Source of The Ganges Trek

Source of The Ganges Trek

The trek to the source of the Ganges as one of the most sacred river – starts from the Gangotri temple. It is the temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The trek follows the Ganga through dense forests and grassy meadows, taking you to the Source of the holy river. On the way, you find scantily clad sadhus in the lotus position, meditating on the bank of the icy cold water coming out the glacier. Further up, Tapovan is a high altitude meadow surrounded by numerous peaks.

The Ganges is considered the most sacred river in India. Legend has it that the Goddess Ganga descended to Earth from the heavens at Gangotri. So Gangotri is considered to be the source of the river. The actual source, however, lies 19 km from Gangotri, at Gaumukh. Our trek starts from Gangotri. The spiritual intensity here is palpable as you witness the daily puja at the temple and witness Hindu devotees bathing in the freezing waters of Bhagirathi. The trek follows the river upstream to the actual source at Gaumukh and Tapovan. This exciting trek offers fantastic view of beautiful mountains like Shivling (6543 m), Meru and the Bhagirathi group of mountains.

Detail Itinerary (11 Nights – 12 Days)

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh

In the morning board the morning Shatabdi A/C train to Haridwar to reach at noon at the Haridwar Railway Station – and meet our company representatives ; thereafter drive to Rishikesh (a 45 minutes drive). In the evening visit the Ganga river bank for the spectacular and moving Aarti- spectacle of sights, sounds and chanting. Rishikesh is well known for its scenic beauty and the spiritual experience. Flanked by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. It is fabled that when Raibhya Rishi did a hard penance, God appeared by the name of “Hrishikesh” and this area thereafter came to be known as Rishikesh (Locks of the sage). Overnight in hotel.

Day 03 : Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (170 kms/ 4-5 hrs)

Post breakfast – the drive takes one to Uttarkashi along the narrow Ganga and Bhagirathi valleys. The road goes past the sacred confluence of The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag where there is a Lord Rama temple called the Raghunath Mandir visited by the great Hindu philosopher – Adi Shankaracharya in 300CE .This town is the home of the late Acharya Shri Pt. Chakradhar Joshi (a scholar in Astronomy and Astrology) who established Nakshatra Vedh Shala (an observatory considered the second best in the country in the pre independence days), located on a mountain called Dashrathanchal at Devprayag. The observatory is well equipped with two telescopes and many books to support research in astronomy. It also contains about 3000 manuscripts from 1677 AD onwards collected from various parts of country.

Uttarkashi is a town located in the wide Bhagirati valley, and has been a centre for learning and religion since the days of the Vedas! This sacred town has been home to some very famous sages and saints. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi lies next to a hill named Varunavrat Parvat, and set on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 metres, about 145 kms from Rishikesh on the main route to Gangotri. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva’s Great Trident, made of eight major metals (Astadhatu). It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali.

Uttarkashi is an important stopover for pilgrims visiting Gangotri. Uttarkashi has also emerged as an important centre for adventure sports.. Overnight in hotel.

Day 04 : Uttarkashi – Gangotri (3048 m/ 10,000 ft) Drive (95 kms).

After breakfast drive to reach Gangotri via Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mt) by covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival check-into Hotel. Overnight stay. Witness and admire the beautiful Gorge at Bhairon Ghati over which there is a steel girder bridge.
Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from Heaven, and a Temple of Goddess Ganga marks the spot where the Goddess descended to the Earth.The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by Deodars (Cedar) and Chir (Pines). The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of Ashrams and Dharamshalas are located on the far side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock known as “Bhagirath Shila” situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A day’s trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Day 05 : Gangotri (3048 mts/10000 ft) – Bhojwassa (3792 mts/12440 ft) 13 kms trek/5-6 hrs)

Post breakfast the trek commences towards Bhojwassa via Chirvasa (3600mt) along a well trodden and well laid path following a gentle incline along the picturesque Gangotri valley. The entire trek on this day is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. Bhojvasa is the last oasis on this route and has a lot of trees, but beyond this point the terrain becomes totally desolate and barren. In fact, it has been compared to the Artic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirvasa one continues to ascend higher towards Bhojwasa,- the last inhabited place on this route.

