Spring 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 LAB.
In United States:
Feb 15 - 17: Group orientation at Voluntown Peace Trust retreat center
In India:
Feb 17 - 18: Flight to India
Feb 18 - 20: Delhi – Arrival, orientation, introductory language lessons, and visits to key cultural and religious sites in Delhi
Feb 21 – Mar 1: Varanasi homestays, ISPs, guest lecture series, Hindi language study, visits to Sarnath, intro to Hinduism, Islam.
Mar 2 – 4: Agra – visits to Taj Mahal, Keoladeo National Park, Fatehpur Sikri and other important historical sites.
Mar 5 – 14: Jaipur – Continue Hinduism, Islam inquiry, Group ISP, possible village homestays and visits to other Rajasthani cities, continue Hindi Language study, local NGO visits.
Mar 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. Train to Pathankot/bus to Dharamsala, Tibetan language lessons and orientation
Mar 18 – 19: Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj – Introduction to Buddhism, orientation, deciding on Independent Study Projects, visit to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s monastery and other important sites in town
Mar 20 - 29: Introduction to Buddhism retreat at Tushita Centre
Mar 30 – Apr 15: McLeod Ganj homestays, language study, ISPs, guest lecture series, school/museum visits, visits to Tso Padma/Bir/Tashijong
Apr 16 - 18: Delhi – possible stay at Aurobindo Ashram
Apr 19 – 21: Arrival in Leh, acclimatization, 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 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 service project, possible language study.
May 1 – 7: Trek to a spectacular high mountain location.
May 8 - 14: Student Choice (to be determined)
May 15 - 16: Return to Delhi
May 17: Flight to USA