PILGRIMAGE ~ an inner journey of transformation and vast blessings, we will not be sightseeing - we will be heart-seeing.
At a glance .....
We invite you to consider this rare opportunity in the care and expert guidance of renowned Tibetan Buddhist master GESHE TENZIN ZOPA as we travel amongst ancient blessed sites in India - in the footsteps of the great Mahasiddhas beginning at the most sacred and powerful of Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Bodhgaya.
We look forward to introducing you to the amazing sites of Sanchi Stupa, the ancient rock-cut caves Ajanta Ellora Kanheri, & more, supported by Tour Leader Annie Mcghee
Our days will be immersed within friendship, contemplations, prayers, and presence at these sites of great practice in the Buddhist tradition - we plan to join HIS HOLINESS DALAI LAMA for the annual December teachings [TBC] during our stay in Bodhgaya.
"Pilgrimage can be a beautiful opportunity to connect with Buddhist culture, faith, and history. Although you may walk in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who came before you, the journey and what you find within will be yours alone."
For further Pilgrimage details and Expression of Interest Registration ASAP please read on......REGISTRATION. IS CLOSED ~ Pilgrimage is Fully booked @1/11/2024
19 days - 18 nights Tour cost *AUD $ 4,320.00 [ USD $ 2,900.00 ] Twin-share - allowing exchange rate fluctuations [Single option available upon request]
* INCLUSIONS All domestic internal airfares, All accommodations, and meals [as *indicated in Full Itinerary] Airport assistance for arrival and departure.
All Entrance fees to sites, All Tours and transfers via AC Coach, and daily bottled mineral water, include AUD $650.00 non-refundable deposit which is a general fundraising donation towards supporting Dharma programs and activities of CTCT Centre, plus offering to Geshe Tenzin Zopas' Special Projects and a modest Sangha Scholarship contribution.
All Pilgrims will be responsible for International airfares to and from India, Comprehensive Travel Insurance, Valid Passport and Visa costs, and any personal expenses during the trip.
A basic fitness level and general well-being are recommended - as we encounter walking trails and many steps at times. Our journey involves several domestic flights to our varied destinations within the pilgrimage. Accommodations will be 3-4 star comfort and our land travel will be in Airconditioned coaches.
Weather in India in Dec-Jan is mild to warm with temperatures ranging from 10-30 degrees C. Full pre-trip support will be available to all participants
- If you would like to know more about this unique Pilgrimage Tour your expression of interest EOI is welcome ASAP Please register HERE
Full Tour Pilgrimage Itinerary and travel information, Health questionnaire, Terms & Conditions, payment options & responsibilities for your booking confirmation will be shared with you after your Expression of Interest has been registered/received.
Limited places are available for this extraordinary pilgrimage so please don't delay if you want to join this rare opportunity.
- A wait list will be created for Registrations in excess of our capped number (35) of participants for this Pilgrimage
This pilgrimage is curated by Annie Mcghee and Operated by Khamsang Tours & Trekking Pty Ltd Nepal in collaboration with Siddhartha Tours & Travel Company Delhi - co-hosted /supported by Chag Tong Chen Tong Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Centre
ChagTong Chen Tong wishes to acknowledge Pilgrimage curator and Tour guide Annie Mcghee with great thanks and appreciation for her invitation to be a co-host of this amazing Pilgrimage with Geshe Tenzin Zopa - offering the opportunity as a fundraiser for CTCT Centre.
"Pilgrimage needs faith. The more faith, the more happiness. Otherwise, you are just like a tourist looking at ruins. … When you go to these holy places it reminds you of impermanence. Once these places were great cities but now there are just stones. A thousand years ago these places were quite different. But even though there are just stones now these stones are so precious." — Lama Zopa Rinpoche
An article written by our Tour Guide and Pilgrimage Curator Annie Mcghee - you may enjoy!
In the Footsteps of Atisha: A Pilgrimage to Vikramash
GESHE TENZIN ZOPA Expert Pilgrimage leader
Geshe Tenzin Zopa is an FPMT Touring Geshe and regular visiting teacher to Chag Tong Chen Tong Centre in Tasmania - online and in person
Geshe Tenzin Zopa holds the honoured Geshe (Doctorate) degree from Sera Jey Monastic University, South India. He was born in the remote Himalayan region of Tsum Valley in Nepal and was ordained at the age of 9 in Kopan Monastery by the late Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog. He received a novice ordination from H.E. Geshe Lundrup Sopa Rinpoche and full ordination from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. Geshela was under the direct tutelage of H.E. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, H.E. Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel, The Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog, and Eminent Gurus including those from the Sera Jey Monastic University H.E. 104th Ganden Tri Rinpoche Losang Tenzin, 70th Abbot of Sera Jey Monastic University H.E. Khensur Losang Tsering Rinpoche and the 76th Abbot of Sera Jey Monastic University H.E. Logoan Tulku Tenzin Jampa Choesang Rinpoche. Geshela possesses vast scriptural knowledge, holds many rare transmissions and initiations lineages, has completed many retreats, has extensive teaching experience and is skilled in rituals and astrology. Geshela has also undertaken many meaningful projects for many years. He is the principal and focal point of the award-winning documentary film titled ”Unmistaken Child” which chronicles the search for the reincarnation of his master Geshe Lama Konchog. Now he is taking responsibility of overseeing the overall well-being of H.E Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, the reincarnation of the late Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog. He has frequently taken part as a speaker at many Buddhist, interfaith and peace dialogue conferences for many years. He has taught at Oxford University (UK) under “Visitorship for Traditional Scholars” in the Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program. Since 2000 he has been actively teaching in FPMT centers as a visiting and resident teacher. Currently, a resident in Australia, he is serving as a touring teacher for many FPMT centers around the world
ANNIE MCGHEE Pilgrimage Curator and Tour Guide
Annie has many years of experience in creating Pilgrimage experiences for small and large groups in India, Nepal, and Indonesia. Offering more than 7 years of volunteer service at FPMT Root Institue in Bodhgaya - she curated and led many Pilgrimages in India during that time and then moved into the role of Spiritual Program Coordinator for the last three seasons - during this time she received advice and suggestion from Geshe Tenzin Zopa to write an extensive handbook for Pilgrimage sites in India - a project she is currently working on. Annies' passion and expertise in the history of Buddhist foundations, places, timelines and ancient holy sites permeates her whole being and she shares generously her knowledge and understanding ensuring that the pilgrimage experiences she offers are rich, informative, and opportunities to move deeper and closer to the life of the Buddha and all the adepts that followed - bringing them to life within our own lives today.
