Sacred Pilgrimage to North India

Name: Sacred Pilgrimage to North India - The Yoga Department
Price: 5685 AUD
Availability: InStock

Duration

13 nights

Location

North India

Departure

January 18, 2026

Price

$5,685

Tour Details

The purpose of this journey is to provide travellers with an introduction to the ancient Spiritual traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism & Shikism throughout North India. The journey begins in the capital of India, New Delhi with a where we visit a Sikh Gudwara temple. Next we head north to the capital of Sikhism, Amritsar to experience the Golden Temple – A symbol of humanity and equality. The temple represents, the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. Next is the holy Hindu city of Varanasi, situated on the Ganges River, here we will explore in depth, this incredible ancient city, including partaking in Arti ceremony, a Hindu fire ceremony that involves offering lights to deities. Performed at sunset to honour the sacred Ganges River. Arti in Sanskrit means “something that removes darkness”. We also take a special excursion out to Sarnath near Varanasi where Buddha preached his first sermon, after reaching enlightenment. Our itinerary then takes us to Bodhgaya, where Buddha reached enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree over 2500 years ago and the most important pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the globe. Lastly, we head to Agra, with a visit to the Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife and Queen Mumtaz Mahal in 1631. We end our journey in New Delhi, Indias capital city and a melting pots of cultures.

About our Yoga Teacher – Mr Mark Pheely

Mark Pheely is one of Australia’s most loved and respected teachers of Yoga, Philosophy and Consciousness. Mark is known for his clear and direct insights into the nature of mind and living consciously. Using the platforms of Yoga, meditation and philosophy he guides his students to deep states of consciousness and connection. He has taught and led thousands of students through his classes, workshops, retreats, one-on-one mentoring and Yoga Teacher Training. Rich teachings often come from a lifetime of experiences. Mark has traveled an incredible life journey. From School Teacher, to the highs and lows of highly successful corporate life, then as a health educator and ultimately a respected Yoga teacher and studio owner. Two decades of spiritual searching, reading, learning and traveling, with inspiring teachers from India, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

Tour Itinerary

18 Jan

Arrive Delhi

Delhi, India’s capital city a hub of history and culture. In Old Delhi, a neighbourhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, and the sprawling Jama Masjid Mosque. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls. Steeped in history yet overflowing with modern life, colourful, Delhi pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity like few other cities on earth.

Group arrive at Delhi Indra Ghandi International airport
Group transfer in private bus to hotel check into and early night

Sculpture_of_hasta_mudras_at_Indira_Gandhi_International_Airport

19 Jan

Delhi

Breakfast and orientation meeting with tour leader
Mid morning depart for guided sightseeing tour in and around New & Old Delhi, including Mahatma Gandhi memorial, Jama Masjid Mosque , India Gate and much more
Local lunch and back to hotel
Evening special visit to a Sikh Gudwara Temple for meditation and chanting
Late dinner

Stay 2 nights Delhi

20 Jan

Amritsar | Punjab – The Golden Temple

Amritsar is a central place of the Sikh religion, and a symbol of human brotherhood and equality and is embodied with the beautiful Golden Temple (Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar) The founding father of Sikhism was Guru Nanak born in 1469, was an Indian spiritual teacher who was the first Guru of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that combines Hindu and Muslim influences..

Sikhs celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak on the date of the full moon in the month of Katak – usually October/November. The assembly celebrates Nanak Dev’s birthday by focusing on his message, that all are equal before God and should live peacefully with one another.

Depart after early breakfast in taxi to Delhi domestic airport for a flight to Amritsar
Arrive transfer to hotel relax, before sunset yoga class in the hotel gardesn

Dinner in hotel and early night

21st /22nd Jan

Amritsar- Visit the Golden Temple

Sunrise yoga class followed by breakfast
Guided sightseeing tour of the Golden Temple
Local traditional Shikh lunch at the temple
Back to hotel free time to relax around the pool & dinner
Next day sunrise yoga class, followed by further sightseeing in around Amritsar

Stay 3 nights – Amritsar

23rd Jan

Varanasi - Day of travel

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of North India. Located on the Ganges River, Hindu pilgrims from around the country believe to die in Varanasi ensures an end to the circle of re-birth or reincarnation. They say just to witness Kashi or to be near the Sacred Rivers, is enough to remove all our worldly sins.

Breakfast then depart to Amritsar domestic airport for flight to Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi transfer to hotel check-in, relax
Guided sunset walk along the ghats
Dinner at hotel

24th Jan

Varanasi - The Holy Hindu City

Varanasi draws Hindu pilgrims and foreigners from around the world to experience this incredible city. Pilgrims bath in the Ganges sacred waters and perform funeral cremations. Also, along the cities winding old city streets, are some 2000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the Golden Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Lord Shiva.

