We are very happy to announce the Pilgrimage with Tulku Tseyang Rinpoche in October/November 2026.
We’ll visit some of the most important holy sides in India and in Nepal.
You are very welcome to join. The registration is open now.
Here is the schedule, changes are possible:
Oct 22
Start in Frankfurt, Germany
Oct 23
Arrival in New Delhi, we overnight in Kibi or close to Kibi. We have the great opportunity to visit the Karmapa Buddhist international institute, practice there and get some teachings about it.
Bodhgaya – The Place of Great Awakening
Day 2 | Oct 24 (Sat): Arrival in Bodhgaya
Arrival in the spiritual cradle of Buddhism. After settling in, if we want we can take our first steps toward the Mahabodhi Temple, the center of the Buddhist universe. We will join monks and lay practitioners in circumambulating the Vajrasana — the „Diamond Throne“—where Siddhartha Gautama sat under the Bodhi tree and attained complete enlightenment.
Day 3 | Oct 25 (Sun): Empowerment, teachings and practice with Tulku Tseyang Rinpoche
A profound day dedicated entirely to spiritual transmission. In the blessed vicinity of the Holy Stupa, the group will receive the Wang (Empowerment), Lung (Oral Transmission), and Tri (Instructions) on Buddha Shakyamuni and the Guru Yoga of Buddha Shakyamuni. Since we are during this pilgrimage in the footsteps of Buddha Shakyamuni, this will be our main practice together, This grounds our pilgrimage in the authentic blessings of the living lineage.
Day 4 | Oct 26 (Mon): Rajgir & Nalanda
We ascend Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta), the rocky hill where the Buddha turned the Second Wheel of Dharma and taught the Prajnaparamita (Heart Sutra). Later, we explore the vast red-brick ruins of Nalanda University, once the world’s most prestigious center of Buddhist learning, where masters like Shantideva and Naropa once studied and debated.
Day 5 | Oct 27 (Tue): Dungeshwari & Sujata Stupa
We travel to the Dungeshwari Caves, a sacred site deeply connected to the Mahasiddha Shawaripa (The Hunter Saint), a vital forefather of the Mahamudra lineage. We will practice here to connect with the energy of the Mahasiddhas. Afterward, we descend to the village where the maiden Sujata offered the emaciated Buddha a bowl of milk rice—a pivotal act of generosity that gave him the strength to find the „Middle Way.“
Varanasi – The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
Day 6 | Oct 28 (Wed): Journey to Varanasi
We travel to Varanasi, the „City of Light.“ Our first stop is the Mulgandhakuti Vihar in Sarnath, a modern temple famous for its exquisite golden Buddha statue, holy relics, and the breathtaking Japanese frescoes that depict the complete life story of the Buddha from birth to Parinirvana.
Day 7 | Oct 29 (Thu): Sarnath & The Holy Ganges
Morning meditation at the massive Dhamek Stupa, which marks the exact spot where the Buddha gave his first teaching to the five ascetics. At sunset, we board a private boat on the Ganges River to witness the Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing, rhythmic ritual of fire, incense, and chanting performed by priests on the riverbanks.
Kushinagar: The Final Passing & The Holy Birth
Day 8 | Oct 30 (Fri): Travel to Kushinagar
A day of quiet reflection and transition as the group travels north through the Indian countryside toward the site of the Buddha’s final Mahaparinirvana.
Day 9 | Oct 31 (Sat): Kushinagar Pilgrimage
We pay heartfelt respects at the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses the deeply moving 1,500-year-old reclining Buddha statue. We will also visit the Ramabhar Stupa, the massive brick mound marking the site of the Buddha’s cremation.
Day 10 | Nov 01 (Sun): Arrival in Lumbini
We cross the border to Nepal. We arrive in Lumbini and enter the serene Sacred Garden, the birthplace of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Day 11 | Nov 02 (Mon): Maya Devi Temple
A full day in the Sacred Garden. We will see the Birthplace Marker Stone inside the temple and the ancient Ashoka Pillar that authenticates the site. We will spend time meditating by the Puskarni Pond, the sacred pool where Queen Maya Devi took her ritual bath before giving birth to the Buddha.
Day 12 | Nov 03 (Tue): Kapilvastu (Tilaurakot)
We travel west to the archaeological ruins of Kapilvastu (Tilaurakot). This was the opulent palace where Prince Siddhartha lived for 29 years. We will stand at the Eastern Gate, the legendary point of the „Great Renunciation,“ where the Prince left his royal life behind to search for the truth of suffering.
