“I’m recalling fond memories, inspirational moments together, (capturing sunrise at Golden Temple), soothing sips of lemon ginger tea after some of our street adventures in rickshaw rides, near collisions with cows and tuk-tuks, and that backward drive down the cliff in Dharamsala. We experienced so much together on this trip. I agree with Patty when she expressed how blessed she was to share this trip with great travel companions and to have Mahan Rishi and Nirbhe Kaur as our guides.
Mahan Rishi and Nirbhe Kaur’s calm and angel-like protection made me feel safe in some harrowing road experiences, like the one in the fog that inspired Evette to write a brilliant poem.”
"My journey to India with Mahan Rishi and Nirbhe Kaur Khalsa was amazing. We traveled to the Golden Temple, sat by the pool of water that surrounds the temple, getting up early to hear prayers that have been recited for over 300 years. Then up to Dharamsala in the mountains to visit The Dalai Lama's ashram. Then on to Rishikesh to sit by the Great Ganges. A deeply moving time of reflection, laughter, and friendship..........An engaging journey that everyone should take at least once in their lives." Kevin Kelly - Titusville, N.J. 1999
Young devotee at The Golden Temple in Amritsar
“Traveling with the Khalsa’s is like traveling with family. They are experienced travelers knowing country customs and politics making one feel safe and protected. You feel like you are traveling with spiritual guides who make the trip fun.”
A meditative moment in Varanasi
“India is such an amazing place to travel with many wonderful moments of meeting beautiful people, seeing breathtaking scenery, taking amazing photos and deep spiritual encounters. We had a wonderful time traveling with Mahan Rishi and Nirbhe Kaur and would encourage anybody to join them on what is going to be a very special journey.”
Early morning prayers on the Dashashwamedh ghat in Varanasi
"Our trip to India was truly the highlight of last year and while I have traveled the globe, I can easily say it was the most interesting and profound of all the trips I have taken. I often think about our trip and the magic of the place—the bright colors of saris, the beautiful faces of the people we met, the big smiles of the children at the orphanage we visited, the sound of chanting at the gurdwaras and the smell of food cooking at the Golden Temple. One of my most striking memories was being at the Golden Temple as the sun came up—the sun brought the Golden Temple to its full glory. It was truly spectacular. Having you and Nirbhe Kaur as our guides made the trip that much more special. With your expert guidance, I felt that we could immerse ourselves in the experience without trepidation. Experiencing and being part of the spiritual gatherings was a rare opportunity. I will never forget our time together." Patty Leuchten 2015
Comments from past travelers
Happy Sadhu in Pushkar
Rita from Hong Kong, having a great time with a family on the Parkarma of the Golden Temple in Amritsar India ~ Sacred Journeys INDIA encourages positive cultural exchanges
“Mahan Rishi made my yatra (spiritual pilgrimage) a heart opening experience. I got to experience one of my current life’s dreams and to do it with a great guide and friend. India is a photographer’s paradise...rich in color and sites that you can see nowhere else on earth. Many memories still reverberate in me : listening to the bells and yogic chants at dawn along the Ganges in Rishikesh, experiencing Sadhana during the sweet nectar morning (amrit vela) in Dharamsala, seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time. Besides these experiences, Mahan Rishi provided opportunities to do Seva—-the true purpose of this sacred journey of the heart.”
Young dancer during Shivratri celebration in Varanasi
“I’ve been reading to David from my journal every night and he has remarked over and over what a marvelous journey I’ve had. I feel so fortunate that I waited until the right moment which is when I met you and your wife at the mind/body/spirit fair. Because this was the India trip I was suppose to be on. Not only was it an adventure, but a mind bending magical mystery tour. Thank you for planning such a perfect trip!”
Altar at Norbulingkha Dharmsala
Village Children Bodhgaya
"Mahan Rishi, it was an unbelievable trip and, for me, even more than you promised.
Thought I would share this poem from our trip. Sunrise/Sunset, it is all about the lighting:)"
Traffic Jam to Sunset
The honking, the impatience,
But the sun will set, not wait.
Slowly creeping ahead,
Not mile by mile but inch by inch,
But the sun will set, not wait.
An opening, we move ahead,
The trucks, the vans, the jeeps,
the bicycles, the motorcycles, the pushcarts,
But the sun will set, not wait.
Each photographer hopes, not too late,
Each knows otherwise and knows for sure,
The sun will set, not wait. Namaste Yvette E. Taylor-Hachoose 2015
Sadhu on the ghats in Varanasi
Sunrise on Ganga river Varanasi
“Traveling through foreign countries can be a very transformative and rewarding experience and at the same time it can feel challenging and arduous. Traveling with the Khalsa’s through India, Nepal and Tibet, helped bring a sense of ease to the whole experience.
Mahan Rishi and Nirbhe Kaur really were able to hold the space allowing me to go deeper into my practice and exploration during our travels. I feel blessed to have shared that journey with them and look forward to the next time.”
“Traveling with the Khalsa’s is a joyous and spiritual adventure. Mahan Rishi and Nirbhe Kaur are highly experienced world travellers.......They’ve made my trips to India, Nepal and Tibet spiritually rewarding experiences. They know how to travel, what to bring, where and what to eat, etc.. One could not be in better and safer hands....”
Thai monk with Bodhi Leaves Bodhgaya
“Visiting the villages was the best part of our trip. Thank you for such a wonderful experience, Mahan Rishi. ”
GurSikh on Parkarma Golden Temple
Morning Aarti Ceremony at Assi Ghat Varanasi
Young Vendor Kumbha Mela Allahabad
"Mahan Rishi's knowledge of India and love for India make him the perfect host for a trip of a lifetime. His careful planning and gentle spirit set the tone for intriguing excursions that immersed us in the many cultures of India. I look forward to our next adventure with Mahan Rishi." Mark Reis 2015