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Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, and author with twenty-five years of experience integrating science and spirituality.
MOREJoin Buddhist psychotherapist and author Dr. Miles Neale on a sacred pilgrimage through Nepal and India to discover the milestones of Buddha's epic biography.
On this journey of inner and outer discovery, you will visit the four holy sites of Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath, and Bodhgaya to connect with the historical Buddha, make offerings, purify karma, and collect merit. Your knowledge and spiritual practice will deepen as you join tour leaders, Dr. Miles Neale and Geshe Tenzin Zopa in regular prayers, meditations, and teachings. With immersive stays at the Kopan Nunnery in Nepal and the Root Institute in India, this pilgrimage will be an adventure of profound transformation. A pre-trip extension is offered to discover the hidden land (beyul) of the Tsum Valley in the Himalayas, with an immersive stay at the remote Rachen Nunnery.THIS JOURNEY IS SOLD-OUT HOWEVER WE ARE STARTING TO TAKE A WAITLIST. CONTACT US! READ MORE
Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, and author with twenty-five years of experience integrating science and spirituality.
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Geshe Tenzin Zopa is a prolific international teacher, author of 12 books, and travelling Geshe (Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy) for the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.
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I couldn’t have found the experience more enjoyable – or more meaningful. If you’re thinking of going on a pilgrimage, I highly recommend Miles and his team. No matter your current level of practice or devotion, you’ll feel welcome Megan O’Leary, Hawaii
TESTIMONIALS
The amount of preparation that Miles and his team put into the pilgrimage for the entire year prior made for a full yet seamless experience. I met and practically became family with the other fellow pilgrimsJosh Rasp, New Jersey
TESTIMONIALS
Tour Description
Journey with Buddhist psychotherapist and author Dr. Miles Neale and very special guest Geshe Tenzin Zopa on this outer, inner and secret pilgrimage to the source of awakening. Relive the milestones of Buddha’s epic biography amidst the power places of Nepal and India as you pursue your own adventure of self-discovery. Just as pious Muslims travel to Mecca to circumambulate the Kaaba, those seeking enlightenment venture to the four holy sites of Lumbini, Kushinagar, Sarnath, and Bodhgaya to connect with the historical Buddha, make offerings, purify karma, and collect merit.
For Buddhists the world over this is considered an outer journey of unparallel significance. There is also the inner journey to discover the Buddha within that occurs during teachings, meditations, and prayer at these energetic portals, allowing the mind to be stabilized and become ripe for realization. Finally, there is the secret or tantric journey, deep into one’s own subtle body of bliss where one revels in the energetic confluence of nondual wisdom and compassion. On this epic pilgrimage we will combine all three journeys, outer ritual at physical sites, inner learning and contemplation, and subtle yoga practices that stimulate the vajra body.
Our tour begins in Nepal, where we visit the iconic Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupas, ancient cities Patan and Bhaktapur, and a circuit of five holy shrines associated with the tantric goddess Vajrayogini, before making our way to Lumbini, site of Buddha’s miraculous birth. We will be hosted by Kopan Nunnery, one of the largest seats of higher learning for Tibetan Buddhist nuns, where we will have the opportunity to observe and participate in their morning rituals.
From Nepal we make our way across the border into India to Kushinagar, where we will pay homage at sunrise to the Buddha at the site of his passing into final enlightenment and contemplate our own precious human life and imminence of death. From there we travel to Varanasi, where for two days we absorb the intense tantric energy of the so-called abode of Shiva, experience a death meditation at the cremation ghat, wander through the mesmerizing maze of narrow streets and Hindu shrines, and observe the multifaceted expression of devotion along the banks of the holy Ganges river. After the intense energy of Varanasi we spend our final morning in the tranquil deer park at Sarnath, site of the Buddha’s first teaching of the Four Noble Truths.
