Daily Itinerary
Fall 2008 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 12 - 14: Group orientation at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center
In India:
Sept 14 - 15: Flight--Newark to Delhi
Sept 15 - 17: In country orientation, introductory language lessons, and visits to key cultural and religious sites in Delhi
Sept 18 - 21: Arrival in Leh and introduction to Ladakh; Ladakhi language lessons and walking tours of Leh Old Town and Shanti Stupa; day excursions to Thiksay Gonpa and an audience with the Sabu Oracle; guest speakers to include local political figures, intellectuals, religious leaders from both Buddhist and Muslim communities, and youth activists
Sept 22 - 30:, Homestays and service work in Domkhar village. Continued Language Lessons. Volunteering with Domkhar Government High School. Excursions to Alchi and Likir Monasteries. Possible visit to SECMOL.
Oct 1 - 10: Trek to spectacular high mountain location. Please be sure to double check the packing list to ensure you have the right gear for this portion of the program!
Oct 11 - 14: Return to Leh. Finish guest speaker series, Visits to Tsemo Gonpa and Leh Palace.
Oct 15: Arrival in Delhi: Visit to Naz Foundation; Bollywood cinema experience in the afternoon, Nizammudin Sufi Shrine and lecture
Oct 17 - 19: Train to Amritsar, site of the Sikh pilgrimmage center the Golden Temple, experience nightly ritual flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh site visit
Oct 20 – 21: Train to Pathankot/bus to Dharamsala, Tibetan language lessons and orientation. Begin Dharamsala homestays, ISPs, guest lecture series, school/museum visits
Oct 22 - 31: Introduction to Buddhism retreat at Tushita Meditation Centre
Nov 1 - 13: Homestays in McLeod Ganj, Independent Study Projects, continued language lessons, and riveting guest speaker series focused on the experiences of Tibetans living in exile in India. Possible audience with His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa
Nov 14 – 17: Travel to Delhi and Agra. Visit Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Keoladeo National Park, Agra Fort
Nov 18– 30: Jaipur homestays, ISPs, language study, and possible desert excursions to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur. Village excursion to Chomu and service work with Vidya Gram International School. Guest speaker series on Non Violence, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism with possible audience with Jain monks and nuns.
Dec 1 - 4: Possible yoga and meditation retreat in the Hindu tradition.
Dec 5 – 11: Student-led portion (to be determined by students)
Dec 12 - 13: Return to Delhi
Dec 14 - 15: Flight to USA, arrival to Newark Airport early morning on the 15th