Himalayas

Before you are too weak or too old, you must meet and merge with the beloved Himalayas. - Sadhguru
 

Himalayas

Overview
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About Himalayas
 
The word "Hima" in Sanskrit means "snow" and the word, "alaya" means "abode". But the mighty mountain ranges of the Himalayas are more than just an abode of snow. They are Mother Nature’s biggest miracle. The Himalayas are the roof of the world, overwhelming us with their sheer magnificence and size and humbling us by giving us a true perspective of how small and insignificant we humans are. Home to eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, with Mount Everest being the highest, the Himalayas are revered the world over. While adventurers look at the Himalayas as a constant challenge that helps them discover their inner strength, for those on a quest for beauty, these mountain ranges offer the most virgin, pristine and stunning landscapes ever known to man. But for individuals on a spiritual journey, the Himalayas are the ultimate destination.
These ancient mountains are considered the abode of the gods and the spiritual center of the world. Hundreds of temples and shrines dot the Himalayan foothills even as the mist-shrouded snow-capped peaks have given birth to many mythological stories and legends that form the backbone of India's many cultures and religions. In fact, a trip to the Himalayas is considered to be the ultimate pilgrimage in South-East Asia.
Himalayan Sacred Walks, a program by Isha Sacred Walks, offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on this journey to the beautiful temples and sacred spaces of the Himalayas. Here are seven reasons why you should not miss the chance to be a part of the Himalayan experience.
  • According to Hinduism, the Himalayas are the abode of Shiva. They are home to India’s most significant spiritual spaces like Kailash Manasarovar, Amarnath, Vaishno Devi Temple, the Char Dhams – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri – as well as many beautiful monasteries and Buddhist gompas.
  • The Himalayas are also known as Giriraj or the "King of Mountains", which is a deity by itself in the Hindu pantheon. The Himalayas have also been personified as the god Himavat, the "God of Snow", who is the father of Ganga, Saraswati and Parvati.
  • The mystical, enchanting Himalayan mountains are a treat for your senses. View some of the most breathtaking panoramas on Earth, enjoy the crisp mountain air on your skin, listen to the chants of devotees along with the songs of the wind and smell the wondrous fragrance of the mountain trees and flowers.
  • The Himalayas are the source of the Indus Basin, the Yangtze Basin and the Ganga-Brahmaptura, which are three of the world's primary river systems.
  • Geologists have performed tests over years to prove that the Himalayas, covering an area of 612,021 sq. kms, across six countries — Bhutan, India, Nepal, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan — are geologically alive. This mammoth mountain range is said to be moving approximately 20mm every year! The Himalayas have always been the source of immense peace, tranquility and enlightenment for countless sages, yogis and spiritual gurus including Adi Sankaracharya, Guru Gobind Singh, Vivekananda and many others. Sadhguru always felt a deep affinity for these sacred mountains as well. Every year, devotees undertake the holy trek in spite of all the challenges they face due to extreme geographical and weather conditions. This is the beauty of this sacred space.
For all these reasons and more, a trip to the Himalayas with the Himalayan Sacred Walks is an intense spiritual experience, complete with the inclusion of meditation sessions, satsangs, spiritual discourses and much more. The 10-day trip will take you through Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gangotri, Guptakashi, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Himalayan Sacred Walks offers you the opportunity to soak in the sacred energies of these enchanting and majestic mountains and come back deeply transformed.
With our team of highly skilled, trained and dedicated teachers and volunteers ever ready to help you with every step you take on this memorable journey, you will be enveloped in a sense of endless energy, tranquility and oneness.
Come be a part of this beautiful and enlightening journey with us.
Dates & Registration

Dates / Registration

Group Arrive/Depart at New Delhi Communication Language Registration Status
A1 (Overseas)

17th Sep to 27th Sep, 2017

 English CLOSED
B1 (Overseas)

18th Sep to 28th Sep, 2017

 English CLOSED
A1 (India)

17th Sep to 27th Sep, 2017

 English CLOSED
B1 (India)

18th Sep to 28th Sep, 2017

 English CLOSED
A3 (India)

17th Sep to 27th Sep, 2017

 Tamil CLOSED
A2 (India)

Arr/Dep at Chennai / Vijayawada
15th Sep to 29th Sep, 2017
(3rd A/C train travel)

 Tamil CLOSED
  • The given dates are to and from New Delhi, India
  • Registration closes on 15th Aug 2017. However, if all places are filled, registration may close earlier.

