this trip? In general, the people are experienced travelers; many have been to India at least once before. They are in the age range of mid 30's to 70's. We did have an 80 year old woman in 2000.
Have you done this trip before? Yes this is our third annual. The region has just recently opned up to foreign travelers and I believe we may be one of the only companies offering this trip from North America.

ART & ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA This itinerary covers some of the most important art and architecture from various mediums including paintings, sculptures, bronzes, textiles, and ancient architecture.
Who is our tour leader? Our tour leader, Dr Don Statdner, is a Ph.D of Indian Art History and Indology and will offer evening presentations throughout the trip. We will also have special presenations throughout the trip by guest presenters such as curators and directors of museums and galleries, renown Indian architects etc
What category are the hotels? We will stay in deluxe hotels, palace hotels and heritage properties.
I have not studied art history previously but have an interest in this tour, will the presenations be over my head? The history of India's art and architecture is interwoven with fascinating stories, folklore, politics and spiritual beliefs. By day we will visit and view extraordinary art & architecture that will be enjoyed and appreciated for its sheer beauty, design and craftmanship. The evening presenations will be modified to suit group members interests and will highlight what the group has seen or is about to see. There will be ample opportunity for questions and discussions. The group members are from a variety of professional backgrounds and not necessarily from the art world, although artists and art historians who have never been to India, will find this tour to be a fascinating and inspirational experience.
Are meals included? There will be 2 dinners and 2 special lunches included plus daily breakfasts. Cost of meals in India is nominal and we feel that this way group members will have the freedom to order from a menu instead of the group buffet.

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