Sikkim’s Route to Salvation (Rumtek Monastery)

The Rumtek monastery is the largest in Sikkim. The rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage are performed at this monastery. This beautiful monastery is situated at a distance of about 24 km from Gangtok.  A drive of about 1 hour across the country side of Gangtok to the south east will take you to the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. The monastery was originally built in the 16th century by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje but massive construction work began only in 1960. When the 16th Karmapa, Gyalwa Karmapa fled from Tibet after the Chinese Cultural Revolution, he stayed for sometime in Bhutan after finally being invited by the Choegyal (King), Tashi Namgyal to Sikkim. Gyalwa Karmapa, who was incidentally the 16th Karmapa, chose to reside at Rumtek. Hence the monastery was built in the style of the Kagyupa monastery in Tsurpu, Tibet.  The construction work took three years to complete. The monastery holds a lot of religious artifacts and scriptures. At short distance from the Dharma Chakra Centre, lies the old Rumtek monastery built by the 9th Karmapa in 1730.

Today the monastery hosts various rituals and events. The two most important among all are held during the summer and the winter. The first one is held in the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. This event can either be the Guru Rimpoche or the Vajrakilaya Drupchen (great sadhana practice retreat) take place. This event takes place for 10 days. The tenth day is marked by the Lama dance which depicts the eight representations of Guru Rimpoche (Saint Padmasambhava). During the end of the Lunar Year, the monastery hosts another 10 day ritual which is commemorated in praise of the Mahakala. The Rumtek monastery is a fine specimen of Tibetan architecture. It is composed of a meticulous work of wood and metal. The main building is a massive three storey structure which has a wide assembly hall laid out. Just above the assembly halls are designed the living quarters of the Karmapas, and the top floor has a small stupa.

However Rumtek is surrounded by a conspiracy that has baffled many Buddhists and political leaders. After the death of the 16th Karmapa, there remained a void as to who would be the head of this monastery. Today, there are two candidates for the title of 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje and Orgyen Trinley.

Buddhist Tours

Nepal is certainly the most melodiously positioned country in the world, but there’s more to Nepal that just the amazing landscape and scenery. It’s one of the world’s most spiritual countries, religious beyond measure. This is a country which contains within itself the very length and breadth of Buddhism and serves as the base of all its principles. Its monasteries range from small chortens to massive stupas that dominate the skyline and history in equal measure.  In any itinerary proposed to you by a travel agent, Buddhist circuit is one where you reach across monasteries to discover Buddhism’s vast significance on man’s soul and his deeds and how it has affected the very core of a nation. Nepal is a country which is filled with legends, relics, stories and monasteries that are associated to Buddhism. Whether it be around the Kathmandu valley or due north at Tengboche, Buddhism has always laid the foundations of Nepal’s overwhelming aura, its goodness and its people’s amazing lifestyle. Therefore a Buddhist tour around Nepal is an absolute must. It is a trip that would provide one with a great mix of spirituality and fun at the same time.

This trip will take you across places like Namobuddha; a place which is revered as a site where kindness and mercy were both personified by the Buddha by offering his body to be eaten by a hungry Tigress. The truth about this trip is that it demarcates the sweep of human history with that of its spiritual perfection; the perfection of nirvana which has been achieved in history by man. We begin this trip from Boudhanath and then we move to places like Namobuddha and then onwards to Pharping and then takes you to Swyambhunath up above the valley of Kathmandu. A lot of travelers who understand the values of Buddhism can’t stay away from the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha who later on became the Buddha (the enlightened one). There have been travelers right in the early ages beginning with Emperor Asoka himself who visited Lumbini. Then in the 5th century AD there was the Chinese traveler Fa Hein, who visited Lumbini and Huen Tsang in the 7th. The fascination for Lumbini lingers on. It is the place where the prince first discovered the four great truths and renounced his kingdom and later on enlightened the world. All of these places are incidentally not far to reach.