The arrival at Bhojwasa is heralded by a descent, that continues for a good 750 metres or so to arrive at a small temple and a potential campsite near the river- the place to hit the sack for the night! Exploration of the surroundings and photography are a must do for the remainder of the day! Enjoy the excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 06 : Bhojwassa – Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) – Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks while at Breakfast. Trek to Gomukh (3890mt),immediately after that towards the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is the spot where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers, to descend into the Gangotri valley and beyond. The sages called it ‘Gomukh’, because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow’s mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area.

The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is a ascent crossing over the Gaumukh glacier, and as one climbs, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer, and appear to be just a stone’s throw away! Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak, visited by hundreds of tourist, mountaineers, trekkers and ascetics every year.

The campsite is grassy, with wild flowers as far as the eye can see, punctuated by innumerous bubbling streams, making this a very spectacular area for camping. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight from here as they clamber the precarious mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454mt), provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also the little wonder that this tranquility attracts Sadhus and saints for extended meditation during the long summer months. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Day 07 : Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Spend the entire day at leisure to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow clapped peaks, flora & Fauna and the mountain landscape afar! This is a golden opportunity for photographers and Painters/ Artists. Explore the Kriti & Meru Glacier. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 08 : Tapovan – Bhojwassa (Trek 4-5 hrs)

Enjoy the view of the golden rays of sunrise on high peaks, and the crisp and dazzling morning sunshine on the campsite. Post breakfast make a swift descent down to Bhojwasa, covering the seemingly endless trek in a matter of hours. Arrive Bhojwasa and camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 09 : Bhojwassa – Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast in the shadow of the mighty Shivling peak, draped in the colour of the rising sun! Trek down to Gangotri – a continuous downhill path, Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel / Rest house.

Day 10 : Gangotri – Uttarkashi

Breakfast in the holy town , after visiting the Ma Ganga temple and witnessing the morning Aarti. Drive to Uttarkashi. Spend the rest of the day exploring this town that draws parallels to another highly revered town – Kashi (Varanasi). Take out time to visit the Ashrams and the famed Nehru Mountaineering Institute – the breeding ground of the finest mountaineers in the subcontinent! On arrival check in to hotel. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 11 : Uttarkashi – Haridwar – Delhi

Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi via Haridwar. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 12 : Delhi Departure

Transfer to international airport according to your flight schedule.

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Kumaon Village Trek

Kumaon Village Trek

The concept of the ‘Village Trek is unique as it provides an insight into the lives and daily routine of the Kumaoni villager. Overnight stays in the village houses gives you a chance to experience their warm and genuine hospitality.You stay in village houses during the walks. The accommodation is rustic but clean and has all the basic amenities. The houses have been partially renovated and amenities added without spoiling the ambience.

After a day’s walk you can freshen up with a hot bucket bath. Food is cooked hygienically and mineral water is provided. The trek starts in the region of Almora which is the first British hill station (1815) in Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. Kumaon offers a natural environment where forests and wildlife have still to unfold their mysteries. Local religious customs and ancient traditions are very much alive here. This area has been a confluence where cultures have blended together, leaving behind an infinity of architectural wonders. Ancient temples, prehistoric paintings and charming villages set amongst green terraces.

The itinerary covers both the cultural and natural aspects of the region. Before beginning the trek you spend one or two nights night at a Hill Resort which helps to adjust to the altitude and will give you a ˜feel of the area with its abundance of flora and fauna. Every morning, the walk starts from one village, passes through fields, streams and end at a different village each afternoon.

Tour Program

Day 01: Delhi – Almora

Board a train from Delhi to Kathgodam (the last rail head to Kumaon Region) and transfer to Almora. You will spend next two nights in Almora. You can enjoy an easy walk to Chittai. The Chittai bell temple is dedicated to Golu Devta (Kumaon God of Justice). The temple is hung with petitions and bells of all shapes and sizes brought by grateful devotees. The trail to Chittai temple passes through Chir (Pine) forests with good views of the valley and Himalaya range.