Participants are required to be at one of these two meeting points:

  • New Delhi Railway Station – 8:00 am on the first day of the program
  • OR
  • New Delhi (Indira Gandhi) Airport – (Terminal 1 Arrivals-C Gate-5) by 09:00 am on the first day of the program. Please meet us outside the gates of this arrivals terminal.

Please Note:

  • The shuttle from Terminal 3 will take approximately 30 minutes to reach Terminal 1C.
  • Please plan your arrival time accordingly so you can be outside Terminal 1C by 9am.
  • Terminal 3 is for International Arrivals and some Domestic flights arrive here as well.
Registration Process
  1. When you are ready to register, please submit the Application Form here or feel free to contact us, so we can further assist you with your registration
  2. Applications are processed on a first-come-first-served basis
  3. We will send you a confirmation of your registration within two weeks of receiving your registration form, required documents and medical reports

Isha maintains the right to accept or reject any application without providing an explanation.

Program Itinerary
 
Program Itinerary
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Day
1
Haridwar

Travel from New Delhi to Haridwar, one of the most sacred cities in India.

Day
2
Uttarkashi

Enjoy the beautiful vistas that unfold while driving to Uttarkashi. Visit the powerful, two-thousand-year-old Kashi Vishwanath temple in the evening.

Day
3
Gangotri

Visit the Gangotri temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Have a dip in Bhagirathi and meditate at the banks of this sacred river. Overnight at Uttarkashi.

Day
4
Pipalkoti

Stopover at Pipalkoti for overnight stay.

Day
5
Badrinath

Badrinath is known for its ancient Vishnu temple and for its natural hot springs. Visit the Badrinath temple, Vyasa cave, Bheempul and Mana – the last Indian village near the Indo-Chinese border. A satsang and meditation will follow in the evening.

Have a glimpse of Karnaprayag, Vishnuprayag and Nandaprayag, while travelling to Badrinath. Karnaprayag marks the confluence of the Alakananda and Pindar rivers. It is here that Karna is said to have propitiated Surya to acquire an impregnable shield for battle. Vishnuprayag is the confluence of Alakananda and Dhauliganga rivers, where Vishnu appeared to sage Narada. At Nandaprayag, Krishna’s father Nanda, is supposed to have conducted a great sacrifice, where the Alakananda and Nandakini rivers come together.

Day
6
Guptakashi

Known as the "secret Kashi", it is famous for the ancient Vishwanath Temple said to have been consecrated by the legendary sage Agastya himself. Along the way, have a glimpse of Rudraprayag, a confluence of Alakananda and Mandakini rivers. According to legend, Shiva appeared here as Rudra to sage Narada who was in an intense state of meditation.

Day
7
Kedarnath

Trek to the ancient and powerful Kedarnath temple, site of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where the group will take part in meditation and have a satsang explaining about the significance of the place.

Day
8
Guptakashi

Return from Kedarnath. A satsang and meditation will be conducted here.

Day
9
Haridwar / Rishikesh

On the way back, visit Devprayag – meaning “holy confluence” – which marks the place where the Alakananda merges with the river Bhagirathi, giving birth to the Ganga. Participate in the evening arati at the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh – the Gateway to the Himalayas.

Day
10
Haridwar

The day is free to explore the city on your own.

Day
11
New Delhi

Return to New Delhi around 6 pm.

Participants are required to be at one of these two meeting points:

  • New Delhi Railway Station – 8:00 am on the first day of the program OR
  • New Delhi (Indira Gandhi) Airport – Terminal 1 Arrivals-C Gate 5 by 09:00 am on the first day of the program. Please meet us outside the gates of the arrivals terminal.

Please Note:

The shuttle from Terminal 3 will take approximately 30 minutes to reach Terminal 1C.

Please plan your arrival time accordingly, so you can be outside Terminal 1C by 9am.

