Guru Rinpoche Pilgrimage Tour
Trip Overview
Being the land between India and Tibet, Nepal has been in the thick of cultural and spiritual development. The sacred places of Nepal are mentioned repeatedly in Tibetan Tantric texts. Especially the places associated with the enlightened deeds of Guru Rinpoche. The Master meditated in Nepal on his way to Tibet, blessed local temples, mountains and valleys, saved local people from harmful forces and achieved the highest spiritual attainments exactly in the lands of Nepal.
Maratika and Pharping are the two of the most sacred places for Buddhists of the secret mantra, in no way inferior in importance to Bodhgaya, the place of enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. In Maratika, Guru Padmasambhava realized the siddhi of immortality or vajra body and since then the master has not left our world. Though it is believed that he has gone to the land of rakshasas, he never leaves his sincere followers. That is why prayers to Guru Rinpoche are very popular and effective in our difficult times of decline, when the mind is so vulnerable that we find it difficult to hold our attention even for a second and maintain empathy even for our loved ones. Pharping is the tantric Bodhgaya. After all, this is where Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment and the siddhis of Mahamudra.
Pilgrimage is one of the most powerful spiritual practices. You don’t just visit another attraction, but receive in a short period of time the quintessential blessings and experiences of spiritual masters of past and present. You don’t have to re-search for the right places or people, we will guide you with love and knowledge through the shortest but most powerful path of transformation based on our personal experience. Not only will you be left with the great impressions after the tour, but also seeds will be sown for further expansion of consciousness that will continue to grow and manifest beyond Nepal. Don’t miss this unique opportunity and give yourself a destiny-changing pilgrimage tour!
Difficulty: easy – no preparation required and no difficult crossings
Highlilghts Of The Trips
Boudha: The stupa is an extraordinary place where secret cycles of teachings are revealed and where relics of realized masters are kept. There are many temples and monasteries surrounding the stupa, where you can also touch the holy relics of more recent masters such as Dilgo Khyentse and Dudjom Rinpoche and connect with the flow of their blessings. The stupa itself is considered a wish-fulfilling stupa, so be sure to make wishes.
Pashupati: Contemplating actual death helps with a complex meditative practice that has its origins in India, but has only survived through Tibetan and Himalayan practices. Although the main temples of Shiva and the female incarnation of Goddess Guhyeshwari are closed to foreigners, yet Pashupati is definitely a discovery with its unique temples and caves. You can also take a stroll along the river of life and death, and witness the religious fire offering, the arti, in the evening.
Swayambu: If Boudha is considered a wish-fulfilling stupa, Swayambhu is a stupa of longevity. Therefore, traditional circumambulations around this ancient stupa will not go in vain, but will also prolong precious human life. We may be subjected to diseases or reduced vitality due to imbalance of external and internal elements, obstacles of spirits and various provocations. At this stupa, the power of the five elements and the five wisdom buddhas and their consorts are manifested in the architecture and the daily pujas continuously performed for hundreds of years.
Thamel: The former Newar settlement where temples and fields occupied a large area is now the center of Kathmandu’s tourist life. You can still see ancient temples and stupas here, even an ancient stupa built on the orders of Emperor Ashoka. One of the most interesting and mysterious is the temple of the Hundred Prajnyaparamita (Transcendent Wisdom). These are texts that the Indian master Nagarjuna brought from the Naga kingdom below the Kathmandu valley and can still be seen today. Along with a demonstration of the ancient texts, we learn the fascinating story of the creation of the Kathmandu Valley from the Swayambhu Purana, which was not without Buddhas, deities and Nagas.
Arya Jamali: Within walking distance of Thamel is the Temple of one of the Lokeshwar Brothers (the Buddha of great compassion). Although many tourists bypass many of Kathmandu’s temples, we include them in our tours as they are steeped in blessings and very significant in the history of the valley. The temple of White Machendranath (Protector of Peace) houses an ancient statue of one of the five Avalokiteshwar brothers, blessed by Guru Rinpoche himself. To visit it is a very significant event, as among the five only three statues remain in Nepal (one is owned by the Dalai Lama and one is in Lhasa).