Day 02: Almora

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to Binsar. From Binsar, you will walk up to Zero Point through dense Oak and Rhododendron forests. Enjoy the view and hike downhill to Shiva temple. From there trek initially further downhill and then follow the western Binsar ridge towards Kangarchina. This is a very scenic walk with good views of the Himalaya on one side and the terraced valley on the other side.

Day 03: Almora – Deora

Today you will start the village walk through picturesque villages along terraced fields, waterfalls, along a winding stream and Chir (Pine) forests. This gentle walk through valleys takes you up to the village of Deora. Before reaching Deora you visit the 1000 year old temples of Kali and Vishnu. Deora is a charming village with wonderfully carved doors and windows overlooking the valley with the ancient temples. Freshen up and enjoy a welcome drink while the traditional and delicious Kumaoni dinner is cooked by the villagers, where the landlord while preparing it hops in and out of his fields to get fresh vegetables and herbs for your meal. Guests are welcome to watch and help! Relax, chat with the locals listening to tales of the past.

Day 04: Deora – Paliu

Today walking on the old village trails, you pass through several villages which give you a fantastic impression of Kumaoni local life, where the old traditions and culture are still part of their daily routine lives. You pass villages where the castes are strictly segregated, walk through terraced fields then along traditional irrigation channels and finally climb up to Paliu village. As everywhere in the Kumaon the people are friendly, curious in a childlike manner and more than happy to answer questions and be photographed. The walk takes you past ancient flour mills, where you can stop and see how they work.

Day 05: Paliu – Sokyatal

Walking through Pine forest along terraced fields and a few scattered small villages, the trail now climbs up steadily to Sokyatal village – set amidst forests of Oak and Rhododendron. (If you are traveling between February and April, you will be rewarded with the lovely views of the Rhododendron flowers in full bloom, a blaze of colour). From the top of this ridge, the panoramic views of the Himalayan valley are magnificent. You end the day watching sun setting across the Himalayan peaks. Stretch out with refreshment in the quaint, stone courtyard looking down into the Jageshwar valley.

Day 06: Sokyatal – Jageshwar Temples – Almora

Today you will walk from Jawalbanj to Jageshwar through terraced fields, villages and magnificent cedar forests. At Jageshwar you can visit the ancient temple complex built by the Chand and Katyuri rulers between 8th and 12th Century A.D. From there, you will drive back to Almora. On the way you can see the prehistoric rock art at Lakhudiar. Stay overnight in Almora.

Day 07: Almora – Delhi

You will be driven to Kathgodam Railway station where you will board the train back to Delhi.

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Sailing Down The Ganges

Sailing Down The Ganges

Sailing down the Ganges, as it is popularly known, is a leisurely and slow pace trip through the heart of India captures the essence of life along the Ganges.

You start sailing from Allahabad (It is also called Prayagraj – one of the four places associated with Maha Kumbh that takes place every 12 years) to Varanasi – the oldest living city in the world. During the course it also offers a chance to explore and enjoy the rural culture from close. The trip can also be extended to include the marvels of Mughal and Rajputana architecture in Agra and Rajasthan with all its glory.

Tour Details

DAY 01: DELHI – ALLAHABAD

Report at Delhi Railway Station to board overnight train to Allahabad.

ALLAHABAD : one of the sacred cities of Hinduism & also one of the oldest in India. Formely known as Prayag, in commemoration of a sacrifice by Lord Brahama, Allahabad stands at the confluence of two of India’s holiest rivers, the Ganga & the Yamuna. The Sangam as the conflunece is called, is the venue of many sacred fairs & rituals and attracts thousand of pilgrims throughout the year. Akbar visited Prayag in 1575 & founded a new city by the name of Illahas, which has now become a modern Allahabad. The city was an important cantonment during the British Raj and has now some beautiful remains of colonial architecture.

