Sankara Adventures
Coronavirus Update
At Sankara, we aim to take the utmost care and caution in the face of the current global pandemic. We strive to continue to work with and support our network of artisans and adventure guides to not only provide you the safest, grandest adventure, but also to maintain the livelihoods, communities, and environments of the areas in which we travel.
We are currently planning our adventures for Fall 2021. We are incorporating all new travel guidelines and advice into our arrangements. And, while our deposits remain non-refundable in general – if we must cancel the adventure due to safety and/or travel advisories outside of our control, we will work with all of our adventurers either through applying the funds to a future adventure or a full refund if they wish to adventure somewhere else in the meantime. Thank you for continuing to support us as we all navigate a new world!
Traveling through India with Sankara
Have you always wanted to visit India? All of Sankara’s tours are small, intimate groups of only up to 4 people. Join us on an ethical travel adventure to meet some of the amazing artisans who make the fabulous pieces we carry in the shop, as well as see the sights that make India truly incredible!
Katey and Francesca will be there for you every step of the way from applying for the visa (upon request) to navigating the trip home. The group will also get together before we go in order to talk about what to expect, answer questions, and meet each other before having to share a tuk-tuk! They will also meet with the group after we return in order to talk through the experience once you’ve settled in back home for a look back at our adventure.
CURRENT TOUR OPTIONS –
WONDERS OF INDIA TOUR: Starting in Delhi, we will adventure through the Kathmandu Valley, explore the Jungles of Odisha, enjoy the flair of Jaipur, and experience the mysteries of Agra and the Taj Mahal. Find out more below! Details coming soon for Sept/Oct 2021.
DESERT DREAMS TOUR: Starting in Delhi, we will adventure through Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Agra, and Ranthambore tiger park. Details coming soon for Feb/Mar 2022!
Included in the tours are the flights to and from Delhi (prices listed for Seattle departure – message us for pricing from other locations); all nights accommodation at a selection of comfortable hotels and B&Bs; all meals in India & Nepal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner); all transportation within India & Nepal including internal flights, trains, and chauffeured cars; Nepalese visa; entrance fees to all activities listed in the itinerary including the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, elephant excursion, Qutab Minar, and so much more; personalized attention and tour arrangements throughout the adventure; local guides at select locations; a daily bottle of water; a pre-adventure meet & greet; personalized written guides, and a post-adventure reunion. On select tours there will also be an option of professional photography sessions throughout the adventure (Christmas card photo at the Taj Mahal?).
Not included in this tour are the visa to India (Katrina can help walk you through the application on request); alcohol; gratuities; souvenirs; travel insurance; optional entrance fees and excursions not listed on the itinerary if requested during the adventure.
Traveling through Turkey with Sankara
Have you always been fascinated with Turkey? Join Katey as she leads a small, intimate group of only up to 6 people throughout the wonders of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus! The tours are an ethical travel adventure where you meet some of the amazing artisans who make the fabulous pieces we carry in the shop, as well as see the sights that make Turkey truly incredible!
Katey will be there for you every step of the way from stepping onto the plane to navigating the trip home. The group will also get together once before we go in order to talk about what to expect, answer questions, and meet each other before having to share a taxi! She will also meet with the group after we return in order to talk through the experience once you’ve settled in back home for a look back at our adventure.
CURRENT TOURS –
TURKISH DELIGHT TOUR: Starting in Istanbul, we will immerse ourselves in the grandeur and history of Istanbul, explore the otherworldly valleys of Cappadocia, and experience the mysteries of Ephesus. Our next adventure is set for TBD.
Included in the tours are the flights to and from Istanbul (Prices listed in US ($) are for flights from Seattle. Prices listed in GBP (£) are for flights from Manchester. Please message for pricing for departure from other locations); all nights accommodation at a selection of comfortable hotels and B&Bs; all meals in Turkey (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner); all transportation within Turkey, including but not limited to internal flights, ferries, and chauffeured cars; entrance fees to all activities listed in the itinerary including Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofia, Chora Church, Blue Mosque, the Ruins of Ephesus, and so much more; Turkish Visa, personalized attention and tour arrangements throughout the adventure; local guides at select locations; a daily bottle of water; a pre-adventure meet & greet; personalized written guides, and a post-adventure reunion.
Not included in this tour are alcohol; gratuities; souvenirs; travel insurance; optional entrance fees and excursions not listed on the itinerary if requested during the adventure.
Favorite Memories of Past Adventures
Come with us to make memories like these!
Join us on the adventure of a lifetime –
no two tours are exactly the same!
Our Current Tours
Turkish Delights –
TBD 2021
Tour Package:
Flights to and from Istanbul (visa included)
13 nights accommodation (including bed & breakfasts, homestays, and hotels)
All transportation within Turkey (including taxis, car w/experienced driver, internal flights, and more)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner plus a bottle of water each day – all allergies accommodated)
Personalized Tour Arrangements (we will ensure as smooth a journey as possible!)
Entrance Fees to all Activities included on the itinerary (including Aya Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Ephesus, Chora Church, Basilica Cistern, Goreme Open Air Museum, and much more!)
Local Guides (learn the history of select places from a local, certified guide)
Pre & Post Adventure Information (exclusive written guides, information packet, and pre-tour meet & greet info gathering)
Exclusive Extras (including shopping discounts, local experiences off the beaten path, flexibility in schedule, and more)
Included Activities:
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofia, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Chora Church, Islamic Art Museum, Rustem Pasha Mosque
Cappadocia: Goreme Open Air Museum, Valley hikes (Rose, Red, Pigeon, and/or Love), wine tasting, and either a horseback tour or a bus tour of the underground cities
Izmir: Ephesus Museum, Ephesus Ruins, House of the Virgin Mary, Selcuk, Sirince, Aegean Sea
Plus: Custom guided food tour, ethical shopping, and more!