The final leg of our journey takes us onwards to Bodhgaya, for the culmination of our pilgrimage into the heart of the cosmic mandala, and the very energetic throne of Buddha’s enlightenment. Here Geshe Tenzin Zopa will lead us through a series of preparations to receive refuge and Bodhisattva vows in and around the Mahabodhi Stupa. These ancient ceremonies, with the vajra master, at such auspicious sites, ensures our consciousness eventually reaches its final destination of awakening just as a river meets the sea.
Please note: We are delighted to announce that a film crew will be joining us on pilgrimage to create a documentary film ensuring many more people can access the benefits of the precious teachings, sacred sites, and rare experiences on our sacred journey. Phill O’Leary and Jordan Harvey, two students of Geshe Tenzin Zopa, are co-producing a professional grade documentary film following this historic pilgrimage from Tsum to Bodhgaya as we emerge from the pandemic.
This is an opportunity to share precious teachings and the experience of remote and holy sites with many people who for various reasons cannot join the tour. Phil and Jordan plan to meet with all the pilgrims during our pre-departure orientation to discuss the project in more detail, assess everyone’s comfort level, and work with any concerns. They will be sensitive and respectful to individual needs.
Led by Dr. Miles Neale and Geshe Tenzin Zopa, our pre-trip extension is a pilgrimage to the remote and rarely visited Tsum Valley in the Himalayas, considered a beyul or secret valley containing hidden Dharma treasures. Only accessible by private helicopter during a narrow seasonal window each year, this sacred space near the Tibetan border is the birthplace of our Tour Leader, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, and home to the Rachen Nunnery, the accommodation for our stay here. Geshe-la currently oversees the running of Rachen from Australia, where he is a resident teacher.
Being so warmly welcomed here by the nuns and bearing witness to Geshe-la’s homecoming celebrations promises to be a precious, magical experience.
The heart of our pilgrimage consists of day hikes through stunning landscapes and ancient villages to visit meditation caves where famous yogis spent long solitary retreats and achieved high realizations. At the fabled Milarepa cave and the retreat hermitage of modern-day saint Geshe Lama Konchog, Geshe Tenzin Zopa will reveal hidden Dharma treasures kept secret in these mysterious lands for centuries.
The pre-trip extension price also includes a donation to the Rachen Nunnery, where more than one hundred nuns pursue enlightenment in relative isolation. The Rachen Nunnery Service Project, led by our Tour Leaders and students of the Contemplative Studies Program, is a community endeavour to raise funds for onsite tree planting and infrastructure improvements. We will have the great honour of representing all the patrons and donors from around the world who have made contributions to the project as we will be present for the ground-breaking ceremonies, auspicious prayers, and special dedication rituals on the land to commemorate the occasion.
Geshe-la describes this project as a “tremendous opportunity to cultivate our Buddhist practice through generosity and accumulating merit on behalf of the 100+ sangha member community in Tsum Valley.”
Funds raised will support three key initiatives at the Nunnery: establishing an apple orchard by planting 500 trees, building a new water tank to ensure a daily water supply for the nuns as well as an irrigation system for the orchard, and building wheelchair-accessible washrooms, one at the Nunnery and a second at nearby Mu Gompa Monastery.
More information about the Service Project can be found here and in this blog post by Erica Saccente.
Enjoy more photos of the pilgrimage here.
Writing on Pilgrimage by Miles Neale:
The Power of Pilgrimage: Sacred Rite and Paradigm Therapy (Tarka, 2020)
Buddhist Pilgrimage: Purpose and Practice (Buddha Weekly, 2019)
Note: On Saturday September 10, 2022, one month prior to departure, Miles will offer a two hour PILGRIMAGE ORIENTATION where you will discuss the pilgrimage, logistics, safety, intention, what to bring, and to define roles for participants. It is usually hosted at 11:00 AM EST to capture Europe and West Coast participants, however it will be recorded for those who can’t attend live.
Welcome to the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal! For over two thousand years this region has been a great nexus point for learning, cultural exchange and the cross pollination of spiritual ideas from India, Tibet, and China. You will be met at the airport in Kathmandu and transferred to the Kopan Nunnery. Kopan is one of the largest centres in the world for Buddhist nuns in the Tibetan tradition.
