Share
Prayers, Meditation and Ritual with Tibetan Monks, Lamas - Masters.
Breathe in the Immense Blessings within the Sacred Caves, Temples and
Mountains of Guru Rinpoche – Padmasambhava (The Lotus Born).
Receive Sacred Initiation, Empowerment and Transmissions.
This 24 day Pilgrimage shall forever change your life.
Join Mana for this once in a lifetime Journey
in the homeland where he was initiated
with the Sacred Forms.
NEPAL/TIBET - The Ancient and Sacred ‘Crown Chakra of the Earth’ - an exotic land of snow and myth, draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya. Pilgrimage to Tibet and Nepal - where devotion meets dream. The wild roads upon the high plateau will invite you to touch stunning mountain peaks blanketed with prayer flags. Bathe within incense filled prayer halls full of chanting Monks, meditate within the ruins of remote Hermitages and Caves and Journey upon some of the Earth's most Holy grounds. In this ancient land of Shangri-la, discover a resilient country and her people who embody faith beyond faith. It is a Journey that will change the way you see the world and an experience that will change your life. We have chosen the best time of year to visit and will be blessed to share within the most auspicious festival period of Saga Dawa.
Nepal/Central Tibet Itinerary
Day
1 - May 27 - Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Greetings and transfer to our hotel in Boudhanath
where we shall circle, dine and commence our Sacred Journey. Please be
sure to arrive in Kathmandu in the morning (not in the afternoon).
Day
2- May 28 - Kathmandu - Boudhanath
- Patan - Leisure day, Explore lovely Patan Old city including the
Palace, Krishna Mandir, Mahabouddha Temple and Boudhanath Stupa with the
‘all seeing’ eyes of Buddha. Lama Blessing.
Day 3-
May 29 - Kathmandu - Pharping - Excursion
to Pharping Monastery visiting the Holy caves of Guru Rimpoche for meditation/initiation.
(Site of one of Mana's major initiations) This Sacred site is where Padmasambhava
attained the Mahamudra level of enlightenment.
Day 4 -
May 30 - Kathmandu - Lhasa - Early morning
flight to Lhasa with beautiful views of Mt. Everest. Transfer to Yak hotel,
right in the middle of the Tibetan old part of the city, just 5 a minute
walk from Potala and Jokhang Monastery.
Day 5 -
May 31 - Lhasa - Jokhang - Nechung -
Walk the old streets of Lhasa, today the heart of Tibet, the Jokhang Temple
& Barkhor bazaar - The foremost temple in Tibet, built in the 7th
century with its stunning golden rooftops. Join the many worshippers paying
their respects here. The Jokhang is encircled by the Barkhor bazaar, a
Sacred pilgrim path and also a colorful market - bargain over ornate treasures
such as prayer wheels, musical instruments and exquisite jewelry.
Afternoon
- visit the powerful Nechung Oracle temple - former home of the State
Oracle whom the Dalai Lamas consulted before making any important decision.
Meditate amongst the unusually potent murals and deities.
Day 6 -
June 1 - Lhasa - Potala Palace - Lukang - Chakopori
- Sacred tour of Potala Palace. The dominant landmark of Lhasa, 117
meters above the city, 13 stories high with walls 3 meters thick, over
1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues.
Meditation at Lukang Temple of the Naga (Serpent) King. Sacred Tantric site on a small island behind the Potala.
Ascend to Chakpori, hilltop sanctuary featuring ancient stone carving masterworks.
Day 7 -
June 2 - Lhasa - Terdrum - Sacred hotspring
of Yeshe Tsogyal. The hotspring is said to have healing powers and many
Tibetans come from all over the lands to revitalize their bodies, heal
and awaken their spirits. Above the
hotsprings is the Sacred cave in which Yeshe Tsogyal (main consort of
Padmasambhava) attained realization.
Day 8 -
June 3 - Yarlung Valley - Samye - Dorjee drak
- Yarlung Valley ‘the cradle of Tibetan civilization’ - replete
with temples, monasteries, castles, caves, stupas and mountain peaks.
Holy visit of Drak Yangdzong, the enlightened body cave of Guru Rinpoche.
This large cave complex is accessible through a tunnel (Yoni). In it numerous
(Ranjung) phenomenal formations have manifested out of the rock through
Guru Rinpoche's blessings.
