PilgrimageBuddha’s Holy Places and Padmasambhava’s Holy Lake

Before the Buddha attained his Mahaparinirvana, he encouraged the faithful to see four places, for their inspiration: the place of his birth (Lumbini), the place of his supreme full enlightenment (Bodhgaya), the place where the Buddha first turned the wheel of the Dharma (Sarnath) and the place of his final Nirvana (Kushinagar).

“All those who travel to visit shrines with confident hearts reappear on the dissolution of the body, after death, in a happy destination, even in a heavenly world.” - Mahaparinirvana Sutra.

Zim’og Rinpoche welcomes those who would travel with him to the places of the Buddha for inspiration and the blessings of Buddhist pilgrimage.

23 days Kathmandu to Delhi / 25 days ex Melbourne Commencing Monday 31 October 2016 Concluding Wednesday 23 November 2016

HighlightsMaha Devi Temple and Gardens at Lumbini

Mahaparinirvana Stupa at KushinagarBodhi tree and the Seat of Enlightenment at Bodhgaya

Rajgir (Vultures Peak), place of the Heart SutraDeer Park at Sarnath, where the first Sangha was formed

Dharamsala, home of HH 14th Dalai Lama and Tibetans in exileChauntra Monastery and DGL Nunnery in the beautiful Kangra ValleyTso Pema, the sacred lake and the sacred cave of Padmasambhava

and Mandarava at Rewalsar

CostsEstimated cost joining at Kathmandu approximately AU$4100 per

person, subject to exchange rates and the number of travellers. Our travel agent in India is requiring payment in $US, which will

determine the exact pilgrimage tour price.

The final number of pilgrims in the group will influence the final cost.

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Single pilgrims can advise a preferred room mate or we can arrange for you to share

accommodation with a fellow pilgrim of the same gender.

Single supplement will be available (estimate US$935) to guarantee your own room.

Return international air tickets Melbourne-Kathmandu and Delhi-Melbourne can be arranged in Australia for pilgrims wishing to

fly with Rinpoche. Please advise when you pay the deposit.

Proposed Brief ItineraryDay 1/ (Flight to Kathmandu)2/ In Kathmandu, visit Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple)3/ Flight to Bhairahawa and transfer to Lumbini4-5/ In Lumbini, visit the Maha Devi Temple, Lumbini Sanctuary, Kapilivastu, Ramagram and the gompa of HE Chogye Trichen Rinpoche6/ Drive to Kushinagar via the Nepal/India border7/ In Kushinagar, visit Mahaparinirvana Temple and the Buddha Museum8/ Drive to Patna via Vaisali and Kesaria9/ Drive to Bodhgaya via Rajgir (Vultures Peak) and Nalanda University10-13/ In Bodhgaya, take time at the Maha Bodhi Temple14/ Drive to Varanasi, take a boat ride on the holy river Ganges15-16/ In Sarnath, take time at the Deer Park, Ashoka’s great stupa and the museum17/ From Varanasi travel by train (includes an overnight sleeper) to Pathankot18/ Transfer to Dharamsala and visit the Tsuglhakhang of HH Dalai Lama19/ In Dharamsala, free day for shopping and sightseeing20/ Drive through the Kangra Valley to Tashi Jong. Visit Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s nunnery at Padiarkhar21/ Visit the villages of Tashi Jong, Baijnath and Bir in the Kangra Valley22/ Drive to Mandi and Rewalsar via Chauntra Monastery23/ Visit Tso Pema, Guru Rinpoche’s sacred lake, and the sacred cave of Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava above Rewalsar24/ Drive to Delhi (approx 6 hours). (Late evening international flight to Melbourne25/ Arrive back in Melbourne)

What’s Included in the PriceComfortable mid-range hotel or guest house accommodation as

available, on twin share basis, days 1-23 excluding day 17when we will be travelling overnight on a sleeper train.

All breakfasts up to day 23, excluding the morning of day 18.10 dinners – at Kushinagar, Bodhgaya and Varanasi.

Boat ride on the Ganges at Varanasi.Domestic flight: Kathmandu-Bhairahawa (Lumbini) day 3.

Train tickets 2AC sleeper: Gaya-Varanasi day 14 and Varanasi-Pathankot day 17/18.

Airport transfer in Kathmandu for pilgrims flying in with Rinpoche.Road transport:

Kathmandu - Hi-ace 14 seater for airport transfers and sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.

Lumbini-Varanasi – 18 seater a/c coach.Pathankot-Delhi – Toyota Innovas.

(Entry tickets to major ticketed sites, to be confirmed)

What’s Not IncludedInternational airfares to Kathmandu and return from Delhi.

Meals, refreshments and bottled water not listed above.Visas to Nepal and India.

Any additional sightseeing, taxis or activities not listed above.Tips, donations etc.

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls or local sims, etc.

Travel insurance

Country InformationBoth Nepal and India are highly spiritual countries that welcome pilgrims. Although officially the Nepali population is 81% Hindu and 9% Buddhist, most people identify themselves as both Hindu and Buddhist, particularly in rural areas. India is more clearly a Hindu society yet most of the Buddha’s historic sites are in India.

