| 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. |
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|
| 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:
* COVID-19 Vaccine and boosters
* Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
As needed, booster doses for
routine immunizations such as
tetanus-diphtheria and measles,
and a one-time dose of polio
for adults. Most people will chose to take a drug for malaria prophylaxis such as Malerone. 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
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|
|
| 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. |
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|
| Q. |
How do I get
there? |
| >> |
Most people fly to Kathmandu or New Delhi on a good airline via Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok or Europe. 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 by and where. 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$25 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 (Approximately USD $75 –the amount varies by nationality) and get it in advance through their consulate. For Sri Lanka you can get an Electronic Travel Authorization on-line at a cost of USD$10. For Burma it must also be arranged in advance and the cost varies. We will give you detailed instructions for getting the visas you need in your trip package. |
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|
| Q. |
Is the pilgrimage
tax deductible? |
| >> |
For U.S. tax payers only the portion of the pilgrimage that is donated to the organization we are raising money may be tax deductible if they have non-profit status. To take this amount as a tax deduction you will also need to write a separate check for that amount made out directly to the organization. You send that check to us and we credit you for it and forward it to the organization. |
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|
| Q. |
Are scholarships,work-study
or discounts available for the
pilgrimage? |
| >> |
Since the pilgrimages are a fund raisers it is important that everyone who possibly can pay full price. If you have a special situation and would like to talk to us about it please contact the pilgrimage coordinator. |