Day 9 -
June 4 - Samye - Chimphu Kora (*Saga Dawa Festival)
- Samye was the first Monastery built by King Trisong Deutsen in
the 8th century with the help of Guru Rinpoche. It is a breathtaking wonder,
built as a Mandala.
The first Tibetan monks, ‘The Seven Examined Men’ were ordained here.
Next we travel above Samye Monastery to our Kora of the Chimphu caves, which represent Guru Rinpoche's enlightened speech aspect.
Day 10 - June 5 - Sheldrak Caves - Mindroling - Drive via Tsethang to Sheldrak - The enlightened Quality cave of Guru Rinpoche. Situated beautifully above Tsethang on a cliff overlooking the Bramaputra and Yarlung Valleys. These caves have been home to countless yogis and master who meditated here in addition to Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyal. It is a place famous for holding Termas (hidden treasure teachings of Guru Rinpoche)
Drive to Mindroling
monastery, 'Place of Perferct Emancipation' - This ancient monastery is
a well preserved part of the original Five Pillar Monasteries of the oldest
Tibetan Buddhist tradition (Nyingmapa).
Day 11 -
June 6 - Mindroling
- Gyantse - From Mindroling drive via Kambala (4794m) onwards to
Gyantse. Along the way to Yamdrok Tso (Scorpion Lake, 4488m) and Karola
pass (5045m) with it's beautiful glacier. From there we will reach Gyantse’s
Monastery and the incredible Kumbum.
Day 12 -
June 7 - Gyantse
- Sakya - AM visit the Kumbum and Gyantse Monastery which
holds most precious 14th century clay statues with Yoga mudras. Later
we drive through Shigatse to Sakya where we stroll the old village.
Day 13 -
June 8 Sakya -
Tingri - Parting of the Way - AM visit Sakya Monastery, the
main Monastery of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. The complex was
largely spared during the cultural revolution and still houses one of
the oldest and largest libraries of Sacred texts in the world.
Here our beloved group divides between those continuing on to Mount Kailash and those heading back to Nepal ~
Skip to The Mt. Kailash Itinerary if joining the extension group.
Those choosing instead to depart on Day 15 will take a spectacular drive from Saga via Dropula (4950m) and Gyatsola (5220m) to Tingri (4390m), with fantastic views of Mount Cho Oyu (8153m) and Mount Everest (8848m), and overnight stay in a cozy Tibetan farmer’s guesthouse.
Day 14 - June 9 - Tingri - Kathmandu - Travel from Tingri via Tongla (5120m) as we descend the high desert and enter the green of Nepal. (En route visiting the Holy Cave of Milarepa). In Zhangmu we leave the Tibetan crew and a private bus will take us back to Kathmandu hotel.
Day 15 - June 10 - Kathmandu - Departures - Free day exploring magical Kathmandu ~ Airport transfer to begin your Journey home.
SAGA DAWA FESTIVAL -
Every year at Saga Dawa (Day of Buddha's Enlightenment, Nirvana and Paranivana)
the Monasteries celebrate a large festival over four days (the entire
month is considered especially Holy). Over the four days, one has the chance
to see the vivid way Tibetan Pilgrims join the Fire Puja, Lama dances,
Sand Mandala Puja and the unrolling of the giant silk thanka. This
may be the most powerful festival in Tibet, where one has the opportunity
to share with Tibetan Pilgrims and sense the peaceful way they celebrate
Tibetan Buddhism and folklore. Furthermore at the time we are circumambulating
Mount Kailash there is a merit 100 thousand times more potent than any
other time of the year due to the this Holy month of Saga Dawa.
HOLY MOUNT KAILASH KORA
The most Sacred mountain in the Tibetan Buddhist world is also considered by many to be the Center of the Universe. Uncannily symmetrical, this remote and remarkable peak is located in the far west of Tibet, 1200 km from Lhasa. Mt. Kailash (6714m) ‘luminous crystal’ in Sanskrit. Hindus believe Mt. Kailash to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. Tibetans call the mountain Kang Rinpoche, the ‘Jewel of Snow’. A pilgrimage to this great Sacred and magical landscape is the most precious of pilgrimages for both Tibetan and Indian people, a Sacred Journey they pray to experience at least once in a lifetime, it is known to remove karmas of many lifetimes and bring about tremendous spiritual growth.
