Today Tree of Awakening Monday at 14.25 we depart Delhi for Bodh Gaya.
BODH GAYA,  a sacred place of pilgrimage associated with the MAHABODHI TEMPLE, situated in the state of BIHAR. It is famous for being the place where Gautama Buddha (also known as Siddhartha) attained ‘enlightenment’ under the BODHI TREE, ‘The tree of awakening’.

We visit the Mahabodhi Temple, the oldest Buddhist Temple in India situated on the banks of the River Niranjana. It is one of the four holy sites in the life of Lord Buddha. This one is the sacred place where Prince Siddhartha Guatama sat under the Bodhi Tree for 49 days; thus attaining enlightenment and becoming ‘The Buddha’. The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3^rd century BC . The present structure is estimated to have been built in the 6^th CE during The Gupta rule. The temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

Our next visit will be to the sacred statue of Lord Buddha. The construction started in 1982 and was consecrated by His Holiness, The X1V Dalai Lama in the year 1989. It was built of red granite and sandstone showcasing The Buddha sitting on a blooming Lotus in meditation pose.

The Thai Monastery. Built in 1956 by the government of Thailand, this transcendent spot flows with peace and serenity. It is known for its exceptional architecture and stunning beauty. The Naga style traditional sloping roof is covered with golden tiles and is the most beautiful monastery in Bodh Gaya. The entrance is flanked by two Yakshas or guardians colored with glass. A living testimony to the fact that this is a truly internationally celebrated Buddhist expression. Enjoy the rest of the evening to relax or explore,

Overnight in Bodh Gaya at our hotel. (BLD)

Today we depart Bodhi Gaya at 11.50 for Delhi

Overnight in our hotel in Delhi. (BLD)

Early morning departure from Delhi to Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Magical Nepal we will be met at the airport and transfer to our Hotel Manaslu.

On our way to the hotel we will pass Pashupathinath Temple Complex, (we shall return here later depending on our schedule) After check-in we will submit our passports to the relevant authorities for Chinese visa. Later we have some free time before dinner at a group cultural dinner show at Bhojan Griha resteraunt. As we journey through Kathmandu and Napal we will have many unscheduled stops at some amazing places and Temples depending on our travel schedule. 

Overnight in our 4 star hotel in Kathmandu for 6 nights (B)

Today after breakfast we explore some wonderous places in Kathmandu including – the Swayambhunath Stupa or Monkey Temple with 365 steps and truly amazing views. Next we visit the beautiful Kopan Monastery perched on top of a hill, home to 360 lamas, monks, nuns, teachers and visitors who retreat here. The Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet was built in the 14^th century – here we join with monks and devotees walking clockwise around the stupa – a truly vibrant experience; afterwards we will relax in the Garden of Dreams, situated in the midst of bustling Kathmandu, an impossibly beautiful garden oasis and enjoy a lunchtime snack or afternoon tea "Depending upon how we are travel schedule we may experience more sacred temples.

Overnight at our hotel - (B)

Today we go on a walking adventure to experience the Asan Bazar, Thamel (shops) Indra Chowk, the local spice market as we take in the local culture of Napal along with some time for personal shopping. Later we visit the White Monastery to view the beautiful sunset. Dinner at New Orleans restaurant in Thamel. Later we return to our hotel where we will overnight. (B)

Today we explore Patan Dunbar Square and Bhaktapur Dunbar Square (1637AD), a former royal palace, both are renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites.- displaying great art and craftmanship and where kings resided, during the Malla civilization.

We return to our hotel and dinner at a local restaurant. - (B)

Today we depart to experience the local ethnic Nepali villages of Bungmati  and Khokana providing you a chance to explore their temples, artifacts, architecture & culture. Here we can enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and mountains. Founded in the 6^th century, this visit giving us a unique opportunity to learn about the traditions of the rural residents whose families have thrived here since antiquity. These villages are also living museums, as parts are still being re-constructed after the 2015 earthquake. We will also visit a Tibetan refugee camp nearby.

We return to our hotel with a free afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

Today we collect our Visas for Tibet, repack and prepare for our journey to the mystical land of Tibet. We prepare for the once in a lifetime deeply Sacred Journey.

Mt Kailash our most holy destination is 334 miles (538 km) as the crow flies or 550 miles (880 km) by road distance from Kathmandu. Roads are pretty much sealed in Tibet. Fortunately, we are travelling at the beginning of spring and the weather should be fine and the skies clear. It is imperative within the first couple of days that we focus on acclimatizing (as the altitude increases daily), also on arriving safely at our destination. We will be able to stop at many mystical places of interest along the way each day as we travel. 

We return to our hotel and dinner at a local restaurant. - (B)

We depart Kathmandu at 4,344 feet headed to Kyriong on the Nepal/Tibet border, a key route to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The distance we are travelling today is approx: 80 miles (130 km).Travel time depends on traffic and state of the roads.  Rasuwagadhi is the last town on the Nepal side of the border. We now cross over the boarder after immigration formalities and meet our Tibetan guide and driver. Our Nepalese tour director continues to travel with us, as the interface and to ensure all details of our sacred journey go smoothly. Kyirong is a key trade and tourist point continuing north-east towards Lhasa or south-west to Mount Kailash. We are now at an altitude of 8900 ft (2700 m). As we travel we will experience stunning views of the Himalayas, lush valleys and Tibetan plateau landscapes as well as experiencing local culture, temples and hospitality on this popular pilgrimage route..

