Charity Tours

Are you looking to travel to breathtaking locations while also making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? The Delek Foundation’s charity tours in Nepal and India offer just that! Led by Ven. Donyo, these tours have had a profound impact on remote Himalayan communities. From funding solar water heaters to providing jackets and shoes for students, the foundation’s commitment to holistic support is evident.

With your generous donations, we can expand our impact even further by covering essential medical supplies and more. By joining us on a future tour, you’ll not only witness stunning landscapes but also have the opportunity to create lasting memories and positive change in Himalayan communities.

We’re excited to welcome you to our team of compassionate volunteers who are committed to making a difference. Join us today!

Sri Lanka Charity Tour With Ven. Thupten Donyo
November 10 – 22, 2024

Join us on an unforgettable journey of spiritual discovery as we embark on our first Buddhist pilgrimage tour to Sri Lanka. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and profound teachings of Buddhism while exploring sacred sites and ancient temples nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes. This unique experience promises to deepen your understanding of Buddhist traditions. Come join us on this transformative adventure where history, spirituality and natural beauty converge to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1, Nov 10 – Arrival to Colombo – night in Negombo (Euro Star Hotel )

Day 2- Nov 11 – Nelikulam temple, Mihintale temple – night in Anuradhapur ( Palm garden village)

Day 3- Nov 12 – Sri-Mahabodhi temple, Ruwanvelisaya Chaitya, heading to Jaffana – night in Jaffana (Valamapuri Hotel  )

Day 4- Nov 13 – Nagadeep temple, Dambokola Patuna temple, back to Anuradhapur – night in Anuradhapura. (Miridiya lake resort)

Day 5-Nov 14 – Sigiriya Rock, Golden temple Dambulla – night in Dambulla (Athina lake)

Day 6-Nov 15 – Alu Viharaya Matale, Tooth Relic Temple – night in Kandy (Serendip stone)

Day 7-Nov 16 – Tea garden, Gregory Lake, Seeta Eliya temple- night in Nuwar Eliya (Ramboda falls)

Day 8-Nov 17 – Ravan Falls, Nine Arch Bridge – night in Waduwaluwa (Kottawata River Bank)

Day 9-Nov 18 – Kirinda temple, Kataragama Temple- night in Waduwaluwa (Kottawata River Bank)

Day 10-Nov 19 – Weherena temple, Paraviduwa temple, Rumassala, Galle Fort- night in Galle ( Palace by Ocean )

Day 11-Nov 20 – Kalutara temple, Gangarama temple, Galle Face- night in Colombo (Fairway Colombo)

Day 12-Nov 21 – Keleniya Temple, Colombo sight -seeing, shopping- night in Colombo (Fairway Colombo)

Day 13- Nov 22 – Return to US

Pilgrimage Cost:

Trip cost is $2,350.00 per person which includes lodging, meals and local transportation. All prices are based on shared rooms, twin beds. Please note the cost does not include your international airfare. If you would like a single room, there will be an additional $400 per person.

A portion of the trip cost is tax deductible and we will provide receipt for the donation.

Pilgrimage costs are based on a typical group size of at least 10 participants. A minimum of 10 participants are necessary to operate this pilgrimage. The cost is based on shared room.

If the number of members joining the trip is in odd numbers, then we will rotate the single room with each member at each destination. However, we encourage you to share this information with friends and family to join you.

​Payment can be done by online through our website or by check payable to

Delek Children’s Foundation and mail to 6500 Sutter Ave. Richmond, CA 94804.

Please mention the Pilgrimage Tour in the memo of your check.

Total payment must be made along with Registration form by September 15, 2024. In case of your cancellation, there will be fee of $500 if you notify us 30 days before the tour starts. If the trip is canceled within 30 days, the total amount is non-refundable as we need to send our payment to our tour operator in advance.

Visa : You need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, and an electronic visa is now available to apply. You may contact their consulate in Los Angeles if you have any questions.

For your international tickets, we recommend you to contact Sonam at Third Eye Travel. She can be reached at sonam@thirdeyetravel.comor 510-487-9010 ext 101. She will give you suggestion as per our group schedule. If you prefer to fly on different airlines, please make sure to contact Sonam before purchasing the tickets.

If anyone wishes to join the pilgrimage from other states or other countries, they are welcome to do so. However, registration is still required, and all participants must arrive in Colombo as per tour schedule.

Important: Please note: During the tour, we will be staying in 4-5-star hotels depending on the locations, and they are often fully booked during pilgrimage season between November – February. We will make our greatest effort to make you as comfortable as possible. However, some pilgrimage sites may have decent lodges. There will be light walking for short distance on most of the days except for Sigiriya where you have to walk for at least 3 hours, we recommend all participants to check with their health insurance carrier as for coverage abroad and for precautionary medical treatment for travel in Sri Lanka.

For more information about the trip, please contact me directly at (510) 674-6000 or send us email at: office@delekcf.org.

Services Included:

1. 12 nights in twin bed, shared rooms in 3 – 4 star hotels.

2. All meals included for the duration of the tour.

3. Overland transportation as per the tour itinerary.

4. Airport transfer as per the group itinerary.

5. English Speaking guide.

6. Entrance ticket fees.

Services not Included:

1. International Airfare and Visa for Sri Lanka.

2. Airport transfers and hotel accommodations for those arriving and leaving separately from the group.

3. Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delay/cancellations etc.

4. All personal expenses such as DRINKS, LAUNDRY, MEDICAL, etc.

5. Insurance of any kind

6. Tips (On the last day all members will offer small gifts to our bus driver and his assistant. They usually expect tips at the end of the service).

7. Cost which are not included above in “Services Included.

For more details, please contact me at office@delekcf.org or call me at 510-674-6000.

Registration Form Here

Past Tours

The Delek Foundation’s charity tours have covered various locations in Nepal and India, mainly focusing on remote Himalayan communities. Some notable locations include:

Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu: The tour often begins with a visit to this monastery, providing a cultural immersion experience.

Solukhumbu Region: This rugged area is home to several remote villages and monasteries, where the foundation has provided support such as solar water heaters and aid to monks and local communities.

Salleri: A small mountain town serving as a base for exploration in the Solukhumbu region, offering stunning views of nearby peaks.

Dhading: This is a remote village in the Dhading district, where the foundation has provided assistance to schools and students facing challenges like long walks to school and inadequate clothing.

Kathmandu: The capital city is a hub for cultural experiences and a starting and ending point for the tours.

Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. Tour participants have enjoyed wildlife experiences like viewing rhinoceroses and elephants.

Pokhara: A picturesque city located near the Annapurna mountain range, offering breathtaking views and cultural experiences.

Throughout these locations, the Delek Foundation has made a meaningful impact through various initiatives to improve local communities’ lives.

Past Tours

Ven. Thupten Donyo started this Foundation on His Holiness Dalai Lama’s advice during the visit in San Francisco in 2007. That year Ven Donyo was able to organize series of talks by His Holiness Dalai Lama at Bill Graham Hall in San Francisco. During the visit, His Holiness advised him to help uplift the lives of the Himalayan children.

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Financial Support

Your contribution will change the lives of impoverished Himalayan children. These children need your help to improve their lives, as their educational opportunities are very limited. You have a unique opportunity to educate one of these children. Find out more….

BECOME A SUPPORTER