Arya Jamali: Within walking distance of Thamel is the Temple of one of the Lokeshwar Brothers (the Buddha of great compassion). Although many tourists bypass many of Kathmandu’s temples, we include them in our tours as they are steeped in blessings and very significant in the history of the valley. The temple of White Machendranath (Protector of Peace) houses an ancient statue of one of the five Avalokiteshwar brothers, blessed by Guru Rinpoche himself. To visit it is a very significant event, as among the five only three statues remain in Nepal (one is owned by the Dalai Lama and one is in Lhasa).
Kirtipur: Kirtipur, is one of the most ancient and mysterious places between Parping and Kathmandu. It is very often left off the tourist itineraries, but it is home to some of the oldest monuments of Buddhism and ancient monasteries with centuries-old legends. A trip to Kirtipur is a visit to an entire city and era. There used to be three major kingdoms on the site of Kathmandu, their center was at the durbars of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Their main inhabitants were and still are the Nevars, the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley, skilled artisans, speakers of the Tibetan-Burman language, who revere and use Sanskrit as they are the main practitioners of Buddhism.
Kirtipur: Kirtipur, is one of the most ancient and mysterious places between Parping and Kathmandu. It is very often left off the tourist itineraries, but it is home to some of the oldest monuments of Buddhism and ancient monasteries with centuries-old legends. A trip to Kirtipur is a visit to an entire city and era. There used to be three major kingdoms on the site of Kathmandu, their center was at the durbars of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Their main inhabitants were and still are the Nevars, the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley, skilled artisans, speakers of the Tibetan-Burman language, who revere and use Sanskrit as they are the main practitioners of Buddhism.
Chobar: Chobar Hill marks the place where the bodhisattva Manjushri cut the Kathmandu valley with his sword, thus draining it and making it habitable for human beings. When the valley was a large lake it was inhabited mainly by the Naga people. The Chilancho Stupa on Kirtipura Hill is a very ancient structure with elaborately carved Buddhas and auspicious symbols. This place gives peace of mind and connects to the ancient era of the heyday of Buddhism in Kathmandu valley.
Taudaha: With the draining of the lake, there was a need for a new habitat for the chief naga and he was relocated to the Taudaha Lake at the bottom of the hill. One can walk down to it and feed the local inhabitants, the carp. It is believed that any even the smallest offerings in holy places lead to the accumulation of countless spiritual merits, which not only pass with us to the next lives, but also improve our present life.
Hattiban – Dollu : After Kirtipur, we move to nearby Hatiban, a picturesque hilltop resort. Here is perhaps the best place to wake up and welcome the dawn. Since dawn doesn’t last long, after a delicious coffee and breakfast we will set off on a pleasant and easy trek through the local hills to the neighboring village of Dollu. On the way we can visit Dudjom Rinpoche’s retreat site and caves. At Dollu we are greeted by Guru Rinpoche himself in the form of a huge statue in the center where monks and lay people sit in three-year retreats. We will visit the special dark cave of Guru Rinpoche’s wife Yeshe Tsogyal and meditate there together. We will visit local Tibetan monasteries and visit a Tibetan doctor.
Hattiban – Dollu : After Kirtipur, we move to nearby Hatiban, a picturesque hilltop resort. Here is perhaps the best place to wake up and welcome the dawn. Since dawn doesn’t last long, after a delicious coffee and breakfast we will set off on a pleasant and easy trek through the local hills to the neighboring village of Dollu. On the way we can visit Dudjom Rinpoche’s retreat site and caves. At Dollu we are greeted by Guru Rinpoche himself in the form of a huge statue in the center where monks and lay people sit in three-year retreats. We will visit the special dark cave of Guru Rinpoche’s wife Yeshe Tsogyal and meditate there together. We will visit local Tibetan monasteries and visit a Tibetan doctor.