Overnight at Chommo Lazong Hotel, Kyirong. (BLD)

Today we travel for 4 hours 125 miles traveling over mountain passes passes, beautiful valleys, plateaus and scenic landscapes. We climb to higher elevations, of 15,223 feet. We visit Dajiling Monastery on the way founded in 1729- the Gelug Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Saga is a popular stopover for those making pilgrimages and adventurous tourists and the last major town. 

Saga is a place of Spiritual renewal. Saga’s vastness, along with its landscape creates a unique atmosphere for spiritual reflection and embodyment. The absence of distractions allows for deep introspection and a profound connection with the inner self. The clear night sky, unpolluted by city lights, offers a breathtaking display of stars, inviting contemplation of the universe and our place within it. Here we open ourselves more deeply to mystical experiences.

Overnight at Changkyibu Hotel, Saga. (BLD)

After breakfast , we head off for Paryang. We drive 190 miles today which will take most of the day, through small traditional towns and beautiful landscapes. The Paryang Desert is one of the driest areas of Tibet, and one of the most beautiful as well.

Paryang is surrounded by grasslands and you can see yaks and sheep grazing on nearby pastures. On the local side of the town are numerous brick houses for local nomadic herders.

As we travel along the Brahmaputra River offering stunning river valley views along with high mountain passes we enjoy an expansive view of the Tibetan plateau.

As we approach Dongla the sacred Mount Kailash becomes visible as does Lake Manasarovar another sacred place. Today we experience an unforgettable mix of spiritual and natural beauty.

Once we arrive at our sacred destination we are now at 19,954 feet. We overnight at the Paryang Lhatse Hotel/Inn with comfy accommodation and shared bathroom facilities.

Today we journey to Darchen which takes us just over 3 hours 160 miles as get our first view of the majestic landscapes surrounding Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Darchen at 15,500 ft is a small town situated right in front of our sacred destination, the starting and ending point for pilgrims on a 4 day, 33 miles (53 km) kora or circumambulation of Mount Kailash. We settle into our accommodation, experience our sacred destination and emersed ourselves in the energies of our surrounds preparing ourselves to embody all of the energies of Wesak and the 100 year conclave of the Great White Brotherhood taking place at the Temple of Goodwill on Mount Kailash.

Overnight for 4 nights in shared accommodation at Himalayan Hotel, Darchen. (BLD)

We return to the sacred Lake Manasarovar and its twin Lake Rakshastal located south of Mount Kailash and only a 1 hour drive from Darchen. Revered by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon, these religions share a deep reverence, viewing these bodies of water as a symbol of spiritual purity. Here we will experience some sacred ceremony awakening us to our divine essence and purity – a healing experience as we embody. This evening we meet as a group to discuss our experiences and prepare for special ceremonies for the days ahead.

Mount Kailash/ Lake Manasarovar has been part of Bhutan, then India, Nepal and now the Autonomous Region of China. Pilgrimages to the area ceased during the Sino-Napal War 1954 – 1978. The mountain and its surroundings are traditionally sacred to Hinduism, Bon, Jainism and Buddhism. Thousands of pilgrims make the journey from around the world to visit the region each year, the most devout seek purification by bathing in the sacred waters and completing the circumlocution of the base of the mountain. Buddhist/Hindu scriptures confirm the existence of ancient monasteries and caves in this area where holy sages reside in their material and subtle bodies. This area is the source of major rivers and it is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, (the archetypal mother goddess/fertility image). Parvati is the mother of Ganesha and Skanda; symbolically in this role she is able to mediate between the worshipper and the divine. Pavati is also able to undergo a metamorphosis into Kali, made at the request of Shiva in order to destroy demons. At this sacred time of Wesak and traditionally on the eve of the full moon, we will be part of a unique puja, to Bhadra Kali, the wish fulfilling, gentle and auspicious form of Kali, who gives peace and Happiness. She is the giver of windfalls (abundance).

Overnight at our Himalayan Hotel, Darchen (BLD)

We visit and spend as long as we wish at the Wesak Valley. According to Buddhist tradition at the May Full Moon in Scorpio (with the Sun in Taurus), the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha are celebrated. Also, we know Wesak celebrates the three-fold flame of Shamballa held within the hearts of the Planetary Buddha, Cosmic Christ, and the Ascended Masters or Hierarchy (we now know as the Great White Brotherhood) descending to this valley at this time to convey wisdom and support for evolution of Earth and those that have volunteered to assist with her evolution.

