Description: In partnership with EcoArts Tours™, Global Exchange now provides "a great way to discover the natural world, arts and cultures with responsible travel. Experience dance, music, cuisine and fine arts of cultures worldwide while traveling to help the sustainable development of communities. Visit colorful Delhi where you will learn about Gandhi's Legacy and celebrate the rich cultural heritage. Journey throughout Spiti, a valley tucked away in the Trans-Himalayas on the border of Tibet. Experience Spiti's culture, cuisine, rare dance forms and breathtaking natural wonders. Gain insight on the local efforts on responsible Eco-travel and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Learn how your ecotourism revenues will help numerous community projects - from wildlife conservation, dance preservation, to solar energy development. This unforgettable journey will rejuvenate your spirit and create positive change as you travel responsibly.

Delhi

The trip will begin and end in Delhi, with the last few days including a 2-Day Gandhi Legacy, day-trip to the spectacular Taj Mahal and attending a classical Indian dance show. The Gandhi Legacy tour gives you the rare honor of being led by Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, Tushar Arun Gandhi. Mr. Gandhi will teach us about Gandhi's legacy from a personal viewpoint as we visit Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial and Cremation Ground), the Gandhi Museum and other historical sites in Delhi.

Spiti Valley

The Spiti trip starts in Manali and takes you over the majestic Rohtang and Kunzum passes and through the stunning and graphic valleys of the Chandra, Spiti and Pin rivers in Himachal Pradesh. In the first few days, we will take in the amazing sights and get acclimatized to the altitude. We will then 'safari' to different parts of the Spiti valley, visit Ecosphere's various Eco-tourism activities, and participate in the unique dance and art forms of the region. Five different dance forms will be showcased on 3 different occasions during which we will get an insight into the culture and religions practices of this unique community as well as get the opportunity wherever possible to join and be a part of the festivities.

A valid visa is required to enter/exit India.All visa applications must include a copy of the birth certificate.

Program Highlights:

• 2-Day Gandhi Legacy Tour led by the Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, Tushar Arun Gandhi
• Day-trip to visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal
• Attend a classical Indian dance show
• Hike admidst the breathtaking mountains and turquoise lakes as well as taking a yak safari
• Visit ancient Buddhist shrines and temples that date back more than 1000 years
• Experience village life throughout the valley, including a stay at Komic, the highest village in Asia
• Learn about different endangered dances of Spiti Valley - the elaborate art form of the Bhuchens,
• and the unique Khar dance that is in danger of extinction
• If lucky, catch a glimpse of the Himalayan Wolf or Snow Leopard
• Witness Ecosphere's conservation efforts to conserve cultural traditions and save the endangered wildlife

Cost: 2,900

Price Includes:

• * Accommodations in Delhi and Spiti Valley
• * All in-country transportation (train, air, private jeep, yak)
• * Three meals per day
• * Tour leaders and guides
• * All program activities and translation
• * All entrance fees
• * Preparatory reading materials
• * Global Exchange membership

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences.You do not have to be a professional artist to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Alessandro with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 225.