This evening we will gather for our Welcome Dinner and meet our Tour Leader Miles Neale, special guest Geshe Tenzin Zopa, and fellow travellers. Then time for a good night’s sleep as tomorrow we prepare to travel into the Tsum Valley for an immersive stay at the Rachen Nunnery.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Kopan Nunnery or similar)
After breakfast this morning, we take a short drive to the local airport where our helicopter awaits to deliver us to the Tsum Valley and the Rachen Nunnery, which will be our home during our time in the Himalayas mountains.
On arrival, we are welcomed warmly by the nuns, get settled at the Nunnery, and take everything a little more slowly than usual as our bodies acclimatize to high altitude. The Tsum Valley is one of the many beyuls that dot the northern belt of Nepal, hidden lands where the 8th century mystic Padmashambhava hid Dharma treasures for devotees to discover in future times. Led by modern Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa, we will have the rare fortune to discover some of these hidden treasures for ourselves.
(Overnight in the Tsum Valley at the Rachen Nunnery or similar)
Today, we will hike through villages and into the picturesque mountains to the Milarepa Meditation Cave for a ceremony and teaching. The cave is named after the Buddhist saint Milarepa who did extensive and solitary meditation retreat here, gaining deep realization under the open skies. On returning to Rachen, we will spend a quiet evening at the nunnery.
(Overnight in the Tsum Valley at the Rachen Nunnery or similar)
Today we take a hike to the meditation retreat of Geshe Lama Konchog for a ceremony and teaching. Geshe Konchog spent 26 years in solitary retreat here seeking illumination as a devoted yogi, after which he travelled the world teaching. Our guest tour leader Tenzin Zopa was Konchog’s closest disciple, and the documentary film Unmistaken Child follows Zopa’s search for the reincarnation of Geshe Lama Konchog through this sacred land. This is an unprecedented opportunity to walk in the very footsteps, and sit in the very meditation seat, of a modern mahasiddha or tantric master, led by his closest living heir.
This evening we can quietly reflect on today’s hike and teachings at the nunnery.
(Overnight in the Tsum Valley at the Rachen Nunnery or similar)
Today we will participate in a day of service with and for the nuns at Rachen. We will have the opportunity to repay their kindness and leave behind a token of our appreciation that will support their ongoing efforts to achieve enlightenment in this remote place. The Rachen Nunnery Service Project, led by our Tour Leaders and students of the Contemplative Studies Program, is a community endeavour to raise funds for onsite tree planting and infrastructure improvements. We will have the great honour of representing all the patrons and donors from around the world who have made contributions to the project as we will be present for the ground-breaking ceremonies, auspicious prayers, and special dedication rituals on the land to commemorate the occasion.
Rachen Nunnery was founded in 1936 by Drupa Rinpoche, a Bhutanese lama who meditated in the caves found along the rim of the Tsum Valley. It is home to around 100 nuns of all ages who spend their days in studying, praying, meditating, praying, and practicing devotion. The community has a supply of year-round spring water that is piped in from a glacial lake, a vegetable garden for food, and solar-powered electricity, many of these projects were initiated by Geshe Tenzin Zopa.
(Overnight in the Tsum Valley at the Rachen Nunnery or similar)
After saying our fondest farewells to the Rachen Nunnery we return to Kathmandu via helicopter and check back into the Kopan Nunnery. Thus, we complete our pre-trip extension to the hidden Tsum Vaelley. It’s now time to greet the rest of our group who will arrive today, share dinner and stories together (included as per Day 1 of main Journey), and prepare for the days ahead.
Welcome one and all to the sacred Kathmandu Valley, a vibrant tantric abode of many deities, realized masters, and wondering saints. As we greet our Tour Leader, Dr. Miles Neale and teacher Geshe Tenzin Zopa, we our joined by some of the spirited nuns hosting us at Kopan Nunnery to celebrate our arrival and set intentions for an auspicious journey ahead.