Nepal is small mountainous country with a population of about 27 million. Shambolic and mystical, Nepal confronts and fascinates the visitor with its astonishing history and sacred sites. Its capital, Kathmandu, is home to more UNESCO World Heritage listed sites than any other city in the world. As an underdeveloped country with limited infrastructure, its economy is dependent primarily on agriculture, foreign work and tourism and it struggles with high levels of poverty and hunger. Since April 2015, Nepal has endured two major earthquake disasters and a lengthy blockade of fuel gas and oil that has brought the country economically to its knees. Yet the people are gentle and resilient and welcome tourists to improve their standard and quality of life.

Lumbini is located in the southern plains of Nepal (the Terai), close to the Indian border. While Kathmandu’s elevation is 1,400m above sea level and its climate temperate and relatively mild in November, Lumbini (elevation 150m) is more sub-tropical and warm, even in winter. The site of the Buddha’s birth is housed in the Maha Devi Temple and is surrounded by parkland, a sacred bodhi tree, an Ashoka’s Pillar and a range of monasteries and monuments. Nearby Kapilvastu, where the Buddha grew up, has the stupas of King Shuddhodana and Queen Maya, the Buddha’s parents.

Vast in population, history, culture and spirituality, India has become an industrialized and fast developing economic powerhouse even as it confronts ongoing poverty, corruption, malnutrition and inadequate public healthcare. Be prepared for the bustle, dust and noise even as you are amazed by the colour and life of this ancient land. The Buddha’s sacred sites are mainly towards the northeast, east of Delhi at low altitude in the great valley of the holy Ganges River. There is peace at each site - places to meditate, practice or just soak up the nature of each place where the Buddha meditated, walked and taught.

Dharamsala and the Kangra Valley offer an experience of living Tibetan Buddhism and culture. HH Dalai Lama’s monastery at McLeod Ganj has become a focus for Tibetans in exile and Tibetan Buddhists from all over the world. From there, monasteries, nunneries and Tibetan settlements spread to Rewalsar high on a mountain at the other end of the Kangra Valley.

Rewalsar is a pilgrim town around Tso Pema, the lake sacred to Padmasambhava where he was thrown into a burning pit by the king of Zahor (Mandi). It was from here that Padmasambhava departed for Tibet and helped establish Buddhism in Tibet. High above the town is the cave where Padmasambhava meditated with Princess Mandarava of Zahor.

In this auspicious year of the fire monkey, the year that Padmasambhava was born, we may see some celebrations or special events in Rewalsar or the Kangra Valley.

person or online. Cost for a 6 month tourist visa is AU$75 + fees and charges. Please note that the photos required for Indian visas are a different size from regular passport photos. http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia/visa_services/index.html

Travel InsuranceComprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. Please advise your insuring company and policy number at least one month before departure.

VisasAustralian and NZ passport holders require visas to Nepal and India. Other nationalities should check the consulate web sites.

Nepal visas can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport or in advance at any Consulate of Nepal in Australia. You will only need a 15 day single use tourist visa (AU$65, up to four business days). The Melbourne consulate is at 28-32 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000. Information and visa application forms are available at http://nepalconsulate.net.au/

Visas to India need to be obtained from the India Passport and Visa Service in advance of arrival. They usually take at least one week from the date of application and can be applied for in

The Fine PrintA deposit of AU$1500 required to secure your place on the pilgrimage.

The balance of your payment will be advised to you individually.

Payment in full will be required by Friday 29th July 2016.

By making your deposit and committing to this pilgrimage, you are accepting that you will be travelling in a group of friends assisting

Zim’og Rinpoche on his pilgrimage - usual expectations that apply to tour operators will not necessarily apply. There may be changes

to the itinerary, dates, costs etc as the group comes together and arrangements are put in place with the travel agent in India. Your suggestions and input are welcome, understanding that the final

decision on any aspect of the pilgrimage will rest with Zim’og Rinpoche. That said, Nalandra is committed to assisting Rinpoche to bring you the

best possible pilgrimage experience, to inspire your path in the Buddha’s Dharma.

The minimum number of paying participants is 10 for the pilgrimage to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, you will be advised if the

cost will be increased or the pilgrimage will be cancelled. If the cost is increased, you will have the option to withdraw and your deposit

and any additional payments you have made will be refunded. If the pilgrimage is cancelled by Nalandra at any stage, your payments will

be returned to you in full.

If you need to cancel out, up until 29 April 2016, your payments to Nalandra will be refunded in full. If you cancel between 29th April 2016

and 29th July 2016, your payments will be refunded less $100 admin fee and any airline cancellation penalties or charges. After 29th July, any refund will be subject to costs, penalties or other charges by the travel agent in India or by Nalandra in respect of this pilgrimage and

at the discretion of Zim’og Rinpoche.

Further Information and RegistrationFor all enquiries and to register your intention, please contact Pauline Gallagher who is assisting Rinpoche with this pilgrimage:

email: nalandrainstitute@gmail.com mob: 0403 798 327

A deposit is required to confirm your place on the pilgrimage.

Deposit of AU$1500 required by Friday 29th April 2016.

Full payment by Friday 29th July 2016.

May you travel well and the inspiration of the Buddha’s life aid you on your path!