Explore The Spiritual Side Of Rishikesh With Lunch

Visit Mindrolling Monastery situated 30 miles away from Rishikesh. This monastery is one of the six that belongs to the 17th century Nyingma school of Buddhism with its roots in Tibet. Spend a morning in quiet contemplation at the monastery before heading back to Rishikesh, in time for the spectacular Ganga Aarti (prayers to the River Ganges) that takes place everyday after dusk.

Highlights:
• Mindrolling monastery
• Stupa at the monastery
• Ganga Aarti, evening prayers on the banks of the River Ganges

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Mindrolling Monastery near the town of Dehradun. The drive to the monastery that is 30 miles away takes about an hour and a half.

Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, this monastery has a large Institute that is engaged in training monks. It is one of the largest Buddhist Centers of India. Walk around the monastery and watch the monks at prayer. Spend some time at the large prayer wheels on the grounds of the complex. Take in the magical sounds of the chants that break the silence of the monastery. Visit the Stupa and its many shrines. Watch the young monks attend their classes. Also spend some time in silent meditation.

After visiting the monastery, take lunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant.

Drive back to Rishikesh after lunch. Once back in Rishikesh go over to the banks of the River Ganges and watch the saffron robed monks and devotees at prayer. Take a vantage position as you wait in anticipation for the sun to set. As the night descends crowds gather along the banks of the river to get a glimpse of the spectacular Ganga Aarti. The whole atmosphere reverberates with the chants and hymns that accompany the daily ritual of lighting lamps and offering prayers to the River Ganges. As the prayer ends, people light up small lamps and float them on the river.

After this memorable prayer ceremony, you will be dropped back at your hotel.