If you are arriving today, you will be met at the Kathmandu airport and transferred to the Kopan Nunnery. You can enjoy some rest time ahead of meeting your fellow travellers and Tour Leaders over our very special Welcome Dinner this evening at the Norbulingka Terrace Restaurant (TBC). (Note that for guests who chose the pre-trip extension, dinner and overnight accommodation today is included in the main Journey itinerary.)
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Kopan Nunnery or similar)
After morning practice and breakfast, Miles and Geshe lead us on a short walk down the hill to the spiritual epicenter of the Kathmandu Valley to circumambulate the Boudhanath Stupa. Under the watchful gaze of its iconic compassionate eyes, any practices, aspirations and prayers done here are all said to be fully accomplished due to its unmatched spiritual power. We then continue on to Pashupatinath, one of the eight most important Hindu temples in the world.
Pashupati is widely regarded as the most sacred Hindu site in the Kathmandu Valley. Stretching along the banks of the holy Bagmati river, the vast area features many ashrams, temples and statues, including the main Pashupatinath Temple dating back to 400 BCE. Long considered a charnel ground of intense tantric activity, and attracting many wandering saints (sadhus), today’s Newari and Hindu faithful still cremate their dead here on funeral pyres along the river.
While entrance is denied to non-Hindus, we will circumambulate the Guyeshwari Temple, literally ‘secret cave of the goddess,’ a place long venerated by Hindu Shakti cults and Buddhist devotees of Vajrayogini alike. Afterwards, we make our way to a series of caves down river once occupied by the great mahasiddhas Naropa and Tilopa where we will make offerings, hear some stories of these often-wild adepts to inspire our journey, and conduct our group practice.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Kopan Nunnery or similar)
After an early breakfast this morning, Miles is joined again by the Geshe Tenzin Zopa for our excursion to Swayambunath and its sacred vicinity atop a hill overlooking the Valley. Legend tells us that “Swayambhu is treasured as the self-arisen jewel that inspired the bodhisattva Manjushri to drain the valley’s waters for the sake of future pilgrims. Grown from a single lotus seed planted by a buddha’s hand long before Shakyamuni Buddha lived on this earth, this precious hilltop Stupa has for centuries been the very heart of Buddhist life in Nepal” (from Nekhor: Circling the Sacred).
Here we will circumambulate the main Stupa revered by the Tibetans for centuries and considered second only to Boudhanath Stupa in religious significance. We then make our way to the very special but less visited Kimdol Vihar, an ancient monastery where Marpa Lotsawa the translator and many great masters practiced in retreat over the centuries. We then visit Bidhjeswori, our first temple visit in the Vajrayogini mandala to make extensive offerings and prayers and participate in a guided visualization.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Kopan Nunnery or similar)
After morning practice and breakfast, we head out to the ancient city of Patan, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and boasting exquisite examples of ancient architecture. Long considered a hub for artisans and craftspeople, we meander through the main square and alleyways until we reach the Mahabuddha Temple to make offerings at one of the five Vajrayogini sites in the mandala. From there we make our way past the threshold of the Golden Temple, where we begin our guided visualization, leaving the ordinary world behind and entering into the tantric realm. Our group practice will take place upstairs in the shrine room where we evoke the presence of Chenrezig, the Buddha of compassion. We will also meet with the Abot of this mandir during our practice upstairs, which will make our visit here even more memorable (TBC).