Life of a travel agent

..the challenges and privileges

The Privilege of Being a Travel Agent
The life of a travel agent is built on a set of ideas. Selling tours is just a small part. Countless hours are spent of strategizing, building and promoting a trip. And although the rewards are less, each effort is motivated by passion. Simply because understanding travel and its power to change the world is an overwhelming realization. When we comprehend that the strife that grips the world can be lessened or cured by appreciating the diversity of faiths, cultures and the world in general, creating journeys is an honor; a rare privilege that only a few enjoy. Having considered that greater vision which almost all travel agents live with, we do all we can to perfect this craft, simply because we love the very idea of travel.

Travel Agents are restless beings. We constantly look for new ways to develop our approach to tourism and to perfectly adapt to the huge amount of tourist influx all around the world. Sometimes it is a daunting job and endless hours are spent understanding and carving out every detail with precision.

This meticulous job gets to most of us sometimes. But the hard work pays off and our understanding of travel and the hard work it commands are overcome by a sense of respite as we see the spark and thrill among our travelers and realize how even by a small measure it has begun to change the world.
It is in such times, we often consider what makes a travel agent better to serve the greater purpose of creating journeys and understanding this great privilege more. There are among many trying qualities, a few which are worth dwelling upon.

Knowledge of Local Places

Knowledge of local places cannot be achieved without appreciating what is around you. One must understand the best thing about a destination. It varies with places but a greater understanding of local places is of utmost importance. This will immerse the traveler with sensitivity for different cultures. You haven’t traveled well if you haven’t understood the local culture and it’s enriching essence. That is why a good travel agent must be able to transfer the same sense of appreciation to a traveler. But this is a tedious process which involves research, constant updates and knowledge of cultures, anthropology, history and sometimes architecture too. However hard work pays off and this is evident on the faces of all the travelers who are in your hands. Traveling is all about seeing and learning and it’s a privilege to be the source of that enriching travel experience.
Personal Attention
Each traveler is special. He/she deserves that special attention and care. Like all businesses a travel operator must think of a client’s benefits before he can calculate his own profits. One must also understand the amount of planning, the funds, and the continuous desire that a traveler considers before embarking on a journey. And he/she travels miles to be in the place where he/she always wanted to be. Personal attention, a sense of care and an allowance for comfort cannot be undermined during a trip. These are traits of hospitality that says a lot about how much you appreciate travelers and this industry. It is in a profound way, a belief in care, understanding and the entire idea of travel. This is why you receive repeat travelers.

Experience
One cannot become a travel agent without some experience. Granted, everyone is a first timer once. But this is a job that requires time, patience and research. More travel agents have spent decades in this industry and know how to conduct tours like the back of their hands. And that is what travelers seek when they book a tour. Sometimes travel agents get a large group of travelers. Providing each one with personal attention and incase of problems during a trek or an expedition could prove to be hazardous. And unexpected occurrences cannot be overlooked. Political turmoil, flight delays, accidents etc could very well be part of travel. During such situations, one can count on nothing other than pure experience.

Infrastructure
Proper infrastructure is important to manage and organize holiday packages. Good Infrastructure is beneficial for strenuous tours which are sometimes very demanding especially in the Himalayas. Focus must be made on taking the hassles and tedium out of travelling for a traveler, so that he/she may enjoy everything around with a carefree mind. Right from Airport pickups to hotels, transports and until departures, travelers must be taken care of in a stress free environment. This can happen only when you have the right infrastructure. Developing infrastructure too, takes a lot of time and effort with careful planning. A travel agent is incomplete without proper infrastructure.

Expertise
Expertise comes from hiring the best staff and it also comes from experience in the field of travel. Expertise helps take out all the hassles of a journey from the mind of a traveler; simply because with expertise by the side of a travel agent, any problem and any hindrance can be solved immediately. Expertise also ensures the safety of a traveler which is imperative. One must have tour leaders who are all trained in first aid and crisis management. Whilst trekking food preparation and hygiene must be given top priority. Right from the initial correspondence, booking, conducting tours and departure, expertise will be appreciated and choosing the right personnel for the right job is key to the success of a travel agent.

