
For those interested in:
- gaining a better understanding of one of the greatest forms of human thought and philosophy a better understanding of what Buddhism can bring anyone, or simply satisfying a curiosity
- being directly exposed to its art and culture meeting practitioners, resident monks, attending lectures or spending a day at one of the richest Buddhist libraries in the world actively participating in one of the most intense, exciting and lasting enriching experience: a journey to the center of Self, the "elusive stranger",
Bodhyanga provide a vehicle for people of all origins,to visit and experience at leisure places where Buddhism has left its mark. Each guided tour of maximum fifteen participants, combines rambling through beautiful habitats surrounding the sites, joyful moments spent with fellow travelers sharing similar interests & exchanges with monks, masters, 'philosophers' and local people.
Accommodation will be in monasteries, small hotels, refuges or in guesthouses. Anyone is free to attend the daily meditation early morning and evening.
Leadership
What makes our journeys so unique is the important role of the course leader. He is a mature, experienced and responsible person, versed in all aspects of the Buddhist practice, culture and philosophy, with an in-depth knowledge of the area and the ability to provide special insight as he guides you safely into new horizons. It immeasurably adds to the success of each trip.
To travel with us on the Path of the Buddha is to make the deliberate choice to be the actor of your own journey, to resource yourself at the contact with nature and with authentic people.
Our trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who can accept and even relish the unpredictable nature of travel in sometimes remote areas. The most important requirements are a spirit of discovery and a positive attitude. This itinerary is not just for very young or athletic travellers. In fact, members on our trips range in age from 25 to 60 years.
One should keep in mind that the quest for authenticity means from time to time to adapt oneself with good humour to the local conditions, sometimes long journeys, different food, rustic accommodation and possible delays and contretemps, which prompt equally impatience and wonderful surprises and encounters. If to be the actor of one’s own journey means always to give a bit of oneself, it is not so much the sportive performance or a strong physical implication that is at stake, but one’s capacity to be open to the world, the others and oneself. Groups are limited to 15 participants. You will be among friends.
This formula confers a sense of conviviality to our trips. Typically about half of the group are couples or friends and the rest individuals travelling alone. Participants come from all walks of life.
India
Discovery 1
(Feb-April & Sept-Dec)
Delhi- Varanasi-Bodhgaya- Sarnath - Patna- Delhi (12 days)

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world believed to be founded 3000 years ago. At sunrise, we will take a rowing boat trip on the Gange, when thousands of pilgrims throng the water's edge, bathing, worshipping & meditating.

Bodh Gaya is the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. We'll enjoy three relaxing days with a full day with the monks at Mahabodhi Mahavihar Temple & free access to the Library.
It is in Sarnath that the Buddha gave is first
"Turning of the Wheel of Dharma". Shakyamuni walked from Bodhgaya to Sarnath in order to meet the five ascetics who had left him earlier. Coming to the Ganges, he crossed it in one step, where King Ashoka later made Pataliputra his capital city. He entered Benares early one morning, made his alms round, bathed, ate his meal and, leaving by the east gate of the city, walked northwards to Rishipatana Mrigadava, the rishi's Deer Park.

Then on to Rajgir & Saptparni, the cave where the first Buddhist council was held & to Nalanda, the site of the world's most ancient university. Delhi by air from Patna.
Sikkim
Discovery 2
(mid-April & Sept-Dec)
Delhi- Varanasi- Bodhgaya-Darjeeling-Gangtok-Delhi-20 davs

From Patna we take the train to Darjeeling, its bustling bazaars, tea plantations & monasteries. Half the fun is getting there the train loops and switchbacks its way from the plains up to the ancient Tibetan Kingdom of Sikkim. Discover the beauty of the landscape, dense forests & luxurious valleys, and one of the world's richest flora. You will be enchanted by the serene atmosphere of the large monasteries & sacred lakes. We will visit Dubde, Pemayangtse & Tashiding, three of the most ancient monasteries in the world. Darjeeling - Delhi by air.

Dehli -Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Patna + SIKKHIM + TREK
This programme operates in conjunction with 1 or 2.
It includes a six days trek in Sikkim.
Tibet
Discovery 3
Between mountain and water, between Ying and Yang. Since China is China, mountains are the domain of rebels and poets. On the path of Buddhism sites of exception emerge from forests, villages or the surface of lakes. This journey will take you to places of a strange empire indeed. From forbidden cities to monasteries and sacred mountains floats a mystery that must be shared.
Itinerary: Kunming - Emei Shan - Taers Monastery-18 days

Itinerary 2: Kunming – Lanzhou - Xining- Goldmund - Lhasa - 14 days by road

To the hidden kingdom in the heart of Asia, the roof of the world, the overland journey covers some 900 km, and goes through the highest city in the world and over the Tibetan Northern Grassland. Not only will we see some stunning sceneries, but we will be able to meet the Tibetan people, its customs and religious culture as rarely before.
No land has so captured man's imagination for its remote particularityand its almost mystical aura than Tibet.
email : info@bodhyanga.org
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