Brief Descriptions of our Classic Nyingma & Dudjom Pilgrimage in Central Tibet
Your pilgrimage begins in Chengdu with a flight to Middle Kongpo in southeastern Tibet, arriving in two hours. You’ll land at a comfortable elevation of just under 10,000 feet. Kongpo is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, lush forests, and diverse landscapes. Thinley Norbu Rinpoche named Kongpo "Forest Valley Land," and it is often likened to the "Switzerland of Tibet" by Westerners.
Buchu Tergyi Lhakhang is a geomantic temple built in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo on the right elbow of the ogress. It forms part of a network of geomantic temples surrounding the Jokhang in Lhasa. Yeshe Tsogyal concealed 150 treasures here, and His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche later restored Buchu. The name Buchu appears in the colophons of his writings. This is an auspicious way to begin a pilgrimage by stepping into the far past.
Mount Namchak Barwa (7,756 meters) is the highest peak of the eastern Himalayas. Its snow-capped pinnacle, resembling a ritual dagger or phurba/kilaya, earned it the name Blazing Meteorite. The mountain is a repository of hidden treasures or terma, some discovered by Sangye Lingpa in the 14th century and others by Duddul Dorje in the 17th century.
Dudjom Lamaling, Sanctuary of the Master, was established by Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, in the 1930s at a significant geomantic location in Kongpo. Over the years, he founded five centers nearby, creating a complex that includes temples, stupas, residences, retreat centers, and gardens. The Zangdok Palri Temple, a prominent feature on Norbu Ri’s slopes, was rebuilt after earthquakes in the 1940s and 1960s. Following Rinpoche’s death in 1987, his eldest daughter, Semo Dechen Yudron, and later her husband, Lama Chonyi, continued the restoration work.
Leaving Kongpo and headed for Lhasa, you will have a short visit at Katsel, another 7th-century district-controlling temple on the ogress’s right shoulder. Though reconstructed, its profound energy is palpable. You’ll arrive in Lhasa by late afternoon or early evening, allowing time to explore the Barkhor Plaza or enjoy a cappuccino.
At Drak Yerpa, the Caves of Mystical Realization, you’ll visit caves linked to Guru Rinpoche, Yeshe Tsogyal, Songtsen Gampo, the 80 Siddhas of Yerpa, and Atisha. Awesomely scenic with the winds of strong blessings. Prayer flags galore!
Lhasa, the abode of the gods, offers a range of accommodation options. Your three-day stay includes visits to the Potala Palace, Lukhang Temple, Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple, Barkhor, and Norbulingka. You can easily join the traditional morning circumambulation, the Lingkhor, which circles the Potala. The Potala and Jokhang, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are central to Tibetan Buddhism. Lukhang, on an island behind the Potala, houses unique murals but is often closed; however, the park and gardens provide a peaceful retreat. The Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest temple, features the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. A short walk through the Barkhor brings you to Ramoche, built by Princess Wencheng. It is her burial place that she divined as having a direct connection with the crystal palace of the water-dwelling spirits. While in Lhasa, you can explore independently and select the group activities of interest.
After Lhasa, travel to Samye on a scenic 45-minute drive through the mountains. After checking into your hotel, you can circumambulate the Samye and/or catch the sunset from Hepori Hill, a powerful geomantic site where Guru Rinpoche subdued hostile spirits. The view of Samye and the Yarlung Valley from the hilltop is stunning.
Samye is Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, founded in the 8th century. Its architecture reflects Mahayana cosmology, with the central Temple (Utse) and surrounding structures representing Mt. Meru and the four continents. Though rebuilt several times, the complex retains its original essence. Once a major religious and political center, Samye remains a vital pilgrimage destination, with its tiered main temple, satellite temples, colorful stupas, and encircling walls creating an atmosphere of timeless devotion.
From Samye, a 35-minute drive west along the Tsangpo River leads to Tsogyal Latso, the birthplace of Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal. Located in the Drakda Valley, legendary abode of Vajra Varahi and Saraswati, her birthplace features her life-force lake or latso that emerged at her birth. Nearby, there is a spring believed to flow with her miraculous breast milk, her life-force tree, and a stupa marking her birthplace. The nuns will warmly welcome you with joy.
The next day, about an hour from Tsogyal Latso, is Drak Yangdzong where Guru Rinpoche spent three years and with Yeshe Tsogyal concealed Vajrakilaya treasure texts. A pleasant uphill trail leads to the caves, where caretaker nuns will greet you. The three most important caves, considered to be Guru Rinpoche’s Body, are accessed by a rope ladder and crawling through a short tunnel.
Behind Samye, the Chimphu Mountain Hermitage is Guru Rinpoche’s Speech. It is an active retreat area with monks, nuns, and lay persons from all over Tibet and China. Its geography has outer, inner, and secret meaning. You’ll enjoy a gentle hike and come to sites such as King Trisong Detsen’s Copper-Coloured Mountain cave hermitage, Yeshe Tsogyal’s southern cave hermitage, Jigme Lingpa’s Flower Cave, and Longchenpa’s gilded reliquary stupa. At the very top is Drakmar Keutsang where Guru Rinpoche bestowed the Eight Canons of Accomplishment empowerment to eight main disciples. There is also a stone impression where Princess Pemasel lay when Guru Rinpoche revived her.
Heading north from Samye through the Drakmar Valley, we may visit Drakmar Drinzang, birthplace of King Trisong Detsen, and then continue to Yemalung. Important highlights here are a sacred spring that emerged when Padmasambhava conferred a long-life empowerment on King Trisong Detsen, the caves of Padmasambhava and Vairotsana, and adjacent to the main temple, the Guru temple and assembly hall. The day concludes with crossing over to the south side of the Tsangpo River and reaching the small city of Tsetang.
On the final day, enjoy a restful drive through Chongye to the Valley of the Kings, where burial mounds of Imperial Kings, including Songtsen Gampo and Trisong Detsen, are located. The last pilgrimage site is Tsering Jong, where Jigme Lingpa spent his later years. This accessible temple and small nunnery, rich with relics, will provide a happy ending to your journey.