Pharping – Yanglesho: Pharping is the central pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche’s places. It is even possible to reach here from Dollu on foot. Yanglesho is the name that is mentioned in Tibetan texts. Here Guru Rinpoche first subdued the local spirits, nagas and demons, who were hindering not only the locals, who had not had rain for three years before Guru Rinpoche’s arrival, but also the master himself. The result of this victory of the power of contemplation over harmful forces was Guru Rinpoche’s enlightenment and the attainment of Mahamudra.
Patan – E Vihara: Patan, one of the three former kingdoms, sealed on four sides of the world by stupas, was once the center of Buddhism. It is home to numerous temples, the most famous of which is the Golden Temple. However, from the perspective of Guru Rinpoche’s life, I-Baha or E Vihara is the most significant. It was here that Mahaguru rescued the daughter of the Nepalese king from the dark forces that had kidnapped her and gave teachings to the Nevars.
A visit to the temple of Mahabuddha and another of the five brothers Avalokiteshwar, who lives half the year in Bungamati and half the year in Patan, will also not leave you indifferent. Here we will see a replica of the stupa at Bodhgaya and visit the temple of Vajrayogini, the main female deity and guardian of Nepal.
Bhaktapur : One of the former kingdoms of Kathmandu valley will not allow either curiosity or conscience not to drop by. Why exactly Bhaktapur looks the most abandoned among the three former kingdoms? Because during Prithvi Narayan Shah’s attack, it was this once most flourishing kingdom that offered the most fierce resistance to the hill army. As a result, the locals were deprived of royal favor and funding. Finding holy sites here is easy, from the ancient statues of Dipamkara Buddha to the talking Tara and the places from where yogis flew to Tibet. But even just strolling through the ancient streets you can get a sense of how the locals lived and live.
Namobuddha: Of Nepal’s three main stupas, Namobuddha is the most touching. Here the Buddha, being a bodhisattva in his previous incarnation, offered his body to a hungry tigress who had just given birth to tiger cubs. Without despair and fear, he lovingly and carefully fed his blood and flesh to the tigress, and thanks to the great compassion generated at that moment, he was able to become a buddha. The place is quiet and peaceful, with a large beautiful monastery by Trangu Rinpoche, who himself was as strong as the Buddha in the power of his compassion. It is a great place for walking, light trekking, meditation and any other formative activity. Make sure to dedicate the merit of it to your loved ones and all sentient beings. It is believed that one should visit all three stupas, Bouda, Swayamba and Namo Buddha in one day for a mega blessing (if you suddenly don’t feel it by the end of the trip), which we will do.
Additional Programs
If you wish, you can include in the program (or replace part of the tour with) a pilgrimage to the following holy places:
Ngatupchen and Tsawarong.
Location – Devghat village near Chitwan, 20 km from Sauraha
Duration – minimum 3 days
Places to visit – sacred sites associated with Guru Rinpoche and his wife Yeshe Tsogyal, especially the practice sites of their disciples Humkara (Sita’s cave) and Kalasiddhi – now all these sites are occupied by Hinduists and associated with Shiva and the Vedas, but according to Buddhist texts these sites are truly sacred and significant for pilgrims. Places where masters of the past practiced bestow blessings, cure illnesses and remove obstacles worldly and spiritual.
Overnight in Nuwakot, optional visit to Chitwan National Park
Yolmo is the secret land of Guru Rinpoche.
Place – Helambu (optional trekking, blooming rhododendrons in spring season)
Duration – minimum 3 days
Places to visit – numerous caves and practice sites of Guru Rinpoche and Tibetan yogi Mirarepa, who achieved enlightenment in one life and one body. In this not the most touristy place you can truly feel the spirit of Tibetan yogis. The greatest master Chatral Rinpoche called Yolmo the secret land of Guru Rinpoche and designated his Parping here, the lama spent many years in these places in shut-ins and practice.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel or at home immersed in local culture, cuisine and traditions.
Muktinath
Location – Muktinath valley between Lower and Upper Mustangs
Duration – minimum 7 days (acclimatization to altitudes above 3000m is required)
Places to visit – numerous caves, temples and places of practice of Guru Rinpoche and Tibetan yogi Mirarepa, as well as Hindu temples and holy springs, completely cleansing old programs and rebooting habitual attitudes.
