PART 2: Spiritual Pilgrimage in Rajasthan

Day 9: Fly from Kathmandu to Rajasthan

Today marks the last day in our part 1 (Kathmandu) segment as we prepare to set off for Mother India. It is always tough to say goodbyes to the smiling faces of the staff, cooks, and caretakers at Hotel Vajra, as the purity in their smiles and love in their Namaste have connected hearts every year of our retreat.

Ah, Rajasthan! Embark on a journey where the sands of time whisper tales of valor, romance, and royalty. Let the vibrant tapestry of this desert jewel captivate your senses and steal your heart. Why Rajasthan?

Majestic Forts and Palaces: Wander through the golden ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort, lose yourself in the intricate beauty of Udaipur’s City Palace, or step into the opulent halls of Jaipur’s Amber Fort, each echoing the grandeur of a bygone era.

Vivid Culture: Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of Rajasthani traditions—dance to the soulful tunes of folk music, marvel at the artistry of block-printed textiles, and savor spicy delicacies like dal baati churma.

Desert Magic: Ride a camel across the shimmering Thar Desert, camp under a canopy of stars, and witness the surreal beauty of Sam Sand Dunes at sunset.

Festive Splendor: We time our visit to join the dazzling Diwali celebrations, where colors, lights, and traditions come alive. It is a rare opportunity to witness the largest of Indian celebrations.

Rajasthan is not just a destination; it’s a story waiting to unfold, as we let the land of kings weave its magic around us.

Day 10-11: Soaking in the Blue-City: Jodhpur

Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, is a mesmerizing tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant hues woven into the arid embrace of the Thar Desert. Nestled beneath the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, a colossal sentinel of sandstone perched atop a rocky hill, the city exudes an aura of timeless grandeur. Its labyrinthine streets, bathed in shades of indigo, pulse with life—narrow alleys lined with intricately carved havelis, bustling bazaars fragrant with spices, and artisans crafting treasures of leather and textile. The fort, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture, looms over the city, its ramparts whispering tales of valor, royal splendor, and centuries past, while offering panoramic views of the cerulean rooftops below.

Jodhpur is not merely a city; it is a living chronicle, where every blue wall, every fort turret, and every desert breeze carries the echoes of a regal past and the promise of an enduring legacy. Mehrangarh Fort houses temples like Chamunda Mata, a protector deity of the Rathore clan, symbolizing the fusion of royalty and religion. The city’s blue houses, often linked to Brahmin communities, reflect caste-based Hindu traditions, while its festivals and markets pulse with Hindu rituals and offerings.

Day 12: Camel Safari in the Sand Dunes of Thar

If you have ever been mesmerized by Lawrence of Arabia (a famous 1962 biographical adventure movie), or wanted to live a day in the life of Indiana Jones, well, wait no more!

The sun dips low, painting the Thar Desert in hues of amber and gold, as you embark on a camel safari in Rajasthan. Perched atop a gentle, swaying camel, you traverse endless dunes, the sand shimmering like a sea of silk beneath the vast, cloudless sky. The air carries a faint scent of earth and spice. Your guide, clad in a vibrant turban, hums a soulful Rajasthani folk tune, the melody drifting into the stillness of the desert.

As the caravan moves rhythmically, you pass scattered acacias and hardy shrubs, their shadows stretching long and thin across the rippling sands. A soft breeze whispers tales of ancient traders and nomadic tribes, while distant mirages dance on the horizon, teasing the eye with fleeting oases. The silence is profound, broken only by the camel’s padded footsteps and the occasional call of a desert fox.

As twilight descends, the sky erupts in a symphony of purples and pinks. You arrive at a camp nestled between dunes, where a crackling bonfire casts a warm glow. The aroma of smoky chai and freshly cooked dal baati churma fills the air. Under a canopy of stars, you sit on woven rugs, listening to local musicians strum the rawanhatta, their haunting notes weaving stories of valor and love. The night is cool, the desert alive with a quiet magic, as you drift into a serene slumber beneath the infinite Rajasthani sky.

Day 13-14-15: Lord Brahma’s Abode - Pushkar

Encompassed by over 50 ghats, Pushkar Lake is described as “Tirtha Raj” – the king of pilgrimage sites. A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases. Over 500 Hindu temples are situated around the lake precincts. The lake is related to the mythology of the creator god Brahma and has been made in epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Nestled in the embrace of Rajasthan’s golden Aravalli hills, Pushkar is a celestial jewel, where time seems to pause in reverence to its divine serenity. This ancient town, one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimage sites, shimmers with an ethereal glow, its heart beating softly around the sacred Pushkar Lake, described as “ Tirtha Raj” the king of pilgrimage sites) a tranquil mirror said to have blossomed from a lotus dropped by Lord Brahma himself. The lake’s crystal waters, fringed by 52 sacred ghats, reflect the blush of dawn and the twinkle of starlit nights, inviting pilgrims to bathe in its purifying embrace, where every ripple whispers promises of spiritual renewal.

At the town’s soul stands the Jagatpita Brahma Temple, a rare sanctuary dedicated to the Creator, its crimson spire piercing the azure sky like a beacon of divinity. Surrounded by over 400 Hindu temples, each a delicate tapestry of stone and devotion, Pushkar hums with the gentle chant of mantras, the fragrance of sandalwood, and the chime of temple bells, weaving a melody that soothes the spirit. The Savitri Temple, perched atop a hill, offers a breathtaking vista of the town’s pastel-hued rooftops and the lake’s sacred shimmer, while the Varaha and Rangji temples add their own hues to this divine canvas.

Day 16-17-18: Pink City of Jaipur

Our final destination: Jaipur, the resplendent Pink City of Rajasthan, is a vision of regal splendor cradled in the golden embrace of the Aravalli hills. Bathed in the soft blush of dawn and the warm glow of sunset, its rose-hued facades shimmer like a dream woven from history and charm. This vibrant capital, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, pulses with an idyllic allure, where majestic palaces, bustling bazaars, and timeless traditions dance in harmonious rhythm.

At its heart, the City Palace gleams like a jewel, its ornate courtyards and Mughal-Rajput architecture whispering tales of royalty. The palace’s Chandra Mahal, adorned with intricate peacock motifs and mirrored halls, reflects Jaipur’s opulent past. Nearby, the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a celestial observatory, its stone instruments tracing the paths of stars with poetic precision. Perched atop a hill, the majestic Amber Fort glows in amber hues, its grand gateways and frescoed chambers overlooking the serene Maota Lake, where lotus blooms drift gently.

Jaipur’s streets are a kaleidoscope of color, alive with the hum of vibrant markets like Johari Bazaar, where gemstones sparkle like captured starlight and silks ripple in the breeze. The scent of jasmine and sizzling street food—sweet jalebis and spicy kachoris—mingles with the melodies of folk songs, weaving a sensory tapestry that enchants every visitor.

And as if that was not enough, we celebrate Diwali as the grand finale before packing up the bouquet of memories, as our grand retreat to magical Nepal and magnificent India draws its curtain!