Activity Offerings

Thank you for the overwhelming response to the yatra announcement!

WAITLIST IS NOW OPEN

Waitlist slots will be confirmed on a first-cum-first basis based on availability (after review of Pre-registration submissions, and Application withdrawal, if any).

If you are eager to join the yatra, we encourage you to pre-register so that you don’t lose your place in the line.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yatra2024-preregister

CMLA is delighted to announce the 2024 yatra

 

Trimurti Darshan

Bhutan – Ayodhya – Varanasi

under the guidance of Swami Ishwaranandaji

November 19 – December 2, 2024

Chinmaya Mission Los Angeles

invites you to join us on this transformative journey to experience

The Divine Trinity

The serene picture-perfect creation of Lord Brahma – Bhutan

The sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu – Ayodhya, and

The eternal abode of Lord Shiva – Varanasi

NEW DELHI – THIMPHU – PUNAKHA – PARO – NEW DELHI –

LUCKNOW – AYODHYA – VARANASI – NEW DELHI

 

Yatra will start in New Delhi on November 19

and end in New Delhi on December 2.

Pre-Registration Process

  1. Aspiring yatris MUST pre-register to be considered for the yatra. Any request seeking exception to hold spots will not be considered.
  2. Pre-registration is not a guarantee of approval. Pre-registration submissions are subject to approval by CMLA Yatra Team, and is at complete discretion of the CMLA Yatra Team.
  3. Submissions will be reviewed on a first-cum-first basis.
  4. Review decisions will be communicated within 5 days on the registered email ID. Ensure that there are no typos in your email ID during form submission.
  5. You will receive an email from yatra@chinmayala.org informing you about your selection status. If you are approved, the email will also contain the available modes of payment for submitting the non-refundable deposit to confirm your reservation.
  6. Yatra slot will be confirmed only after the following have been received at CMLA from the approved yatris: a) Medical clearance certificate (details below) and 2) Non-refundable Yatra Deposit
  7. Do not make any reservations until fully approved and committed to the yatra.
  8. Any checks received from unapproved yatris will not be accepted and will be shredded by the CMLA Finance team.
  9. Pre-registration WAITLIST is now open at https://tinyurl.com/yatra2024-preregister
  10. Submit a SEPARATE pre-registration form for each yatri.

Note:

  1. All yatris are expected to be present on all days of the yatra unless an unexpected exigency arises during the yatra days.
  2. Yatris are not permitted to join the group midway into the yatra.
  3. Medical Fitness: A medical clearance certificate is required to undertake this yatra. The yatra itinerary will take yatris to 13,000+ ft at the highest elevation. This will necessitate yatris to take high altitude sickness prevention medication Diamox. Additionally, there are several places where yatris would be required to walk 1-3 miles or stand in lines for extended periods of time due to the security protocol at the site. No alternate mode of transportation may be available at these sites. Hence, all yatris are advised to speak to their doctor to assess their fitness level and get medical clearance to ensure that they can unreservedly participate in a fast-paced group travel schedule. Forms will be sent only to approved pre-registrants. Approved yatris must send the original form duly signed by a medical doctor back to CMLA postal address latest by April 30, 2024.
  4. Yatris should not plan to leave on Day 13/Dec 1 evening.
  5. Approved Yatris must be prepared to email a flat color scan of their Passport  + Visa/OCI (if applicable) to yatra@chinmayala.org latest by April 30, 2024. The scans have to be submitted to Bhutan authorities for Visa and permits. Do not take picture of the Passport/Visa/OCI from phone, instead use a flatbed scanner. Passports should not be expiring before June 2, 2025 (6-month validity required). Detail instructions will be in the approval email.

 

If you have any concerns regarding the schedule, contact the yatra team at yatra@chinmayala.org prior to submitting your registration.

Total Yatra Cost & Payment Schedule

Total yatra cost will cover boarding, lodging, and travel for 14 yatra days, except when exception is noted.

