Breathe Yoga of Los Gatos Yoga and Trekking in Nepal Itinerary

April 18 or 19

Depart for Kathmandu

April 20 Arrive in Delhi for those wanting to visit the Taj Mahal and Delhi April 21 Optional Day Trip to Taj Mahal*

Optional Day Tour of Delhi (Possibilities include: Humayun’s Tomb and Gardens; Bangla Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh); ISKCON Temple (Krishna); Laxminarayan Temple) Delhi sights may include Humayan’s Tomb and the shrine of Nizam-ud-din. Humayan’s tomb is one of the oldest examples of Moghul architecture. It is a tranquil precursor to the Taj Mahal and is a World Heritage Site. The buildings are surrounded by tranquil gardens. The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the largest Sikh temple in Delhi. It is a large complex with a golden temple, a large pond with healing waters, kitchens and eating halls. ISKCON is a magnificent temple devoted to Krishna. It is a busy temple with music, pujas and many shrines. Laxminarayan Temple is a delightful, new Hindu temple which is spread over seven acres, and has many shrines, carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology, fountains, gardens and art shop. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humayun's_Tomb http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurudwara_Bangla_Sahib http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxminarayan_Temple http://www.iskcondelhi.com/ _________ *The day trip to the Taj Mahal is a supplemental cost of $230.

April 22 Travel- Delhi to Kathmandu

(Approximately 1 hour flight) April 22 Arrive in Kathmandu

April 22 Kathmandu (Half day tour)

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Swayambuhnath is the oldest Buddhist complex in Nepal. It is known as the “Monkey Temple” because there is a large band of monkeys who guard the hills and will amuse us with their playful tricks. The temple is on a hilltop and offers sweeping views of Kathmandu and the valley below. We will explore the temples and be enchanted with incense, prayers and ringing bells. Asan Tole Asan Tole is one of the busiest squares in Kathmandu. Every day produce is carried to this popular marketplace from all over the valley and locals worship in the three-story Annapurna Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of abundance. We will watch devotees walk around the shrine, touching coins to their heads, throwing them into the temple and ringing the bells. Nearby is a Ganesh shrine covered in tiles and the Yita Chapal (Southern Pavilion) which was once used for festival dances. Cat Stevens wrote his hippie-era song Kathmandu in a smoky teahouse in Asan Tole. The square also has spice shops and a small shrine devoted to Vishnu. We will have dinner at the famous Rum Doodle and enjoy its walls covered with 20 years of mountain climber’s “footprints.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swayambhunath http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/kathmandu/sights/square-plaza/asan-tole#ixzz2cFcKESIA

April 23 Kathmandu

Bodhnath Stupa Bodhnath is one of the largest stupas in the world and is the center of religious life of Nepal’s Tibetan population. It is on the ancient trade route from Tibet into Nepal and the first structures were built around AD 600. Its side streets are full of Tibetan monks, rituals, prayer flags and many shops selling thanka paintings, Tibetan texts and yak butter tea. We will see many devotees praying, whirling prayer wheels and walking around the main stupa. We will be welcome to join them. We will take our time because there is much to see. There are many galleries selling thanka paintings and other arts. Durbar Square In Durbar square we will find many palaces, ancient temple complexes,

courtyards and markets selling produce and crafts. We will stroll down Freak Street which was the most famous street in Kathmandu during the 1960’s when hippies traveled to Nepal for enlightenment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudhanath_Stupa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu_Durbar_Square

April 24 Kathmandu-Patan (60 minute car trip) We will take an hour car drive to the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley and spend the morning exploring Patan. The Morning in Patan: Patan is the second largest town in the Kathmandu Valley and is a World Heritage Site. Its Sanskrit name means “City of Beauty.” It is full of temples and medieval architecture. It has over 600 stupas and 185 courtyards with fascinating side streets to explore. It has many water tanks and is fun to watch local life around the water. We will explore the Machhendranath Temple which is guarded by lions and mysterious yeti creatures. We will visit the Golden Temple which is a Buddhist monastery founded in the 11th Century. It has Tibetan frescoes and mandalas. Durbar square features the royal palace and has the most stunning collection of Newari architecture in all of Nepal. The Afternoon in Katmandu: Thamel Distict Thanel is a huge outdoor shopping district with arts, crafts, clothes, trekking and mountaineering gear. It has many small temples, restaurants, fascinating side streets and is a packed with sights and activity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patan,_Nepal

April 25 Kathmandu-Bhaktapur (90 minute car trip)

The Morning in Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur means “City of Rice” and is the third largest town in the Kathmandu Valley. It is an ancient town and features the Nyatapola Temple which is the highest temple in Nepal and an important example of Newari temple architecture. It is traffic free and we will wander through its cobblestone streets and explore temples, courtyards, huge squares, shrines and water tanks. It has lots of potters, woodcarvers and weavers and many fascinating shops and cafes. There are art schools which sell fine paintings and thankas. The entire town is a World Heritage Site.

