Geshe Tsultrim’s - eknotravels.comeknotravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Combine-Itinerary-for... · Geshe Tsultrim’s Buddha’s Sites & South India 2016 Pilgrimage Ekno Travels

Geshe Tsultrim’s Buddha’s Sites & South India

2016 Pilgrimage

Ekno TravelsWebsite: www.eknotravels.com.au, Email: [email protected]: +61 437967819 (AUS), +91 98166 85999 (IND)

Chenrezig’s Pilgrimage to India in 2016 will be a unique experience. It will cover the Buddha’s Sites of the north with Geshe Tsultrim leading a 3 day retreat in Bodhgaya and visits to important Buddha’s sites in Sarnath, Kushinagar and Sravasti. In the south visit the Gelupa seat of Sera Jey Monastery, Ajanta and Ellora Caves which date back to between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. Geshe Tsultrim will give teachings and lead prayers at all the Buddha’s sites throughout the pilgrimage.

Geshe Tsultrim will be supported by Ven Kartson, his translator and Vikas Kumar (local English speaking guide).

Book a complete experience or either Pilgrimage as a stand alone trip.

Geshe Phuntsok TsultrimGeshe-la was born in Tibet and at age 14 was admitted to Sera Jey Monastery. After 18 years of studying the five textual systems, he completed his Geshe degree (the equivalent of a doctorate in Buddhist studies). He taught Buddhist philosophy at TCV School, Bylakuppee for two years before returning to Sera Jey. Geshe Tsul-trim also spent some time teaching at Root Institute where he was immensely popular for the warm and approachable way in which he presented the Dharma.

Ven. Kartson (Yaki Platt)Born in Tel Aviv, Yaki worked in the Israeli Armed Forces. He then oved to India and studied conversational and classical Tibetan for four years. He came to Chenrezig Institute in 2005 as the translator for Geshe Jamyang and is now translating for Geshe Tsultrim. He is a graduate of the Buddhist Studies Programme and was ordained in 2015 and is now called Ven. Kartsön.

Vikas Kumar (Local Guide)Vikas Kumar is a local guide, born and raised in a small picturesque village of Naddi, 10 kilometres north of Dharamsala. Passionate and knowledge about the history and culture of the region, Vikas has worked as a trekking guide for the last 12 years. He has intro-duced thousands of foreigners to the wonders of the Himalays and now leads groups throughout India and Nepal.

Geshe Tsultrim’s Buddha’s Sites & South India 2016 Pilgrimage


Itinerary 26 Nov 2016 Day 01: Arrive in Delhi. Transfer from the International Airport to hotel in Delhi. Overnight Delhi.

27 Nov 2016 Day 02: After breakfast at the hotel, meet with your local Eng-lish speaking guide who will accompany you on your Pilgrimage. We spend the next few hours taking in the sights and sounds of Delhi, with a half day sightseeing tour. Places visited included India Gate, Rajpath and Secretariat Buildings, and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum (time permitting). Overnight Delhi.

28 Nov 2016 Day 03: Morning flight to Varanasi, arrive in Varanasi late morn-ing and check into your hotel. Varanasi considered the spiritual gateway of India and one of the oldest continu-ously inhabited cities in the world. Sightseeing trip in Main Ghat area and Vishwanath Temple. Overnight Varanasi

Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. This evening, participate in the breathtaking evening puja which accompanies sunset. Overnight Varanasi.

29 Nov 2016 Day 04: Leave after breakfast for Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites in North India. Upon arrival in Sarnath, we visit the Deer park where the Buddha, after attaining enlightenment taught The Four Noble Truths (his first teachings) . Afterwards, we visit Dhamekh Stupa and other Buddhist ruins including Chaukhandi Stupa and Mulganda Kuti Vihar. The Dhamek Stupa is said to mark the exact spot of the Buddha’s first teaching of the Four Noble Truths. We conclude our day with a teaching by Geshe Tsultrim at Deer Park. Return to Varanasi late afternoon. The evening is free to explore or rest at your leisure. Overnight Varanasi

30 Nov 2016 Day 05: After breakfast, we begin our drive to Bodhgaya. After checking into Root Institure in the early afternoon, we visit the Ma-habodhi Temple – the most important Buddhist site in the world and the location where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Overnight Bodhgaya.

