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 (Ends January 31st 2027)
$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.
PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY
AUGUST 3
Group arrives in Paro, arrives at the hotel and rests.
AUGUST 4
Tour of Kyichu Lhakhang built in the 7th Century by Songsten Gampo the early Tibetan Emperor in the 7th century and later visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Tour of Jangtsa Dumgtseg Lhakhang the three-story temple built in the 15th century by the Tibetan mahasiddha Thangthong Gyalpo and Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan).
AUGUST 5
Travel by land toward Bumthang and stay overnight in Phobjika Valley.
AUGUST 6
Travel by land from Gangteng to Bumthang – Visit Gangteng Lhakhang, a monastery built in the 17th century by Pema Lingpa, currently under the leadership of Gangteng Tulku.
AUGUST 7
Bumthang: Group retreat - We will have three days of meditation retreat with H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche: Day 1 - participants will receive transmission of the Yangti Nakpo Ngondro from H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche and receive instructions on the Yangti Nakpo Ngondro and have time to begin practicing the four common preliminaries, yoga of rising and the yoga of sleep.
AUGUST 8
Continued group retreat: Instructions on Yangti Nakpo Refuge and Prostrations. Individual practice time on refuge and prostrations. H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche will confer the empowerment of the Trikaya Guru (Guru Rinpoche, Chenrezig and Amitabha practice composed by Trulshik Dongak Lingpa) for anyone who has completed the Yangti Nakpo Ngondro since our last pilgrimage
AUGUST 9
Continued group retreat: Continued teachings and guidance from H.E. Chung Tulku Rinpoche. (Rinpoche will confer the empowerment for the Kusum Tuktik (Yeshe Tsogyal, Prajnaparamita and Samantabhadri dakini practice) for Lama Justin and anyone else who may have completed the Trikaya Guru mantra accumulation retreat).
AUGUST 10
Visit Tharpaling the seat of the great Dzogchen master Kunkyen Longchen Rabjam where he composed his Seven Treasuries. Visit the kudung of Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche at Chödrak Monastery.
AUGUST 11
Pilgrimage to Jambey Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the future Buddha Maiterya which was built by Songsten Gampo in the 7th century as one of the 108 temples he built and which which was also known to have been visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. We will also visit Tamshing Lhakhang, an important temple built in 1501 by the great terton and dzogchen master, Pema Lingpa as well as Kurjey Lhakhang a monastery that serves as the site of the resting place of the first three kings of Bhutan, one of which, Sindhu Raja, requested the assistance of Padmasambhava in healing an illness caused by a local spirit. It is said that Padmasambhava healed Sindhu Raja and at that time met Monmo Tashi Kyidren, the daughter of the king, who became one of his five consorts and journeyed with Padmasambhava to Taksang where they practiced Vajrakilaya together and where it is said that as he transformed into Dorje Drolö, she transformed into the pregnant tigress that served as Dorje Drollö’s mount.
AUGUST 12
Visit Mebar Tso and further pilgrimage sites in Bumthang/Dhur Valley.
AUGUST 13
Viewing of relics of the previous Chung Rinpoche and Trulshik Lingpa and transmission for Yangti Nagpo Ngondro. We will be fortunate to be able to view the relics of the previous Chung Rinpoche as well as a number of personal belongings of Trulshik Dongak Lingpa (1862-1922) a well-known tertön and who rediscovered and preserved the dzogchen cycle of the Yangti Nakpo originally revealed by Dungtsö Repa ‘the later’ in the 15th century. Chung Rinpoche is recognized as the mind incarnation of Trulsik Dongak Lingpa thus we are incredibly fortunate to be able to view these relics as well as receive the transmission of the Yangti Nakpo ngondrö practices from him in a part of Bhutan that has served as the cradle for the development of and practice of dzogchen (Ati Yoga). Travel to Punakha.
AUGUST 14
Morning: Explore Punakha Dzong, travel to Chimi Lhakhang. Visit Dochu la pass on way back to Thimphu.
AUGUST 15
Explore Thimphu - Thimphu is a vibrant beautiful capital which serves as the seat of the present government and royal family. We will explore local sites.
AUGUST 16
Return to Paro via visiting Drakarpo and nunnery.
AUGUST 17
Visit Taksang - Taksang Lhakhang, sometimes known as Tiger’s Nest, is the famed 17th century monastery build around a series of caves made famous as a retreat place of Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, Menmo Tashi Kyidren, as well as Milarepa, Padampa Sangye, Machik Labron, and more recently is also known as the place where Trungpa Rinpoche revealed the Sadhana of Mahamudra. At the time of Padmasambhava, it is said that he and Yeshe Tsogyal and Tashi Kyidren practiced Vajrakilaya there and that it is here that Padmasambhava manifested the form of Dorje Drolö known as the “wild wrathful vajra”. Taksang is an incredibly powerful and important place of meditation practice of breathtaking beauty and immense blessings.
AUGUST 18
Explore temples in Paro Valley including the 5 Tseringma temples.
AUGUST 19
Final day in Paro, shopping, exploring Paro.
AUGUST 20
Depart Bhutan from Paro airport.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To reserve your place on this pilgrimage, submit the $1,500 deposit using the links above. Emails will be sent to all registrants with the details for planning including: how to prepare/pack, details for making the final payment, obtaining the Bhutan visa, organizing flights to Paro and advise regarding Buddhist pilgrimage. For those who are new to our sangha or to Buddhist pilgrimage, you may be invited to a brief Zoom call with Lama Justin after you register. We love getting to know each traveler, and this conversation helps us make sure the pilgrimage is a good fit and that you arrive feeling supported and ready.
All refunds are subject to a $150 administrative and processing fee. Cancellations made before April 19, 2027 will receive a full refund, less the processing fee. Cancellations made on or after April 19, 2027 will receive a 50% refund, less the processing fee. Cancellations will be accepted through June 1, 2027; no refunds will be issued for cancellations after that date. Final payment of the balance is due by April 20, 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.