This coming October 2008 embark on a life changing adventure, and join us on our 7th annual journey to Nepal. If you feel drawn to explore the rich tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the lush beauty of the lower Himalayan mountains, then this experience is for you.

At our journeys heart, we immerse ourselves in experiences at the monasteries of Thupten Choling and Chiwong.

Located in the lower Everest region of Nepal, at altitudes averaging 8,000 feet, the land is lush in agriculture, heavily forested with pine trees and rhododendrons, traversed by deep ravines and beautiful ridges, and rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Our mountain journey begins and ends in the small village of Phaplu, a 35-minute flight from the city of Kathmandu. After a half-day trek through the magical "Valley of the Moon," we’ll spend several days nestled in the hills at Thupten Choling Monastery.

Founded by Trulshig Rinpoche after his exile from Tibet in the 1960’s, it is Nepal's largest working mountain monastery and permanent home to 150 monks and 350 nuns.

At 84 years old, Trulshig Rinpoche, is one of the greatest living masters of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, teacher to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and deeply committed to preserving the authentic practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Our visit occurs at an auspicious time in the monastery. As the 10th full moon of the Tibetan calendar nears, Rinpoche prepares to officiate the Mani Rimdu celebration. Life at the monastery is abuzz with ceremonies as well as preparations for his departure.

Each participant will have options in how to spend their time.

Choices include enjoying exchanges with and exploring the monastic community, and day hikes to small local monasteries and communities. We will participate in ceremonies with the monastic community, that have been passed down since the time of the Buddha.

After a wondrous procession, Rinpoche is wisked off by helicoptor to Chiwong Monastery, where we will join him after a half-day walk through the valley and up the hill.

Chiwong, a small family monastery perched high on a cliff, has been home to the Mani Rimdu celebration for nearly 40 years. In the opening ceremony, held in the monasteries courtyard, Rinpoche blesses each person with long life and good health. People from all over the region have made the pilgrimage for this blessing.

The 2nd day of Mani Rimdu is alive with ritual dance performed by the monks depicting the story of Buddhism’s progression from India into Tibet.

The dances are filled with fantastic imagery and costumes, profound symbolism, and color and ornamentation that entertain our senses.

The fire puja on the 3rd and last day is intimate, as many locals have returned to their villages. This puja is a Buddhist ritual that purifies the environment, bestows blessings on the participants, and promotes world peace and harmony. It also blesses the spirits of those who have passed on from this life, protecting them from negativities and obstacles in their journey into their next life.

We'll spend 3 or 4 nights comfortably camping at Chiwong, with all of our meals prepared for us. We will attend the festivities and mix with the local people.

Our evenings will be spent around the campfire under the light of the full harvest moon. Some may chose to join traditional dances at night with the Tibetans from the Chialsa Settlement. Others may prefer drinking and dancing in the make-shift tea houses arranged for the celebration.

Through the friendships and good will that we’ve established at both monasteries over these years, spontaneous encounters present themselves, making each year’s experience unique and special.

Egofree Journeys is fueled by a passion and love of this land and it’s people. We look forward to guiding you in your journey and sharing in your experience.