Himalayan Adventure &
Babaji’s Cave Pilgrimage
Saints, Sages, and Shrines of the Scenic Himalayas

September 14 – 30, 2012 (approx.)

This is an extraordinary pilgrimage to India’s holiest sites, with visits to saints and sadhus who live in these remote places: Naukchiatal, Kausani, Badrinath (sacred to Lord Badrinarayan) and concluding in Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas. It requires physical conditioning which allows one to walk easily at altitudes of 2,000-3,400 meters, and a keen sense of adventure and devotion. Ananda has been offering this inspiring, well-organized, and lovingly guided pilgrimage to India for many years, and you are cordially invited!

This pilgrimage offers an extraordinary variety of spiritual experiences, and includes a fascinating itinerary of holy places in beautiful natural settings, from the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh to the Himalayan mountains, forests and jungles . Starting in Delhi, the pilgrims then go to the lower Himalayas, which include beautiful lakes and forests at altitudes of around 2,000 meters. Access to these areas is by bus, and in some cases by foot, with walks of between 1⁄2 hour and 1 1⁄2 hours. All walks that we do are at the pace and rhythm which is comfortable for each individual.

The itinerary includes visits to the ashrams and shrines of past and present saints.

Program

Naukchiatal

Naukchiatal is a picturesque emerald lake at an altitude of 1,800 meters (about 4,500 feet), and is one of the nine famous lakes of the Kumaon region of India. It is a peaceful setting with a charming town.

There are numerous saints and ashrams in this area, including:

• Saint Francis Baba, who for the past thirty years has lived in a small ashram on a mountain top near Bhimtal. He lives in perfect harmony with nature and the animals, and tigers come to visit him.
• Mauni Ma, a direct disciple of Neem Karoli Baba, who has been in silence for 30 years. Her ashram is dedicated to her guru and also to Hanuman. We will meditate here, with the hope of having darshan with Ma if she is there.

Swami Paramananda

• 118-year-old Swami Paramananda, a dynamic sadhu, was formerly a doctor in Calcutta who renounced his worldly duties to dedicate his life to the spiritual search. He met Lahiri Mahasaya when he was a child. We hope to have darshan with him, chanting and meditation, with the chance to ask him questions. Previous trips to this wonderful saint has left everyone uplifted. This Swami also recounts to us his personal contact with Babaji.

View of the Himalayas from Suman Royal Resort

Badrinath (3,100 meters)

Badrinath is the holiest shrine and pilgrimage place in all of India. Located at 3100 meters on the banks of the Alaknanda River, it was established by Swami Shankaracharya in the seventh century. The shrine is dedicated to Badrinarayan, a form of Vishnu, whom many devotees consider to be Babaji. The statue in the temple was found in the river by Shankaracharya.

We will hike to the spectacular falls of Vasudev, hike into the Neelkanth Valley, visit the sacred temple of Badrinath, meditate at the caves of Veda Vyasa and Ganesha, who brought the epic Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita to the world.

We will also have time to visit the Tibetan colony of Mana and enjoy the holy city of Badrinath, including visits to the swamis and babas who live in this holy valley.

We will be at an altitude of about 3000-3400 m (9500-11000 ft) and have spectacular views of the snow covered mountains and green valleys of the Himalayas. One can experience a profound silence in this beautiful valley.

Rishikesh

Located at the foot of the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganges river, Rishikesh is blessed with the holy atmosphere of many ashrams, saints and sadhus.

We will meditate along the Ganges and in various ashrams and holy places.

One of the highlights will be a visit to Vanamali Devi, a devotional woman sage, living in her picturesque ashram above the Ganges.

There will be an opportunity to meditate in Swami Sivananda’s kutir and on the ghat where spent many hours each morning in meditation, and visit his tomb at the Divine Life Society.

There will be free time for walking, shopping and meditating on your own.

Technical organization:
VACANTIONER VIAGGI SNC;

Location and legal address: Via Roma 106, 06083 Bastia Umbra (Perugia) tel.075/8012480
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For information and reservations:
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Ananda is located in the tranquil hills of Umbria, Italy on “Strada Statale 444” between Assisi and Gualdo Tadino. It is the largest retreat center in Europe for Yogananda’s teachings.

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