Overnight stay at the local guesthouse or modern hotel with products from local fields, spa, horseback riding and much more.
What's Included In The Cost
- Accommodations: Comfortable hotels and guesthouses for the duration of the tour.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour, featuring traditional Nepalese cuisine and other local dishes.
- Transportation: All ground transportation, including airport transfers and travel between sites.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable local guides providing insights and stories at each sacred site.
- Entrance Fees: Admission to all included temples, stupas, monasteries, and other sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- Meditation Sessions: Opportunities for guided meditation and participation in pujas (prayer rituals).
- Cultural Experiences: Engagements with local communities and participation in cultural activities.
- Optional Activities: Some activities such as light treks and local excursions within the standard itinerary.
What's Not Included In The Cost
- International Airfare: Flights to and from Nepal.
- Visa Fees: Nepal entry visa fees.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.
- Additional Meals and Drinks: Meals and beverages outside the provided ones in the itinerary.
- Special Equipment: Personal trekking gear, meditation cushions, or other personal spiritual items.
- Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment not covered by the provided basic insurance.
Trip Detail Itinerary
Information You Need To Know
Additional Information You Need To Know
In addition to the detailed itinerary and spiritual highlights, this pilgrimage tour offers numerous unique opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth. Participants will have the chance to engage deeply with local communities, experience the warm hospitality of Nepalese culture, and savor the rich and diverse traditional cuisine. The tour is designed to be accessible, requiring no rigorous physical preparation, making it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. As you journey through Nepal, you will visit ancient temples, sacred stupas, and meditation caves that have been sanctified by the presence and practices of enlightened masters.
The tour also offers optional extensions to places like Ngatupchen, Tsawarong, Yolmo, and Muktinath, each providing a deeper exploration into the sacred landscapes of Nepal. Ngatupchen and Tsawarong are located near Devghat village, an area rich with sites associated with Guru Rinpoche and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal. These locations are significant for their spiritual history and the blessings they bestow. Yolmo, often referred to as the secret land of Guru Rinpoche, offers a tranquil environment for reflection and practice, with its numerous caves and sites where Tibetan yogi Milarepa achieved enlightenment. The spring season brings blooming rhododendrons, adding to the region’s natural beauty.
Muktinath, situated between Lower and Upper Mustangs, requires acclimatization to altitudes above 3000 meters and offers an immersive experience in the high-altitude valleys. Here, you can explore caves, temples, and springs that hold immense spiritual significance for both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The option to stay in local guesthouses or modern hotels, enjoy spa services, horseback riding, and local produce, adds a layer of comfort and luxury to your spiritual journey.
Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable guides will share insights and stories, enhancing your understanding and connection to the sacred sites. This pilgrimage is not just a visit to another attraction but a profound spiritual practice, offering the quintessential blessings and experiences of past and present spiritual masters in a short period. By the end of the tour, you will not only have great memories but also a deeper sense of spiritual fulfillment and seeds of consciousness expansion that will continue to grow and manifest beyond Nepal.Â
Frequently Asked Question
The tour is designed to be accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. It involves easy treks and no difficult crossings, making it suitable for participants with no prior preparation.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing to accommodate varying temperatures, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, a reusable water bottle, a small backpack for day trips, personal medications, and any spiritual items you may wish to bring.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuations.
Yes, the tour package includes meals. You will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Nepalese cuisine and other local dishes during the tour.
Yes, optional extensions to sites like Ngatupchen, Tsawarong, Yolmo, and Muktinath can be arranged. Please inform us in advance if you wish to customize your itinerary.
Absolutely. The tour includes visits to many sacred sites where you can meditate, participate in pujas (prayer rituals), and engage in other spiritual practices.
Accommodations are arranged in comfortable hotels and guesthouses that provide a restful environment after each day’s journey. Some nights are spent in serene locations like Hattiban and Namobuddha.
The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Photography is allowed at most sites, but some areas may have restrictions. Always ask your guide for guidance on when and where photography is permitted.
Gradual acclimatization is essential. We recommend arriving a few days early to adjust to the altitude. Staying hydrated and taking it easy in the first few days will also help.
