BHUTAN 2027: PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEART OF ATI
Bhutan, the Land of the Dragon, is uniquely situated as the last existing Vajrayana Kingdom in the world. Bhutan holds a very special place not only for the past development of Vajrayana (tantric Buddhism) but is currently a vital location for the preservation and thriving practice of this dynamic spiritual tradition. Above all else, Bhutan holds a sacred relationship to the development of the practice of Dzogchen (Sanskrit: Ati Yoga).
Join Lama Justin von Bujdoss and H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche for a unique tour of some of the most significant sites in the Land of the Dragon associated with Dzogchen. We will follow in the footsteps of Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, Longchenpa, and Pema Lingpa as well as countless other great masters. We will have the opportunity to view the relics of the previous Chung Rinpoche as well as those of Trulshik Dongak Lingpa, an important tertön, and rediscover of Dungtsö Repa’s important dzogchen cycle centered around dark retreat known as the Yangti Nakpo.
We will travel from Paro to Bumthang and Thimphu through pristine forests, visit important pilgrimage sites with unparalleled art and architecture. While in Bumthang we will emphasize practice and retreat, receiving transmission of two very important texts in the practice of dzogchen. Last year Rinpoche offered the Ngondro transmission, and this year will be continuing on with the Yangti Nagpo guru empowerment from the terma cycle to those who have completed the Ngondro so that they can move on to the accumulations associated with the guru practice (the first of the three roots). For those who have yet to recieve the transmission for the Ngondro practices, rinpoche will offer these again along with instructions on the practice.
From here we will move into three days of retreat in the Tang valley. These transmissions of the Yangti Nakpo are connected to Dungtsö Repa’s terma on dark retreat of which H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche is a lineage holder, and are uniquely connected to the very land we will be visiting.
This is an incredible opportunity to connect with the past, present of the practice of Dzogchen and Yangti yoga and plant seeds for the ripening of future realization through these beautifully profound spiritual practices which are truly one of the most precious gifts that humanity has seen. Come take your place in this timeless journey into the very heart of Ati.
THE DEPOSIT
To secure your spot a $1500 flat rate deposit is required, The remaining cost is due no later than April 20th, 2027
WHATS INCLUDED
All meals & accommodations within Bhutan · All ground transportation & flights within Bhutan · All necessary travel permits, fees for guides and entrance fees · Bhutan Sustainable Development fees and Bhutan Visa Fees
THE COST
Early Bird Price
$8950 (Single occupancy) · $7950 (Double occupancy)
Standard Price
$9950 (Single occupancy) · $8950 (Double occupancy)
THE DETAILS
MEET OUR GUIDES
Lama Justin and H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche are uniquely suited to lead this pilgrimage. They share a common vision around bringing the practice of Yangti — and specifically the dark retreat cycle of the Yangti Nakpo — to practitioners in the West. Both have considerable experience with this practice and see this pilgrimage as an opportunity to create a living connection between participants and the Dzogchen lineage: its past masters, its living transmission, and the land in which it was revealed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To reserve your place on this pilgrimage, submit the $1,500 deposit using the button below. Following receipt, you will be contacted to have a 1:1 meeting with Lama Justin, and another follow-up by the Yangti team with full planning details including how to prepare and pack, how to obtain your Bhutan visa, how to organize flights to Paro, and guidance on Buddhist pilgrimage.
There is a full refund for all cancellations made before April 19th, 2027. After that date, cancellations yield a 50% refund. Cancellations can be made up until June 1st, 2027. Final payment of the balance is also due by April 20th, 2027.
There are no practice requirements or commitments associated with joining this pilgrimage. It is open to anyone interested in connecting with Bhutan as a sacred spiritual center, those interested in Vajrayana Buddhism, and practitioners of Dzogchen and Ati Yoga who wish to deepen their connection to the Yangti Nakpo lineage. We do request that participants participate with the group and are joining us with the goal of participating in this pilgrimage and not use this as a way to simply be visiting Bhutan. Pilgrimage is not always easy, and traveling in groups can present challenges - we ask that everyone who joins us tries to hold a commitment to one another as a type of ‘pilgrimage sangha’. We will reach out for a 1:1 with Lama Justin so that individual questions can be raised and to ensure that this pilgrimage is a good fit.
Yes. We will do our best to accommodate all participants who wish to join. It is worth noting that some sites involve stairs and short to moderate hikes. Alternatives do exist for certain sites — mule transport is available for the ascent to Taksang, for example. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific needs and we will work with you and our tour operator to make everything as accessible as possible.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
It's a very well-structured and paced course that allows you to deeply practice this dzogchen cycle. Lama Justin is deeply knowledgeable about both the history of Tibetan Buddhism and the direct experience of practice. I appreciated the Q&A format and input from my fellow students. Some explanations were above my knowledge level, but the year time frame and pace allowed me to build skills and I'm repeating the class next year so I can continue studying with Lama Justin.
EMMA B.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
“Lama Justin’s teaching and supportive guidance created a powerful container for exploring Dzogchen as presented by Rangjung Dorje within the Karma Kagyu tradition.”
SCOTT C.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
“You could feel the blessing of lineage in this class. The cycle takes you step-by-step through practices that support the experience of the Rigpa state in a way that feels both structured but also open and spontaneous.”
SARAH K.