In the powerful year of 2012, we have chosen the most auspicious timing for the Journey, as the dates we are circumambulating Mt. Kailash coincide with the Holy month of the Saga Dawa Festival. (see above).
The core of this Journey is an unhurried four-day kora among Tibetan pilgrims around Mt. Kailash followed by a rest day at beautiful Lake Manasarovar. During the best time of the year, we enjoy silence, ceremony, nature and spectacular panoramic views.
Mount Kailash/Lake Manasarovar Itinerary
Day 13 - June 8 - Sakya - Saga (Parting of the Ways for those continuing on to Kailash Kora) - Following our visit of Sakya Monastery, meet sherpas and begin our Sacred Journey towards our Pilgrimage of Mount Kailash, traveling on to Saga guesthouse.
Day 14 -
June 9 - Saga - Darchen - Through
a magnificent hill landscape we move onwards to Old Trongba, visit the
ancient Monastery. We continue via Paryang to Darchen (4560m) at the base
of Mt. Kailash. After crossing the Mayumla pass (5216m), we drive along
the shores of Gung Gyu Lake, before getting our first glimpse of Holy
Mt. Kailash.
Day 15 -
June 10 - Darchen - Thirthapury - Darchen - Excursion to Thirthapury
- Holy hot springs in the morning we walk the small kora around the idyllic
monastery complex. Short drive to Darchen at the foot of Mt. Kailash.
Day 16 -
June 11 - Kora Mount Kailash North Face -
Kailash kora commences. This is a medium trek (20km, 6-8h), slightly
uphill. From the south, we reach Tarpoche, the so-called centre of the
Universe. Then, we pass Chuku Monastery (those who have lots of energy
can go for a short visit) and the west face of Kailash. Our camp is right
below Dirapuk Monastery at 4900m with awesome views of Mt. Kailash’s North
Face.
Day 17 -
June 12 - Enjoy a magnificent day
upon the North Face of Mt. Kailash - Day of rest, prayers and acclimatization.
Those who like can visit the Dirapuk monastery (famous Yogi Gyalwa Gotsangpa
meditated there in a cave for long time), make an excursion to the North
Face, stroll into a side valley, or simply enjoy Mt. Kailash’s majesty
from our base camp.
Day 18 -
June 13 - Kora Trekking to Zulrupuk -
This day is the core of the Journey. This is a beautiful mystical and
challenging trek (15km, 8-10h) to Zutulpuk monastery (4790m).
Day 19 -
June 14 - Kora - Chiu Gompa - Seralung -
Meditate in sacred cave of Guru Rimpoche, known
as the holy
site where he left his immortal coil upon the Earth. This day is
fairly easy (11km, 3-4h). We pass Zutulpuk monastery and hike slightly
downhill back to Darchen where we have lunch in a simple restaurant. Afterwards,
we drive (35km, 1h) to Chiu monastery at Lake Manasarovar (4560m) where
we bathe in the Sacred hot springs. After that, we drive (70km, 1.5h)
to Seralung monastery at Lake Manasarovar with the most amazing view of
Lake Manasarovar, Gurla Mandata (7728m) and Mt. Kailash. Overnight at
the lake-side Seralung Monastery guesthouse.
Day 20 - June
15 - Seralung - Rest day at the shore of Lake Manasarovar. We can
relax, enjoy the panoramic views of this Holy Landscape, explore the lakeshore,
collect stones and shells, take a ritual bath or swim. Overnight at the
lakes-side Seralung Monastery guesthouse.
Day 21 -
June 16 - Lake Manasarovar - Trongba -
Morning medititions and practice. Drive from Lake Manasarovar back to
Paryang and Trongba.
Day 22 -
June 17 - Trongba - Nyalam - Drive
past the base of Shisha Pangma (8012m) through a paradise-like environment
along Lake Peiku Tso (4591m). Last we cross the Tongla pass (5120m) with
a marvellous view over the Himalayas. Nyalam guesthouse.
Day 23 -
June 18 - Nyalam - Kathmandu - From
Nyalam we descend from the high desert and enter the green of Nepal. Enroute,
enjoy the plentiful waterfalls and splendor of nature in Zhangmu. Continuing
on, we say farewell to our Tibetan crew and head back to Kathmandu. Final
evening celebrations.