DAY 02: ALLAHABAD – SITAMADHI – MURDGHAT

Met upon arrival at Allahabad Railway Station and proceed to hotel for breakfast, wash and change. If time permits take a short tour of Anand Bhawan (the birth place of first Prime Minister of India, Late Jawahar Lal Nehru), etc. After the short sightseeing drive to Sitamadhi Ghat approx 70 kms in 01 to 02 hrs. Set sail upon arrival. Lunch will be served on boat. Sail till 1800 hrs to arrive at Murdghat by covering appox 30 kms and pitch up tents on the river bank for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 03: MURDGHAT – MIRZAPUR

Morning after breakfast start sailing further downstream, eastwards to reach Mirzapur by covering appox 50 kms. If you are lucky you can catch the wind and sail smoothly and can feel the speed also. Lunch will be served on boat around 1200 hrs. Enroute visit the Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali who is the gardien of Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges by noon. Sail further towards Mirzapur. Mirzapur is well known for its Hand Woven Cotton, Woolen Carpets and Brass ware. Arrive and pitchup camp beyond Mizapur on the banks of the river for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 04: MIRZAPUR – VARANASI

Morning after breakfast sail towards Varanasi. Enroute visit Medeival Fort of Chunar, built by legendry King Vikramaditya, appox at 0800 hrs. Now the fort has been converted as training centre for the Uttar Pradesh Police. You are allowed to see only a little portion. On the way to the fort there is a Cematory of Britishers who had a short spell of power at Chunar. Sail further towards Varanasi, stopping at Ramnagar to see the Palace Museum with its collection of weapons of diffrent types, Palinquins, Ivory Items, Cars etc. appox at 1200 hrs. Lunch is served on the boat. River trip terminates at the first of the ghats, Lanka Ghat. Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 05: VARANASI

VARANASI : Also knwon as Banaras. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world & the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus who believe that to die in the city is to attain instant salvation. Situation on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi is the tract of holy land lying between the rivers Varuna & Assi which flow into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the city of light, since on of the twelve “Jyotirlingas” are installed here.

Morning after breakfast proceed to SARNATH . After Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya he came to Sarnath. Several Buddhist strutures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC & the 11th century AD. Afternoon visit the famous Banaras Hindu University. One of the oldest educational University in India. Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture, music & also for sanskrit. Return to the hotel for dinner & overnight stay.

DAY 06: VARANASI

Early morning proceed for the exciting Boat Cruise on the Holy River Ganges to witness the Sunrise. You can see locals as well as pilgrims standing in waist deep water praying to the rising sun and offering flowers and lighting oil lamps. On the ghats is situated the cremation ground where nearby itself people are engaged in washing cloths, vessels, animals. Enjoy the cruise and proceed for a short Temple tour covering Kashi Vishwanath temple also known as Golden Temple (Entry is restricted here) one can see the golden domes from the roof of an adjacent building, Bharat Mata temple (which is dedicated to whole of India), Kali Temple (known as Monkey temple because of their presence at all times). After lunch departure transfer to railway station in time to board the train for Delhi. Overnight in the train.

DAY 07: DELHI

Morning arrive at Delhi Railway Station.

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Chartering with Odin Tours is an entirely new experience, where all the details are crafted to fit your specific taste !!

The diversity in India is unique & it presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. In short, India Read more

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Journey to Tawang

Journey to Tawang

Arunachal is, literally, the land of the rising sun, where dawn first greets the easternmost state of India. Tawang is the crowning glory of this land. It is one of the largest and most important Buddhist centres in the world; the monastery, half a millennium old, pulsing with spiritual life, holds a significant collection of scriptures, images and thangkas.

Tribal groups of Burmese and Tibetan descent, proud of their unique identities, live harmoniously in timeless settlements between the mighty Brahmaputra and the Eastern Himalaya. Even our journey is sublime, taking you from tropical forests through tribal towns into the mountain roads and over the amazing Sela Pass at 14,000 feet above sea level. We have time in Tawang to immerse ourselves in this place of prayer and meditation. We also visit tribal villages and stay in Nameri National Park, home to rhino, tiger and numerous bird species. Invigorated and refreshed, our return journey takes us back through Assam and, by way of complete contrast, a couple of nights in the archetypal city of India that is Kolkata.

Tour Program

Day 01: Kolkata

You will arrive Kolkata airport and will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. The famous new market of Kolkata is a short walk away from your hotel.

