In this journey, you will attend a rare teaching given by His Holiness The Dalai Lama in Ladakh, India along with an introduction into the heart of Tibetan traditions.
You will also gain a unique glimpse into the Tibetan and Ladakhi community at a gathering of the Yarchos Chenmo – Summer Buddhist Council. Whether you are a practising Buddhist or an interested observer, you will be given the opportunity to gain intimate insight into the applications of the Buddha’s teachings.
Breathtaking landscapes and authentic spiritual encounters will be waiting for you in this journey into the heart of the Himalaya.
Highlights :
- Celebrate the Birthday of His Holiness with the Tibetan and Ladakhi community in Little Tibet.
- Attend the Dalaï Lama’s teachings.
- Discover fascinating old Tibetan monasteries erected in amazing landscapes, including Alchi; a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Interact with a shaman and a yogi for an authentic cultural experience.
- Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalaya.
- Be supported by the experience of Omalaya Travel’s friendly and caring guidance.
The Deskit Yarchos Chenmo Ladakh Summer Buddhist Council
Note : The final confirmation of teaching dates will be available soon at www.DalaiLama.com
In the heart of the Summer Buddhist Council in Ladakh; continues the old Buddhist tradition of philosophical debate and discussion of core Buddhist tenants. This brings together the different Buddhist traditions within Ladakh and the relevance of spirituality in hopes of building a harmonious society.
This summer meeting will also be a platform for students from different schools to engage in discussions on spirituality, culture and moral values in a changing time.
The discussion will cover a wide range of topics; from practicing the Dharma and the Four Noble Truths, to the Three bases of Vinaya. It will cover the socioeconomic issues of the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco, rising suicide cases as well as the importance of the local Tibetan language which is spoken both by Buddhists and Muslims of Ladakh.
The 1st Yarchos Chenmos was held at the Central Institute of Buddhist studies (deemed a University in Ladakh) and the subsequent years took place at Liker and Spituk. The 4th Yarchos Council was held at Thiksey Monastery.
The aim of this rare summer gathering; presided over by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is to bring about spiritual understanding, the importance of moral values and to promote inter-religious harmony in Ladakh.
Day 1
Thursday 4th of July 2019
Home. Delhi.
Arrival at India’s capital, Delhi, and transfer to the hotel for your first night.
Day 2
Friday 5th of July 2019
Delhi. Leh.
The early flight from Delhi to Ladakh, “Little Tibet”, will be a spectacular experience overlooking the Himalaya. Ladakh, located on the northern tip of India, is nestled between two of the highest mountain ranges in the world- the Karakoram and the Himalaya.
This will be a day to acclimatize to the altitude and rest; enjoying the sun and the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan landscapes.
Day 3
Saturday 6th of July 2019
Leh.
On July 6, the entire region; where the Dalai Lama is revered and respected by Ladakhis and Tibetans alike, will be in a festive mood due to His Holiness’ birthday. The ceremony will begin with a long-life prayer for His Holiness and an incense-burning offering. The program will include speeches from invited dignitaries and traditional dances performed by Tibetans and locals alike, all marking their mutual respect and friendship. After the formalities, the crowd will relax and enjoy picnics with family and friends. You will have the opportunity to share lunch with a Tibetan family.
Day 4
Sunday 7th of July 2019
Leh. Thiksey. Leh.
This morning, you will attend a shamanic session with a Lhamo, which is a very intense experience! Lhamos are powerful healers, widely consulted across the Himalaya. After a series of purification rituals, the Lhamo will enter into a trance and connect with the deities, thus creating a sacred space for healing and divination. During this time you will be invited to ask a simple and direct question.
Next, you will drive to Thiksey Monastery which, perched on a rock-strewn hill, resembles the Potala in the Tibetan capital Lhasa.
The monastery houses a huge statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the purity of whose gaze invites reflection and silent meditation. This majestically perched monastic complex dominates the Indus River and houses an impressive statue of the future Buddha.
Day 5
Monday 8th of July 2019
Leh. Lamayuru. Timosgam.
First will be a visit to the moonscapes of Lamayuru and its tenth-century monastery which is sure to enchant you. This magnificent structure overlooks an ancient dry lake and dominates the village in the valley below.
You will be welcomed by a yogi who will demonstrate the spiritual practice of chod – a ritual to reduce attachment to the ego and its negative influences, and reveal a glimpse of one’s true nature.
Then you will drive to Timosgang Nunnery, where you will receive a warm welcome from the resident nuns and witness their prayers and daily activities. Omalaya Travel feels a special connection with the residents of the Tingmosgang nunnery and has for the last several years endeavoured to support them through various contributions and projects. The Omalaya Travel team has assisted the nuns with the construction of a new kitchen and provided them with beds, blankets and warm clothes for the very difficult and long winter seasons.
Day 6
Tuesday 9th of July 2019
Timosgam. Alchi. Leh.
Today, you leave for the site of Alchi; a gem along the Indus River. As one of the most revered rivers of India, the Indus has its source from Mount Kailash, Tibet. The oasis of Alchi; one of the oldest sites of Ladakh, is the prime location for Indo-Tibetan art.
Its splendid temples erected on the plain are home to frescoes and sculptures created by artists from Kashmir. Dating from the 12th century, Alchi is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Finally, you will drive back to Leh from Alchi.
Day 7
Wednesday 10th of July 2019
Leh. Diskit.
You will drive to Diskit and its imposing statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future), inaugurated in 2010 by the Dalai Lama and you will visit Diskit Monastery.
Day 8
Thursday 11th of July 2019
Diskit monastery.
Attend the closing ceremony of Yarcho Chenmo at Diskit Monastery.
In the heart of the Summer Buddhist Council in Ladakh; continues the old Buddhist tradition of philosophical debate and discussion of core Buddhist tenants. This brings together the different Buddhist traditions in Ladakh and the relevance of spirituality in hopes of building a harmonious society.
This summer meeting will also be a platform for students from different schools to engage in discussion on spirituality, culture and moral values in a changing time.
Day 8
Friday 11th of July 2019
Diskit monastery.
Attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings on Kamalashila.
The middle stages of Meditation (gamrim barpa) and the Gyalsten Thakme Sangpa’s Thirty-Seven practices of a Bodhisattva (laklen sodunma). His Holiness will engage in an interaction with students from various schools.
Day 9
Saturday 13th of July 2019
Diskit monastery.
Attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings on Kamalashila.
The middle stages of Meditation (gamrim barpa) and the Gyalsten Thakme Sangpa’s Thirty-Seven practices of a Bodhisattva (laklen sodunma). Long life offering (tenshuk).
Day 11
Sunday 14th of July 2019
Diskit monastery.
Diskit Yul Phodrang.
Long life empowerment followed by long life prayer offering.
After, you will discover Samtenling Monastery. It has an enormous amount of intricately carved wood used in its shrines and all over doorways, balconies and railings etc. Drive back to Leh where you will spend the night.
Day 12
Monday 15th of July 2019
Diskit.
In the heart of the Nubra Valley, you will discover its monastery, Yarma Gompo, a high energy place of the protector of Dharma, Mahakala.
You can also enjoy the vast expanses of green fields that surround it.
After this you will visit the hermitage of Ensa.
Later, you will visit the sacred Yarab Tso Lake where, according to local legend, the fine movements of the waves inspire visions in visiting pilgrims.
Day 13
Tuesday 16th of July 2019
Diskit. Leh. Delhi. Home.
You will drive back to Leh and you will catch a flight for Delhi for your flight back home.
