Mandala Magic small group authentic tours of India Tibet Nepal China

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF INDIA, NEPAL, TIBET AND CHINA.

Mandala Magic tours developed from a dream: a passion to share our experiences and knowledge of sacred sites and ancient wisdom.

We offer real, authentic travel to ensure that your journey is culturally rich, fun and deeply moving.

Be involved and touched by the land, people, culture and eastern spiritual beliefs....take a special journey to the heart of the east.

SHEDULED TOURS 2012
NEPAL - TIBET	18 Days	27th MAY – 14th JUNE	Cost: $A 3,800 (Land component only) SMALL GROUP. GREAT ADVENTURE A 'once in a lifetime experience' in an ancient and fascinating land ….. mystical Tibet. Visit Everest, the highest mountain in the world.	BOOKING NOW
CAMBODIA -THAILAND	16 Days	JUNE 30th – 15th JULY	Cost: 16 awesome days $2680 (Land component only) ANCIENTCULTURE, ADVENTURE AND SPETACULAR SCEENERY. Adventure across the Himalayan range to see an ancient civilization, Buddhism and its people in a spectacular setting. Great for the photographer !	BOOKING NOW
CAMBODIA -THAILAND	14 Days	3rd – 16th December	Cost: $A 1800 (Land component only) INTERESTING AND REJUVINATING. Great for families or couples. In the capitol of Phnom Pen see palaces and pagodas and experience the resilience of a gentle people rebuilding their culture and country. By elephant see the ancient and spectacular ruins around Anghor Wat – one of the wonders of the world. Explore the beaches of Kep its islands, snorkel the reefs and taste paradise.	BOOKING NOW
TOURS 2011
Tibet – Nepal	23 Days	9th June -1st July 2011	Cost: Aprox. $A4,800 NEPAL / TIBET/EVEREST / MT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest base camp, Circumambulate Mt Kailash, Neylam, Kathmandu
Tibet – Nepal	14 Days	9th June-22nd June 2011	Cost: COST: $A3,600 NEPAL / TIBET/EVEREST / MT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest base camp, Circumambulate Mt Kailash, Neylam, Kathmandu
	SMALL GROUPS - LIMITED PLACES – BE QUICK!
LINKS TO FUTURE TOURS