Kathmandu Valley – Land of Devotion
Day 13 | Nov 04 (Wed): Journey to Kathmandu.
We take the bus journey up into the hills of Kathmandu Valley. We spend our first evening at the Boudha Stupa.
Day 14 | Nov 05 (Thu): Swayambhu & Sharminub
We climb the 365 ancient stone steps to Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) and receive blessings from the self-arisen stupa. In the afternoon, we visit Sharminub Monastery, the seat of the late H.H. Shamar Rinpoche, a center dedicated to the preservation of the Kagyu lineage.
Day 15 | Nov 06 (Fri): Namo Buddha & Nala Dhagpo Shedrupling Monastery.
A day trip to the stunning hilltop of Namo Buddha, where the Bodhisattva (in a previous life) offered his body to a starving tigress. We then visit the serene Nala Dhagpo Shedrupling Monastery of the late Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche.
Day 16 | Nov 07 (Sat): Mahakala Temple & Heritage
We visit a powerful Mahakala Temple. It is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, and the protector deity here is known for removing obstacles. We will also explore the hidden courtyards and living Buddhist heritage of the surrounding city.
Day 17 | Nov 08 (Sun): Pharping, Chovar & Conclusion
A powerful final day of Vajrayana practice. We travel to Pharping (Yanglesho) to pray at the Self-Arisen Tara rock carving and climb to the Asura Cave, where Guru Rinpoche attained the state of Mahamudra. We visit the sacred Vajrayogini Temple while descending from hill.
On the return, we stop at Chovar to visit the temple of Adinath Lokeshwar (associated with the nun Gelongma Palmo and the Nyungne fasting practice). We conclude the pilgrimage at KIBS Nunnery with a dedicated Tsok Offering and Mahakala Puja to seal the merit, followed by a farewell snacks there.
Here are some practical informations:
Practical Information for the Pilgrimage from October 22nd to November 9th, 2026
Preconditions for Participation
Basic English skills are required. Instructions and information on site will be given in English. Continuous translation into other languages is not planned.
A valid visa for India and Nepal is required. Please apply for these in advance, as obtaining a visa at the border would take too much time for the entire group. This also means that a „visa on arrival“ for Kathmandu is not possible. If you have questions about applying for visas, we are happy to help.
Traveling in India and Nepal
Traveling in India and Nepal often involves unforeseen circumstances, which requires flexibility, a certain level of physical and mental health, and as much serenity as possible.
Hygienic conditions are not comparable to European standards.
Cockroaches are always possible, even in better hotels. Cleanliness is understood differently – bed sheets may be clean or not. Beds may be too hard or too soft, and hot water for showering is not guaranteed.
Not all roads are paved and are often filled with potholes, which can be a very dusty affair, and the bus may shake significantly.
Health
There are no mandatory vaccinations for India and Nepal. Each participant should discuss possible or recommended vaccinations with their doctor or consult the website of their respective foreign ministry.
Gastrointestinal problems can occur during the pilgrimage. It is essential to avoid drinking tap water or beverages with ice cubes and eating meat. It is also better not to brush your teeth with tap water.
Dress Code
For visiting temples, legs and shoulders should always be covered. Revealing clothing such as tank tops or shorts is not suitable and is generally not the best idea in India and Nepal.
Framework Conditions
At the moment we’re still checking if we can get a group flight (with a cheaper fare) to Delhi. If not, individual flight booking is necessary.
Accommodations will be in hotels or guesthouses in double rooms. A limited number of single rooms are available upon request. We’ll decide depending on the reasons for the request, because they are limited.
Transportation by bus/minibus to the individual tour spots.
The spiritual guide of the pilgrimage will be Tulku Tseyang Rinpoche. He’ll give us an empowerment in Buddha Shakyamuni, the oral transmission for he Guru Yoga on Buddha Shakyamuni and teachings about the practice. We’ll practice together at the various pilgrimage sites and get teachings about the places.
Please also be prepared for spontaneous changes to the daily schedule.
Registration
The travel group, including guides, will consist of 20 people.
Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can register by email at: wonderfulpilgrimage@gmail.com. We will then send you further informations.
We are very much looking forward to this special opportunity to undertake this pilgrimage with Tulku Tseyang Rinpoche