Wesak Festival: At the exact moment of the Full Moon in Taurus on May 13th, the Buddha Gautama, the Enlightened One, returns to Earth in a sacrosanct ceremony that takes place in the sacred Wesak Valley. This ceremony is officiated by Lord Maitreya, the World Teacher accompanied by many Masters of Wisdom, Initiates, and disciples of various degrees of awakening. (The word ‘disciple’ in this context doesn’t connote a follower, but indicates a degree of Soul evolution.) The Buddha appears briefly over a particular flat rock formation at the center of the valley. Lord Maitreya and the Masters are arrange around this rock in a ritualized pattern and begin to invoke the blessing of the Buddha by chanting the mantra of the Buddha. Surrounding the Masters are the Initiates (Arhats, Lohans, and Maha yogis) while the disciples are positioned on the periphery of this ceremonial event

The Buddha soon appears as if descending from Heaven, his color is radiant gold, his right hand raised in blessing. His blessing is focused on the Masters of Wisdom who then act as a spiritual transformer radiating this blessing through the other participants and then out to humanity. On the rock below the Buddha there is a large bowl of water that receives the blessing and is then passed around for all those in attendance to partake of. The ceremony lasts only a short time. Many who attend do so in their subtle bodies, not always in their physical bodies. Once the ceremony is completed all the participants return to their fields of service and the valley is once again empty and silent.

WESAK is not just for Buddhist. It is a spiritual event for Humanity. Lord Maitreya, the Initiates, and disciples represent the spiritual inner government of humanity which is often referred to as the Spiritual Hierarchy. The Spiritual Hierarchy is concerned with the evolution of the Soul in all Humankind. The Hierarchy guides, teaches, protects, and uplifts struggling Humanity. There are many members, some who appear periodically in their physical vehicles and walk among us.

Taking part in a WESAK ceremony puts you in touch with a yearly effort by the Hierarchy. You now share in the Work of the Great Compassion of the Buddha to uplift humanity. We create an association on the inner planes of Spiritual endeavor with the Schools (Ashrams) of Masters who work unceasingly for humanity. This association is like a seed planted in the fertile soil of Aspiration to Soul awakening, Service to the Schools of the Masters, and service to Humanity.

In this year 2025 we have entered a new phase which humanity and our planet must pass through – a 10 year period of Integration. This phase we entered at Winter Solstice 2024. The theme for 2025 is “Integration with the Self” - the Soul the essential Self.

This year at the time of Wesak we also have the 100 year conclave of the Master – The great White Brotherhood of Light taking place at the Temple of Goodwill on Mount Kailash. Upon conclusion of this meeting we will be advised as to when we can expect the masters to be walking amongst us.

Overnight at our Himalayan Hotel, Darchen (BLD)

We return to visit Wesak Valley to ground our group vision of the events of the previous day. We enter deep mediation in the presence of and within the energetic field of Mount Kailash, as we gain new understanding of the significance of what we have witnessed and experienced, an even greater mystery will be revealed. We will understand completely what we have come here to contribute. There will be clarity of purpose. Today is the day of the full moon and the 100 year conclave of the of the Masters at The Temple of Goodwill on Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash to this day remains clouded in mystery. NASA reports 7 different types of lights blazing in the sky on top of the mountain. They believe magnetic fields are in play. Observed from space, Mount Kailash is considered the center of our universe, the axis of the world. Scientists have confirmed that Mount Kailash is a “man made” pyramid surrounded by more than 100 small pyramids. Shamballa, a Sanskrit word meaning place of peace, is a mythical spiritual kingdom that is believed to exist, according to tradition, somewhere between the Himalaya Mounts and the Gobi Desert. In Shamballa, all of beings have achieved enlightenment and are the embodiment of the Tibetan Buddhist perfection. It is believed at the full moon of Taurus in Scorpio. At this time in May, Buddha comes to Wesak Valley(at the base of Mount Kailash to bring the power energy of Shamballa to the assembled masters, initiates and disciples of the hierarchy, for the assimilation and the distribution of these sublime energies throughout our world.

We will be there at this time and the keynote for the Full Moon : Taurus Keynote: “I see and when the Eye is opened, all is light.”

The other major beliefs we will be exploring is that of the Rainbow Serpent (female energy). From where she originates at the base of Ulhuru (Australia)  and travels through Bali where she connects with the Plumed Serpent.( The only other place this happens is at Lake Titicaca) Mount Kailash is designed as the Earth’s  Crown Chakra – in the human energy system it represents the highest level of connection with the Divine, in our universe and the universes beyond.

Overnight at our Himalayan Hotel, Darchen (BLD)

Morning departure from Darchen as we journey back through Paryang to Saga. Allowing ourselves the opportunity to embody and Integrate with the Self, integrating with the soul, the essential Self.

 We overnight at Changkyibu Hotel, Saga. (BLD)

Today we complete our journey back to Kathmandu Arriving at our hotel -  Hotel Manaslu  where we will overnight. (BL)

Afternoon Flight from Kathmandu to Delhi

Overnight at our hotel in Delhi. (B)

Day of rest in Delhi before our long journey home

Allowing ourselves to catch a late evening flight on the 17th or early morning flight on the 18th

Grateful for all of our experiences on this sacred journey.