August 20 – September 2, 2017
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The pilgrimage will begin in Leh, Ladakh, India. Leh, capital of Ladakh, at one time was a major stop on the Asian “Silk Route”. At Sankar Gompa, the group will have a magnificent view of the whole town of Leh. Shanti Stupa also offers panoramic views and was built by Japanese and Ladakh Buddhists to promote World Peace.
We will visit the Spituk, Phiyang, Shey and Thiksey Monasteries. Spituk monastery is a three chapel monastery dating back to the 11th century. The Gompa was built under the patronage of Od-de the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, who envisioned the construction of a monastic community at this place.
We will also visit other monasteries (Hemis, Lamayuru, Likir, Alchi and Matho) as well as the Stock Palace Museum. The museum is the beautiful home of the royal family of Ladakh located 14 kms across the Indus River in Leh. A supreme synthesis of ancient and modern architecture exists. The museum houses rare artifacts like royal attire, copper coins, precious stones, antique royal jewelry and prayer tools. It also, most importantly, showcases the Thangkas depicting the life-teachings of Lord Buddha, dating back to the 16th century.
In addition, the group will attend teachings in Dharamsala, HP, India from August 29 – September 1. His Holiness The Dalai Lama will give teachings on Buddhapalita’s Commentary on the Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (drel-pa Buddhapalita) at the Main Tibetan Temple. At the end of each day’s teaching, we will visit other important Dharamsala sites, such as the following:
— Norbulingka Institute is dedicated to increasing international appreciation of traditional Tibetan culture, as expressed in its arts and literature. To this end, it provides, training, education, and employment to Tibetans who produce high quality traditionally crafted art objects, clothing, and home furnishings. It also operates two guesthouses, and offers workshops on traditional Tibetan arts.
— The “Seat of Happiness Temple” (Deden Tsuglakhang), is located in Norbulingka’s Japanese-inspired gardens. Built in 1985, it contains 1,173 murals of the Buddha, frescos and drawings of the Dalai Lama and his predecessors, and a 4-meter high gilded copper of Shakyamuni Buddha.
— The Library of Tibetan Work and Archives (LTWA) is one of the world’s premier repositories dealing with Tibet’s history, politics, and culture. Its collections include over 80,000 manuscripts, books, and documents and over 600 thankas, statues, and other Buddhist artifacts.
— DolmaLing Nunnery and Institute, inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2005, is the first institute dedicated to advanced Buddhist education for Tibetan nuns from all traditions, and is fully supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project. At present 238 nuns devote themselves to study, practice, work at the nunnery and self-sufficiency projects.
— If time allows, we will also visit Nachung Monastery, Bhagsunath Hindu Temple, and the Tibetan Children’s Village School.We may also receive teachings from other great Masters or Rinpoches in Ladakh and Dharamsala
— The price is all-inclusive (lodging, meals, and local transportation) within India from August 20 – September 2, 2017. The price for the “Pilgrimage to Ladakh & Dharamsala Tour” package does not include international airfare.
Accommodations at the The Grand Dragon Hotel & Green Hotel
— Single Accommodations: $4,800.00
— Double Accommodations: $4,450.00
The package rate is based on a minimum of 10 persons for this trip.
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The price includes a donation of $1000 per person to the Jewel Heart Organization that is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. All participants are expected to purchase their own health insurance and trip cancellation insurance, and will be asked to sign a waiver.