The Afternoon in Kathmandu: Nasal Chowk (square and temple complex) Nasal Chowk is a major courtyard in Kathmandu that was used for dances performed for the royals. It features a dancing Krishna. Many of its buildings are used for coronations and has an important shrine to Vishnu in his man-lion manifestation shown killing a demon. We will visit the Hanuman Pagoda which has five circular roofs and is devoted to Hanuman. Time permitting we will visit Itum Bahal and Seto Machhendranath Temple (both beautiful temples and courtyards). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaktapur http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/kathmandu/sights/temple/seto-machhendranath-temple http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/kathmandu/sights/courtyard/itum-bahal

April 26 Kathmandu-Nagarkot (A four hour trek from Kathmandu to Nagarkot)

We will trek from Kathmandu to Nagarkot where we will reach our highest elevation on the trip-7084 feet (slightly higher than Santa Fe). At Nagarkot we will see expansive views of the Himalayas and the early risers will be rewarded with sunrise views of the mountains. We will have the opportunity to take a day trek from this tranquil village. Changu Narayan Village Changu Narayan Temple Changu Narayan Temple temple was built around 400 AD and is a World Heritage Site. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is considered an exceptionally beautiful temple. The complex has many sculptures and images within a large courtyard. It has carved images some of which are 1500 years old and is a World Hertiage Site. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/around-the-kathmandu-valley/changu-narayan-temple

April 27 Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (A five hour trek to Dhulikhel) From Nagarkot we will trek about five hours to Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel is a Newari town with great views of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks. We will have lots of opportunities to trek and explore the town. There are several

hilltop temples that we can climb and enjoy magnificent views. Time permitting, we may trek to the ancient Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery in Namo Buddha. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhulikhel

April 28 Day Two in Dhulikhel

April 29 Dhulikhel to Kathmandu (Drive about 25 miles) and Fly to Pokhara Pokhara is on the famous Annapurna Circuit trek and provides access to many treks in the Annapurna Range. It is a spectacular town with the perfect pyramid of Mt. Machhapuchhare towering over the town and reflected in the beautiful Phewa Tal-the second largest lake in Nepal. We view Annapurna I, II, III, and IV. We will explore the many monasteries, temples, museums, caves, waterfalls, gorges, and villages in the surrounding hills. Those of us interested in mountaineering may visit the new International Mountain Museum. Others may visit the Tamu Kohibo Museum devoted to the Tamu-the indigenous people of Pokhara Valley. There are many arts and crafts shops to explore. Other options are paragliding, zip lining, kayaking and trekking. Walking or cycling around the lake is also a possibility! Time permitting, we may visit Tashi Palkhel which is a large Tibetan settlement just north of Pokhara. http://wikitravel.org/en/Pokhara

April 30 Day Two in Pokhara

May 1

Pokura to Lumbini ( Seven hour car drive) Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and is one of the most important religious sites in the world. We will visit the Maya Devi Temple which is on the spot where Buddha was born and the many ancient stupas and monasteries that surround the temple. We will also see the Ashokan Pillar built in 249 BC and the World Peace Pagoda. For bird lovers, we may visit the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary. (Birthplace of Buddha)

May 2 Lumbini to Kathmandu (Fly about 40 minutes)

After we return to Kathmandu, we will have more opportunities to visit the endless Thamel District for more shopping or explore the many temples, squares and marketplaces of this fascinating city.

May 3 Optional Mt. Everest Scenic Mountain Flight We can take a one hour flight around Mt. Everest and the cost is $170 per person.

http://www.see-nepal.com/mountain_flight.php

May 3 Optional Kathmandu to Delhi Return May 4 Kathmandu to Delhi Return

Depart Delhi to USA Return

May 4 Depart Delhi to USA Return What is Included: The cost includes a morning yoga class with Jennifer and guest teachers, and a nightly dharma talk with Gary and Jennifer. The cost of the trip is $3,100 (before December 1) and $3,450 (after December 1) and it includes all accommodations in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis, tour guides with transportation, all entry fees into Heritage Sites, trekking guides, and airfare within Nepal. What Is Not Included The cost does not include lunch and dinner, travel insurance, optional excursions (i.e., the Taj Mahal and Mt. Everest flight), personal expenses, tips, laundry, telephone and Internet.