*Terminal 3 is for International Arrivals and some Domestic flights arrive here as well.

Conveniences Offered
 
Conveniences Offered
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Comfortable accommodation, wholesome vegetarian food and mineral water, and the entrance fee for all places on the itinerary, will be provided throughout the trip.

The entire sojourn is conducted and managed by a dedicated Isha team, which includes a qualified and well-equipped doctor who will accompany the group throughout the journey. Isha will also arrange for train travel to New Delhi from Chennai, Vijayawada and back, and deluxe bus travel from New Delhi to the Himalayas and back.

To make it possible for you to take this mystical journey back home, Isha offers a collection of high-resolution photos after the sojourn.

Note: Please plan for costs towards pony/porter or helicopter service if needed during the trek, personal expenses and other expenditures not mentioned here.

Since train ticket reservation starts 120 days before the journey, interested participants are requested to register at the earliest to ensure a confirmed train ticket from your desired destination.

Prerequisites
 
Prerequisites
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Isha Yoga Program

It is necessary to have completed an Isha Yoga program (either Shambhavi Mahamudra, Shakti Chalana Kriya or Isha Kriya with Inner Engineering Online).

Medical

 Be physically and mentally fit.

Please note that this trek is not advised for pregnant women and those suffering from chronic health problems like epilepsy, heart ailments, uncontrolled BP, diabetes, asthma, psychological problems, physical disabilities and obesity.

Program Guide
 
Program Guide
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Preparation

  • Please carry a valid government photo ID card (Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, Pan Card etc.) as it may be required while travelling in the train or at the hotel.

  • Smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited for the entire duration of the program.

 

The journey involves trekking to an altitude of 13,000 feet, over distances of up to 17 kilometers at a stretch. To make the most of Himalayan Sacred Walks, we strongly recommend that you start an exercise regime at least a month prior to the trip which includes:

  • Daily brisk walking or jogging for 5 km.

  • Isha meditators are advised to do their daily practices.

Physical and mental fitness is required, since at times participants may face difficulties due to limited facilities and extreme weather conditions. Horses are available for hire during the trek to Kedarnath and can serve as a welcome assistant either for carrying baggage or an extremely weary participant. Helicopter services to Kedarnath are available subject to weather conditions; interested participants can make use of this service.

Packing

As we will be traveling by bus, it is advisable to pack as light as possible. A trekking bag with waterproof cover is needed for the treks and also to carry the daily luggage and frequently used items inside the bus. The rest of the items can be packed in a suitcase or a handbag. Due to the confines of space, it is necessary to keep luggage on the bus roof; therefore it is advisable to bring bags that are rain resistant and durable.

We recommend the following items:

  • Rain-proof jacket with hood and pant – 1 each
  • Overcoat / Jacket – 1
  • Warm T-shirts / sweatshirts and pants – 2 each
  • Regular clothing (please avoid saris / dhotis) – 6 sets
  • Sweater and shawl – 1 each
  • Thermal innerwear – 2 pairs
  • Wide rim hat – 1
  • Woolen cap and scarf – 1 each
  • Water-proof / resistant trekking shoes with a good tread / grip– 1 pair (e.g. Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc.)
  • Woolen gloves – 1 pair
  • Woolen socks – 2 pairs
  • Cotton socks – 2 pairs
  • Camera (optional). Please note that video cameras are not permitted.

Other essential items:

  • Personal clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Inflatable pillow
  • Small flask
  • Sunscreen lotion (50 SPF or more)
  • General footwear
  • Towels
  • Regular prescribed medicines
  
  • Toilet tissues
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Powerful flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Extra large plastic garbage bags – 4 / 5 (to protect your clothes from moisture)
Communication

BSNL and Airtel cell phones work fairly well in the Himalayan region.

Weather

Weather conditions from May to September can be expected to be dry and sunny, with precipitation in July and August. Daytime temperatures can be as high as 20 to 25 degrees centigrade. Night-time temperatures can drop as low as 0 to -5° Celsius.