Room Type   Yatra Deposit after approval
from yatra team 

Deadline: April 30
(Non-refundable after April 30)
Not Tax-deductible
 Registration Fee
Deadline: August 15
(Non-refundable)

Tax-deductible

Final Payment
Deadline: August 15
(Subject to Cancellation Policy
provided below) 
Not Tax-deductible
 Total Amount per Yatri 
Double occupancy $1000 $300 $4200 $5500
Single occupancy $1000 $300 $5600 $6900

 

Note:

  1. Yatra deposit must be received at CMLA by April 30, 2024, failing which the approval will be revoked and the slot will be released to the wait-listed yatris.
  2. If mailing a check, do not wait until last week to mail the payment. If yatra deposit is not received at CMLA by April 30, 2024, the approval will be revoked and the reserved slot will be released to the waitlisted yatris.
  3. All remaining dues must be received at CMLA latest by August 15, 2024, failing which the reservation will be cancelled and the slot will be released to waitlisted yatris. No exceptions will be allowed on account of mail delays. CMLA bears no responsibility of any expenses incurred which are a result of cancellation in such an event.

 

 Outlined cost includes:

  • Roundtrip international airfare between New Delhi and Bhutan
  • Local flights from New Delhi to Lucknow and Varanasi to New Delhi
  • All meals except when exception is noted
  • Visa / Travel Permit cost for entry into Bhutan and entrance fee for sightseeing destinations indicated in the itinerary

 

 Yatra cost does not include:

  • International airfare to/fro New Delhi
  • Travel/Medical insurance – option to purchase a policy will be provided to approved yatris
  • Hotel booking for previous night (Nov 18) – option to book an extra night will be available for approved yatris

Cancellation Policy

  1. Yatra deposit of $1000 is non-refundable and is not tax-deductible.
  2. Registration fee of $300 is non-refundable and is tax-deductible. A tax donation receipt will be issued by CMLA Finance to the payer at the end of the year.
  3. Cancellation charges of the international flight itinerary, if done by A Premier Travel, will be as per the policy of the international airlines.
  4. Should you need to cancel your reservation after making the Final Payment (referenced within the table in the previous section, i.e. $4200 for double occupancy, and $5600 for single occupancy), the following terms will apply:
    • Cancellation made between August 16, 2024 and August 30, 2024: 50% of final payment amount will be refunded.
    • Cancellation made between August 31, 2024 and September 15, 2024: 25 % of final payment amount will be refunded.
    • No refunds for any cancellation made on or after September 16, 2024.

Itinerary

CMLA Yatra 2024 – Proposed Day-wise Itinerary 

Day 1

Nov 19, 2024

 

 New Delhi (India) – Arrival Day

Check-in time: 2 pm

Upon arrival in New Delhi, you will be met by a representative who will assist in transfer to hotel.

Check-in and spend the rest of the day on your own.

 Everyone is expected to attend the Welcome Dinner with Swamiji in the evening. Details will be available upon arrival.

 Meals: Dinner ONLY

 Accommodation: Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka

Day 2

Nov 20, 2024

 New Delhi (India) – Paro (Bhutan) – Thimphu (Bhutan)

 Breakfast at the hotel.

 Transfer to New Delhi International airport for taking flight to Paro.

 Upon arrival, enjoy the scenic drive through Paro valley to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

 Check-in and enjoy lunch at hotel in Thimphu.

 Exploratory evening walk in city center.

 Dinner at hotel.

 Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 AccommodationLe Meridien

Day 3

Nov 21, 2024

 

 Thimphu (Bhutan)

 Breakfast at the hotel.

 All-day sightseeing – Buddha Dordenma, National Memorial Chorten, Pangri Zampa, Pangri Zampa, Zilukha Nunnery and Trashichhoedzong

 Lunch in local restaurant.

 Dinner at hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 AccommodationLe Meridien

Day 4

Nov 22, 2024

 Thimphu-Punakha (Bhutan)

 Breakfast in hotel

 All-day sightseeing – Dochu La Pass (located at 10,000+ ft elevation).

