Why Us?
You are not just a number to us. You are unique. We are available to assist you - before, during and after your tour. When you get in touch with us you will be speaking to a person who will help you choose the right journey, and craft an itinerary that meets your personal interests and style. The greatest compliment we receive is that so many people choose to travel with us again and again.
Our journeys are exploratory, intelligent and spiritual adventures - more a state of mind than a risky or arduous challenge. Apart from inspiring heritage sights, the real adventure is in discovering new insights, the awe of nature, encounters with new cultures, and the excitement of personal discovery.
We are not a typical tour company. We differ from others in the places we visit, the way in which we travel, the guides/leaders who accompany our guests and the people who join us! And we have cultivated these differences because we want to offer the most informed and authentic experience. We want these journeys to be educational and transformative, while being enjoyable and exciting.
Our Story:
As we shared on our Home Page… In 1988, Shantum Seth was invited by Thich Nhat Hanh to organize a pilgrimage to the sacred sites associated with the Buddha’s life across India. Thay himself led that first journey, and afterward encouraged Shantum to continue guiding such pilgrimages each year as part of his mindfulness practice.
Since then, Shantum has been leading these transformative journeys, offering people from around the world an opportunity to walk in the Buddha’s footsteps with awareness and insight. In 2005, he left his position at the United Nations to establish the Ahimsa Trust, an organization dedicated to promoting mindfulness, peace, and nonviolence. Through Eleven Directions, his expression of Right Livelihood, Shantum continues to spend half the year cultivating mindfulness and building community on these special pilgrimages.
Hear About the Power of Pilgrimage with Shantum Seth
Journeys of Discovery
We even travel down the small paths that conceal hidden wonders - the unbeaten track where the large tour buses can't go! There is no place in India and most parts of Asia that we can't arrange for you to visit. Besides 5-star hotels, we seek out small boutique hotels and lodges and even homestays where the local culture is strong and we can enjoy regional cuisines and traditional lifestyles.
We are keen to let you experience the best of Indian and Asian culture, both classical and folk. We include musical programs, dance performances, home visits, trips to schools and craft centers, and private lectures by experts. We try and accommodate any particular interests expressed by our guests - whether it is cooking, getting clothes tailored, riding an elephant, astrology, or meeting a wise guru!
Dependapility
We have been tour operators since 1988, approved by the Government of India, and members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, guaranteeing quality, high standards and services all over India and Asia.
Personal recommendations, apart from what we have listed here, are available on request.
You can depend on our record of care, professionalism, security and safety. We are happy to have connected with you, look forward to serving you and look after your well being.
Journeys of Transformation
Our focus is on the inner journey. Asia is overwhelming for all the senses. Traveling with a supportive community, reflecting on what you are seeing together, and practicing mindfulness throughout the journey with teachers — we make sure your heart is cared for along the way.
The Buddha taught us how to transform suffering — that was his great teaching. Throughout the journey, we share his teachings at sites where he may have been, or where his practices are still lived to this day, 2,500 years later. It is a magical thing. Join us.
Everyone Should Visit India at least Three Times in each Lifetime.
A first visit is recommended when you are in your early twenties: an initiation to take in the sights, the sounds and smells of India, to balance the exotic and the banal, to backpack, perhaps intentionally on a shoe-string budget even when you can afford more!
The second time when you are a 'householder': travel with your partner, stay in the luxury hotels, shop, romance at the Taj Mahal and swear eternal love to your beloved.
And a third time is necessary in search of Wisdom: when you think you have done it all, but feel you haven't got anywhere! India is the place to ask the big questions, seemingly without any answers for the world. "Who am I?" We have been debating these for some 5,000 years and yes, we do have some of the answers.
"With each step and breath the Buddha comes alive. Shantum's knowledge, insight and humor brings joy to those journeying with him in the footsteps of the Buddha."
-Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Master, Plum Village, France
"Whether you are a Buddhist pilgrim or simply want to learn more about the sources of Buddhism, you will find Shantum Seth's guided journey to the places in India where the Buddha lived and taught, a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience."
-Stephen Batchelor, Author of Buddhism without Beliefs
"Shantum guided us skillfully through the sacred ancient sites and also through modern India treating us as friends and guests. He bridges East and West effortlessly, with great humanity. The stories of the Buddha's life as we sat in the gardens at Lumbini, strolled the ruins of Buddha's palace,or watched the sun set on the exact spot where he died - helped me understand the drama of his life, and the significance of his teachings."
- Jim Gollin, Financial Advisor, USA
My gratitude for this trip is overwhelming. This trip was really organized in a fantastic way, perfet!! - Anonymous
I am pretty sure life will never be the same our pilgrimage together. - Leon
"The most worthwhile journey of my life. This pilgrimage is unique."
-Doris Field, Nurse, USA
"I never join tour groups, but "In the Footsteps of the Buddha" turned out to be the best introduction to the Buddha's life, to India's sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and to group leader Shantum Seth...... Shantum is good at balancing between tour leader..part psychotherapist- and skillful Buddhism teacher."
-Excerpt from National Geographic, Perry Garfinkel, Author of "Buddha or Bust"