Contact Us
 
Contact Us
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"Isha Sacred Walks"
Thannerpandal, Velliangiri Foot Hills,
Ishana Vihar Post,
Coimbatore – 641 114
Tamil Nadu, India
Overseas Registration Contact:

USA and CANADA

 

+1 612-562-9330
usa@sacredwalks.org

 

UK and EUROPE

 

+44 7920 774615 (7pm-10pm UK time)
uk@sacredwalks.org

 

SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA and AUSTRALIA

 

+65 9062 2704
sg@sacredwalks.org

 

MIDDLE EAST

 

+961 3972159
lb@sacredwalks.org

 

India Registration Contact:

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Kerala

 

+91 9488 111 333
tn@sacredwalks.org

 

Andhrapradesh/Telangana

 

+91 8885 000 333
hyd@sacredwalks.org

 

Rest of India

 

+91 9488 111 555 / +91 9488 123 555
india@sacredwalks.org

 

FAQs
 
Frequently Asked Questions
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  • Attending the Inner Engineering program (Full course with initiation into Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya) and also attending 1 Isha Hatha Yoga program (e.g. Surya Kriya, Angamardana, Surya Shakti, Yogasanas) is mandatory to participate in the training program. Also it is essential that you be in good mental, emotional and physical health due to the rigorous nature of the schedule and activity.
  • Participating in advanced Isha foundation programs (BSP, Shoonya) is highly recommended. These simple but powerful energy processes for inner transformation will greatly enhance your experience of the training.

For certified teachers, continuous post-training support will be provided by Isha on various levels. Ongoing support after the program includes:

  • Regular Upgrade Sessions to continue the teacher training process by introducing new practices, modules, learning modifications for existing practices, and more. It is also an opportunity to meet with training teachers and teachers from other batches, share your experience and get your questions answered.
  • An alumni support system to address questions, notify about upgrade sessions and events, job opportunities, share monthly newsletter and videos/ content will be available as well as an interactive community forum to stay connected with fellow teachers.
  • Foundation support (subject to terms and conditions) is also available to help with:
    • Getting in touch with local center to get started with the teaching process
    • Getting in touch with alumni from previous programs
    • Organizing classes, class material and volunteer support
    • Help with marketing activity to promote your classes

 

  • The Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program has been designed by Sadhguru to train and equip participants to become teachers and offer the possibility of Classical Hatha Yoga to the world.
  • It is a Teacher’s Training program and therefore only candidates who sincerely wish to teach will be accepted. The program is very intense in nature and will require absolute focus and commitment.

There could be expenses, if you choose to hire a pony or a porter during the trek.

You may be required to travel for a 5 hr – 8 hr stretch.

Pay phones are available almost everywhere. BSNL and Airtel cell phones work fairly well in the Himalayan region.

Although home to many scenic and tourist places where there has been a lot of development, the places of pilgrimage still remain very basic in terms of conveniences. Therefore, the quality of accommodation can be very basic and it may be necessary at times to share a room with a few others.

Yes. You are required to trek through high altitude regions. In such places, air pressure and density is decreased compared to mean sea level and people may suffer from hypoxia (oxygen deficiency). Participants hence need to be screened thoroughly before they are exposed to high altitudes.

Yes, it is necessary to undergo medical examination every time before going to a high altitude region.

By undergoing all the medical tests mentioned in the medical form and consulting your physician about your fitness to travel to a high altitude of 19,000 feet and above.

Yes, you are advised to take sufficient stock of medicines to last the entire duration of the trip.

A qualified and well-equipped doctor specially trained to handle high-altitude sickness and other conditions that may arise, will accompany you throughout the program.

Warm clothing such as thermal wears, gloves, woolen socks, etc are available in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, etc. For shoes, any brand such as Nike, Adidas or Reebok offers good water-resistant shoes and are available in almost all cities and towns.

You can either submit the form online or a registration form can be sent to you on request. You are also required to send us three copies of your passport (front and back pages with all relevant personal and passport details) along with four passport size photos. A passport scan via email is also accepted. A medical form is attached with the registration form with necessary instructions. This should be signed by a registered medical practitioner.

  • Incomplete address
  • Illegible email id and Phone no.
  • Clerical error while filling in the passport details
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