ITINERARY

Why do we fly into Bodhgaya?

Bodhgaya is where we want to start the journey to light the torch of our pilgrimage. Thanks to ever evolving travellers, now there is an international airport in Gaya. Our travel agent has advised it will be cheaper to fly directly to Gaya than to fly to another airport and transport there.

Are we going to high altitudes?

No, altitude sickness won’t be a concern.

TRAVEL

Do I have to book my own international flight?

Yes. If you would like to book as part of a group for convenience, please let the tour co-ordinator know.

What if I’m flying in from another country?

You are welcome to join from any part of the world, just let us know. You can join our pre-pilgrimage meetings by zoom.

Can I come earlier or stay longer?

Yes, but please check with the tour co-ordinator. Accommodation is only booked for the schedule so you will need to

arrange your own accommodation for any dates either side.

Can I come to part of the pilgrimage?

Yes but the cost is the same. Please contact the tour co-ordinator to arrange to meet with the group if you’re arriving

after day 1. You will need to find your way to our location on the itinerary.

Why is there so much travel on the roads?

To experience the landscapes of the holy state of Bihar and to keep the price affordable. But worry not, we will travel in comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus/es with ample rest time between drives.

Why are there several overnight train journeys rather than domestic flights?

There are several reasons why we are not flying domestically. Firstly to keep the cost down, secondly to avoid unnecessary delays due to morning fog, and thirdly there are baggage restrictions (you can only travel with 15kgs). Train travel eliminates these barriers.

THE EXPERIENCE

What is the experience of pilgrimage like?

It is a very enjoyable, well balanced and thoroughly nourishing experience that awakens the senses and natural instincts. The visual beauty and cultural richness of India can be fully appreciated with everything taken care of from

comfortable accommodation and transport to meals, activities and guided tours. There is safety and support in Rinpoche’s expert leadership and the group environment, with ample rest, leisure time, and flexibility in the schedule depending on the needs of the group. Sharing meals together and celebrating birthdays add an element of fun and connection. There

are daily opportunities for making offerings, practices and mantras, and Rinpoche leads beautiful meditations when the energy is right. He also shares his extensive knowledge of the sites, culture, history and of course profound Buddhist wisdom, providing the ideal conditions for appreciating the sacredness of the sites and absorbing the Buddha’s blessings.

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity you’ll be forever grateful for!

What are the Hotels like?

The Hotels are of the highest standard available with health, safety and hygiene in mind. Rinpoche takes special care with accommodation as he has very high standards and wants everyone to feel at home.

What are the bathrooms like?

90% are European style.

What is the food like?

Rinpoche also takes care to choose the highest quality food venues with health, safety and hygiene in mind. The food is mostly oriental with continental breakfasts in most hotels. There are options for everyone including those with food intolerances so please let us know if you have special dietary requirements. The food is not all spicy, but it is all delicious!

Note: you don’t have to be vegetarian.

What water can I drink?

Bottled water only. Please bring an empty water bottle and it can be filled with safe bottled drinking water.

What If I get sick?

We will care for each other, and doctors can be called to the hotels if necessary. It is essential to have Comprehensive Travel Insurance so ensure you have appropriate cover. If you have any existing health conditions, please let us know.

What if I want to go somewhere on my own?

You need to let Rinpoche know if you wish to go anywhere on your own. In most cases it is advisable to have at least one person with you. Going off on your own without letting Rinpoche know is a breach of our safety guidelines which are for everyone’s protection.

Can I go to a movie or venue in the evening?

Only if it has been arranged with Rinpoche for a group to go together.

Can I stay in the hotel for the day if I’m feeling exhausted or unwell?

Of course you can if you are unwell or exhausted, but please keep in mind that any extra expenses such as travelling out will be your responsibility.

COMMUNICATIONS

Will my mobile phone have coverage in India ?

Please contact your provider to arrange international roaming. We will use the Telegram app for communicating among the group.

Will I have access to the internet?

Wi-Fi will be available in most hotels. We recommend having some mobile data available for communication with the group at other times. Ask your provider about costs.

How do I communicate with the group?

Please download telegram onto your smartphone. This will be used for sharing practice books and communicating among the group when we are not all together to arrange meeting times and ensure everyone’s safety.

Can I celebrate my birthday if it is during the pilgrimage?

It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate your birthday in a holy land in the company of Rinpoche and comrades. Please let us know if you will be having a birthday and we will be pleased to celebrate with you!

FINANCES

How can I make payments in India?

In most places you can use a credit card but you will require some cash for lunches, tips etc. ATM’s are available in some places but withdrawals using your bank card can incur hefty service fees. It is recommended that you get a travel card from your bank so you can transfer funds into it and withdraw from ATM’s with minimum fees.

How do we tip drivers and porters?

Generally we pass around an envelope and you can tip whatever you want. It is helpful to have a stack of 100 and 200 rupee notes for tips.

How much money will I need?

We recommend $1000 to adequately cover meals that are not covered in the pilgrimage cost, drinks, tips etc. You may like to spend more on shopping. A stack of notes as above is also handy for afternoon chai, and some larger notes for meals.

OTHER

Can I shop without limits?

As long as you can carry your luggage and don’t exceed the limit on your international flight home. Nalandra will not cover the costs of extra baggage.

What practice booklets should I take?

If carrying a phone or ipad, all the practices you will need can be downloaded.

What offering gifts can we carry every day?

Pillar candles, Buddhist incense, fresh flowers if possible.

Who/what is my every day best friend?

Tour leader Comrades

Mala

ipad

Toilet paper

Money belt

Mobile phone

Passport

Sunscreen

Handy portable water bottle

Sunglasses

Sturdy comfortable footwear

What is the most indispensable items to carry with me?

Mobile phone, Passport and toilet paper. Keep them with you at all times.

What else should I know?

You should know that deviations from the itinerary apart from those mentioned above are not acceptable. Unexpected outings or travel are only permitted with Rinpoche’s guidance.

We should all be like a family, helping and supporting each other.

Please search the internet for general travel questions.

For questions specific to this pilgrimage, there will be meetings held in August 2025, and close to the commencement of the pilgrimage.