This afternoon we travel to Bhaktapur, one of the three major cities of the Kathmandu Valley, and arguably the best preserved. Although the city has traditionally been most associated with Hinduism, there are some important Buddhist temples and monasteries here. Prashannashil Mahavihara, also referred to as ‘Red Tara,’ for example, enshrines a statue of Dipamkara Buddha, and is situated just north of Dattatraya Square. Bhaktapur is also well known for its woodcarvings and metal craft, with traditional activities such as farming, pottery, and singing in temples, still being very much part of everyday life here.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Kopan Nunnery or similar)
After breakfast Miles is joined by Geshe Tenzin Zopa as we set out early for a full day excursion to Pharping, approximately 1.5 hours outside of Kathmandu. We will visit one of the five main temple portals dedicated to Vajrayogini in the Kathmandu mandala. This one is sometimes called the Phamting Vajrayogini temple, after the two Phamting brothers who built it, who were themselves disciples of the mahasiddha Naropa.
Making our way up the mountain side to the Gorakhnath and Sheshnarayan caves made famous by meditating yogis from past and present day, we will reach our final destination at the Asura Cave, heralded as the site where Guru Rinpoche gained enlightenment. We’ll make offerings and do group practice in and around the cave and accrue much merit.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Kopan Nunnery or similar)
After morning prayers and breakfast, we set off for the Bajra Yogini Temple in Sankhu village. The temple is the oldest of five sister temples in the mandala dedicated to the female tantric deity Vajrayogini. After our visit and teachings here, we head to the popular tourist destination of Thamel, where we can wander around the local bazaar and do a little shopping before returning to Kopan.
This evening, like every dinnertime during our stay at the Kopan Nunnery, we meet in the guest dining room to enjoy a plentiful vegetarian meal while admiring the magnificent view over the Kathmandu Valley and mountain range.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Kopan Nunnery or similar)
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Siddharthanagar (Buddha Air U4851 at 8:15 AM), and then transfer to Lumbini. Our pilgrimage to the four holy sites of the Buddha’s life over the course of this Journey include Lumbini where he was born, Bodhgaya where enlightenment was gained, Sarnath where the first Dharma teaching was delivered and Kushinigar where the Buddha passed away. Each of these sites prompts the pilgrim to aspire towards and realize the same milestones in one’s own lifetime. Let’s pause to consider the tremendous karmic imprints and blessings that are being seeded in consciousness on this trip, and let’s water these seeds with strong devotion and conviction that eventually their fruit will be attained.
(Overnight in Lumbini at the Lumbini Hokke or similar)
After breakfast, Miles and Geshe-la will lead our tour and practice at the Lumbini Garden and the Maya Devi Temple complex. Lumbini represents the first of four major holy sites of the Buddha’s biography, where we contemplate the miracle of life, the Buddha’s miraculous birth, and the incredible fortune to be on pilgrimage together.
This afternoon we drive over the Sunauli border to India and the important pilgrimage destination of Kushinagar (apx 4.5-hour drive). On arrival we check into our hotel and can take some quiet time to refresh after the drive and reflect on this next stage of our journey. We will also meet with our local Indian guide who will be with us for the rest of the journey.
(Overnight in Kushinagar hotel at The Royal Residency Hotel or similar)
After breakfast, Miles and Geshe-la lead our practice and exploration of Kushinagar, the second great site of the Buddha’s biography, and his passing into final release beyond the body known as parinirvana. Auspiciously our morning group practice includes a meditation on the imminence of death and the inexpressible release of complete enlightenment. After ritual offerings at the great reclining Buddha we prepare for our drive to Varanasi where we’ll share snacks, stories and games on board! (drive is apx 6.5 hours)
Upon arrival at Varanasi we head directly for the burning ghats along the holy Ganges river to continue with our contemplation on death. In this way we start and end today with the profound recognition of our own mortality, bringing into clear focus the preciousness of life. We then check in to our quaint hotel at Assi Ghat to settle in for the next two nights.
(Overnight in Varanasi at the Hotel Ganges View; Palace on Ganges or similar)
As the early morning sun rises, we catch our first glimpse of Varanasi by daylight on a boat ride that takes us gently down the holy Ganges river to observe the morning rituals of devout Hindus at the many ghats along the banks. We then return to our hotel for breakfast.
Mid-morning we meet for a guided walking tour through the narrow and winding backstreets of Varanasi, observing shrines and temples, markets and ancient gymnasiums, and sipping tea at the chai stalls with the locals.