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Guru Rinpoche Pilgrimage Tour
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Trip Overview
Being the land between India and Tibet, Nepal has been in the thick of cultural and spiritual development. The sacred places of Nepal are mentioned repeatedly in Tibetan Tantric texts. Especially the places associated with the enlightened deeds of Guru Rinpoche. The Master meditated in Nepal on his way to Tibet, blessed local temples, mountains and valleys, saved local people from harmful forces and achieved the highest spiritual attainments exactly in the lands of Nepal.
Maratika and Pharping are the two of the most sacred places for Buddhists of the secret mantra, in no way inferior in importance to Bodhgaya, the place of enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. In Maratika, Guru Padmasambhava realized the siddhi of immortality or vajra body and since then the master has not left our world. Though it is believed that he has gone to the land of rakshasas, he never leaves his sincere followers. That is why prayers to Guru Rinpoche are very popular and effective in our difficult times of decline, when the mind is so vulnerable that we find it difficult to hold our attention even for a second and maintain empathy even for our loved ones. Pharping is the tantric Bodhgaya. After all, this is where Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment and the siddhis of Mahamudra.
Pilgrimage is one of the most powerful spiritual practices. You don’t just visit another attraction, but receive in a short period of time the quintessential blessings and experiences of spiritual masters of past and present. You don’t have to re-search for the right places or people, we will guide you with love and knowledge through the shortest but most powerful path of transformation based on our personal experience. Not only will you be left with the great impressions after the tour, but also seeds will be sown for further expansion of consciousness that will continue to grow and manifest beyond Nepal. Don’t miss this unique opportunity and give yourself a destiny-changing pilgrimage tour!
Difficulty: easy – no preparation required and no difficult crossings
Highlilghts Of The Trips
Boudha: The stupa is an extraordinary place where secret cycles of teachings are revealed and where relics of realized masters are kept. There are many temples and monasteries surrounding the stupa, where you can also touch the holy relics of more recent masters such as Dilgo Khyentse and Dudjom Rinpoche and connect with the flow of their blessings. The stupa itself is considered a wish-fulfilling stupa, so be sure to make wishes.
Pashupati: Contemplating actual death helps with a complex meditative practice that has its origins in India, but has only survived through Tibetan and Himalayan practices. Although the main temples of Shiva and the female incarnation of Goddess Guhyeshwari are closed to foreigners, yet Pashupati is definitely a discovery with its unique temples and caves. You can also take a stroll along the river of life and death, and witness the religious fire offering, the arti, in the evening.
Swayambu: If Boudha is considered a wish-fulfilling stupa, Swayambhu is a stupa of longevity. Therefore, traditional circumambulations around this ancient stupa will not go in vain, but will also prolong precious human life. We may be subjected to diseases or reduced vitality due to imbalance of external and internal elements, obstacles of spirits and various provocations. At this stupa, the power of the five elements and the five wisdom buddhas and their consorts are manifested in the architecture and the daily pujas continuously performed for hundreds of years.
Thamel: The former Newar settlement where temples and fields occupied a large area is now the center of Kathmandu’s tourist life. You can still see ancient temples and stupas here, even an ancient stupa built on the orders of Emperor Ashoka. One of the most interesting and mysterious is the temple of the Hundred Prajnyaparamita (Transcendent Wisdom). These are texts that the Indian master Nagarjuna brought from the Naga kingdom below the Kathmandu valley and can still be seen today. Along with a demonstration of the ancient texts, we learn the fascinating story of the creation of the Kathmandu Valley from the Swayambhu Purana, which was not without Buddhas, deities and Nagas.
Arya Jamali: Within walking distance of Thamel is the Temple of one of the Lokeshwar Brothers (the Buddha of great compassion). Although many tourists bypass many of Kathmandu’s temples, we include them in our tours as they are steeped in blessings and very significant in the history of the valley. The temple of White Machendranath (Protector of Peace) houses an ancient statue of one of the five Avalokiteshwar brothers, blessed by Guru Rinpoche himself. To visit it is a very significant event, as among the five only three statues remain in Nepal (one is owned by the Dalai Lama and one is in Lhasa).
