Prospective Itinerary for April 24th to May 9th, 2023
To join this pilgrimage, you need to apply. To fill out the application form, click here
All group members are requested to arrive at least one day ahead in Bangkok, Thailand.
Please note that there will be a 24 hour quarantine period upon arriving in Bhutan.
• April 24:
On the 4th day of the lunar calendar, our group departs from Bangkok, Thailand for Paro, Bhutan. Overnight stay in Paro.
• April 25:
On the 5th day of the lunar calendar we fly to Bumthang.
• April 26:
On the 6th day of the lunar calendar we drive from Bumthang to Rawabi, a monastery in Bhutan linked to the Chöd lineage on a beautiful ridge with a view of Tibet. The Chöd lineage originated from the 3rd Karmapa in Tibet and was introduced to Bhutan and established at Druk Zangri Khamar, in Rawabi, Lhuentse, Northeastern Bhutan by Trulshik Rigzin Lingpa Rinpoche and his heart-student Togden Tsewang Choephel in the 1950’s. Here at our ‘sister center’ across the world, we will practice and receive empowerments, learning the original Dakini Dance and Chöd Melodies from Zangri, as well as receive teachings on Machig Labdrön’s lineage. Overnights at Druk Zangri camping, in homestays with the Yogis and Yoginis and the monastery.
• April 27:
On the 7th day of the lunar calendar, as an auspicious beginning, Rinpoche will give a blessing and purification ceremony in the morning and prepare for a teaching and dance practice.
• April 28 to May 1:
On the 8th lunar calendar day, Medicine Buddha and Tara day, there will be Chöd practice in the morning at Druk Zangri Khamar and dance practice in the afternoon.
• May 2:
Travel from Druk Zangri Khamar to Bumthang (overnight). In the morning we will visit the Giant Guru Rinpoche at Takila, and later continue our journey to Bumthang. This will be a long travel day.
• May 3:
We will visit sacred sites of Bumthang including: Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left a body print, Membar Tso (Flaming Lake), where Guru Rinpoche hid Termas in rushing water of a deep gorge, later discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa and Jambay Lhakang, one of the most ancient Bhutanese temples built in the 7th century by the first Tibetan Dharma King Songtsan Gampo.
• May 4:
We will visit Tharpaling, the mountain hermitage monastery and official seat of Longchen Rabjam the great Dzogchen master from Tibet. It was here where Lama Tsultrim saw the “liberation through seeing” Thangkha of the 1000-Armed Avalokitesvara that appeared when she was in a car that fell from a cliff in Bhutan, and she was unharmed.
• May 5:
Travel to Punakha. On the way from Bumthang we will visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.
• May 6:
Travel to Thimphu – Paro. Early in the morning we will visit the Lhundrup Chöling Nunnery and Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Divine Madman’s Temple. On the way we will visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang with its 108 stupas on Dochula pass. Later in the evening we will visit Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest statues of Buddha Shakyamuni in the world at 169 ft. Overnight in Paro.
• May 7:
We will visit Pegyal Lingpa’s monasteries, Kichu Lhakhang built in seventh century by the Tibetan dharma king Songtsan Gampo. We will then visit Paro Dzong built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan in the 17th century and Dungtshi Lhankhang, built by Thongthong Gyalpo.
• May 8:
We will visit Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), the majestic temple complex built around the cave where in the 16th century, Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, meditated for three months and subjugated the evil spirit, making him the protector of Tiger’s Nest.
• May 9:
Our group departs with a farewell bon voyage from Paro to Bangkok, Thailand.
Special note from our pilgrimage organizers in Bhutan:
“The above program is subject to change due to changes in bad weather, flight schedule, or any unforeseen calamities.
This rate is quoted for three-star hotels in Bhutan as we have provided in the past for Tara Mandala. If you wish to stay in a five-star hotel the rate will be different.
Air transport from Bangkok to Bhutan round trip and charter flight to Bumthang will be additional. The airline is not able to give us the schedule and exact fare at this time, but we will update you when we know more.”
Not included in the tariff:
- All beverages and alcoholic drinks.
- Tips to any guides, drivers, and others who provide services to the group in Bhutan.
- Personal travel insurance and medical insurance or care.
- Your international airfare (regarding Druk Air from Bangkok, we will update you as soon as we get the schedule and fare).
- Donations to Rinpoche, Lama, and at temples, plus gifts to your hosts in Rawabi monastery.