Day 02: Kolkata – Tezpur

In the morning fly to Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Here you’ll be met and driven on to Tezpur for a night at hotel.

Day 03: Tezpur – Bomdila

Start your ascent into the densely forested high Eastern Himalaya today with a drive to Bomdila. Visit the Tipi Orchid centre en route. The night is spent at the simple hotel. Visit the local monastery and tribal villages this afternoon.

Day 04: Bomdila – Tawang

A long but spectacular drive takes you over the high Sela Pass (4,180 metres) and into the almost mythical valley of Tawang. Stay at the hotel for three nights.

Days 05 and 06: Tawang

The next two days are free to explore the valley with your guide and driver. This will include visits to the Tawang Monastery which houses a collection of priceless artifacts dating back hundreds of years. There are also many smaller nunneries in the area and the colourful ‘Monpa’ people with their distinctive head dress.

Day 07: Tawang – Dirang

Leaving Tawang with fond memories you’ll retrace the route back across the Sela Pass, this time stopping at the settlement of Dirang. The village still has much of its medieval architecture intact.

Day 08: Dirang

Dirang is a charming village to relax and spend time visiting the nearby tribal villages and the Shangtey Valley.

Day 09: Dirang – Nameri

You will descend down from the forested hills onto the steamy plains and the rich ecosystem of Nameri National Park. You will stay for next two nights at the Jungle Camp.

Day 10: Nameri

There are options for nature walks, angling and day hikes. For the more adventurous a rafting trip can be arranged.

Day 11: Nameri – Guwahati

Drive back to Guwahai for an overnight stay. Take a sightseeing tour of the city including the famous Kamakhya Temple.

Day 12: Guwahati – Kolkata

Fly to Kolkata, known in India as the ‘city of Joy’; stay in hotel for 2 nights.

Day 13: Kolkata

Visit the sights this morning including the imposing Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum. The afternoon is free at your own leisure.

Day 14: Depart Kolkata

You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back home.

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Chartering with Odin Tours is an entirely new experience, where all the details are crafted to fit your specific taste !!

The diversity in India is unique & it presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. In short, India Read more

Hola Mohalla Festival Punjab

Hola Mohalla is an annual Sikh festival, celebrated extensively over three days mainly at the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, in the Read more

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Druk Path Trek

This is a short five day scenic trek with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, Read more

In the footsteps of Buddha
In the footsteps of Buddha

There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was Read more

In the footsteps of Buddha

In the footsteps of Buddha

There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was born. Here the Tathagat attained enlightenment. Here the Tathagat set in motion the Wheel of Dharma. Here the Tathagat attained final Nirvana. And The Monk, the Nun, the layman or Lay women who has faith should visit these places”. The Buddha

In his very first sermon Lord Buddha put forth the Middle Way, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path the message spread rapidly, penetrating caste and class barriers; today Buddhism is a way of life in large parts of the world, its message of peace and tolerance speaks to us all.

Buddha preached that the way to salvation is not dependent on God but on understanding the way things really are for all living beings subject to desire. We take you on a journey to places associated with important events in Buddha’s life.

Prince Siddhartha was born at Lumbini, became Buddha, the Enlightened One, at Bodhgaya, gave his first sermon at Sarnath, lived the greater part of his monastic life in Sravasti, and attained Nirvana at Kushinagar. We also take in Lucknow, a City of Nawab’s  known for its gracious living, and the fabled Taj Mahal in Agra.

Tour Program

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the bustling sights of Old Delhi including the largest mosque in India known as the Jama Masjid and Rajghat, the resting place (Samadhi) of India’s favourite son, Mahatma Gandhi. The day’s sightseeing ends with a rickshaw ride through the convergent bazaars of Chandni Chowk, the main trading centre of Old Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi – Lucknow

Early morning transfer to railway station to take an exciting day train to the city of Lucknow – the capital of Uttar Pradesh, where you spend two nights in a hotel. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 03: Lucknow

In the morning visit the Residency Complex, site of the infamous siege of 1857 which was one of the first revolts against the British authorities. Continue your sightseeing tour of the city with visits to the Islamic Imambara shrine and Romi Darwaja city gate. Round off the day exploring Lucknow’s colourful bazaars.