Double Occupancy – $4,600 / £3,000 per person
Single Occupancy – $5,000 / £3,400 per person
Wonders of India –
TBD – Sept/Oct 2021
Tour Package:
Flights to and from Delhi (departing Seattle on Sept 25)
20 nights accommodation (including bed & breakfasts, homestays, and boutique hotels)
All transportation within India & Nepal (including but not limited to trains, car w/experienced driver, rickshaws, internal flights)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner plus a bottle of water each day – all allergies accommodated)
Personalized Tour Arrangements (we will ensure as smooth a journey as possible!)
Entrance Fees to all Activities included on the itinerary (including Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, elephant village, tiger safari, Qutab Minar, Old Delhi, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, Konark Sun Temple, and more)
Local Guides (learn the history of select places from a local, certified guide)
Pre & Post Adventure Information (exclusive written guides, information packet, and pre-tour meet & greet info gathering)
Exclusive Extras (including shopping discounts, local experiences off the beaten path, flexibility in schedule, and more)
Included Activities:
Agra: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri
Delhi: India Gate, Connaught Circle, Presidential Palace, Lodhi Gardens, Safdarjang Tomb, Qutab Minar, Hauz Khas, Chandi Chowk, Red Fort, Spice Market
Jaipur: City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Elephant Village, Jal Mahal, Panna Meena Ka Kund, Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple
Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur
Odisha: Jain Caves, Konark Sun Temple, Bay of Bengal beach visit, Dhenkanal Jungle tour
Plus: Handicraft demonstrations, shopping, visits to charitable partners, and more!
Double Occupancy – Price TBD
Single Occupancy – Price TBD
Desert Dreams –
TBD – Feb/Mar 2022
Tour Package (Details TBD):
Flights to and from Delhi
13 nights accommodation (including heritage hotels and luxury desert resort camps)
All transportation within India (including trains, car w/experienced driver, camels, and more)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner plus a bottle of water each day – all allergies accommodated)
Personalized Tour Arrangements (we will ensure as smooth a journey as possible!)
Entrance Fees to all Activities included on the itinerary (including Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, elephant village, Qutab Minar, Old Delhi, and much more – coming soon!)
Local Guides (learn the history of selected places from a local, certified guide)
Pre & Post Adventure Information (exclusive written guides, information packet, and pre-tour meet & greet info gathering)
Exclusive Extras (including shopping discounts, local experiences off the beaten path, flexibility in schedule, and more)
Included Activities:
Agra: Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri
Delhi: India Gate, Connaught Circle, Presidential Palace, Lodhi Gardens, Safdarjang Tomb, Qutab Minar, Hauz Khas, Chandi Chowk, Red Fort, Spice Market
Jaipur: City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Elephant Village, Jal Mahal, Panna Meena Ka Kund, Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple
Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort, Ghanta Ghar, Bishnoi Village excursion
Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort, desert camp
Ranthambore: Tiger Photo Safari
Plus: Handicraft demonstrations, shopping, visits to charitable partners, and more!
Double Occupancy – Price TBD
Single Occupancy – Price TBD
Prices reflect departure from Seattle or Manchester. Please message for pricing departing from other locations.
Contact Katey at sankara.imports@gmail.com for more information or to book your spot. You can also pop into the shop on Main Street!
Katrina is an amazing tour guide and wonderful travel companion. I’ve been to India with her twice and would gladly go again!
Visiting India with Katrina is a one of a kind experience. Getting to see the rich history, beautiful architecture and textiles, and truly appreciating the workmanship makes traveling with Katrina a real pleasure. My favorite part of our trips has always been to visit artisans in their homes/where they work, or meet the children of Ladli and Sunshine Project.
Katrina arranges everything ahead of time for the best experience possible. Hotels and tuk-tuk drivers, suggestions for dining, and help navigating the bustling markets, always accompanied by tidbits about the area you’re in or people you’re with. It is a great mix of structured tours, flexible down time, and a great appreciation for the vibrant culture around you.
I would highly recommend everyone visit India at least once, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to go with Katrina! 🙂
-Tammy D.
When asked by my friends after I returned from India, how my trip was – the word I used was “wondrous”. What an interesting, beautiful country with so much to see and do! With Francesca as my guide, we were able to go at our own pace and explore the palaces, market places, or just stroll down the streets. If something caught my eye, we could explore it as we did not have a strict time schedule for the day. She knew the drivers we had in some cities, and how to navigate the rickshaws/taxis/trains when we didn’t have our own driver.
I wanted to see the Taj Mahal (of course) but I was also interested in any old/interesting architecture. We visited not only the attractions most tourists see, but some of my favorite memories were from places the tour groups don’t go – which makes those memories that much more special. Visiting with elephants was magical, and I was thrilled to go to a place where they were clearly loved and well cared for. We also had the opportunity to visit the block print facility, and we got to try our hand at it; so fun!
I always felt safe and reassured that Francesca knew just what to do and where to go. For instance, going into a train station, and even more so coming off a train with porters and drivers coming at you, it’s quite overwhelming. Francesca navigated all of this with ease, just like a local. Traveling with someone with this experience and knowledge made for a terrific trip, and I look forward to another trip soon!