This evening we are honoured to attend a talk with Tantric scholar Markji (TBC) at his private residence on the Ganges.
(Overnight in Varanasi at the Hotel Ganges View; Palace on Ganges or similar)
After breakfast this morning, we join Miles and Geshe-la for a tour of Sarnath. This is the third major site of the Buddha’s biography, where we celebrate his first teaching after enlightenment, which ensured each of us would have a roadmap for liberation. Gehse-la will lead us in the recitation of the ‘Turning of the Wheel of Dharma’ sutra and we will have a chance to walk around the lovely Deer Park and visit the Archaeological Museum.
After lunch, we check out of our hotel and board our coach for Bodhgaya, the Mecca of Buddhism and the sacred site where the first human being in world history achieved enlightenment (apx 6-hour drive). The Root Institute for Wisdom Culture will be our home for this final stage of our Journey together, and upon arrival we can take some time to settle in and rest after our drive here.
(Overnight in Bodhgaya at the Root Institute or similar)
After morning practice and breakfast, we drive to the Dungeshwari Cave Temples (Mahakala caves). This is the site where Prince Siddhatha discovered the Middleway between extremes and gave up self-denial. After a puja and meditation, Miles and Geshe-la will lead a discussion on the taking of refuge and the Bodhisattva vows that will take place the next day. For countless lives we have wandered aimlessly in samsara, but the taking of refuge marks a turning point of reorienting ourselves towards liberation. Meanwhile the Bodhisattva vow marks the turning point in our evolution when everything we do is guided by the altruistic wish to awaken for the benefit of others. Nothing in life will ever be more meaningful.
Join us for an optional evening meditation and purification practice led by Miles at the Mahabodhi Stupa.
(Overnight in Bodhgaya at the Root Institute or similar)
After morning practice and breakfast, Geshe-la leads us back to the Mahabodhi Stupa and temple complex for a proper guided tour of the entire mandala followed by our refuge and Boddhisattva vows ceremony beneath the branches of the Bodhi Tree. Rejoice in the merits of this wonderous occasion.
The afternoon is free for you to wander around the village of Bodhgaya and visit markets and monasteries representing the various Buddhist countries of the world from Tibet and Sri Lanka to Thailand, Bhutan, and Japan. You can also visit ASI Museum and the 80ft Buddha statue.
Join us for an optional evening meditation and purification practice led by Miles at the Mahabodhi Stupa.
(Overnight in Bodhgaya at the Root Institute or similar)
After breakfast, we board the bus for our full-day excursion to Nalanda and Rajgir. Nalanda University was one of the first and most famous epicenters of contemplative learning of the ancient world. At the summit of Vulture peak Geshe-la will offer the transmission of the Heart Sutra, the pith teaching on emptiness and nondualism, which was originally delivered by the Buddha on this very site in a sermon called the “Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”. Let’s rest our awareness in the open nature of mind and merge with timeless, ineffable reality just as it is.
After another nourishing dinner together, the evening is free for personal reflection.
(Overnight in Bodhgaya at the Root Institute or similar)
After morning practice Geshe-la leads us back to the Bodhi Tree for a final teaching, where we can seal in the blessings of the entire journey and make our pledges and commitment for the future.
The afternoon is free to savour your last day in the village of Bodhgaya. Take some time to sit with the incredible experiences of the past 15 days and consider how you will integrate the teachings into your life back home.
This evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant where we can share memories with our newfound friends, discuss our personal Journey highlights, and give thanks for the remarkable blessings we’ve received over the course of this journey. Join us afterwards for an optional meditation and purification practice led by Miles at the Mahabodhi Stupa.
(Overnight in Bodhgaya at the Root Institute or similar)
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to our master Geshe Tenzin Zopa, our local guide, our hosts at the Root Institute and all our friends, old and new. You will then be transferred to the Bodhgaya airport to board your flight to Delhi and onward flight home.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
