Science of MindIndian Himalayas
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Explore the latest theories on the Science of Consciousness with world renowned Professor and Philosopher Dean Rickles from the University of Sydney.
Recent advances in neuroscience, philosophy and mathematics has led to a renaissance of theories consciousness – what is consciousness, how it effects our behaviour and free will, whether it occurs in other species, and the potential implications for machines becoming conscious.
On this unique Xpedition, you will be immersed in the Indian culture, which has contemplated consciousness for eons. From religious mystic temples to the lofty monasteries of the Himalayas, Prof Rickles will guide you through the latest consciousness research, including participating in meditation practices with Buddhist monks.
OVERVIEW
Indian Himalayas
12 People Max.
12 Days
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Prof Dean Rickles
Dean Rickles is Professor of History and Philosophy of Modern Physics at the University of Sydney, where he is a director of the Sydney Centre for Time.
He completed his PhD at the University of Leeds in 2005, after which he completed a postdoctoral fellowship on complex systems theory at the University of Calgary (split between population health and philosophy).
He moved to Sydney in 2007, receiving back-to-back ARC research fellowships from 2008-2018. His primary research focus is the history and philosophy of modern physics, particularly quantum gravity and spacetime physics. He also has academic interest in the study of consciousness, AI and machine learning.
Trip Highlights
- Northern India’s Golden Triangle of forts, palaces
and bazaars - Join Prof Rickles latest theories on the science of consciousness in the Indian Himalayas
- Explore the rituals and spiritual practices of
Tibetan Buddhism - Learn mindfulness and meditation in the mountains
- Visit the local monasteries for morning prayer
with the monks - Meditation session with Geshe, most learned monk
- Mindfulness and yoga by the holy lakes of Ladakh
- Rejuvenate with the peace and tranquillity of the
beautiful Nubra Valley - Helicopter over the Ladakh mountains to Nubra Valley
Join Prof Rickles latest theories on the science of consciousness in the Indian Himalayas.
Online Science of Consciousness Course
Join Prof Rickles in an online Science of Consciousness course, the ideal preparation for the BQX Indian Himayalan Xpedition.
Contact us for more details. Call +61 (0)2 9216 9056 or email bookings@bqx.com.au.
The Booking Details
Indian Himalayas
|
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
A 12 day Xpedition to the Indian Himalayas with Xpert Prof Dean Rickles.
What's Included
- Accommodation, yoga, meditation and all activities – as per itinerary
- Flight from Delhi to Leh roundtrip
- All meals – as per itinerary
- Drinks with meals – as per itinerary
- BQX Tour Manager & BQX Tour Xpert
- Gratuities
What's Not Included
- International airfares from Australia
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature (such as phone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc)
For questions or booking please call +61 (0)2 9216 9056 or email bookings@bqx.com.au
Xpedition Itinerary
Indian Himalayas
On arrival in Delhi, a transfer is included to the hotel where you will meet the BQX team and fellow Xpeditioners. Start the evening with welcome dinner.
Travel by road to Agra and explore the magnificent Agra Fort which was transformed into a fort palace by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Our hotel is close to the Taj Mahal where you can enjoy views all evening.
Leave early for the sunrise viewing of the magnificent Taj Mahal, as the white marble glistens in the sun. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, travel overland to Rajasthans capital of Jaipur to our grand hotel with its royal heritage and gardens.
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaipur’s Old City (Pink City). See the walled City Palace, a sprawling mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture, complete with courtyards and gardens. Continue to the Mughal style Amber Fort which overlooks Maota Lake. After lunch visit the local markets.
Return to Delhi with the remainder of the day at leisure before we head to the Indian Himalayas.
Today we fly to the Indian Himalayas. Ladakh is an incredibly spiritual place and is often referred to Little Tibet. High in the mountains, we spend a couple of days in Leh to relax in the altitude and take in the beautiful scenery at our luxury camp in the Indus Valley. This evening a Buddhist scholar will share fascinating insights into the culture and Tibetan Buddhism.
An early start, we join the monks for morning prayer at the nearby Thiksey monastery then return to camp. After a peaceful sunrise and leisurely breakfast we are prepared for our visit to the Kaspang Retreat for a meditation session with a monk. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening enjoy a village walk before dinner.
This morning we take a helicopter flight from Leh to Nubra Valley over the spectacular Ladakh mountains. For the next few nights we stay in the heart of Nubra Valley in a garden oasis called House of Trees, a tranquil retreat set amidst an orchard and elm trees, alongside the Siachen River. After lunch we drive to one of the holiest and high altitude lakes in Nubra Valley for our own private mindfulness and yoga session with a picturesque view in the middle of nowhere. This evening after dinner you can relax by the outdoor bonfire.
We start the day with 2.5km walk to the beautiful Samstanling monastery for a yoga session the in the garden courtyard of the monastery. Followed by guided meditation with a Geshe (the most learned monk), an immersive experience towards inner peace. Remainder of the morning is at leisure. Enjoy a farm to table lunch with views of the Karakoram range. Take in the culture and landscapes of the valley with an afternoon hike.
Begin with a yoga session surrounded by nature in the outdoors. Today visit Ensa monastery, a small gompa beautifully perched on the rugged cliff that exudes a special kind of energy with smaller shrines spread over the high side of the mountain. On the outskirts of Murgi village, visit the petroglyphs and continue our walk to a waterfall. Enjoy sundowners at the serene Sumur Dunes surrounded by the mountain ranges and the river confluence.
Today depart the Nubra Valley and travel over the mountains, reaching one of the highest points by road, the Khardang la Pass, at 5480m. This is an adventurous drive packed with breathtaking views of the Himalayan Zanskar and Karakoram range. Return to Leh for a night in town and farewell dinner.
Depart on an early flight from Leh to Delhi Airport to connect on your international flight home.