Responsible Travel
Responsible Travel/Tourism comes from loving the idea of Travel and understanding its impact on nature, ecology and local people. It is about appreciating many different cultures and nature itself and how we owe something to the things that give us pleasure. A good travel agent always arranges for travelers to connect in a way with local people and make them understand the economy and the ecology surrounding them. In a way Travel Agents must seek to minimize negative impacts of the environment and society and think of ways to raise the economic benefits of the local communities. Travel agents must be culturally sensitive and respect the impacts of relations between the tourists and the locals.

Guided by Greater Vision
Words like excellence, comfortable, luxury, affordable and exclusive are thrown about by travel agents with reckless abandon. Not a lot of travel agents talk about the other benefits of travel. But a few understand that what one travels for makes all the difference. All travel agents and the work they do must be guided by a greater vision. Visions vary of course but they must be based on a set of principles and ethics. Creating journeys is the best way to bring people closer to each other and that privilege must always be appreciated. Most agents believe in the great, sometimes transformative, always educational value of travel. We must always understand that traveling is the only way to cure the world from the hatred and differences that dominate our relationships.

Passion
Travel agents are most passionate about creating journeys and providing more than what a traveler normally expects during a trip. During a trip, the travel agent manages the details so that one can relish all the experience without any hassles or the need to research. Because research and hassles are already considered by the travel agent, trips become easy and pleasurable.

Creative Approach
Almost all travel agents sell similar trips. Well, because the routes are the same! However there are some trips that are unique to each travel agent. These are the ones that are meticulously planned and researched so that travelers can find something different each time they journey a destination. While some believe in adventure and some in practices that show more of culture, the unique trips are something that is closer to the heart of a travel agent who creates them. This creative approach while crafting journeys take a longer time and much harder work. But while this virtue is rare among travel agents, it ensures quality and passion.

Best Itinerary for You-Not the one we want to sell
A travel agent must sell an Itinerary that is best suited to a traveler and not the one that he wants to desperately sell someone. Understanding the needs and requirements of a traveler are of utmost importance in this business. This is done with research and knowing where a particular travel will enjoy the most. A travel agent must always consider an enquiry with detail and offer the best choices.

We face these challenges because we respect this privilege

www.himalyandreamz.com

Mustang tiji festival 2010

Mustang tiji festival 2010

Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang known as ‘Roof of the world’ northern Nepal surrounded on three sides by Chinese held Tibet, one of the oldest civilizations on earth, mediaeval world uniquely preserved from modern technology.

A land covered with small villages, ancient monasteries, friendly people and breathtaking scenery. Mustang’s wealth was derived from being a major trading hub on the Kali Gandaki / Thak Khola trade route between Tibet and Nepal, w hich reflects the rich Buddhist culture, history, laws and customs.

The Tiji festival is a three-day ritual known as “The chasing of the Demons” and it is centered around the Tiji myth. Tiji tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land.

For more information Click here

Sikkim’s Gangtok: The Place where great journeys begin

There are places, without question, where you should be - even if it’s a great distance away. Because it is apparent that in situations where “you have to take a break”, there’s no substitute for your direct, personal attention. What other destination could you possibly look up in your travel journal when you have Sikkim, inviting you to indulge in the most beautiful imaginings of days worth being called a vacation.

An independent kingdom until 1975, unknown to the world has now opened up in all its capacity to share the natural grandeur and pleasure of this astonishing land. Fascinating culture, beautiful hills, stunning countryside, meandering rivers, majestic mountains, good food, enchanting lakes and hospitality unmatched in it equivalence, is what Sikkim has to offer to its visitors.

Sikkim is bounded by Bhutan to its east, Nepal to its West and China to its north. The southern boundary is shared with the state of West Bengal. The topography of Sikkim is such that the entire state is covered with beautiful hills and mountains. Not just a tourism destination, it is also a paradise for naturalist and environmentalists owing to its wealth of flora and fauna. There have been many expeditions related to zoological and botanical research leading to the discovery of a number of plants and animals. It is also the spiritual center for Buddhists all over the world and has around 250 monasteries, each having its own peculiar history and traditions.

