2013 Pilgrimage: A Journey to Mount Kailash, Tibet
Mount Kailash
Early Summer 2013: Dates to be Announced
A Cultural & Educational Expedition Hosted by Jonang Foundation
After an incredible heart-filling pilgrimage this summer through central Tibet with 19 pilgrims, we are happy to announce that our biannual pilgrimage to power places in Tibet will resume in 2013. Different from our previous pilgrimages, the 2013 expedition will have Tibet's most sacred mountain, Mount Kailash, as the apex of the journey.
This journey will take you through the ages and across the boundaries of cultural imagination to encounter the sacred sites of Tibet's living spiritual traditions. Meditation sessions, pilgrimage rituals, and discussions on Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan culture with Tulku Kunga Zangpo Rinpoche and Tibet specialists Dr. Michael Sheehy will be integral to the journey. All proceeds generated are contributed to educational and cultural preservation projects in Tibet hosted by Jonang Foundation.
Stay tuned for further information including the itinerary, costs, and registration details.
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2011 Pilgrimage: A Journey Through Central Tibet
Mountain Prayer Flags
August 13 - August 29, 2011
A Cultural & Educational Expedition Hosted by Jonang Foundation
In Collaboration with Amitabha Travel Agency
The Pilgrimage
Join us this summer on a pilgrimage to power places in Tibet.
Traverse through the vast terrain of the mountainous landscapes of south and central Tibet (U-Tsang; Tibetan Autonomous Region) ― this journey will take you through the ages and across the boundaries of cultural imagination to encounter the sacred sites of Tibet's living spiritual traditions.
Pilgrims will have the unusual opportunity to visit some of the most significant Buddhist sites in the extraordinary Land of Snow. Among other destinations, we will visit the Jowo Buddha in the Jokhang, the Potala Palace of the Dalai Lama's, the mountain retreat of Dolpopa at the Jonang Great Stupa, Taranatha's fortress monastery Takten Phuntsok Ling, Sakya Monastery, Zhalu Monastery, the Gyantse Stupa, Samye and Padmasambhava's caves at Chimpu. This is the second journey to Tibet hosted by Jonang Foundation.
*Meditation sessions, pilgrimage rituals, and discussions with Tulku Kunga Zangpo Rinpoche will be integral to the journey.
See the post At the Great Stupa of Jonang of a talk during the 2009 pilgrimage.
Read a testimonial from a participant in the 2009 pilgrimage.
Guides & Interpreters
Tulku Kunga Zangpo Rinpoche is a recognized reincarnate lama of the Jonang tradition. Born and educated in the Golok region of far eastern Tibet, Tulku Zangpo Rinpoche later spent six years studying and visiting the sacred places of the Buddha's life in India and Nepal. For the past several years, he has lived throughout China, teaching and working to facilitate programs hosted by Jonang Foundation as the director of field operations. Tulku Zangpo is a Tibetan monk who speaks English and Chinese.
Michael R. Sheehy, Ph.D. is the executive director of Jonang Foundation. He holds a doctorate in Tibetan and Buddhist studies. Michael lived in a Jonang Buddhist monastery in the Golok cultural domain of Tibet for three years while studying philosophy and literature with Tibetan masters. Michael is an American who speaks Tibetan.
Itinerary
Potala Palace, Lhasa
Sat. Aug 13: Fly from Home to Chengdu
Sun. Aug. 14: Fly from Chengdu ―> Lhasa and rest
Mon. Aug. 15: Rest and explore
Tues. Aug. 16: Explore Jokhang Cathedral
Wed. Aug. 17: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and Old Town Lhasa
Thurs. Aug. 18: Explore Drepung Monastery, Nechung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Fri. Aug. 19: Travel from Lhasa ―> Shigatse, explore Tara Temple, Yungdrungling (Bon)
Sat. Aug. 20: Travel from Shigatse ―> Old Lhatse, Bodong Monastery, Takten Phuntsok Ling Monastery
Sun. Aug. 21: Explore Takten Phuntsok Ling Monastery, the Mountain Retreat at Jomonang and the Great Jonang Stupa
Mon. Aug. 22: Travel to Sakya and explore
Tues. Aug. 23: Travel from Sakya ―> Zhalu Monastery ―> Gyantse
Wed. Aug. 24: Explore Gyantse Stupa, castle and surrounds
Thurs. Aug. 25: Travel from Gyantse ―> Samding ―> Yamdrok Tso Lake
Fri. Aug. 26: Travel to Samye and Chimpu Caves
Sat. Aug. 27: Explore Tsetang Yumbu Temple, meditation caves, and tombs of the ancient Tibetan Kings
Sun. Aug. 28: Fly from Gongsar Airport ―> Chengdu
Mon. Aug. 29: Fly Chengdu ―> Home
Registration
In order to participate in this pilgrimage, we ask that you email Jonang Foundation at info@jonangfoundation.org with "Pilgrimage" in the subject line. Spaces are limited to insure a small group with maximum flexibility for exploration in our travel. Participants will be confirmed in the order registered.
Cost of the Pilgrimage
Great Stupa at Jonang
U.S. $5,000 per person.
Cost includes: Full board including meals and accommodation in hotels and guesthouses, round-trip flight tickets from Chengdu to Lhasa to Chengdu, inland transportation, roundtrip inland airport transfers (Chengdu/Lhasa/Chengdu), English speaking local Tibetan guides, all necessary permits, visitation and entrance fees.
Cost does not include: Roundtrip international flight tickets from/to port of origin, visas, airport taxes, travel insurance, tips, personal expenses, drinks.
International flight costs will depend on individuals and can be arranged by Amitabha Travel.
This expedition is a fundraiser for educational projects run by Jonang Foundation. *Partial costs are tax-deductible (appr. %33).
Contact Information
For all general inquiries about the pilgrimage, contact us at: info@jonangfoundation.org.
For specific logistical information regarding travel arrangements, contact Amitabha Travel Agency directly at: amitaba@amitaba.net.
