Lumbini 2024

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After this 4-day trip to the birthplace of Siddhartha Gauthama, the Buddha, you will leave with a deeper connection to Buddhism’s roots and its profound impact on the region.

Lumbini
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Embark on a profound pilgrimage to Lumbini, Nepal, the sacred birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Over four days, immerse yourself in the spiritual and historical essence of Buddhism. Begin with the Sacred Garden, Maya Devi Temple, and stupas for Maha Prajapati and King Sudhana. Explore diverse monasteries in the Lumbini Monastic Zone, practice meditation, and visit the World Peace Pagoda. Venture to Kapilvastu to trace the Buddha’s early life and significant archaeological sites. Conclude with visits to the Ramagrama Stupa and Devdaha, Queen Mahamaya’s birthplace, while reflecting and meditating at these hallowed sites. Depart with a deeper connection to Buddhism’s roots and its profound impact on the region.

Institute Support

Each pilgrimage program we offer serves in part as a fundraiser for the Institute. This allows us to offset costs for our core programming. So by joining a pilgrimage, you are also making an offering to the Institute.

YOUR GUIDES
Co-Executive Director

George Hughes

Contemplative Faculty

Tsunma Kunsang Palmo

Co-Executive Director

George Hughes

Beginning his journey into meditation and the wisdom traditions as a teenager, George Hughes has been a practitioner and teacher in several traditions. He found his spiritual home with his root teacher, Mingyur Rinpoche, and has dedicated his life to sharing his profound teachings. In particular, George draws inspiration from the joy, levity, and simplicity of Rinpoche’s approach.

George has worked with Mingyur Rinpoche for many years, teaching his Joy of Living and Path of Liberation curricula around the world, including to groups in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. In addition to his work with Mingyur Rinpoche, George has also taught yoga, massage, and other holistic healing modalities.

In addition to the Institute, George has worked with Mingyur Rinpoche on a variety of projects, including guiding a series of treks through the Himalayas to help support Rinpoche’s social engagement projects. George’s passion for the dharma and meditation extends to all aspects of his life.

Contemplative Faculty

Tsunma Kunsang Palmo

Tsunma Kunsang Palmo, originally from England, traveled and worked around the world as an art teacher in international schools for over a decade. In 2005, on a trip to Nepal, she encountered Lama Zopa Rinpoche, a Tibet Buddhist monk, and was so inspired by his teachings that she chose to stay in Asia and live a life immersed in the buddhadharma. 

Soon after she traveled to North India where she met Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, whose twelve-year retreat in a cave high in the Himalayas described in the book Cave in the Snow brought international attention to the role of women in Buddhism. She served as Tenzin Palmo’s assistant for several years in her nunnery, dedicated to helping women of the Himalayan region to achieve spiritual excellence. 

She took ordination in 2010 and went on to complete a traditional Tibetan three-year meditation retreat at Sherabling Monastery in North India, under the guidance of her teacher Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. 

Continuing to take teachings from Mingyur Rinpoche, Kunsang serves as a meditation and dharma teacher for Tergar’s Joy of Living and Vajrayana Online courses and Tergar retreats. She also mentors the Tergar practice groups in Kathmandu, India, and Bhutan.

In 2021 she was invited to teach in Ringu Tulku’s Bodhicharya centers in the Caribbean and divides her time between sharing what she has learned through her years of study and practice in Antigua, Trinidad, and the Caymen Islands and Kathmandu, India, and Bhutan.

Lumbini Pilgrimage Itinerary

October 25

Day 1

Fly to Bhairahawa. The group will be picked up from Swoyambhu and transferred to the domestic airport in Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Bhairahawa airport, our representative will assist with the transfer to a hotel in Lumbini. After checking in, we will visit the Sacred Garden and explore the Maya Devi Temple and the Marker Stone.

October 26

Day 2

Spend the day on a full-day tour of the Lumbini Monastic Zone, exploring the various monasteries.

October 27

Day 3

Take a guided day trip to Kapilvastu. Visit the museum to learn about the life of the Buddha before his enlightenment, and explore archaeological sites in Kapilvastu, including Tilaurakot and Nigrodharama. Return to Lumbini in the evening.

October 28

Day 4

In the morning, visit nearby Buddhist sites such as the Ramagrama Stupa, explore Devdaha, and visit the Mayadevi Temple. In the afternoon, transfer to the domestic airport in Bhairahawa for a flight back to Kathmandu, with assistance provided for your transfer back to Swoyambhu upon arrival.

Pilgrimage Map

Trip Details

  • Pilgrimage fee: $550
  • What’s included
    • Group airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
    • Flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and back to Kathmandu
    • 3 nights with twin/double shared standard accommodation on the bed and breakfast plan at the Lumbini Hokke Hotel
    • Air-conditioned private vehicle for arrival/departure transfers and tours to the places outlined in the itinerary
    • Entrance fees to Maya Devi Temple and Lumbini Museum
    • English-speaking, licensed, and knowledgeable tour guide for the Kapilvastu tour
    • Rickshaw for Monastic Zone visit
    • Service fee and taxes
  • Price does not include
    • Lunch and dinner in Lumbini
    • Expenses of a personal nature, such as bar and beverage bills, laundry bills, and phone bills
    • Guide services other than as specified
    • Individual airport transfers in Kathmandu/Lumbini
    • Expenses incurred due to reasons beyond our control (e.g., illness, flight delays/cancellation, natural disasters, political turmoil, etc.)
    • Tips for guides and drivers
    • Anything not included in the “What’s Included” section
  • Single supplement: $125
  • Non-refundable deposit: $300 due at registration
  • Payment #2: Balance due on arrival
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds. Please do not send your deposit unless you are sure you will join this trip.
  • Passport requirements: you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the end date of the pilgrimage (May 3, 2025).
  • Visa requirements: you can arrange a visa for entry into Nepal prior to arrival. Further details will be provided after registering.
  • Arriving a few days prior to the program can provide the opportunity to acclimate to the timezone. We strongly recommend this if at all possible.
  • We encourage you to visit a travel clinic before venturing to Nepal. They may recommend certain vaccinations and/or medications to keep you safe.
  • Traditionally, Nepal has experienced few instances of mosquito-borne illnesses. However, cases of Dengue fever have risen in Kathmandu over the past couple of years. Traveling with insect repellent is suggested. 
  • The sun can be warm in Nepal. In turn, we recommend traveling with sun screen and/or a sunhat to keep you protected. 
  • We will provide safe, filtered drinking water throughout the program. 
  • We take all precautions possible to ensure the foods you eat are safe and hygienic. However, there is an increased risk of food-born illnesses in this region.
  • We will be staying at the Lumbini Hokke Hotel.
  • While many expenses will be covered while on the program, you will want to bring money for other expenses. You can exchange major foreign currencies and use local ATMs while in Nepal. 
  • You’ll need electrical adapters to charge electronics in many places in Nepal. Purchasing a universal adapter can be a good choice for many travelers. 
  • We will use email for all major communication in advance of the pilgrimage.
  • While in Nepal, it is recommended to wear long pants and shirts that cover your shoulders. 
  • The temperature can fluctuate quite a bit during our time in Nepal. Please pack layers of clothing to help regulate your temperature. 
  • Electronics are fine to bring with you. However, please note that we do not take responsibility for any lost, damaged, or stolen items. 
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, etc.) is encouraged. 

Registration

Are you ready to experience the birthplace of the Buddha? Register here! Upon receipt of your completed form, we will provide a link for the deposit payment. Once both your registration form and deposit are received, your spot will be officially secured for the event. Registration closes on 15 September 2024, or when the trip is full, whichever comes first.

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