Journey to Tibet
Takten Damcho Ling MonasteryTakten Damcho Ling Monastery

Discovering the Jonang: A Pilgrimage through Far Eastern & Central Tibet

Stage I: Far Eastern Tibet/Amdo: July 5th - July 22nd

Stage II: Central Tibet/U-Tsang: July 20th - August 2nd, 2008

A Cultural & Educational Tour Hosted by Jonang Foundation

In Collaboration with Amitabha Travel Agency

The Journey

Traversing through the vast Tibetan terrains of Amdo (Sichuan & Qinghai Provinces, China) where the Jonangpa have lived for over 500 years, then traveling onwards to the early home of the Jonangpa in the mountainous landscapes of U-Tsang (Tibetan Autonomous Region)--this journey will take you through the ages and across the boundaries of religious and cultural imagination to encounter one of Tibet's most unknown living spiritual traditions.

On pilgrimage, participants will have the unusual opportunity to interact intimately with some of the great Jonang masters alive in Tibet today, and to visit the most significant historical and contemporary sites of the Jonangpa. Led by expert guides and interpreters, travelers will have the chance to learn directly from the Jonangpa while enjoying the extraordinary Land of Snows.

Guides & Interpreters

Tulku Kunga Zangpo is a recognized reincarnate lama of the Jonang tradition. Born and educated in the Golok region of far eastern Tibet, Tulku Zangpo later spent 6 years studying and visiting the sacred places of the Buddha's life in India. For the past several years, he has lived throughout China, teaching and working to direct programs hosted by Jonang Foundation. Tulku Zangpo is a Tibetan monk who is conversant in English and Chinese.

Michael R. Sheehy, Ph.D. is the executive director of Jonang Foundation. He holds a doctorate degree in Tibetan and Buddhist studies, and has lived closely with Jonang masters in the Ngawa, Dzamthang, and Golok regions of Amdo since 2004. Author of several articles on Tibetan Buddhism, his current research concentrates on the formulation of the zhentong contemplative view found within Jonang Tibetan Buddhist literature. Michael is an American who is conversant in Tibetan.

Alessandro Zuzic is the director of Amitaba travel agency. He has worked extensively as a tour guide and group leader throughout the Himalayan and Tibetan regions for more than a decade, specializing in cultural tours of Tibet. Alessandro is an Italian who is conversant in English.

Itinerary & Application

Chotang Monastery: DzamthangChotang Monastery: Dzamthang

Participants are welcome to join either or both stages of the journey:

  1. Stage I travels through the Amdo region, Far Eastern Tibet
  2. Stage II travels through the U-Tsang region, Central Tibet

To view the full itinerary and program information, download the Journey Packet (PDF).

In order to participate in this pilgrimage, we ask that you please submit an application form with your personal information. Forms can be returned to Jonang Foundation via email or postal mail (info. enclosed).

We ask that those who are interested in participating please return the application form to us as soon as possible. One form per person is required. Spaces are limited and applicants will be considered in the order they are received.

Download the Journey Application (Word).

Costs of the Journey

  • Stage I, Amdo: U.S. $3,800 per person*
  • Stage II, U-Tsang: U.S. $2,300 per person*
  • Stage I & II, Amdo & U-Tsang: U.S. $5,000 per person*

Costs include: full board everywhere (meals and accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, camps), inland transportation by Toyota Land Cruisers (4x/jeep), inter-China flights (except from Lhasa), inland airport transfers, an English speaking local guide and cook with assistants, all necessary permits, a support truck, visitation and entrance fees, fully organized camping with equipment (except sleeping bags).

*Costs do not include: roundtrip international flight tickets from/to port of origin, flight tickets from Lhasa to Chengdu, Beijing or Hong Kong (approximately $350) for stage II, visas, airport taxes, travel insurance, tips, personal expenses, drinks.

International flight costs will depend upon individuals. All flights will be arranged by Amitabha Travel.

Contact Information

For all general inquiries about the journey, please contact us at: info@jonangfoundation.org.

For specific logistical information regarding the journey, please contact Amitabha Travel at: amitaba@amitaba.net.