 Bus ride to Punakha through picturesque views.

 Lunch at local restaurant.

 Afternoon excursion – Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Sangcchen Dorji and Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery.

 Dinner at the hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Accommodation: RKPO Green Resort and Bhutanic Resort

Day 5

Nov 23, 2024

 Punakha (Bhutan)

 Breakfast at the hotel.

 Day-time sightseeing – Khamsum Yuelley, Namgel Chorten, Nobgang and Talo villages and Nalanda Buddhist Institute.

 Lunch at the local restaurant.

 Evening at leisure.

 Dinner at the hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Accommodation: RKPO Green Resort

Day 6

Nov 24, 2024

 

 Punakha – Paro (Bhutan)

 Breakfast at the hotel.

 Travel to Paro along a scenic highway. Check-in at the hotel followed by lunch at the hotel/local restaurant.

 Evening sightseeing – Ta Dzong

 Dinner at the hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Accommodation: Le Meridien Paro River Front

Day 7

Nov 25, 2024

 

 Paro (Bhutan)

 Breakfast at the hotel.

 Morning excursion – Chelela Pass, Dzongdrakha Goemba, Kyichu Lhakhang

 Lunch at the local restaurant.

 Evening at leisure or shopping.

 Dinner at the hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 Accommodation: Le Meridien Paro River Front

Day 8

Nov 26, 2024

 

 Paro (Bhutan) – New Delhi (India) – Lucknow (India)

 Breakfast at the hotel and early check-out.

 Transfer to airport for flight to New Delhi, connecting to Lucknow.

 On arrival at the hotel, check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner at hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 Note: Lunch is not included in the itinerary. Everyone may either take a heavy breakfast at the hotel before taking the international flight from Bhutan or have lunch at their own expense at the New Delhi airport.

 Accommodation: Hyatt Regency

Day 9

Nov 27, 2024

 

 Lucknow – Ayodhya (India)

 Breakfast at the hotel and check-out, followed by bus ride to Ayodhya.

 Upon arrival in Ayodhya, check-in at the hotel, followed by lunch at hotel.

 Evening visit to Saryu River Ghat, Rama Ki Pairi followed by the famous Sound & Light Show.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson

Day 10

Nov 28, 2024

 

 Ayodhya (India)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full-day sightseeing – Sri Rama Mandir, Kanak Mahal and Hanuman Garhi

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Dinner at the hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson

Day 11

Nov 29, 2024

 

 Ayodhya – Varanasi (India)

 Breakfast at the hotel and early check-out, followed by bus ride to Varanasi.

 Upon arrival in Varanasi, check-in at hotel followed by lunch.

 Evening excursion – Boat ride to view the Ganga Arati Ceremony at the ghat.

 Dinner at the hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Accommodation: Double Tree by Hilton

Day 12

Nov 30, 2024

 Varanasi (India)

 Early morning transfer to ghats for sunrise boat ride.

 Visit Sri Kashi Vishwanatha Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple.

 Return to hotel for breakfast.

 Late morning excursion – Sarnath and Archaeological Museum.

 Lunch at hotel.

 Evening at leisure or shopping.

 Dinner at hotel.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Accommodation: Double Tree by Hilton

Day 13

Dec 1, 2024

 Varanasi – New Delhi (India)

 Breakfast at the hotel and late morning check-out.

 Transfer to airport for flight to New Delhi.

 Upon arrival in New Delhi, check-in at hotel.

 Evening at leisure or shopping.

 Group Farewell dinner.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 Accommodation: Vivanta New Delhi Dwarka

Day 14

Dec 2, 2024

 New Delhi (India) – Departure Day

 Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Shuttle departures as required to New Delhi International Airport to connect to your onward destination.

 Check-out time: 12 noon

 Meals: Breakfast

Queries

Contact us at yatra@chinmayala.org 

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