For those with a sense of adventure and an interest in the people of eastern Tibet, their culture, environment and spirituality, Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche will be leading a trip to his home region of Dzachuka from August 7th - 27th inclusive. Dzachuka is the birthplace of renowned 19th century master, Patrul Rinpoche and the site of his awe-inspiring mani wall.
This will be the fifth trip led by Rinpoche. For a taster view our film clip of highlights from the 2006 trip:
In this stunning region you can experience the authentic living tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the warmth and hospitality of the Khampa people.
After Chengdu, we will begin our ascent onto the Tibetan plateau, passing through Kanding, the old border town between Tibet and China. From there we will move up through Drango and onto Kandze, home to the largest monastery in this part of Tibet.
Leaving Kandze, we head towards the Dzachuka valley, lying at over 4000 metres above sea level.
In Dzachuka you will have the opportunity to participate in a short meditation retreat at Rinpoche's Ju Mohor Monastery, and camp overnight at Mani Dungkar, the longest wall of carved mani stones in Tibet.
After Dzachuka, a spectacular drive takes us on to Derge. Set in a stunning landscape, it boasts the famous printing house where complete collections of Buddhist texts have been printed since the 18th century.
Ju Mohor was established ca. 1650 by the First Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche, a student of Jigme Lingpa. Many famous masters including Patrul Rinpoche and Ju Mipham Rinpoche have taught, practiced and attained realisation at this small, but significant monastery. Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, who spent many years here, wrote of Ju Mohor....
"It is the dwelling place of wild geese, wise saints, a place of tantric teachings and practice and the auspicious meeting place of great masters"
The monastery was destroyed in 1959, but was rebuilt and is currently undergoing restoration to better reflect its historical significance.
This breathtaking wall, over a kilometre in length, consists entirely of hand-carved mani stones and images.
It is one of the most significant yet least known pilgrimage sites of Tibet. Patrul Rinpoche began the construction of the wall at the place where his root teacher, Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu, gave teachings which he immortalised in "The Words of My Perfect Teacher".
This is one of the most widely read texts of Tibetan Buddhism.
Surrounded by a stunning landscape, Derge is the home of the famous Barkhang printing house where a complete collection of Buddhist texts have been printed since the 18th century.
Often regarded as the cultural heart of Kham, this area was the capital of the Kingdom of Derge which was the largest of the five kingdoms of Kham.
The cost for the trip is NZD$3600 per person. This includes shared accommodation, internal overland travel, main meals, donations for teachings and visits to Ju Mohor, Yachen Gar and Khandro Rinpoche's nunnery.
This cost does not include round-trip air travel to the meeting point (Chengdu, China), travel/medical insurance, visas, special requirements, extra activities or personal spending.
To secure a place on the trip, a non-refundable deposit of $NZD1800 should be paid by May 1st 2008.
The trip is limited to 15 people and only a few places remain. If you have questions about the trip or are interested in joining please contact us by sending an email to , or fill in and submit the following form:
