Join us for an exciting 16 day pilgrimage to Sikkim with Geshe Tenzin Zopa. Sikkim in the north of India has breathtaking Himalayan views, pristine landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and a vibrant Buddhist culture. It will be spring time which invites blossoming flowers and views of the spectacular Kanchenjunga mountain range.
The great Buddhist master Guru Padmasambhava brought Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism to Sikkim in the 8th century. Sikkim was historically known as Bayul Demojong, a sacred Buddhist hidden land which Guru Padmasambhava consecrated and in which he hid sacred spiritual treasures (termas). In 1642 three Tibetan lamas are said to have arrived to formally open the hidden land.
According to history, Guru Padmasambhava meditated in four sacred caves located in four cardinal directions of West Sikkim. This pilgrimage includes visits to the southern and eastern caves. The other two caves are in very remote areas and can only be reached through challenging trekking routes.
Besides the caves associated with Guru Padmasambhava, we will visit:
– Yuksom, the former capital of Sikkim, and its first monastery,
– Sacred stupa, coronation throne of the king and the first lamas also in Yuksom,
– The holy lake of Khecheopalri associated with Guru Padmasambhava,
– Historic site of Rabtense and Pelling’s old monastery,
– Monastery and cultural sites of Darjeeling,
– Home of sacred nectar blessed by Guru Padmasambhava at Tashiding Monastery,
– Rumtek Monastery, the main seat of the Karma Kagyu Buddhist tradition
– Sacred Sites of Kathmandu, Boudha Stupa and Kopan Monastery
This pilgrimage is a collaboration between Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre, Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia and the Three Jewels Adventures, Kathmandu, Nepal. It is an opportunity to experience the delights and transformations that occur with pilgrimage to sacred Buddhist sites. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has previously said that by doing pilgrimage, we receive blessings from the holy places where enlightened beings, great yogis, and bodhisattvas have practiced. So it is important to take these opportunities to develop our practice. Geshe Tenzin Zopa will help us with this.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Tribuhvan Airport
You will be met by the guide at the airport – Transfer to Yak and Yeti Hotel. The hotel is set amidst lush gardens, a serene pond with ducks and turtles and graceful heritage architecture, offering a tranquil sanctuary while keeping you close to Kathmandu’s vibrant city life.
Day 2: Introduction to Kathmandu & Welcome dinner B, L
Introductory Kathmandu Pilgrimage site tour. We will visit Boudha Stupa, Swayambhu Stupa complex, holy sites, Vajrayogini nearby and Chenrezig and Tara temples in the center of old Kathmandu.
Evening – welcome dinner
Accomodation Yak and Yeti Hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Darjeeling B, L, D (driving approx 93km ~ 3hours).
We transfer to the airport for a 45 minute flight to Bhadrapur. This is followed by a road journey to Darjeeling.
Overnight at 3 star level hotel.
Day 4: Darjeeling B, L, D
Today we will explore some of Darjeeling’s spiritual and Buddhist sites including Yiga Choeiling Gelug monastery and Tenzing Norgey (Sherpa) museum.
Overnight at 3 star level hotel.
Day 5: Darjeeling to Pelling B, L, D (70km; 3-4 hours)
Travel to Pelling and along the way we will visit Lho Khandro Sangphug (The Southern Cave of the Dakini). The southern cave is one of the four major caves in West Sikkim, where Guru Padmasambhava had visited, meditated and displayed various miraculous acts. After Khando Sangphug, we continue the drive to the hillock town of Pelling.
Stay at 2-3 star level tourist hotel or resort.
Day 6: Pelling B, L, D
We will have a full day to explore monasteries and ruined palaces including Pema Yangtse, a monastery of 17th century, the ruined palace of the Sikkim king at Rabtense Palace Ruins and newly created Chenrezik Park.
Stay at 2-3 star level tourist hotel or resort.
Day 7: Pelling to Yuksom B, L, D (41km; 3 hours)
After a 1 hour drive we will arrive at Khecheopalri Lake (wish fulfilling lake) which is the sacred lake that represents Guru Padmasambhava’s foot print. We will also visit Tashi Choi Ling nunnery, have lunch with nuns (if possible) or at nearby restaurant and spend time relaxing before visiting Kachenjunga Falls. There will be another hour’s drive to Yuksom.
Stay at Yuksom Residency 3 star level hotel.
Day 8 & 9: Yuksom B, L, D
We will have a full two days in the old capital of Sikkim visiting monasteries, parks and old monuments, such as Dubdi monastery located on the hilltop (45 minute uphill walk). We will also visit the emerald-green sacred Kathok Lake, the Coronation Throne of Norbugang and enjoy some free time.
Overnight at Yuksom Residency 3 star level hotel.
Day 10: Yuksom to Ravangla B, L, D (65km; 3-4 hours)
On the way to Ravangla we visit Tashiding, a reknowned Nyingma Monastery which is considered the most sacred and holiest monastery in Sikkim.
Stay at 2 star level resort.
Day 11: Ravangla to Namchi to Ravangla B, L, D (26km; approx 4 hours driving)
During this day trip to Namchi we will visit the Guru Rinpoche statue, Sharchog Beyphug of Guru Rinpoche (The Eastern Cave) and Shakyamuni Buddha Park.
Stay at 2 star level resort.
Day 12: Ravangla to Gangtok B, L, D (75km; 2.5-3 hours)
Following a 3 hour drive to Gangtok, we will have time to rest.
Stay at 3 -4 star level hotel / resort
Day 13: Gangtok B, L, D
Following a vist to Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kagyu lineage and the Tibetan Centre, there will be time to explore Gangtok city and perhaps do some last minute souvenir shopping.
Stay at 3 -4 star level hotel / resort
Day 14: Gangtok to Kathmandu B, L
After breakfast we drive to Bhadrapur at the border to catch an early afternoon flight to Kathmandu.
Accomodation Yak and Yeti Hotel.
Day 15: Kathmandu B,L,D
On this our final day together we will have the opportunity to visit Kopan Monastery where the holy relics of Lama Zopa and other great teachers lie. During a visit to Khachoe Ghakhyil Ling Nunnery (Kopan Nunnery) we will see the Mahabodhi replica temple.
Evening – farewell dinner
Accomodation Yak and Yeti Hotel.
Day 16: Departures
After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure or respective destination.
When
26 March – 10 April 2027
Where
Sikkim
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Pricing
The price of this trip is
$AUD5,950 per person with share accomodation
Single room supplement $AUD700 ($US495)
Ordained Sangha (2 places) 20% discount
Included in the price
– Airport pick up/drop off
– Accommodation as per itinerary
– Meals as per itinerary (NB. a vegetarian diet will be offered; every effort will be made to include gluten free options. Please be prepared to supplement your diet if you have any other requiements)
– Flights as per itinerary
– Comfortable, clean and safe four wheel drive/jeep/bus travel
– Drivers and knowledgeable English-speaking guides
– Bottled drinking water
– Entry fees/tickets as per itinerary
Not included in the price
– Passport and Visa fees for India and Nepal
– Travel to Nepal/Kathmandu for pilgrimage departure
– Compulsory Insurance (travel, medical etc), medical emergency situations/evacuation
– Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
– Souvenirs or personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, snacks, laundry, donations, offerings, tips etc
– Tips/gratuities for guide and driver/s
– Extra expenses incurred due to unexpected natural events (delays, road washouts, detours, snowfall…)
Program costs include a donation to Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre.
When
26 March – 10 Apirl 2027
Where
Sikkim
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Other information
Application process
A Pre-Registration application form must be completed prior to acceptance to the pilgrimage. Preference will be given to those who have never been on pilgrimage with Geshe Zopa. Applications may be completed by clicking Apply now.
Should demand exceed available pilgrimage places a wait list will be maintained.
Deposit
Once you have been accepted to the pilgrimage a deposit of $AUD 1,000($US 700) is required within 14 days to reserve your place.
You will also need to complete a Registration Form, and read, sign and return the Terms & Conditions and Waiver Forms.
The final date to be accepted to the pilgrimage is 31st October 2026.
The balance of the pilgrimage cost is due 2 months prior to departure (31st January 2027). Should this not be paid it will be deemed that you are withdrawing from the pilgrimage.
Cancellation & refund
Bookings are non-transferrable.
Full details of our cancellation and refund policy are set out in the Terms and Conditions.
In brief: If the pilgrimage is cancelled because of insufficient pilgrims, your deposit will be returned less a AUS$ 200 ($US140) administration fee.
Under all other circumstances if the pilgrimage is cancelled, you will receive a full refund less the administration fee (above) and any non-recoverable third-party costs that have or need to be paid by Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre.
Visas
Nepal – All foreign nationals, except Indians, are required to have a valid visa to enter Nepal. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected departure from Nepal. You are responsible for obtaining this visa before the pilgrimage. Visas may be obtained before you leave home or at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Nepal E Visa Application
Nepal Embassy Washington
India – If you are not an Indian citizen, you must have a valid Indian Visa to visit Sikkim. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected departure from India. You are responsible for obtaining this visa before the pilgrimage.
In addition to the visa for Sikkim, foreign nationals must also obtain a special local permit called an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state of Sikkim. Our tour leaders will obtain this for us when we get to the border. You will need to bring a passport sized photo for this – it may be a photocopy.
India Consulate General Sydney
India Embassy Washington
Physical fitness & mobility
We will generally be travelling at altitudes lower than 3000m. Elevations do rise rapidly over short distances. While this is not generally considered a health risk for most people altitudes above 2500m can trigger altitude sickness in some. Due to the hilly terrain, this trip is only suitable for those who are reasonably physically fit and who do not have any underlying physical or mental health issues that could impact the journey.
When
26 March – 10 April
Where
Sikkim
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Changes to the ininerary may be made as we go along. These changes will be based on local conditions, health, and hotel availability. The times mentioned are all approximate and are subject to local conditions at the time of travel.
Our Pilgrimage Leaders
Geshe Tenzin Zopa
Geshe Tenzin Zopa holds the honoured Geshe (Doctorate) degree from Sera Je Monastic University, South India having completed the 20 year monastic curriculum in just 17 years. He was ordained at the age of 9 years by the late great mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog, received novice ordination from Geshe Lundrup Sopa Rinpoche and full ordination from HH the 14th Dalai Lama. Under the direct tutelage of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the great mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog and the most eminent of Gurus including those from the renowned Sera Jey Monastic University, Geshe Tenzin Zopa possesses vast scriptural knowledge and extensive teaching experience. He has successfully managed major projects, has completed many retreats including a six month Highest Yoga Tantra retreat with the late Geshe Lama Konchog and is highly skilled in rituals, astrological observations and religious dance.
Geshe-la’s inspiring search for his reincarnated master is the subject of the film documentary ‘Unmistaken Child’
Geshe-la is an international touring FPMT geshe.
Amber Tamang
Three Jewels Adventures
Founder, Co-Owner, Guide
Three Jewels Adventures was founded and is managed by Amber Tamang and his wife Sushma Tamang. Amber is from southern Solukhumbu. He began as a trekking porter in 1993 to support himself through a college education in Kathmandu. In 1999 Sushma and Amber got married. Not long after that, in 2001, they formed Three Jewels Adventures as their family and team business with fellow guides. Amber specializes in guiding regular trekking to Buddhist cultural, archaeological and heritage sites. During the slow tourist season Amber helps his mother back in his native village in Solukhumbu and writes articles, blogs and sometimes works as instructor or resource person for new trainee guides.
Anne Sinclair
Anne first met the Dharma in 2008 in a quest to learn meditation. She has been studying Buddhism and practicing meditation since. Previously she worked as Centre Manager at Vajrayana Institute, Sydney for 3 years and has held various positions at Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre for the past 3 years. Anne has a background and qualifications in health, health management and adult education.