Gangtok is the heart of all activities and is the capital of Sikkim. You will have to reach Gangtok, for unless you get here, you will have much difficulty reaching other parts of the state. Standing at an elevation of 5,480 feet, overlooked by the majestic Mount Khangchendzonga, Gangtok is perched on a hilltop, stretching wide as if covering the whole mount and making it glow at nighttime like a reaction of some scientific experiment. When you are here, security is the last thing that you’ll have in mind because there is no trouble at all. You can walk in the streets at midnight and you are still safe. There are many hotels, guesthouses and resorts to house the ever growing number of visitors. A number of fine traditional and multi cuisine restaurants, Discotheques and lounges are all in the vicinity of the town. Taxi service is readily available so mobility is not a problem either. After all Gangtok is not just another dead town, it is a vivacious place to spend your vacation.

The adjoining areas around Gangtok are of historical and religious significance and visiting these places will give you an insight into its history, culture and beauty. It is a point where visitors make way to their further destination for tours and treks however when you are here you should go sightsee and make the most of this amazing place.

Tashi view point which is a 20 minutes drive from the town was built by the late Chogyal (King) of Sikkim; the point commands a panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga Range and the hills of north Sikkim. You should be here early in the morning to witness the sunrise. The early sunrays hit the mountain range and light up the peaks one after another with respect to their altitude. The experience is overwhelming when you see the mountains glow amber taking you to a higher level of spirituality and contentment. Though you would want to stay here forever, there are many places that you can visit while you are in this part of Gangtok.

Ganesh Tok is just about ten minutes drive from Tashi View point. It is a small shrine located on a ride which overlooks Gangtok town. From here you can get a bird’s eye view of the town and myriad hills on the horizon. This small Ganesh temple is popular among the locals and is frequently visited in the morning hours by devotees.
Opposite to Ganesh Tok is the Himalayan Zoological Park covering an area of 205 hectares which is locally known as Bulbuley. Though a road is built and can take you through the park, vehicles are strictly prohibited inside the park. While inside the park you might catch a glimpse of the adorable Red Panda which is the state animal and is also listed under the endangered species list. In a semi natural habitat the animals here roam about freely without any fear of poachers. There is plenty of food and protection; however you are not guaranteed to see the animals because they normally shy away from humans.

Enchey Monastery is located on a hilltop and is quite close to Ganesh Tok. Enchey monastery means ‘solitary temple’ and true to its name the monastery is rather secluded by the greenery of its compound. This monastery was built around 200 years was blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, who was a great tantrik known for his flying prowess. Legend has it that the great Lama is believed to have flown from Maenam hill which is a hill in south Sikkim to the very spot where the monastery stands now. This monastery is also famous for its Chaam dance (mask) which is organized once every year in the month of January.

You cannot miss the flower show which is on for the entire year. The show is held below the Palace Ridge Park which is about 5 minutes drive from the town. The show has now become an important platform to showcase the floral treasures of the Sikkim. A special competition is organized annually during the springtime where flowers from different parts of the state and the adjoining areas are displayed. This event is truly a bonanza for flower enthusiasts.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center also locally known as Rumtek Gompa (monastery) is situated in the hill adjacent to Gangtok. It is about an hours drive through the beautiful countryside. The Gompa was built by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960 and is an important pilgrimage site for the Kargyudpa sect of Tibetan Buddhist all over the world. It is believed that the monastery has a huge collection of some of the most unique manuscripts and scriptures. It also has the rarest of religious art objects. Very close to the present monastery there is another monastery which is called the Old Rumtek Monastery built by the 9th Karmapa in 1730 and was destroyed in fire which was later rebuilt to its present state.