Arya Jamali: Within walking distance of Thamel is the Temple of one of the Lokeshwar Brothers (the Buddha of great compassion). Although many tourists bypass many of Kathmandu’s temples, we include them in our tours as they are steeped in blessings and very significant in the history of the valley. The temple of White Machendranath (Protector of Peace) houses an ancient statue of one of the five Avalokiteshwar brothers, blessed by Guru Rinpoche himself. To visit it is a very significant event, as among the five only three statues remain in Nepal (one is owned by the Dalai Lama and one is in Lhasa).
Kirtipur: Kirtipur, is one of the most ancient and mysterious places between Parping and Kathmandu. It is very often left off the tourist itineraries, but it is home to some of the oldest monuments of Buddhism and ancient monasteries with centuries-old legends. A trip to Kirtipur is a visit to an entire city and era. There used to be three major kingdoms on the site of Kathmandu, their center was at the durbars of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Their main inhabitants were and still are the Nevars, the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley, skilled artisans, speakers of the Tibetan-Burman language, who revere and use Sanskrit as they are the main practitioners of Buddhism.
Kirtipur: Kirtipur, is one of the most ancient and mysterious places between Parping and Kathmandu. It is very often left off the tourist itineraries, but it is home to some of the oldest monuments of Buddhism and ancient monasteries with centuries-old legends. A trip to Kirtipur is a visit to an entire city and era. There used to be three major kingdoms on the site of Kathmandu, their center was at the durbars of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Their main inhabitants were and still are the Nevars, the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley, skilled artisans, speakers of the Tibetan-Burman language, who revere and use Sanskrit as they are the main practitioners of Buddhism.
Chobar: Chobar Hill marks the place where the bodhisattva Manjushri cut the Kathmandu valley with his sword, thus draining it and making it habitable for human beings. When the valley was a large lake it was inhabited mainly by the Naga people. The Chilancho Stupa on Kirtipura Hill is a very ancient structure with elaborately carved Buddhas and auspicious symbols. This place gives peace of mind and connects to the ancient era of the heyday of Buddhism in Kathmandu valley.
Taudaha: With the draining of the lake, there was a need for a new habitat for the chief naga and he was relocated to the Taudaha Lake at the bottom of the hill. One can walk down to it and feed the local inhabitants, the carp. It is believed that any even the smallest offerings in holy places lead to the accumulation of countless spiritual merits, which not only pass with us to the next lives, but also improve our present life.
Hattiban – Dollu : After Kirtipur, we move to nearby Hatiban, a picturesque hilltop resort. Here is perhaps the best place to wake up and welcome the dawn. Since dawn doesn’t last long, after a delicious coffee and breakfast we will set off on a pleasant and easy trek through the local hills to the neighboring village of Dollu. On the way we can visit Dudjom Rinpoche’s retreat site and caves. At Dollu we are greeted by Guru Rinpoche himself in the form of a huge statue in the center where monks and lay people sit in three-year retreats. We will visit the special dark cave of Guru Rinpoche’s wife Yeshe Tsogyal and meditate there together. We will visit local Tibetan monasteries and visit a Tibetan doctor.
Hattiban – Dollu : After Kirtipur, we move to nearby Hatiban, a picturesque hilltop resort. Here is perhaps the best place to wake up and welcome the dawn. Since dawn doesn’t last long, after a delicious coffee and breakfast we will set off on a pleasant and easy trek through the local hills to the neighboring village of Dollu. On the way we can visit Dudjom Rinpoche’s retreat site and caves. At Dollu we are greeted by Guru Rinpoche himself in the form of a huge statue in the center where monks and lay people sit in three-year retreats. We will visit the special dark cave of Guru Rinpoche’s wife Yeshe Tsogyal and meditate there together. We will visit local Tibetan monasteries and visit a Tibetan doctor.