Day 24 -
June 19 - Kathmandu - Home - Free
day to enjoy lovely Kathmandu, rest integrate and prepare for departures
back home.
Guru
Rinpoche
Padmasambhava (The Lotus Born) also known as Guru Rinpoche was an Indian
Saint who came to Tibet in the 9th century. He is regarded as the main
teacher to have established Buddhism firmly in Tibet. Guru Rinpoche himself
said that in all the caves and places he has meditated people in the future
could receive his blessing as if meeting him in person. There are different
kinds of caves which represent Guru Rinpoche's enlightened aspects such
as Body, Speech, Mind , Quality and Activity. Furthermore Guru Rinpoche
mentioned that especially in the time of degeneration (Kaliyuga) visiting
those Holy places would be very beneficial for one's spiritual development
and purification of sicknesses and obstacles.
We will have the opportunity to visit his Enlightened: Body Cave, Speech
Cave and Quality Cave, as well as Guru Rinpoche's main consort Yeshe Tsogyal's
Birthplace and Cave in which she attained Enlightenment.
Through past acts, not without merit
I have obtained this precious human birth.
Through past merit, not slight,
I have met the sublime Dharma.
Accepted by the Guru, I was able to obtain empowerments,
Blessings, and the essential instructions -
All this wealth I now hold in my hands.
-Dudjom Rinpoche
~ Nonrefundable Deposit ~To secure your place
$833 PayPal payment
~ Balance - Payment Nepal/Central Tibet~
Per person double occupancy
$3726 PayPal payment
OR
~ Balance - Nepal/Central Tibet/Kailash ~
Complete Pilgrimage
Per person double occupancy
$6280 PayPal payment
* (Online PayPal payments include a processing fee)
* (International payments are charged a small supplemental processing fee)
Proceeds support the birthing of the Divine Light Sanctuary
~ Nepal Included ~
Twin accommodations, all transfers as per our itinerary, all roundrip
airfare from Kathmandhu,
wonderful English-speaking guide, and government taxes.
~ Nepal Not Included ~
International Airfare to Kathmandhu, Visa for Nepal, meals, entrance fees, personal expenses, insurance, tips
~ Tibet Included ~
Transfers to Airport and Hotels, Kathmandhu to Lhasa Flight, Touring Lhasa, drive from Lhasa to Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar and back to the border with
private bus or Land cruisers and support truck; all permits and road tolls in Tibet, local Tibetan guide, drivers. From Sakya onwards private cook,
two delicious vegetarian meals daily (breakfast and dinner) and picnic lunch during the remaining part of the Journey, all fees for sights, Kailash
circuit, grassland fees, yak and yak driver for your luggage, camping gear, private transport from the Nepalese border back to Kathmandu. Lhasa,
Gyanste and Sakya double room with shower ~ all other overnight stays in Monastery/Pilgrim guesthouses or camping.
~ Tibet Not Included ~
Visa for Tibet, all food until Sakya, horse and horse driver for personal rides,
unforseen emergencies, personal
expenses, insurance, tips
~ Arrival Time~
May 27th is the latest arrival in Kathmandu. Please choose flights which arrive in Kathmandu
in the morning (not in the afternoon)
to ensure you will receive your visa.
~ Please Note ~
Itinerary subject to change due to factors such as weather, road conditions, political factors and the magic alchemy of the Journey’s moment.
Expect the unexpected, surprises and miracles.
Our itineray is structured to provide for sufficient time for aclimatization and we will recommend specific techinques and products to assist you in preparing your body for the adventure. You will always be well supported and assited upon this Sacred Journey ~ and you are responsible for your own health.
Throughout the tour, in addition to being with Mana, you will be taken care of by
a wonderful
professional team, a Translator, Tibetan guide, Sherpas, Chef and Drivers.
Space is limited, secure your place with a deposit as soon as possible.
Group size: 7 - 14 people as we keep the circle Intimate and Sacred.
~ Rates Are Subject To Change ~
We reserve the right to increase the tour price should the USD depreciate significantly in relation to the Chinese Yuan.
For more information, please email info@divinelightsanctuary.org