Rumtek monastery organizes the Mahakala Chaam (spiritual mask dance) once a year in the month of February. This is an extravaganza of enigmatic music, graceful moves, color and intricately painted masks. This event is witnessed by a huge congregation of Buddhist of the Kagyurpa sect and tourists, especially foreigners who gather once a year just for this extraordinary dance.
You should also visit the Directorate of Handicraft if you want to see the age old tradition of craft and weaving. The traditional weaving, painting and carvings are taught by masters to younger generation of craftsmen keeping alive skills passed on through centuries. Here you can actually see how traditional carpets are weaved and masks carved. You may even want to pick some for your friends and family back home.
If you are in Sikkim and you haven’t visited Tsomgo/Changu Lake, you haven’t seen it all. This lake is situated high up in the mountain, 40 kilometers from Gangtok. The lake remains frozen during the winter season. Changu Lake is revered as the holiest lake in Sikkim. The lake is about a kilometer long and somewhat oval in shape. It serves as a stoppage point for the various migatory birds and ducks and more importantly it is home to the Brahmini ducks. It’s an amazing place with breathtaking views around almost everywhere. There are a number of stalls run by the local people where you can refresh yourself with a hot cup of tea, a much needed beverage in the cold up here. There are yak in the lakeside and you can enjoy a yak ride high up in an altitude of 12,210 feet. A picture with the amiable beast will be your souvenir from this trip.
And if you have never seen China and its red army, this is you opportunity to see the communist china and its army. The Indo-China border Nathula is just 14 kilometers from Changu Lake. The road to Changu Lake and Nathula is rather scary as you cut through the high hills but the scene enroute is simply incredible with the mountains so close, clad with snow and clouds just above you, the word is just ‘awesome’. Though the road seems scary at times when you see the river down below and it looks like a thread, be assured the drivers here are very skilled and will make you feel comfortable as if you are driving on a 6 lane highway.
In the evenings the market place widens as vehicles are not allowed entry after 5 pm. The market becomes abuzz with tourist and local people making it a fun place to hang around. The market stretch is the only “litter and spit free zone” in India, You are cautioned, if you are caught spitting and littering here, you will be fined. You can visit the local curio and traditional stores pick souvenirs of your trip and if that’s not enough there are good pubs, lounge bars and discotheques for party goers around the town and excellent restaurants if you just want to spend a peaceful evening with your family.

Best time to visit:
April — mid July; September — November

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By: Ashish Pradhan.

Lumbini- birth place of Buddha.

LUMBINI!

Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is situated about 22 km. from Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), below the Churia range, 24 km. south from the foothills of the Himalayas, on the western bank of Telar river in Rupandehi district of Lumbini zone in Nepal. It is about 300 km. west of capital city Kathmandu. Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi Terai districts of Lumbini Zone are around Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, which are fertile and densely populated.

Buddha, Known as the Lord of Asia.Prince Siddhartha (known as Buddha) took his first seven steps and uttered an epoch- making to the suffering humanity.This happened in a beautiful sal grove which is now the focal point of the Lumbini Garden area. Maya Devi the queen of Shakya King Suddhodharan of Kapilavastu while passing through the Lumbini Garden. On the day of “Vaisakha Poormina” (full Moon Day of May 623 B.C) took a bath in the Pushkanni (the Sacred Pond) and soon after she took support of a tree branch, the gave birth to the Crown Prince Siddhartha <who Became Buddha. The Lumbini garden covers an area of 256 Sq. Km and encompasses three zones each covering one square mile connected with walkways and a canal. The area has a sub tropical monsoon climate with a warm wet season.

Places of interest in and around Lumbini

The Ashokan Pillar. Discovered by the famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer, the pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and is also the most visible landmark of the auspicious garden. The historical importance of the pillar is evidenced by the inscription engraved on the pillar (in Brahmi characters). It is said that the Hindu Indian Emperor Ashok the Great, who got converted, visited the site in the twentieth year of his accession to the throne and as homage to the pure birth place erected the pillar. The inscription on the pillar roughly translates as “King Piyadesi” the beloved of the Gods having been anointed 20 years came himself and worshipped saying Here Buddha Sakyamuni was born. He caused to make a stone capital representing a horse and he caused (this) stone pillar to be erected. Because here the worshipful one was born the village of Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of wealth.”