	Join Gary and Karen on a magical mix of people, landscapes, cultures and religions that make this part of the east so special. Take a different view of life – A fabulous opportunity for the photographer or artist. Bodanath Stupa Khatmandu, Nepal		*MANDALA MAGIC TOURS & WHAT WE OFFER -* We offer real, authentic travel – a ‘warts and all’ adventure that can challenge and delight at the same time. We enjoy a wide range of activities to ensure that your experience is culturally rich, fun and deeply moving. We want you to be involved, to be touched by the land, people and cultures that you visit and not be just an onlooker. TRANSPORT - To get as close as possible to the culture and land that we are travelling through we use a variety of transport to give you the best possible experience. This includes – planes, buses, trains, private jeeps, taxis, rickshaws, cars, elephants, horses, camels and on foot. VISAS and PASSPORTS - We organise all your visas and travel permits for you. You are required to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the expiry date with at least 2 blank pages. FOOD- The food of India is fantastic! Vibrant flavours, colours, and different textures to experience. There is n enormous array of tastes to excite and tempt with wicked sweets that change with the regions. Try a traditional Thali which has an array of small stainless steel pots filled with different curries and placed on a large platter with rice and a soft unleavened bread. A feast! TOUR GRADINGS- Our tours suit travellers of all ages with average fitness and mobility. Some are more suited to those with a keen interest for exploration and adventure and involve long road or rail journeys, some walking and at times more basic accommodation. We are with you all the way to support and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. ACCOMODATION - Accommodation generally is comfortable twin share, to add to and enhance your experience, therefore not 5 star (unless stated). Some are refurbished palaces or historical buildings.We endeavour to ensure rooms have their own bathroom and toilet. Hotels are chosen for their location – in the cultural heart of the town, close to everything that you need such as shops, restaurants, money changers, internet etc.Each has something special to offer and most have lovely courtyards and garden settings, and include restaurants. Staff are friendly and helpful.(If you choose to have your own room add extra $600) GENERAL INFORMATION- We supply a detailed list of what to pack, information on money, health precautions and climatic conditions, things to be aware of and other general information specific to each tour. We offer free information meetings and have a ’get together dinner’ to meet other members of our groups before departing. After each tour we have a group dinner party to share photos, laughs and our experiences. ABOUT YOUR GUIDES Gary lived in India for 7 years. He settled in Mc Leod Ganj and in a Tibetan Monastery in Southern India studying Tibetan language, culture and Buddhism. He has travelled extensively to England, Africa, Israel, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, Tibet and India. A ONCE IN A LIFE TIME EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE EYES OF YOUR GUIDE Karen (nurse) was one of the key people to open, establish and work in Delek Hospital for Tibetan Refugees, Dharamsala. This involved the development of clinics in remote Tibetan settlements throughout northern India. Karen was impressed by Tibetan art, in particular Mandalas, and also the Persian miniature painting of this region. She lived in Dharamsala for almost four years in close association with an Indian, Hindu family. We assist with local language (Gary Tibetan and Karen Hindi) and share our hands on knowledge of customs, art, culture, people and food to ensure that your experience is more than ‘just a tour’. Gary and Karen design unique small group tours of up to ten, through northern India, Nepal and Tibet. Whether you wish to travel as a family, with a group of friends or with a special interest group they will accommodate your needs to create a unique and memorable holiday experience for you. Both are experienced travellers and tour leaders who not only design these tours but travel with you. Karen and Gary offer a ‘real experience’, something that touches the heart of this special part of the world.
We sponsor children at this small private boarding School in the Bihar – the Shanti Buddha Residential Complex. Young monks supported by mandala magic and friends. Nepal monastery.	India touches your heart. Tours are low impact environmentally and demonstrate a deep respect for the unique cultures and religions encountered. Some proceeds from each tour group are donated to a special cause – medical relief with surgical intervention to cure cataract blindness in the Bihar state, India, assistance to disadvantaged children and their families, education of children and aid to widows in India. We support 9 young monks aged from 5 to 12 years in a monastery in Nepal. We also support young girls in the Bihar state paying for full board and a private education for them. Many of our travellers wish to contribute to the countries that we visit in some way…….some give their time in teaching (even a couple of hours of English) , purchase a few blankets and give them to the poor, give a meal to a child, give books and pens to schools, donate money to the widows, and much more. These simple gestures make a difference. Members of our tour groups have the opportunity to visit schools or monasteries or medical centres that we support whilst on tour, if they wish.
	Donations made to aid cataract surgery.	S. Lamont-Stacey & Mandala Magic. Bihar District. Bodh Gaya.
The Sounds of India are unique.	*MANDALA MAGIC TOURS - INCREDIBLE* We have lots of fun and plenty of adventure! From the romantic heart of India – the Taj Mahal, to the spiritual centres – the Ganges for Hindus and Bodh Gaya for Buddhists. Visit the golden triangle, the romantic and fairytale part of India – the land of the Maharajas. See imposing Mogul palaces; explore impressive ruins and experience the majesty and splendour of this region. Climb the foothills of the Himalayas and the Kangra valley to stay in Dharamsala, home of the exiled 14 th Dalai Lama. Experience Tibetan Buddhism, art and culture in a superb mountain setting. Fly to Khatmandu, Nepal – a closed kingdom until 1951 – and a major town on the India – Tibet trade route. Explore this fascinating and ancient city before embarking on a 5 day overland trip into Lhasa, Tibet. This is considered to be one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Experience the unique culture of Ledakh, also known of as ‘Little Tibet’. This area was closed until the late 1970’s and retains its unique customs and way of life, due to the remote location. Visit remote and hidden, Hemis village and ancient monastery is where some say Jesus travelled to. See the magnificent statue of Matreya Buddha at Tikse monastery. Travel through the Himalayan range to Manali along the second highest motor able road in the world. View steep gorges, waterfalls and spectacular vistas over two days. Unforgettable! Fragile and beautiful India.