Sunrise Yoga class and group breakfast
Today a full sightseeing tour including a visit to Kash Vishwanath Temple , a Hindu temple pilgrimage site and dedicated to Lord Shiva. We shall enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw excursion to the Old city laneways to visit this incredible temple
Some local shopping and other sites
Arti ceremony (approx. 7pm) on the Ganges River ghats. Arti is a fire puja ceremony to worship the Mother Ganga
Dinner at hotel for a traditional North Indian Thail

25th Jan

Varanasi |Sarnath – An Ancient Buddhist site

Sarnath, located approx 13kms outside Varanasi, is an unparalleled destination for those embarking into the rich tapestry of Buddhist history and spirituality. This sacred site holds profound significance as the place where Lord Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, delivered his first sermon to a small gathering of disciples, marking the inception of the Buddhist Sangha and the dissemination of his teachings. Amidst the serene environs of Sarnath lies an archaeological treasure trove, adorned with magnificent pillars and stupas, all harkening back to a pivotal moment in the journey towards enlightenment.

Sunrise boat trip on the Ganges and back to hotel for breakfast
At approx 11am we depart in our bus to visit to Sarnath
Stop for a local lunch before heading back to the hotel
Sunset yoga classes with local Indian teacher
Dinner at hotel and prepare for next day departure

Stay 3 nights in Varanasi

26th Jan

Bodhgaya – Buddhism

The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient, Buddhist Stupa (temple) in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, under the Bodhi tree 2500 years ago.

Breakfast then departure in group bus from Varanasi to Bodhgaya, the spiritual heartland of Buddhism and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist pilgrims and Monks from around the world (approx. 5 hr drive) Stopping for Chai and samosas along the way.
Arrive check into hotel , relax followed by sunset yoga class
Dinner at hotel

27th /28th Jan

Bodhgaya – Temple Exploring

Sunrise Yoga class followed by breakfast
Sightseeing Tour to visit the vast array of Buddhist temples, spread around Bodhgaya.
Lunch and return to hotel to relax
Sunset visit & evening meditation at the Mahabodhi temple – Special Event
Back to hotel for dinner
Next day morning yoga/ further sightseeing in around Bodhgaya

Stay 3 nights in Bodhgaya

29th Jan

Gaya /Agra – The Taj Mahal

The embodiment of all things pure”, said Rudyard Kipling on Taj Mahal’s beauty. The Taj is undoubtedly a pure epitome of beauty. It is an immortal poem in white marble and is the finest expression of love of an emperor for his queen. Located on a banks of River Yamuna, it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife and Queen Mumtaz Mahal in 1631

Early departure from Gaya train station enroute to Agra. Enjoy a scenic train ride through rural North India
Arrive check into hotel and early night
If time permits a restorative yoga or meditation class

30th Jan

Agra

At sunrise group entry into the Taj Mahal with local guide
Back to hotel for breakfast
Sightseeing tour, Including the majestic Agra Fort for magnificent views of the Taj Mahal, Ram Bagh, one of the earliest Mughal gardens
Sunset Yoga practice
Evening visit to cultural emporium and dinner

Stay 2 nights in Agra

31st Jan

Delhi | Back to Australia

After yoga and breakfast and free time round the pool
Approx midday departure in bus to Delhi international airport for flight to back to Australia in the evening

Book Your Tour

Desitnation

Room Type

Price

Sacred Pilgrimage to North India

January 18, 2026

Availability: 18 in stock

Pre & Post Travel

If anyone would like to head over to India before the tour or extend their travel. We are able to help you with some bookings for this.

International Flights

These will be booked by Tiwari Travel on behalf of the group.

For those who do not wish to pay for a single room, we automatically arrange same sex twin room sharing. You can also nominate the name of your room buddy in the booking form.

NB: Tour must run with a minimum of 12 pax All bookings are to be done on the Yoga department website.

Please review our terms & conditions for more information.

Things To Keep In Mind

What’s included

Group airport pickup/transfers – on arrival and departure (Delhi)
All transport in group private bus for entire itinerary
4* & 5* hotels with breakfast
All buffet dinners in the hotel
Domestic flights Delhi to Amritsar to Varanasi
Group Tour Leader for entire tour
All yoga classes with Mark Pheely as per itinerary
Local Indian Yoga teacher class experience
All sightseeing excursions & entrance fees
Sunrise boat ride & Arti Ceremony Ganges River Varanasi
Entry into the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
Group Cooking Class
Talk on Religious faiths of India by local expert (TBA)
Local Tiwari Travel Indian office support

All transport in Group private bus
All group airport, & hotel pickup & transfers
All hotels based on minimum 4* standard
Meals – 2 per pay breakfast & dinner
English speaking Tour Manager and local guides
All sightseeing excursions & entrance fees
Yoga classes
Any train trips
Domestic flights
Australian Office Account Management

What not included

International Airline tickets
Single Rooms
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Tourist Visas
Group Tip Kitty (approx $20 pp per day)
Any Vaccinations
Currency Exchange
Any personal spending costs such as massages
Any Yoga Teacher training courses paid separately to Yoga Teacher

International flights tickets
Indian Tourist eVisas
Travel Insurance
Single Room Supplements
Group Tip Kitty – $300 AUD pp
Any extra meals – food and drinks e.g bottled water
Any personal spending costs such as laundry, extra transport, and hotel room service