Sanctum Sanctorum of the Birthplace. The single most important place LUMBINI (and to the entire Buddhist world for that matter ) is the stone-slab located deep Sanctum Sanctorum. Revealed after a hard and meticulous excavation under the three layers of ruins over the site of a famous Mayadevi Temple, the stone-slab foundation pinpoints the location of the original place, marking the precise spot of the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Image of Maha Mayadevi. In additional to the Ashokan Pillar, the other shrine of importance is the bas- relief image of Maha Mayadevi, the Queen of King Suddhodan. Enshrined in a small pagoda-like structure the image shows Mayadevi, the mother of Drown Prince Siddhartha Gautam. She is seen supporting herself by holding on with her right hand to a branch of Sal tree, with the newly born infant Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal on an oval halo. Two other celestial figures are depicted in an act of pouring holy water and lotuses bestowed from heaven. Earlier the image was placed in the famous white temple of Mayadevi besides the pillar mow totally dismantles to make way for the excavations which revealed the Sanctum Sanctorum the exact spot where out Lord was born.

Puskarni. the Sacred Pool: South of the Ashokan Pillar, there is the famous sacred pool named “Puskarni” believed to be the same holy pool in which Mayadevi took a pious dip just before giving birth to the Lord and also where the infant Buddha was given its first purification bath. Architecturally the pool has three projecting terraces in the ascending order and is revealed with a fine brick masonry.

Arorakot. About 10 kilometers northwest of Taulihawa there is a rectangular fortified area, which is popularly known as Arorakot. The famous Indian archaeologist P. C. Mukherji as the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha identified the fortified area. Remains of the old moat and the brick fortification around the Kot can still be clearly located. A brick lined well is seen to the south and an elevated mound towards the northwest corner.

Chaatradei: Some 5 kilometers north to Taulihawa there is a village called Chatradei situated on the right bank of the Banganga River. West of the village the habitat ional ruins extend in the form of al large triangular mound. Most of the pottery and antiquities found here belong to the Sunga- Kushana period while the virtual remains of the structures may be related to the early medieval times.

Gotihawa. About 5 kilometers southwest of Taulihawa, there is a village called Gotihawa. In the village there exists an Ashokan Pillar standing in a slab. The upper portion of the pillar is broken and lost and only the lower portion of the pillar 3.5 meters high remains still intact. Adjoining the pillar, towards its northeast there is a colossal stupa with successive rings of wedge shape Mauryan bricks.

Kudan: Roughly 2 kilometers South west of Taulihawa on the left side of the shoratgarh- Taulihawa road, stands the village of Kudan having a huge structural ruin with a cluster of four mounds and a tank. The mounds were excavated in 1962 only.

Niglihawa. About 8 kilometers north- west of Taulihawa, there is another site of archaeological importance. The site has a quadrangular tank surrounded by bushes locally known as Niglisagar. On the western bank of the tank there appear two broken pieces of the Ashokan Pillar, the longer one laying flat and the shorter one stuck unto the ground. The pillar bears 2 peacocks in the top part and Devnagri script inscription reading Om -Ma - Ni - hum Ripu Mallasya Chiran Jayut 1234. The shorter portion of the pillar which is partly buried in the ground measures 1.52 meters in length containing four lines of Ashoka inscription in the Brahmi letters which roughly translates as “King Piyadasi, believed of the Gods after 14 years of his coronation enlarged for the second tine the Stupa of Buddha Kanakmuni and after 20 years of his coronation he came himself and worshipped and he caused this stone pillar to be erected.”

Sagarhawa. About 12 kilometers north of Taulihawa there exists a forest area called Sagarhawa. In the midst of the forestation there is a huge rectangular tank, which is popularly known as Lumbusagar, or a long tank. The ancient tank ruins, which were excavated and identified by Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer as the “Place of the Massacre of the Shakyas” in 1859, can still be located on the Southwest banks of Sagar..

Kapilvastu/Tilalurakot.

Located some 27 kilometers west of Lumbini lies the ruins of the historic town of “Kapilvastu”. Believed to be the capital of Shakya republic where the Lord lived and enjoyed his life until his thirteenth year , Kapilvastu has been identified with Tilaurakot by the archaeologists. Also, the place is believed to have been associated with different important episodes. There are ruins and mounds of old stupas and monasteries made of kiln-burnt bricks and clay-mortar. The remains are surrounded by a moat and the walls of the city are made of bricks. Infant the ruins of the ancient city of Kapilvastu are in such a grand scale that it could easily be visualized as a high seat of authentic culture.