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Who is this trip for?  

Anyone interested in expanding their awareness and experiencing deep personal transformation.   

Do I need to have any prior experience with yoga, meditation or peacemaking?  

No.  This trip is open to people of all abilities and backgrounds.  All that we ask is that you come with an open heart.  

What can I expect from this trip?  

The intention of this journey is to go deeply inward to connect with and experience the ever-present peace we all carry within us.  As part of this we journey, we will have daily meditations and Yoga practices, talks by renown thought leaders and teachers, visits to ancient Temples and holy sites, and hikes in the majestic Shivalik mountains of Northern India.   You will meet a diverse group of people from all over the world and will laugh, dance and cry, while having a transformative experience you never thought was possible.  

Can I bring my child/children with me?  

Depending on individual circumstances we may be able to accommodate children.  Please, contact us to discuss.  

Can I bring my partner/significant other/friend?  

Absolutely!  

What is the cost and what does it include?  

The price is $2,500.00 and includes full room and board, all activities and excursions, and admission to the Sattva Summit.  This price excludes airfare, airport transfers, gratuities, purchases at the Sattva Cafe, and all Spa Services.     

How much can I expect to spend in addition to the price of the trip?  

Airfare from the New York/Philadelphia region runs between $700 – $1300 per person.  Airport transfer is $50 each.  Everything else is up to you.  As dollar travels further in India than in other parts of the world, budget about $200 for extras (drinks, massages, gratuities, souvenirs etc.).     

Do I need a visa to travel to India?  

Yes.  Citizens of the U.S., Canada and most Europeans countries require a Visa to travel to India.  You can obtain a visa through Consulate General of India.  The web address for New York Consulate is https://www.indiacgny.org/pages.php?id=36.  Please, note that we strongly recommend using a private visa expediting service like TraVisa (www.travisa.com) to obtain your visa as the process through the Indian consulate is convoluted, long and often unreliable.  Please, do not make your travel arrangements until you have your Visa.

If the Visa application asks why you are going to India or you have a Visa interview, indicate travel and tourism as your reason for requesting a Visa. Do not indicate you are going for training, schooling, or education as that will engage you in the incorrect Visa process. The same goes when clearing customs in India; indicate travel and tourism as your reason for visiting India.  Use the following if asked for contact information for the Visa:

Name: Hotel Jaipur Inn
Address: Laxmanjhula, Rishikesh
District: Pauri Garwhal
State: Uttarakhand
Pin: 249302
India
Phone: 0135-2440221

Can I get a visa on arrival at New Delhi?  

The answer is maybe.  Relatively new regulations allow certain foreign tourists to obtain a Visa on arrival at Delhi airport.  These regulations are new, confusing and untested.  As many airlines will refuse you boarding without a valid Visa, we strongly urge you to obtain a Visa before traveling to India.  

 

What about immunizations?  

The decision on whether to get immunizations and which ones to get is between you and your doctor.  We strongly advise you to speak with your physician and/or with a travel physician to determine what is best for you.  

What is the weather like?  

In November during the day, it is generally sunny and warm (between 70F-80F).  Between sunset and sunrise, the temperature dips to around 50F.  Occasionally, it may rain, though rain is relatively rare outside the Monsoon season (August – September).  

Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?  

We will mostly be at altitudes of 5,000 feet and below.  At no time will we be going about 10,000 feet.  

What should I pack?  

Layers of light, washable travel clothes, bathing suit, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, yoga/exercise clothes, one or two sweaters for colder nights/mornings,  one or two light jackets, sunglasses, toiletries, hats, underwear, sanitary products, journal, and camera equipment.  As we will be in a relatively rural and conservative area, please avoid clothing that is too revealing and clothing with any provocative or offensive branding or wording on it.  

What is the time difference?  

India is 10 1/2 hours ahead of the East Coast U.S.  Thus, you lose time on the way there and gain it when you return.  

Is it safe?  

Northern India is one of the safest areas in India for Westerners.  Of course, as anywhere in the world, you must exercise common sense.   From our experience, the two greatest threats to visitors to India are chaotic traffic and water.  Everywhere you walk you have to keep alert for foot, animal, motorcycle, bicycle, and vehicle traffic.  When it comes to water, tap water is not safe for drinking.  We recommend always having a water bottle with you and avoiding all foods such as raw fruits and vegetables from street sellers which might have come in contact with tap water.  Another thing to be mindful of is the bathroom facilities.  To be delicate, some toilets in India leave much to be desired.  We recommend always having some bathroom tissues and hand sanitizer with you.  

