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. We do not advise single parents with children 4 yrs and under, or those whose health does not permit you to walk, to attend the Yatra. We encourage you to come to Le Moulin de Chaves before the Yatra as part as their Summer Open Retreat, when we can offer more support.

Who are the teachers?
The Yatra is led by Christopher Titmuss, Denis Robberechts and assistants. 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?
Many features will be the same and some things will be different. We will include in the Yatra 2008 opportunity different forms of creative dharma - music, dance, theatre, poetry, singing. If you can play a music instrument, do bring it with you, join a workshop or simple enjoy watch and listen. Sometimes our walking will start at dawn and finish at noon. We also put more emphasis towards organic food.

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.

What do I need to bring?
You will need a tent, a sleeping mat and sleeping bag, walking shoes, warm clothing for cool evenings, waterproof clothing for wet weather, a sun hat, a plate, cup, cutlery, water bottle for 2 litres and torch and spare batteries. Please bring your own sunscreen, as well as bio/natural soap & toothpaste as much as possible. Opportunities for shopping on the Yatra will be very limited. We recommend a pop-up tent such as the "2-seconds Quechua tent" from Decathlon. They cost less than 40€, they really do only take 2 seconds to put up, and they fare very well in heavy rain and storms, as we have found out on several occasions! And finally, DO NOT BRING a single skin tent. Whatever they may tell you in the shop, they are NOT waterproof.

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! You only need to carry a bottle of water, and perhaps a camera.

How much does it cost?
The Yatra runs entirely on "Dana", a Pali word for generosity. There are many costs to cover including all the food, hiring of vehicles, teachers travel, administration, and many other bills. We rely totally on your generosity. We do ask for a €50 deposit as we have much financial outlay before the Yatra gets underway. At the end of the Yatra, we appeal for donations to cover all the expenses. We appeal to you to give generously to cover hiring of vehicles, food, petrol, Christopher's travel expenses from Totnes, England, equipment, mobile phone etc etc. It is major event with significant costs involve. We also appeal at the end of the Yatra for donations for the teachers. There are no paid staff. Covering the total cost of the Yatra enables us to organize another for the following year.

How can I pay?
You can give cash in any currency, personal cheques in Euros (€) only and travellers cheques. You can also give with your credit card, but only from this website and before the Yatra.
Important note: It will NOT be possible to give by credit card or PayPal at the end of this Yatra, unfortunately, and we will not have access to any ATM during the Yatra, so please thinking about bringing enough cash money and/or travellers' checks with you.

How do I register?
To register for the Yatra please use our online Booking Form (after April 15th, 2008). Any further questions or queries please contact us.

Can I stay there before and after the Yatra?
People will need to make their own arrangements. We will provide your with details of the local camping site.

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.

How will I get to the site?
Foix is on the railway line and also by coach from Toulouse.

What about my car, where can I leave it?
We will suggest a place for you to park your car in the Foix area.

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. This year will be a 10-day Yatra, without any change-over day like in the previous years.