Economics of Happiness Pilgrimage

Basic Pilgrimage Itinerary

This pilgrimage will advocate and support the teachings of the EOH conference and also the global organiser of the event, Local Futures www.localfutures.org and the values of Gross National Happiness and www.grossnationalhappiness.com

The tour will be facilitated by Happy Spaces and partner organisations www.happyspaces.com.au and No Roads Expeditions www.noroads.com.au

In addition to the conference, trek and local experiences, the pilgrimage will be underpinned by a daily facilitated connection, mindfulness and wellbeing program.

Day 1: Arrive Leh

Meet at airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free for you to relax and acclimatise to the high altitude weather. Late afternoon there will be a gentle orientation walk of Leh and its local market.

Day 2 and 3: Economics of Happiness Conference

Experience the conference in the place where it was inspired. A series of talks, discussions and workshops as you prepare your mind, body and soul for the trek and journey you are about to embark on and the philosophy behind local social, ecological and economic wellbeing.

Day 4: Leh Festival and Cultural experiences

Ladakh comes alive during the Leh Ladakh festival, when people from different corners of Ladakh converge at one place to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. The celebration of Leh Ladakh Festival includes cultural dance, archery and polo by the villagers.

There will also be opportunities to visit a number of places of cultural importance. Shanti Stupa, built by Japanese monks, this Buddhist white shared dome holds the relics of Lord Buddha at its base. Also, visit Leh Palace, a nine-story palace built in 1553 from with beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains. Later proceed for a day excursion of Thikshay Monastery, located on top of the hill which resembles Potala Palace in Lhasa and houses a large statue of Buddha. Finally, visiting the Shey Palace, the monastery noted for its giant copper with a gilded gold statue of seated Shakyamuni Buddha.

Day 5: Trek to Rumbak

Drive to Zingchen via Spituk; Visit the Spituk Monastery, a beautiful monastery offering a commanding view of the Indus valley below and mountains around. After the visit continue to drive to Zingchen where trekking helpers and ponies are waiting. After loading up of baggage, trek following the Zingchen Nala till one reaches the campsite at Rumbak (3hrs trek).

Day 6: Trek to Yurutse

Camp Morning trek along the main trail. The landscape is barren and mountains brighten with a yellow glow and green pastures. Reach next campsite Yurutse (3 – 4hrs trek).

Day 7: Trek to Skiu

Ascend towards Ganda La (4900m). Later descend towards Shingo village, from where the trail leads into a narrow George leading towards Skiu (6 – 7hrs trek).

Day 8: Trek to Markha

A long but easy walk along the valley towards next campsite Markha Village (5 – 6hrs trek).

Day 9: Trek to Thachungste

Visit the Markha Monastery. Later start towards next campsite through Chamcham Valley. En-route visit Umlung Gompa, an important monastery in this valley and affiliated to Hemis Monastery. Reach Hankar village from where the trail follows the Nimaling stream till Thachungste (6 – 7hrs trek).

Day 10: Trek to Nimaling

A a short walk to next campsite Nimaling taking in the incredible views of Kang Yatze Peak (3 – 4hrs trek).

Day 11:  Trek to Shang Sumdo

Ascend a long and steep trail to Kongmaru La (5200m). After the pass there is a steep descent followed by a gradual descend towards next campsite of Shang Sumdo (7 – 8hrs trek).

Day 12: Trek to Hemis

Drive to Leh BD Singge Palace Morning descend towards Hemis Monastery – the largest and wealthiest monastery of Ladakh belonging to Drukpa Lineage. After the visit drive to Leh and check into the hotel.

Day 13: Departure

Transfer to airport for flight home.

Inclusions

• Two-week journey through Ladakh with experienced guides
• Facilitated connection, mindfulness and wellbeing program
• Economics of Happiness Conference Tickets (2 days)
• 8 day moderate trek (some sections categorised as challenging, altitude up to 5200m)
• Daily Connection, Mindfulness and Wellbeing program
• Local experiences and activities
• 4 Nights Hotel accommodation including breakfast & dinner in hotels mentioned or similar as per Indian standards
• 7 Nights/ 8Days Camping (On TWIN sharing basis) and option for home stays, includes all trekking arrangements on full board with local trekking guide, camping equipment, full kitchen gear, camping staff, camping charges and support transportation as per the itinerary
• All monument entrances as per the sightseeing mentioned in the above itinerary
• KVT Escort expenses, including wages, accommodation, meals, transpiration, except for any internal flight ticket
• Local English speaking guide for city tour as per the sightseeing mentioned in the above itinerary
• Transportation at Ladakh by Non-Air conditioned SUV vehicle with driver, fuel and road taxes for the whole trip including; journey, sightseeing and arrival/departure transfers as per the itinerary
• Transportation at Delhi by Air Conditioned SUV / Tempo Traveller / Coach (based on group strength) with driver for arrival/departure transfers as per the itinerary
• Donation to Local Futures

Exclusions

• Any International or Domestic flights
• Tips for local staff, guide, soft or alcoholic drinks, excluded food – other than mentioned, Laundry, camera fees, travel Insurance covering emergency evacuations due to sickness, natural disaster or any other health problems
• Any Meal (Lunches/Dinners) except when mentioned above
• Expenses of personal nature
• Anything which is not included in the clause “Package Cost Includes”