| Q. |
Do
I need to have a daily practice
or are there any prerequisites
for going on pilgrimage? |
| >> |
No, the pilgrimage is appropriate
for all levels. Only a strong
interest in Buddhism and an open
mind are needed. |
|
|
| Q. |
What immunizations
and medications will I need ? |
| >> |
We will give you a list of
recommended medical preparations
for you to take to your doctor
or an overseas clinic. In brief
we suggest you get the following
vaccines:
* Hepatitis
A or immune globulin
(IG)
* Typhoid
As needed, booster doses for
routine immunizations such as
tetanus-diphtheria and measles,
and a one-time dose of polio
for adults. You will need to
spend some money and time on
this but it is worth it not
to get sick. Generally you will
want to make sure that you are
as healthy as possible before
you leave home. Make sure to
carry any medications that you
might need in their original
containers. Check to make sure
that your teeth are okay and
carry the recommended medications
and first aid supplies. For
more information refer to the
CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm
|
|
|
| Q. |
Will you help
me prepare? |
| >> |
After you reserve a place on
a pilgrimage we will send you
two packages of information. The
first package includes the recommended
medical preparations, a medical
questionnaire, information on
airline ticketing and travel insurance
as well as a detailed application
form asking for passport and emergency
contact information etc. The second
package of information is more
fun. It contains a packing list,
a reading list, maps, language
guides and trip notes detailing
how to get required visas and
other instructions for getting
ready for the pilgrimage. The
pilgrimage coordinator is also
available to answer questions
via email or phone. |
|
|
| Q. |
Can you accommodate my special dietary needs? |
| >> |
Vegetarians will have an easy time on our trips. For Vegans we suggest you bring some protein supplement. If you have other dietary restrictions it is best to discuss it with us but please understand we can only tell you what to expect. We can't change what food is available on the trips. |
|
|
| Q. |
How do I get
there? |
| >> |
Most people fly to Kathmandu on a good airline via Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok or New Delhi. We can help you arrange your airline reservations or you can make your own. You are welcome to go early or stay after the trip. Each itinerary tells you the date by which you must arrive in Kathmandu. We will meet you at the airport when you arrive or you can join us at the hotel by the date specified. Each itinerary also lists the first date you can start travel home. You are welcome to go early or stay late and we can help you with these arrangements as well. |
|
|
| Q. |
Will I need
a visa? |
| >> |
Yes and to do this you should
have at least six months left
in your passport from the date
of travel to the date of expiration.
Nepal offers a visa on arrival
but you must pay (USD $ 40 or
equivalent convertible foreign
currency for a multiple
entry visa), fill out a short
form and have two 2"x 2"
passport size photographs with
you. For India you must also pay
(USD $60 for U.S. citizens and
USD $40 or equivalent for other
nationalities) and get it in advance
through their consulate. We will
give you detailed instructions
for getting this visa in your
trip package. Since the Chinese
Government requires that you travel
in an organized group to Tibet,
we will arrange that visa for
you. Cost will be approximately
USD $130. |
|
|
| Q. |
Is the pilgrimage
tax deductible? |
| >> |
For U.S. tax payers only the
portion of the pilgrimage that
is donated to LPP is tax deductible.
Currently that amount is USD $700
per person. |
|
|
| Q. |
Are scholarships,work-study
or discounts available for the
pilgrimage? |
| >> |
The pilgrimage is a fund raiser
for Liberation Prison Project.
There for it is important that
everyone who possibly can pay
full price for the tour. If you
have a special situation and would
like to talk to us about it please
contact the pilgrimage coordinator. |
