In the Footsteps of Guru Rinpoche

Lubra (Lupra) Bon Village: Visit Lubra, one of the most important surviving Bon villages in Nepal. The village preserves the ancient Bon religious tradition, with its own monastery, ritual practices and sacred landscape. Local tradition associates the establishment of the village with the Bon master Yangton Tashi Gyaltsen. The visit offers a rare opportunity to understand the Bon tradition alongside the later Tibetan Buddhist traditions of Mustang. Why Lubra is important: Including Lubra gives the pilgrimage a broader spiritual perspective. It allows pilgrims to encounter a tradition that developed alongside Tibetan Buddhism and remains a living part of Mustang's religious identity. Kagbeni: Continue to Kagbeni, an ancient fortified settlement at the gateway to Upper Mustang. Visit Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery and spend time in the old village, where Tibetan Buddhist culture remains strongly visible. Optional nearby visits: Depending on timing, Marpha, Tukuche, local monasteries, chortens and other sacred sites around the Jomsom area can be added before returning to Jomsom for the night.

Program: Depart Jomsom and drive approximately five hours into Upper Mustang. Because of the driving time, the principal pilgrimage visit today will be Chungsi Cave before continuing to Tsarang for the night. Chungsi Cave: Make a pilgrimage stop at Chungsi Cave, traditionally associated with Guru Rinpoche and regarded as one of the most important sacred caves in Mustang. The cave is connected with meditation and retreat, and pilgrims visit for prayer, offerings and contemplation. Its natural rock formations are regarded locally as sacred manifestations. Overnight: Tsarang.

Program: After breakfast, drive north from Tsarang toward Lo Manthang, making pilgrimage visits in the Chhoser area before continuing to the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. Nyiphuk Monastery: Visit Nyiphuk Monastery, dramatically set into the cliff face. Its cave-like setting strongly evokes the Himalayan retreat tradition and gives the visit a contemplative character especially suited to a pilgrimage centred on meditation and Guru Rinpoche. Garphu Monastery: Continue to Garphu Monastery, an important religious site of the Chhoser area with traditional sacred art and a continuing connection to the local Buddhist community. Overnight: Lo Manthang.

Morning - Nomad Camp: Begin the day with a visit to a nomad camp outside Lo Manthang, offering an opportunity to encounter the living pastoral culture of Upper Mustang and the close relationship between spiritual tradition, landscape and everyday life in the high Himalaya. Jampa Lhakhang: Return to Lo Manthang and visit Jampa Lhakhang, one of the great religious monuments of Lo Manthang and an important centre of sacred art and devotion. Thubchen Gompa: Continue to Thubchen Gompa, known for its monumental interior, ancient wall paintings and importance within the religious life of the former Kingdom of Lo. Chode Gompa: Visit Chode Gompa, an active monastic centre where prayer, ritual and religious teaching continue as part of the living Buddhist tradition of Lo Manthang. Pilgrimage experience: Time can be reserved for prayer, butter-lamp offerings, kora, quiet reflection and, where arrangements are possible, interaction with local monks or lamas. Overnight: Lo Manthang.

Program: Drive south from Lo Manthang toward Jomsom through the high desert landscape of Mustang, stopping at Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar) for one of the most significant Guru Rinpoche-related visits of the pilgrimage. Ghar Gompa - Significance: Ghar Gompa, also known as Lo Gekar, is one of Mustang's most important ancient Buddhist sacred sites, with its religious history traditionally traced to the 8th century and closely associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). According to Himalayan Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche meditated here and subdued obstructing forces before the establishment of Samye Monastery in Tibet. For pilgrims following in the footsteps of Guru Rinpoche, Ghar Gompa therefore represents a powerful link between Mustang and the early spread of Vajrayana Buddhism into Tibet. Time should be allowed for prayer, offerings, kora and quiet reflection before continuing to Jomsom. Overnight: Jomsom.

Program: Depart Jomsom early in the morning and drive down the Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara. On arrival, transfer to Pokhara Airport for an evening flight back to Kathmandu. End of the pilgrimage program.