How to Prepare

Packing Advice

The best advice is to pack only what you need and pack as lightly as possible. Please study the suggested packing list. It's a good idea to pack your bag well in advance of the trip and see how comfortable you are with its weight. You will likely be carrying your own bag so ideally you should be able to lift it comfortably on and off a train, bus or car. As you pack, ask yourself, "Do I really need to bring this? It's only a just a little more than a two-week trip. Can I go without it?" And if you are traveling with friends or family, consider sharing some items -- especially the optional items -- to keep your load as light as possible. Not only will this help make your traveling experience easier, but it will also help you avoid expensive, excess luggage fees that many airlines are now charging for heavier bags.

Gear

Before any trip it's wise to check all of your gear. If any of your luggage or equipment is new, or if you haven't used it in a while, try it out before you leave for India. Check the zippers on your bags and coats, test your camera, flashlight, batteries, etc. Whatever is important enough to carry halfway around the world should be in good working order so it serves you well.

Physical Training

While this is not technically a hiking trek, we will be spending a fair amount of time on our feet walking daily. So if you wish to see all of the sites we will visit comfortably, you should be physically fit enough to stand for several hours at a time and walk moderate distances. The longest distance we will actually hike will be our path up to Babaji's mountain cave, which is at an altitude of approximately 8800 feet above sea level. This takes most people approximately 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours (each way), depending on their fitness level and speed. If you have a physical disability that might affect your ability to hike this distance, and are concerned about your ability to participate, you may inquire with the Pilgrimage Administrator at kriyayoga_150years@kriya.org.

Healthful Eating/Travel Tips

The food served on this trip will be a healthful, vegetarian menu and will be fresh, locally prepared Indian food. If you have never eaten Indian cooking before, you may enjoy getting your taste buds ready by trying your hand at preparing some Indian meals or visiting a local Indian restaurant. One idea you might consider if you have a day-long flight to India: eat lightly, if at all, on the plane and drink plenty of water. This will help your body to cope better with jet lag so that you can start the pilgrimage more energized and refreshed.