Sept. 18-20: Bangkok:
Time to begin exploring this great Asian capital, including such sites as the Grand Palace, the floating markets, and the National Museum.
On the evening of Sept. 20, the team will board an overnight train heading north to Chiang Mai.
Sept. 21-22: Chiang Mai:
Time to explore the endless temples, and bustling markets of Thailand’s large northern capital city.
On Sept. 22, travel by bus to village home stay.
Sept. 22-29: Village Home stay:
For one week the team will live in homes with Thai families in a small village about two hours outside of Chiang Mai. They will learn about local life by living it themselves. Days will be split up into three sections. Early mornings will be spent helping families with household work and chores, and possibly work in the fields or forest. Late mornings will be spent attending workshops on local culture and sustainable living techniques, including organic food production, and natural building. Late afternoons the team will be getting involved with the local community and will also have the chance to attend classes on different aspects of Thai culture.
On the morning of Sept. 29, the team will depart the village and travel north by truck and bus to Chiang Rai.
Sept. 29 to Oct. 7: Trek in Northern Mountains:
The team will trek for four days through the Northern hills outside of Chiang Rai. Along the way they will stay overnight with host families in tribal villages. On the last day they will return to Chiang Rai and have the opportunity to explore the city's night markets.
On Oct. 7, the team will travel by bus from Chiang Rai back to Chiang Mai and then will take an overnight train from Chiang Mai to Ayuthaya.
Oct. 8-9: Ayuthaya:
On bicycle, the group will explore the spectacular remains of this ancient Thai capital city.
Overnight train on Oct. 9 from Ayuthaya to the southern islands.
Oct. 10-14: Southern Islands
Time to explore and enjoy spectacular beaches, crystal waters, and abundant underwater wildlife for which Thailand is renowned.
Oct. 15-16: Bangkok:
Time for final exploration of Bangkok. Thailand wrap-up, and preparation to move on to India.
Oct. 16: Flight to India:
The team will fly together from Bangkok to Delhi, India.
*Flight details will be provided at a later date.
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India (October 16 to November 21): |
Oct. 16-18: Delhi:
Time to explore India's bustling capital city, including sites such as Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) a local Sikh temple, Raj Ghat, the Gandhi museum, and city markets.
Travel by bus from Delhi to Agra on Oct. 18.
Oct. 18-19: Agra:
Visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Free time.
Travel by bus from Agra to Jaipur on Oct. 19.
Oct. 19-24: Jaipur:
For five days the team will live with host families in this colorful, culturally rich, bustling capital city of Rajasthan. Here, they will begin getting intimately acquainted with Indian life. Each day will start with a yoga class, followed by survival Hindi language lessons. Days will be rounded out with various excursions within the city, visits to local sites, and introductory talks and workshops on various aspects of India’s culture and history.
Travel by overnight train on Oct. 24 from Jaipur south to Udaipur.
Oct. 25-26: Udaipur:
The team will have a day and a half to explore one of India’s most colorful and romantic cities. They will tour the twisting streets of the old city, Monsoon Palace, and Fateh Sagar Lake, and will attend a workshop on Batik art.
There will also be a visit to a local NGO, and an introductory talk on development issues in local "Adivasi" communities, in preparation for the group’s time in Jhadol.
Travel about two hours by bus from Udaipur to the village of Jhadol on the afternoon of Oct. 26.
Oct. 26- Nov. 2: Jhadol:
During this week the team will live with host families in the small rural village of Jhadol near Udaipur. While learning about village life, by living it themselves, team members will also volunteer to help on community projects. The team will be helping with the ongoing construction of a local school. They will also be teaching and running activities with children at local schools. Some time will also be spent helping families with household chores and with work in the fields.
On Nov. 2, the team will return by bus to Udaipur.
Nov. 2-3: Udaipur:
Free time to continue exploring Udaipur. Reflection on this section of the Indian experience.
Depart Udaipur on the night of Nov. 3 on an overnight train to Delhi, and continuing north to Amritsar.
Nov. 4-6: Amritsar:
For two nights, the team will live with other "pilgrims" in residence at the Golden Temple. While staying here, they will tour and learn about this holiest of sites for the Sikh faith. They will also have the opportunity to attend an India-Pakistan border ceremony.
Travel by bus north from Amritsar to Dharamsala on Nov. 6.
Nov. 6-20: Dharamsala:
This small town, tucked in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains of northwestern India is home to the Tibetan government in exile and a very large population of Tibetan refugees, including their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
During this nearly two week time period the team will split up and live in separate homes with Tibetan families. Days will be spent working on a variety of community service projects within the Tibetan community and also taking part in set activities to enhance their understanding of Tibetan culture, history and contemporary issues. Those who chose to may also attend an introductory meditation course/retreat practiced in the Tibetan tradition. The team will also do a day hike in the Himalayan foothills above Dharamsala.
Overnight train returning to Delhi on Nov. 20.
Nov. 21: Delhi:
India wrap-up. Fly from Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal. *Flight details will be provided at a later date.
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