Pharping – Yanglesho: Pharping is the central pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche’s places. It is even possible to reach here from Dollu on foot. Yanglesho is the name that is mentioned in Tibetan texts. Here Guru Rinpoche first subdued the local spirits, nagas and demons, who were hindering not only the locals, who had not had rain for three years before Guru Rinpoche’s arrival, but also the master himself. The result of this victory of the power of contemplation over harmful forces was Guru Rinpoche’s enlightenment and the attainment of Mahamudra.
Patan – E Vihara: Patan, one of the three former kingdoms, sealed on four sides of the world by stupas, was once the center of Buddhism. It is home to numerous temples, the most famous of which is the Golden Temple. However, from the perspective of Guru Rinpoche’s life, I-Baha or E Vihara is the most significant. It was here that Mahaguru rescued the daughter of the Nepalese king from the dark forces that had kidnapped her and gave teachings to the Nevars.
A visit to the temple of Mahabuddha and another of the five brothers Avalokiteshwar, who lives half the year in Bungamati and half the year in Patan, will also not leave you indifferent. Here we will see a replica of the stupa at Bodhgaya and visit the temple of Vajrayogini, the main female deity and guardian of Nepal.
Bhaktapur : One of the former kingdoms of Kathmandu valley will not allow either curiosity or conscience not to drop by. Why exactly Bhaktapur looks the most abandoned among the three former kingdoms? Because during Prithvi Narayan Shah’s attack, it was this once most flourishing kingdom that offered the most fierce resistance to the hill army. As a result, the locals were deprived of royal favor and funding. Finding holy sites here is easy, from the ancient statues of Dipamkara Buddha to the talking Tara and the places from where yogis flew to Tibet. But even just strolling through the ancient streets you can get a sense of how the locals lived and live.
Namobuddha: Of Nepal’s three main stupas, Namobuddha is the most touching. Here the Buddha, being a bodhisattva in his previous incarnation, offered his body to a hungry tigress who had just given birth to tiger cubs. Without despair and fear, he lovingly and carefully fed his blood and flesh to the tigress, and thanks to the great compassion generated at that moment, he was able to become a buddha. The place is quiet and peaceful, with a large beautiful monastery by Trangu Rinpoche, who himself was as strong as the Buddha in the power of his compassion. It is a great place for walking, light trekking, meditation and any other formative activity. Make sure to dedicate the merit of it to your loved ones and all sentient beings. It is believed that one should visit all three stupas, Bouda, Swayamba and Namo Buddha in one day for a mega blessing (if you suddenly don’t feel it by the end of the trip), which we will do.
Additional Programs
If you wish, you can include in the program (or replace part of the tour with) a pilgrimage to the following holy places:
Ngatupchen and Tsawarong.
Location – Devghat village near Chitwan, 20 km from Sauraha
Duration – minimum 3 days
Places to visit – sacred sites associated with Guru Rinpoche and his wife Yeshe Tsogyal, especially the practice sites of their disciples Humkara (Sita’s cave) and Kalasiddhi – now all these sites are occupied by Hinduists and associated with Shiva and the Vedas, but according to Buddhist texts these sites are truly sacred and significant for pilgrims. Places where masters of the past practiced bestow blessings, cure illnesses and remove obstacles worldly and spiritual.
Overnight in Nuwakot, optional visit to Chitwan National Park
Yolmo is the secret land of Guru Rinpoche.
Place – Helambu (optional trekking, blooming rhododendrons in spring season)
Duration – minimum 3 days
Places to visit – numerous caves and practice sites of Guru Rinpoche and Tibetan yogi Mirarepa, who achieved enlightenment in one life and one body. In this not the most touristy place you can truly feel the spirit of Tibetan yogis. The greatest master Chatral Rinpoche called Yolmo the secret land of Guru Rinpoche and designated his Parping here, the lama spent many years in these places in shut-ins and practice.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel or at home immersed in local culture, cuisine and traditions.
Muktinath
Location – Muktinath valley between Lower and Upper Mustangs
Duration – minimum 7 days (acclimatization to altitudes above 3000m is required)
Places to visit – numerous caves, temples and places of practice of Guru Rinpoche and Tibetan yogi Mirarepa, as well as Hindu temples and holy springs, completely cleansing old programs and rebooting habitual attitudes.
