JOURNEY’S COST

Please read the following information carefully.

AU$ 3500 Per person Flat package Twin Share. (Accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Pilgrims can advise a preferred room mate or we can arrange for you to share accommodation with a fellow pilgrim of the same gender)

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: AU$800 extra (Total $4300). (Single supplement will be available to guarantee your own room)

A deposit of at least AU$1500 is required by END OF APRIL 2025 to secure your place on the pilgrimage. You are welcome to pay more for the deposit, and to make instalments thereafter for your convenience. The remaining full amount needs to be paid by mid SEPTEMBER.

If paying the minimum $1500 deposit, the following amount will be due by mid September:

Twin share: $2000

Single: $2800

Those who pay the $1500 deposit on time are eligible to claim a 10% discount on the flat package (save $350) if you bring a friend, spouse or relative. You can claim a further 5% for each additional person you bring (save a further $175 per person). This is subject to Rinpoche’s approval and you will need to take responsibility for the social behaviour of any people you bring. Please let us know if you would like to bring a high-school aged dependant and we can discuss a further discount. If you are claiming a discount for bringing friend/s, our treasurer will advise you of the balance due by mid September.

Bank transfer Name: Nalandra BSB: 633 000

Account number: 205801756 Please use Pilgrimage as reference.

Cash or card – Please pay at Nalandra (Credit Card surcharge applicable)

FLIGHTS

The cost of international flights are not included in the price. Prices are typically lowest three months before travel, so we recommend booking your flights in August.

FLY IN to GAYA (Thai Airways recommended; Depart Melbourne 13 November, arrive Gaya 14 November)

FLY OUT from BANGALORE (AKA Bengaluru; 4 December)

If you are flying from Melbourne we can arrange it for you. Thai Airways has two outbound flights, we recommend the 12:30am flight which is cheaper.

If flying from elsewhere please ensure you fly in to Gaya, arriving on 14 November. Our travel agent has advised to fly directly to Gaya, as it will be more costly to fly into Delhi, Calcuttta or Nepal and transport to Gaya.

If you would like to extend your stay in Bangalore after 21 days, you will be responsible for your own costs.

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Comfortable mid-range hotel or guest house accommodation as available, on a twin share basis,

days 1-16. Single room days 17-21 in Bangalore complimentary

• All breakfasts up to day 21, plus one main meal In Bodhgaya

• Airport transfers

• All transportations by A/C Mini Bus/ Tempo Traveller/Hiace

• Train travel

• All sightseeing as in the program

• English speaking guide during sightseeing

PRICE EXCLUDES:

• International Airfares to Gaya and from Bangalore

• Meals, refreshments and bottled water not listed above

• Visa to India

• Any additional sightseeing, taxis or activities not listed above

• Tips, donations etc.

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls or local sims, etc.

• Travel insurance

• A money belt

Travel Insurance:

Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants.

Please advise your insuring company and policy number at least one month before departure. If you have to leave the pilgrimage for any reason once it is under way, you will need the insurance to help cover the costs of late cancellation and any additional personal expenses or travel.

Visas:

Visas to India need to be obtained from the India Passport and Visa Service in advance of arrival. They usually take at least one week from the date of application and can be applied for in person or online. Cost for a 6 month tourist visa is AU$75 + fees and charges. Please note that the photos required for Indian visas are a different size from regular passport

Apply online here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia/visa_services/index.html

The Melbourne consulate is at 28-32 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000.

The Fine Print:

Nalandra is not a travel agency. By making your deposit and committing to this pilgrimage, you are accepting that you will be travelling in a group of friends of Zim’og Rinpoche – the usual expectations that apply to tour operators will not necessarily apply.The itinerary, dates, costs etc are fixed, and changes will not be made unless required by extenuating circumstances (given uncertainty in the world political environment).

Further Information and Registration:

For all enquiries and to register your intention, please contact us by phone +61 416 084 593 (Michelle) or email: admin@nalandra.com. A telegram group will be created soon for all participants.

If the pilgrimage is cancelled by Nalandra, your payments will be returned to you in full. If you need to cancel after a week of the first advised deposit date your payments to Nalandra will be refunded in full. If you cancel in a month after the deposit date, your payments will be refunded less $500 admin fee and any hotel and train reservations.

After three months any refund will be subject to costs, penalties or other charges by the travel agent in India or by Nalandra in respect of this pilgrimage. We recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any losses incurred due to late cancellation.

Information needed!

• Next of Kin Emergency Contacts in Australia, USA or your home country.

• Copy of Current Passport (Minimum 6 months to expiry date)

• Twin Share or Single Room Accommodation requirement & Dietary requirements.

• Travel and Health Insurance policy.

Note: There are no discounts for a shorter pilgrimage, eg. if joining half way through.

HEALTH

People who travel on the pilgrimage are responsible for their own health. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician if such trip is suitable for you. In general, a fair amount of walking is required. At certain places, you may need to take a short hike uphill. Medical treatment in India is inexpensive by European or North American standards. Most hotels will have a doctor on call. It’s your responsibility to buy your travel insurance. Please consider purchasing travel insurance, and medical insurance before leaving on the pilgrimage. We will do our best to inform you and protect your interest on the pilgrimage. This information package is part of such effort.