1-3 Dec 2016 Day 06-08: Today we begin our three day retreat at the Root Institute (an FPMT centre). During our retreat, participate in teach-ings by GesheTsultrim, guided meditations, and quiet time for contempla-tion. Overnight Bodhgaya

4 Dec 2016 Day 09: Early morning departure for Rajgir, a sacred site for both Buddhist and Jain traditions. We’ll take the chairlift to Vulture Peak and the Peace Stupa. Vulture Peak is one of several sites frequented by the Bud-dha and his community of disciples for both training and retreat. Vultures Peak is where the Buddha gave the Heart Sutra, amongst other sermons. Geshe Tsultrim will lead prayers and/or give a teaching at the top of Vultures Peak. Late afternoon visit Nalanda University,an ancient Buddhist monastery that was a seat of learning from 5th century CE until 1200 CE. Return and overnight Bodhgaya.

Buddha’s Sites


5 Dec 2016 Day 10: After breakfast we drive to Kushinagar via Vaishali an important, Buddhist pilgrimage place where 500 women were ordained by the Buddha. Kushinagar is where the Buddha attained Parinirvana after his death . Visit the ruins of the Makutbandhan Stupa and the statue of the reclining Buddha. Overnight Monastery, Kushinagar.

6 Dec 2016 Day 11: Morning visit to the reclining Buddha and a teaching from Geshe Tsultrim. Late morning, we drive to Sravasti (3.5 hours) – an an-cient city where the Buddha spent many rainy seasons teaching his disciples and spent the greater part of his monastic life. Eve-ning teaching with Geshe Tsultrim. Overnight Korean Monastery, Sravasti

7 Dec 2016 Day 12: We depart from the Korean Monastery after breakfast for Lucknow

Airport (3.5 hours by road) in time for your early afternoon flight back to Delhi/Bangalore. If leaving this segment of the pilgrimge, you will be met at the Delhi airport and transfer to your Hotel.

8 Dec 2016 Day 13: Transfer to the Delhi Airport for your international flight home.

COST: A$3,995 per person twin share A$550 single supplement land cost only(includes A$1,000 per person donation for Chenrezig Institute)

Includes• Fully accompanied by Geshe Tsultrim, translator VenYaki Platt and english speaking local guide Vikas Kumar.• Meet and greet on arrival at Delhi airport by Vikas Kumar or his representative.• All transfers and travel by flights and air-conditioned private vehicles• Services of an English speaking guide• All attractions and entrance fees as per itinerary• Comfortable accommodation with private facilites in hotels/guesthouses/monasteries/semi monastic cetres • Continental breakfast • Lunch and dinner day 6 to 8 and dinners days 2 & 13.• Teachings with Geshe Tsultrim

Excludes• Airfares to and from India• Indian visas• Travel Insurance (compulsory)• Lunch and dinner• Occasional optional items not identified in

itinerary description• Tipping and personal expenses• Bottled water and other beverages not included

with meals

Buddha’s Sites

Places Accommodation/Similar

Delhi Hans Plaza HotelVaranasi Buddha CastleBodhgaya Root InstituteKushinagar Namgyal MonasterySravasti Korean Temple


Itinerary7 Dec 2016 Day 12: Arrive Bangalore airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Bangalore.

