Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can participate?
Anyone who can walk and wants to explore Dharma. Parents and Children are welcome and as much provision as possible is made for families. A mobile 'crèche' will be able to carry children under the responsibility of their parents who will take turns to look after them as well as take turns to drive the crèche vehicle. Children meet again with the group for lunch and at the end of the afternoon. The Yatra, moving every day, can be a real challenge for single parents with young children and for those with health problems. Coming with someone who can share everyday logistics can be a useful help.

Who are the teachers?
The Yatra is led by Christopher Titmuss and other teachers. Christopher has participated in every Yatra since we began in 2001. Teachings will be given in English or in French with translation. The teachers will offer guided meditations, meditation instructions, facilitate small groups, give short talks and meet with people individually, if requested. See here for more details.

Will it all be in silence?
The walking, as well as meditation periods, are held in silence. Other times of day allow for discussion, teachings, and connection with Sangha. The Yatra explores the integration of silence and solitude, with relationship and interaction.

Will the Yatra be different from previous years?
Each Yatra is unique but also similar to the others. The spirit stays the same.
This year, for lunch, there will be both vegan and cheese sandwiches, for everyone, according to your choice on the registration form.

Are children welcome?
Children of all ages are very welcome on the Yatra. Participants give support to parents in terms of child care. Some children walk, some babies are carried and some travel in vehicles together with child minders. There is plenty of opportunity for play. But as we are moving every day, we advise single parents with young children to be aware of the difficulties and, if possible, to come with someone the kids know to make life easier during the Yatra.

How far do we walk each day?
Between 8 and 15 km. Some days are only half-days of walking, to allow for rest, and for more Dharma activities. We walk in single file with regular 10-15 minute breaks.

Do I have to carry my luggage?
No. We hire vehicles to carry the luggage, however we do ask that you pack lightly. If 150 people have 15kgs, that already is more than 2 tons to transport! It’s only possible if every is reasonable and packs light! You only need to carry a bottle of water, and perhaps a camera.

How do I register?
To register for the Yatra please use our online Booking Form before summer

Why asking a registration fee ?
We introduced a non-refundable registration fee of 60€. This money helps us cover all the expenses needed before the start of the Yatra. It also means a commitment for the people who register to participate. In 2006, we had reached our limit of 170 people each week, so we had to refuse people. We later realised that about 40 of these registered folks didn’t show up. That means some people could have participated to the Yatra but stayed home instead. Since we introduced this registration fee only 2 or 3 persons ended up not coming.

Will I be able to help out on the Yatra?
The Yatra needs you! Everything from route planning to vegetable chopping s an act of dana, that is a donation of kindness and support. During the Yatra we need people to help in the kitchen, site crew, washing up and so forth as well as driving various vehicles. There will be a work rota to sign up for at the beginning of the Yatra. Please come prepared to help.
If you are ready to drive one of the vehicles, you need to be more than 21 and must have had your licence for more than 3 years. Then, you can be a driver for the Yatra if your send in advance by email mail a color copy of your licence.

What about my car, where can I leave it?
There will be a field for the cars, down the starting point of the Yatra. They will stay there during the 10 days. At the end, a bus will bring the drivers back to pick them up. Shuttles will carry the luggage uphill to the campsite. Cars must stay in the car park and must not try to drive the path uphill.
This “Yatra” car park is just on the right when you arrive in En Durou, after the concrete bridge over the stream.

What will the weather be like?
Generally it is warm in August in this area of France. Bring suntan lotion, a summer hat and a bathing suit. The evening times can surprisingly cold, and it can easily rain during the Yatra, obvisouly! Please bring warm clothes for the evening and night and rain gear in case of summer storms. If a heavy storm comes it can be very chilly.

Do I need to speak French?
No. Teachings are given in English or French, with translation from one to the other.

When can I join or leave the Yatra?
Only on the first and on the last day of the Yatra. The Yatra lasts 10 days, without any change-over day like in the previous years. It will not be possible for us to provide any arrangement for those deciding to leave before the end of the Yatra.

Can I bring my dog, my cat, my flees?
Because of hygiene, outside kitchen, young children, cattle, road/circulation hazards, etc, we regret that animals are not allowed on the Yatra.