Trip Description

Jewel Heart is pleased to announce a “Pilgrimage to ” with Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche October 27th through November 7th 2013.

The pilgrimage will begin in , Ladakh, . Leh, capital of Ladakh, at one time was a major stop on the Asian “Silk Route”. At Sankar Gompa, the group will have a magnificent view of the whole Leh town. Shanti Stupa was built by the Japanese for World Peace.

We will visit the , Phiyang, and Monasteries. Spituk monastery is a three chapel monastery dating back to the 11th century. The Gompa was built under the patronage of Od-de the elder brother of Lha Lama Changchub Od, who envisioned the construction of a monastic community at this place.

We will also visit other monasteries (, Lamayuru, , and Matho) as well as the Stock Palace Museum. The museum is the beautiful home of the royal family of Ladakh located 14 kms across the in Leh. You can feel a supreme synthesis of ancient and modern architecture. The museum houses rare artifacts like royal attire, copper coins, precious stones, antique royal jewelry and prayer tools. It also, most importantly, showcases the Thangkas depicting the life-teachings of Lord Buddha, dating back to the 16th century.

November 4th and 5th, Rimpoche and the Jewel Heart group will attend the 10 year anniversary of Kyabje Bhakula Rinpoche’s death. He was a descendant of Ladakh's royal family and he was given to monkhood at an early age. He was recognized by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama as a reincarnation of Bakula Arhat, one of the Sixteen Arhats (direct disciples of Gautama Buddha).

On the 26th February 2008, His Holiness the Dalai Lama confirmed Thupten Ngawang, a child born in , Ladakh as the reincarnation of Kyabje Bakula Rinpoche.

The great news is Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche will give teachings throughout the trip at various significant stops. We may also receive teachings from other great Masters or Rinpoches in Ladakh. The price is all inclusive (lodging, meals, and local transportation) within India from October 27 through November 7, 2013 . The price includes a donation of $1000 per person to the Jewel Heart Organization, that is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The price for “Pilgrimage to Ladakh Tour” package does not include international airfare.

Single Double Single Double Lodging accommodation rate accommodation rate Le Meridien and The Grand $4,800.00 $4,300.00 Dragon Hotel

The package rate is based on a minimum of 20 persons for this trip.

Please note that while Gelek Rimpoche fully expects to go on the trip and planned the Jewel Heart Trip around his participation for the 10 year anniversary of Bhakula Rinpoche’s death, it is always possible that health considerations could limit Rimpoche's participation on the trip.

All participants are expected to purchase their own health insurance and trip cancellation insurance, and will be asked to sign a waiver.

Contact: [email protected] Phone (734)994-3385