Spiritual India: Paths to Nirvana

India is one of world’s greatest spiritual centres and the birthplace of renowned sages whose combined wisdom shaped the culture and tradition of this ancient land. Weaving together the sacred sites of Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism - this private tour seek answers to deeply profound questions and unravels the paths to Nirvana. Following your arrival in Delhi, explore the religious diversity of the Indian capital and attend a mystical Qawwali (traditional Sufi music) concert. Next fly to Bodh Gaya, where you will re-trace Prince Gautama’s footsteps and see the spot where he found his path to Nirvana (spiritual enlightenment) and became the Buddha. Continue by air to the holy city of Varanasi where you will witness a mystical ‘Aarti’ ceremony on the banks of the Ganges; learn why the city is regarded sacred by the Hindus; and visit Sarnath where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Then, fly to Agra where you will watch the sun set over the magnificent milk-white Taj Mahal and explore the imposing Agra Fort with its splendid palaces, before driving to Delhi for your flight to Amritsar. At Amritsar - the holy city of the Sikhs, learn about the three tenets of the Sikh faith; visit the magnificent Golden Temple complex to witness the highly atmospheric ‘Palki Sahib’ ceremony and see the theatrical sunset retreat ceremony performed at the nearby Wagah border crossing with Pakistan. Next, ascend to McLeod Ganj in the Himalayan foothills - where the Dalai Lama, believed by the faithful to be an embodiment of the Buddha, lives in exile. Here, witness young monks chanting hymns; take a guided walk through the medieval-looking streets of McLeod Ganj – also known as ‘Little Tibet’ and witness centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist practices whilst visiting the sacred monasteries. The Paths to Nirvana tour then flies to Delhi where your spiritual adventure through India concludes.