8 Dec 2016 Day 13: Leave Bangalore, transfer to a private car for a three hours journey to Byalk-uppe, the home of Sera Jey Monastery and the second largest Tibetan set-tlement in India. Byalkuppe is home to 5000 Tibetan Buddhist monks and the largest Monastery outside of Tibet. Overnight Sera Jey’s Guest House

9-11 Dec 2016 Day 14-16 : Spend the next three days exploring the serene Sera Jey Monastery and the town of Byalkuppe. Tour the different colleges at the monastery, the main court where thousands of monks hold daily debates, visit the mass kitchen,

and meet with prominent teachers from the monastery. Visit the Namdroling Nyingmapa Tibetan Monastery and Golden Temple, located near Kushalnagar, around one hour from Coorg’s main town of Madikeri. This region of Karnataka is also characterized by lush folliage and coffee plantations. Overnight Sera Jey Guest House.

12 Dec 2016 Day 17: Leave early morning for Bangalore by private car. Check into your hotel after lunch. Visit Karnataka Chitrakala Parashat visual arts gallery with its’ wide range of Indian and international contemporary art including the lavish gold leaf work of traditional Mysore style paintings. Visit Bangalore’s main flower and produce market for a local shopping experience and a visit the Tipi Sultan’s Palace, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the former summer residence of the King of Mysore. Overnight Bangalore.

13 Dec 2016 Day 18: Leave after breakfast for your flight to Aurangabad via Mumbai. Aurangabad is home to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These elaborately carved rock monuments are spectacular examples of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu art dating as far back to the 2nd Century BCE. Overnight Aurangabad 14 Dec 2016 Day 19: Enjoy a full day tour of the Ajanta Caves. Ajanta is composed of a series of Buddhist monasteries carved into the rock face of a U-shaped cliff. The mon-asteries were an important seat of Buddhist learning and are adorned with or-nate murals showing sensuous, rich courtly images juxtaposed next to serene Buddhas and religious practitioners striving for Nirvana. The caves date from 200 BCE to 650 CE and are considered one of the most important surviving sites in India to view traditional Indian mural work. Overnight Aurangabad

15 Dec 2016 Day 20: In the morning, we head to Ellora Caves. Ellora is considered one of the greatest remaining examples of Indian rock carving and consists of 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art. The sculptures date back to the 2nd century BCE. The caves include masterful paintings and sculptures, considered some of the finest examples of Buddhist religious art. The placement of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain iconography side by side is a testament to the religious tolerance which existed during the time of construction. Leave Aurangabad for your late afternoon flight to Bangalore or Delhi, arrive approximately 8pm. Pick up at airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Bangalore or Delhi depending on your departure plans.

16 Dec 2016 Day 21: Tour arrangement ends, transfer to the international airport for your departure.

South India Pilgrimage


COST: A$3,750 per person twin share A$450 single supplement land cost only(included A$1000 per person donation for Chenrezig In-stitute)

Includes• Fully accompanied by Geshe Tsultrim, translator VenYaki Platt

and english speaking local guide Vikas Kumar.• Meet and greet on arrival at Bangalore airport by Vikas Kumar

or his representative.• All transfers and travel by flights and air-conditioned private

vehicles• Services of an English speaking guide• All attractions and entrance fees as per itinerary• Comfortable accommodation with private facilites in hotels/

guesthouses/monasteries/semi monastic cetres • Continental breakfast

Excludes• Airfares to and from India• Indian visas • Travel Insurance (compulsory) • Lunch and dinner• Occasional optional items not identified in itinerary description • Tipping and personal expenses • Bottled water and other beverages not included with meals

** Please note that you can join tour from Delhi or Bangalore – both have connecting flights from Australia and Singapore

South India Pilgrimage

Combined price for both tripsA$6150 land cost

Includes a donation of A$1000 to Chenrezig Institutepayment plan available

The donation from this pilgrimage will ensure that Chenrezig Institute contines their work offering affordable retreat accommodation, spiritual and educational programs to Buddhist practitioners.

Places Accommodation/SimilarByalkuppe Sera Jey Guest House

Bangalore Casa Cottage

Aurangabad Windsor Palace

Delhi Hans Plaza Hotel


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Geshe Tsultrim’s - eknotravels.comeknotravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Combine-Itinerary-for... · Geshe Tsultrim’s Buddha’s Sites & South India 2016 Pilgrimage Ekno Travels