Day 04: Lucknow – Sravasti

Today provides your first real taste of the ‘Buddhist landscape’ as we approach the site of Sravasti. It is here that the historical Buddha spent much of his life teaching the path to enlightenment to those men and women ‘ready’ to listen. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the local sites of significance including Ananthapindika’s Stupa, Anandabodhi tree and Gandhakuti or Buddha’s hut.

Day 05: Sravasti – Lumbini

Heading further east with your private car and driver you’ll cross Nepal’s southern border and come to the birth place of Buddha at Lumbini. Stay in a hotels for the night. In the afternoon visit the Lumbini gardens and the Maya Devi Temple which is dedicated to Buddha’s mother. There are various modern monasteries that are also worth a quick visit.

Day 06: Lumbini – Kushinagar

Moving on to Kushinagar, you will visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple which is where Buddha is said to have attained Parinirvana. His final words to those congregated at the site are thought to have been, ‘All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence.’

Day 07: Kushinagar – Patna

Leaving Kushinagar you will drive to the city of Patna, stopping en route at Vaishali. It is an auspicious site for devotees of both the Jain and Buddhist faiths respectively. The Buddha is said to have given his final public discourse here and the site was later the birth place of the great Jain saint Bhagwan Mahavira.

Day 08: Patna – Bodhgaya

Drive on to Bodhgaya with a stop at the historic site of Rajgir. Bodhgaya is the site where the young, Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree and became the awakened one or Buddha.

Day 09: Bodhgaya

Spend the day calmly exploring the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and other sights associated with the life of Buddha.

Day 10: Bodhgaya – Varanasi

This morning drive to Nalanda. The archeological was once the largest university in existence and students were dedicated to the study of the ‘Buddha Dharma’. Continuing on to Varanasi you’ll stay two nights in a hotel. This evening witness a ceremonial worship or “aarti” on the banks of the Ganges River.

Day 11: Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world today and a highlight for the culturally minded traveller. An early morning boat ride is arranged on the Ganges to see devotees at prayer along the “ghats”. In the afternoon visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first public discourse and a peaceful space to spend a few hours.

Day 12: Varanasi – Agra

Take an exciting day train to Agra and watch the Indian countryside slower pass by. You will stay overnight at Agra hotel.

Day 13: Agra – Delhi

Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur-Sikri today, before returning to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express train.

Day 14: Depart Delhi

Transfer to international airport in time to board flight to onward destination.

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Chartering with Odin Tours is an entirely new experience, where all the details are crafted to fit your specific taste !!

The diversity in India is unique & it presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. In short, India Read more

Hola Mohalla Festival Punjab

Hola Mohalla is an annual Sikh festival, celebrated extensively over three days mainly at the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, in the Read more

Druk Path Trek
Druk Path Trek

This is a short five day scenic trek with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, Read more

Journey to Tawang
Journey to Tawang

Arunachal is, literally, the land of the rising sun, where dawn first greets the easternmost state of India. Tawang is Read more

Hola Mohalla Festival Punjab

Hola Mohalla is an annual Sikh festival, celebrated extensively over three days mainly at the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, in the state of Punjab.

The festival dates back to the 18th century, when guru Gobind Singh, the last of the 10 Sikh gurus, created an occasion for Sikhs to show off their martial arts skills and host mock battles. Today, Sikh communities commemorate the holiday by hosting martial arts parades, taking part in devotional worship, singing and community outreach efforts. Continue reading “Hola Mohalla Festival Punjab”

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Chartering with Odin Tours is an entirely new experience, where all the details are crafted to fit your specific taste !!

The diversity in India is unique & it presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. In short, India Read more

Naropa – The Maha Kumbh of Himalayas

Naropa (1016 – 1100 CE), an Indian Scholar-Saint, heralded the beginning of a rich tradition in Buddhist philosophy. His legacy Read more

City Palace – Udaipur

Touted as one of the biggest palaces in Rajasthan, the City Palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. Read more

Druk Path Trek
Druk Path Trek

This is a short five day scenic trek with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, Read more

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