Overnight stay at the local guesthouse or modern hotel with products from local fields, spa, horseback riding and much more.
What's Included In The Cost
- Accommodations: Comfortable hotels and guesthouses for the duration of the tour.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour, featuring traditional Nepalese cuisine and other local dishes.
- Transportation: All ground transportation, including airport transfers and travel between sites.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable local guides providing insights and stories at each sacred site.
- Entrance Fees: Admission to all included temples, stupas, monasteries, and other sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- Meditation Sessions: Opportunities for guided meditation and participation in pujas (prayer rituals).
- Cultural Experiences: Engagements with local communities and participation in cultural activities.
- Optional Activities: Some activities such as light treks and local excursions within the standard itinerary.
What's Not Included In The Cost
- International Airfare: Flights to and from Nepal.
- Visa Fees: Nepal entry visa fees.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.
- Additional Meals and Drinks: Meals and beverages outside the provided ones in the itinerary.
- Special Equipment: Personal trekking gear, meditation cushions, or other personal spiritual items.
- Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment not covered by the provided basic insurance.
Trip Detail Itinerary
Information You Need To Know
Additional Information You Need To Know
In addition to the detailed itinerary and spiritual highlights, this pilgrimage tour offers numerous unique opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth. Participants will have the chance to engage deeply with local communities, experience the warm hospitality of Nepalese culture, and savor the rich and diverse traditional cuisine. The tour is designed to be accessible, requiring no rigorous physical preparation, making it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. As you journey through Nepal, you will visit ancient temples, sacred stupas, and meditation caves that have been sanctified by the presence and practices of enlightened masters.
The tour also offers optional extensions to places like Ngatupchen, Tsawarong, Yolmo, and Muktinath, each providing a deeper exploration into the sacred landscapes of Nepal. Ngatupchen and Tsawarong are located near Devghat village, an area rich with sites associated with Guru Rinpoche and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal. These locations are significant for their spiritual history and the blessings they bestow. Yolmo, often referred to as the secret land of Guru Rinpoche, offers a tranquil environment for reflection and practice, with its numerous caves and sites where Tibetan yogi Milarepa achieved enlightenment. The spring season brings blooming rhododendrons, adding to the region’s natural beauty.
Muktinath, situated between Lower and Upper Mustangs, requires acclimatization to altitudes above 3000 meters and offers an immersive experience in the high-altitude valleys. Here, you can explore caves, temples, and springs that hold immense spiritual significance for both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The option to stay in local guesthouses or modern hotels, enjoy spa services, horseback riding, and local produce, adds a layer of comfort and luxury to your spiritual journey.
Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable guides will share insights and stories, enhancing your understanding and connection to the sacred sites. This pilgrimage is not just a visit to another attraction but a profound spiritual practice, offering the quintessential blessings and experiences of past and present spiritual masters in a short period. By the end of the tour, you will not only have great memories but also a deeper sense of spiritual fulfillment and seeds of consciousness expansion that will continue to grow and manifest beyond Nepal.Â
Frequently Asked Question
The tour is designed to be accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. It involves easy treks and no difficult crossings, making it suitable for participants with no prior preparation.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing to accommodate varying temperatures, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, a reusable water bottle, a small backpack for day trips, personal medications, and any spiritual items you may wish to bring.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuations.
Yes, the tour package includes meals. You will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Nepalese cuisine and other local dishes during the tour.
Yes, optional extensions to sites like Ngatupchen, Tsawarong, Yolmo, and Muktinath can be arranged. Please inform us in advance if you wish to customize your itinerary.
Absolutely. The tour includes visits to many sacred sites where you can meditate, participate in pujas (prayer rituals), and engage in other spiritual practices.
Accommodations are arranged in comfortable hotels and guesthouses that provide a restful environment after each day’s journey. Some nights are spent in serene locations like Hattiban and Namobuddha.
The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Photography is allowed at most sites, but some areas may have restrictions. Always ask your guide for guidance on when and where photography is permitted.
Gradual acclimatization is essential. We recommend arriving a few days early to adjust to the altitude. Staying hydrated and taking it easy in the first few days will also help.