Try something new -		Blow your mind – be taken away…….
	*This is a wonderful opportunity to see the East - the spiritual and cultural, art wealth.* India is an adventure in itself and not all goes to plan. Transport frequently breaks down, roads are pot-holed and rough. The bureaucracy and form filling in is amazing! Itinerary needs to change at times. It is a fascinating place – one that challenges and delights at the same time. Karen & Gary love India and hope to give you an amazing experience. India adds spice to your life -
Karmarpa (high Tibetan Lama) teaching at Bodh Gaya	India Colors your world
Karen purchasing glass beads in Varanasi.	Gary Scott talking to a local boy in the ‘hills’ of Tibet.	Gary having a conversation with Tibetan women.	We also use local guides to support the people and the economy.
TESTAMONIALS Brigitte House 2011 Travelling to Tibet, Nepal and Cambodia with Mandala Magic Tours literally changed my life. I'd been dreaming of going to Tibet in particular for years and when the opportunity came I took it without hesitation. It was one of those instinctual feelings that couldn't be ignored. Karen looked after us all with such care, enthusiaism and local knowledge where ever we went on our trip, that I felt completely safe as well as relaxed. And even though Gary couldn't travel with us, I was impressed to hear of how much he had helped from Australia too, keeping us smoothly on our way, without us even knowing. What's special about Mandala Magic Tours is the mutual love and respect that is built between them and the people and places they visit. Everyday we experienced something that could never have happened without such a unique spirit to travelling. Kim Smith First and foremost, I am so glad to have had my first India experience with you guys. I felt safe and provided for, and felt totally looked after ~ and yet had time to myself for personal unique experiences. If there were hitches, we didn't know about them! Both Gary & Karen’s patience and understanding of individuals is wonderful. Everyday was filled with colour, excitement, history. I felt spellbound my many sights and sounds. Our group of travellers were wonderful! We bonded extremely well, yet all I think had a wonderful personal experience that will last a lifetime. Thank you Karen and Gary, You and India will always have a piece of my heart. Amber Collings "Gary and Karen Scott offer a unique opportunity to see the real India. They take you on a journey like no other, to places and experiences off the tourist track that you would not experience anywhere else. Their wealth of knowledge about the country, its history, its culture and religion is amazing and they engage you in their love of the Country. It was definitely a once in a lifetime trip and I’m planning my next one with them in 2008! " Chris Salter Travelling with Karen and Gary is a unique experience which, I firmly believe, is quite unique. Money can’t buy everything – it certainly can’t buy the loving compassion with which each member is treated and the sense of becoming part of a family, secure in knowing that in this new, fascinating, challenging environment, you are both safe and yet free to experience an incredible journey. Whether that journey for you is deeply spiritual or simply adventurous, travelling with Mandala Magic is an experience which quite frankly defies description. Laughter, awe, fascination………..you’ll experience a gamut of emotions and start to gain an understanding of the people and the country from Garry and Karen’s truly unique perspective and background. Be prepared for an experience which will change your life; be warned that it’s addictive; be loved. Brigitte House 2011 Travelling to Tibet, Nepal and Cambodia with Mandala Magic Tours literally changed my life. I'd been dreaming of going to Tibet in particular for years and when the opportunity came I took it without hesitation. It was one of those instinctual feelings that couldn't be ignored. Karen looked after us all with such care, enthusiaism and local knowledge where ever we went on our trip, that I felt completely safe as well as relaxed. And even though Gary couldn't travel with us, I was impressed to hear of how much he had helped from Australia too, keeping us smoothly on our way, without us even knowing. What's special about Mandala Magic Tours is the mutual love and respect that is built between them and the people and places they visit. Everyday we experienced something that could never have happened without such a unique spirit to travelling. Dion Tilley 2010 “We went on a tour of Tibet and Nepal with Mandala Magic as our last big trip overseas before children. Both my wife and I have travelled extensively so we started our tour with a very keen idea of what we didn’t want. We experienced the best of cultural and environmental aspects of every destination and we were impressed with the knowledge of both the local guides and Australian guides. The passion both the sets of guides felt for the trips was evident. A highlight for us was the fact that the Australian guides stayed with us all the way through and , offing us peace of mind and stability in the entire tour. This was by far the best trip I have been on and I would highly recommend Mandala Magic to anyone considering a tour to one of their unique destinations.”

TOURS 2011
Tibet– Nepal 9th June -1st July 2011 23 Days Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse Shigatse, Everest base camp, Circumambulate Mt Kailash, Neylam, Kathmandu	Tibet– Nepal 9th June-22nd June 2011 14 Days Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse Shigatse, Everest base camp, Circumambulate Mt Kailash, Neylam, Kathmandu	INDIA – Spirit of north India tour 16 Days Dec 28th 2010- Jan 14th 2011 Kolkota, Bodh, Gaya, Varanassi, Agra, Jaipur, Delhi
FUTURE TOURS
Tibet– China Chengdu, Chongquing, Lhasa Gyantze, Chengdu	India Delhi, Ledakh Manali, Agra Delhi	Golden Triangle Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Delhi	Kolkota - Delhi Kolkota, Bodh, Gaya, Varanassi Agra, Jaipur, Delhi