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Incredible India: Mystic Mountains


Mystic Mountains

Kolkata | Pakyong | Temi Sikkim | Darjeeling | Kolkata
11 March - 22 March 2023
12 Days | 11 Nights
From $ 6895 per person

Join Lisa Allwell on a unique tour to Northeast India. From the Cultural capital of Calcutta to the mystic Himalayan mountains, we will explore former kingdoms, chant in Buddhist Monasteries and wind our way through the lush emerald, green tea plantations of the Himalayas.  All this set against the towering backdrop of Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world.

*** FULLY BOOKED! TAKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2024 *** We commence our journey in Kolkata (Calcutta) on the banks of the Hoogly River, a blend of Old-World charm and modernity. We’ll stay at the elegant The Grand Oberoi and use this as our base to explore the City of Joy. This city birthed famous poets, intellects and spiritual sages including Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, and Mother Teresa.

Expect beautiful colonial architecture, art galleries and old city gems. You’ll experience the confluence of cultures, taste Bengali food and visit Mother Teresa House. See India’s largest flower market and enjoy high tea with spectacular views over Calcutta’s iconic landmarks.

From culture to nature, we fly north to the gateway of the Himalayas. This is a landscape of grand rivers and valleys. You will meditate with Tibetan Buddhist monks and visit one of the most spiritually significant monasteries in the former kingdom of Sikkim.  We’ll stay on a 400 Acre heritage Tea Estate. Along the way we will visit local villages, savour the rhythmic sounds of prayers from the monasteries and tune into the silent whispers of healing on prayer flags across the land. 

We end this journey in the hill station of Darjeeling, with its sweeping tea plantations. You’ll see snow-capped mountains, toy trains, and enjoy exploring local winding bazaars with curios made by the peoples of Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. 

Threaded throughout this tour will be a yoga and meditation program facilitated by Lisa Allwell, with a light-hearted discourse about the history, philosophy and modern relevance of this ancient practice.

Lisa has been the Australian Ambassador to the International Yoga Festival twice, and this will be her sixth year leading tours to India. She will invite you to explore an Indian approach to yoga, which is not just about physical movement but involves devotion, gratitude and a focus on gracefully navigating life.

You will travel in comfort and stay in beautiful quality accommodation. All the small details are taken care of so that you can immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience. You’ll travel in the wonderful company of like-minded souls as we explore yoga and meditation in its country of origin.

This retreat is suitable for all levels of yoga experience from absolute beginners through to those with an established yoga practice.

This bespoke tour was created in partnership with Essence of India Tours - the experts in creating unique travel experiences for discerning travellers. They can help with flights, travel insurance and adding other destinations in India.

Twin Share: $ 6895 per person

Single $ 8465

Payment plans are available.

 
 

questions

We’d be happy to help. Just phone Lisa from Seed Yoga on 0421 395 524.

bookings

To book this tour leave your details below and we will send you the Booking and Payment Information.

 
 
Highlights
  • Indulge in the elegance of old-world charm at The Grand Oberoi

  • 2 walking tours Kolkata to experience the beautiful colonial architecture, galleries and diverse people

  • Visit to Mother Tereasa House

  • Grand High-Tea in an intimate setting to savour the history and cuisine of Bengal overlooking iconic sights

  • Experience the melting pot and kaleidoscope of colour at India’s largest flower market

  • Savour the delicacies of traditional Bengali Food

  • Participate in a Prayer Ceremony with Monks and explore Sikkim’s largest spiritual Monastery

  • Enjoy a Traditional Sikkimese Thali dinner

  • Forrest walks and private drivers in the mountain regions. 

  • Private tea plucking and tasting experience Sikkim

  • High-Tea at the beautiful Heritage Garden Tea Estate Sikkim 

  • Interaction with locals and lunch at a local homestay. 

  • Cultural walking tour Darjeeling

  • Experience the Toy Train journey in Darjeeling 

  • Wander in local winding bazaars delighting in the confluence of Himalayan products. 

  • Special Farewell dinner in Darjeeling. 

  • Yoga and meditation with Lisa Allwell complete the experience to the vast and beautiful

  • SPECIAL INCLUSION: 11 nights yoga and meditation with Lisa Allwell (priceless…obviously!)

Itinerary

A Full Itinerary, Hotel Contact List and Welcome Pack will be provided before we travel.

Inclusions/exclusions

Inclusions

  • 11 Nights Premium or Heritage Accommodation or similar. 

  • 11 Daily Breakfast at Premium or Heritage Properties.  

  • 10 Lunches at Boutique Heritage Properties 

  •  05 Dinners including Farewell Dinner in Darjeeling and Kolkata. 

  •  02 High High Teas in Kolkata and South Sikkim 

  •  03 Private Walking Tours Kolkata and Darjeeling

  •  Private Tea plucking and tea tasting Experience South Sikkim

  •  Temdong Forest Walk and village walk South Sikkim

  •  Monastery Prayer ceremony and excursions South Sikkim. 

  • All touring as per the program

  • All Airport transfers included. 

  • All sightseeing as per program with Air-Conditioned Coach in Kolkata and Private driver and Air-conditioned 

  •  Car in Himalayan Mountains Areas. 

  • English speaking Tour Escort Guide. 

  • Entrance fee to the monuments as per the program. 

  • Domestic Flights from Kolkata to Bagdogra return. 


Tour Exclusions: 

  • International Airfares.

  • Applicable Visa. 

  • Expenses of personal nature such as Gratuities, table drinks, telephone, camera fees, laundry or other items. 

  • Travel Insurance which is mandatory for this tour.


Many of our guests travel solo. If you're intending to come alone and would like to share a room, we may be able to arrange a room share with a like-minded soul of the same gender and similar age. If you would like your own room, a single-room suppliment is available.

Conditions
  • A non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking

  • Further payment and cancellation conditions apply, refer to booking conditions provided at time of booking

  • Participants will be required to sign an indemnity form prior to commencement of this retreat

  • Payment plans are available for this retreat

  • Prices are subject to availability and change without notice

  • Booking terms and conditions apply

  • For international bookings made outside of Australia a US $12 bank service fee apply per transaction.

Reviews
Thank you for a trip of a lifetime. Your leadership and fun-loving all-conquering nature made the trip more than just a holiday to India. From the get-go, the flights and ground arrangements were made simple and easy by Essence of India (I had previously worked in the travel industry, these guys were amazing to deal with!) Lisa, your knowledge of India, the culture, the navigating the everyday travel needs were insightful and you had unwavering patience and consideration of everyone’s individual needs. I loved all the little surprises. You have a gift of bringing people together, manifesting fun and heartfulness, and have an affinity with Mother India that is soul deep! I will hopefully be joining you again next year if the universe complies.
— Emma Close, 2017 and 2018