What can I expect at the Sattva Center?  

Sattva Center is a majestic place located in the foothills of the Himalayas.  It is a 4-star resort that has simple, modern and comfortable amenities.  All rooms have private bathroom and shower, safe, air conditioning and either a single king bed or two queen beds.  Some rooms have balconies.   Sattva Center also has a pool, Ayurvedic Spa, Cafe, and a Gift Shop.  There is 24-hour per day security and on-site English-speaking manager who can assist with any questions, concerns or bookings.  

What about the food?  

Chefs at the Sattva Center serve three wholesome, fully vegetarian meals per day.  The food is prepared in Indian style and is moderately spiced.  Please, contact us if you have any dietary restrictions which require accommodation.  Please, note that by law businesses in this region of India are prohibited from serving meat and alcohol.  

Will we be going to the Taj Mahal and other famous tourist sites in India?  

We will not be traveling to the Taj Mahal or any other major tourist attractions outside the greater Rishikesh area.  If you would like to visit the Taj Mahal and/or any other sites, we can put you in touch with a travel agent who can help you arrange a visit.  You will be responsible for all charges associated with your visit.  

What are the dates of the program?  

The Radical Peacemaking program will begin at approximately 3:00 pm on November 3, 2019 at the Sattva Retreat Center, 14 km north of Rishikesh, India and will end at approximately noon on November 13, 2019.  

When should I leave to get there?  

If you are traveling from North America, to get to Sattva Center on November 3, you need to leave no later than on November 1, 2019.  

How do I get there?  

You need to fly to Delhi International Airport (airport code:  DEL).  Air India and United have direct flights respectively from JFK and Newark in the greater NYC area.  Direct flight to India takes approximately 14 hours.  Almost all international airlines fly to Delhi, transiting through Europe, the Persian Gulph States or China.  It is realistic to buy a ticket to India from major cities on the East Coast of the United States for around $800.   Most flights from North America, Europe, and the Middle East arrive in Delhi between 8:00 pm and 3:00 am.  Delhi airport is modern, easy to navigate and is well-marked.  

When going through customs in Delhi be sure to say that the purpose of your visit is tourism.  DO NOT MENTION TRAINING OR EDUCATION as visa requirements are different.  If asked where are you staying, please provide the following information:  

Name: Hotel Jaipur Inn
Address: Laxmanjhula, Rishikesh
District: Pauri Garwhal
State: Uttarakhand
Pin: 249302
India
Phone: 0135-2440221

From Delhi you will need to take another short flight (approximately 40 minutes) to Dehradun (airport code DED).  Dehradun is the closest airport to Rishikesh and is about 45 minutes away from the Sattva Center.  Several Indian airlines have multiple daily flights from Delhi to Dehradun, with the earliest leaving Delhi at around 6:00 am and the latest at 8:00 pm.  The airlines that fly to Dehradun are:  Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet and IndiGo.  Generally, the ticket from Delhi to Dehradun costs between $50 and $160.  Please, note local flights within India have strict luggage weight requirements and charge liberally for overweight luggage.  

Once you arrive to Dehradun, we can arrange for a driver to pick you up and drive you to Sattva Center.  The cost for this service is $50 per car (if there are two people each pays $25).  You can also take a taxi (be sure to use only pre-paid taxi service run by the government).

The address for the Sattva Center is:

Mohan Chatti (via Lakshman Jhula)

Rishikesh Himalaya Uttarakhand

Phone – 0819-1055551

Email – info@thesattva.com

How can I stay in touch with family/friends at home while at Sattva?  

There is Wi-Fi at Sattva, though sometimes the signal is unreliable.  Many cellular carriers allow you to use your cell phone for texting/calling while in India.  In case of emergency, your loved ones can call the above number.  

What if I would like to stay extra nights at the Sattva Center?  

We are including one extra night at the Sattva Center at no charge.  You can use it either at the beginning or at the end of the journey.  Any additional nights would cost extra and must be arranged directly with the Sattva Center staff.  

When can I travel home?  

The program will end at around noon on November 13, 2019.  You can travel to the U.S. on the evening of November 13th.  We can arrange an airport transfer to Dehradun for $50 per car.   

I cannot stay for the full 10 days.  What can I do?  

We understand that many people are not able to be away for ten days or more.  If you have a choice, we recommend leaving early as opposed to arriving late.  Please, contact us and we will do our best to accommodate individual circumstances.