April 11 or 15 - 27, 2026

Join us for a rare journey into the sacred Tsum Valley, Nepal, a renowned beyul (hidden land) and stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism.

Guided by Geshe Tenzin Zopa and Dr. Miles Neale, and hosted by the realized nuns of Rachen Nunnery, we will study, meditate, and make pilgrimage to holy sites that remain untouched by modernity and consumerism.

Tashi Delek! Welcome, pilgrims, to a rare and extraordinary opportunity. In April 2026, we will launch the first of what we hope will become an annual pilgrimage and retreat in the hidden Tsum Valley of Nepal—a journey designed for those ready to step far beyond their comfort zones into the heart of authentic spiritual practice.

This is not an ordinary cultural tour. It’s not a wellness retreat or an adventure trip. It is a serious commitment—for those called to deep practice, self-mastery, and profound inner transformation.

Together with my dear friend and teacher, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, we’ll gather in this sacred Himalayan valley, hosted by the humble yet powerful monastic community of Rachen Nunnery—an enclave of dedicated nuns and realized practitioners—where we’ll immerse ourselves in teachings, pilgrimage, and retreat amidst one of the last untouched sanctuaries of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Tsum Valley isn’t a typical pilgrimage destination. It’s a beyul—a hidden or secret valley prophesied by realized masters to reveal itself only to those with a karmic connection and sincere intent. Nestled at 3,600 meters along the Nepal-Tibet borderlands, it has long served as a refuge for yogis and mountain hermits seeking retreat from worldly distractions.

Great adepts such as Padmasambhava and Milarepa once practiced here. Our own lineage masters—Drukpa Rinpoche, Geshe Lama Konchog, and Geshe Tenzin Zopa—have meditated in its caves for years. Their blessings permeate the valley through relics, terma (hidden treasures), and the lingering power of their spiritual accomplishments.

At the heart center of our pilgrimage is Rachen Nunnery, founded by the previous Drukpa Rinpoche nearly a century ago. Today, it’s guided by abbot Geshe Nyima, inspired by Geshe Tenzin Zopa, and maintained by a community of devoted nuns—some lifelong retreatants, many of whom remain unassuming yet highly realized beings.

The nunnery also shelters a monumental project—the World Peace Stupa, envisioned by the late Lama Zopa Rinpoche and overseen by Geshe Zopa. When completed, it will be among the tallest, most remote stupas in the world, filled with trillions of nano mantras, ancient relics, and sacred objects. It will house an inner shrine of the Medicine Buddha mandala, offering our group and future generations a space for practice and healing.

THE VISION of Lama Zopa Rinpoche before his passing in 2023 was that Rachen Nunnery become a non-sectarian center for the preservation and practice of Lam Rim and Tantra, including long-term retreats and the erection of the World Peace Stupa.

THE MISSION of the Gradual Path is to maintain an enduring relationship with Geshe Tenzin Zopa and Rachen Nunnery—one that began with our Tsum pilgrimage in 2022 and will continue annually from our 2026 retreat onwards—so each visit deepens study, strengthens practice, and translates insight into service as we grow together as an international community of practitioners and hosts. This mission is only possible through collective causes and conditions; your intention, energy, and resources are essential to bring it to fruition.

To fullfill both vision and mission we will:

• Review the Lam Rim teachings with Geshe Zopa, structured over multiple years to gradually guide us toward the study and practice of Tantra for deeper retreat and realizations.

• Establish group coherence and shared purpose, building bonds of trust and devotion with local sangha and international students that sustain practice across time.

• Prepare for future pilgrimages, where the World Peace Stupa at Rachen will become a hub for practice and teaching.

• Continue to crowdfund donations to develop and maintain the Rachen Nunnery facilities, improving the lives of the resident sangha while making it more conducive for long-term retreats and visits from dedicated international students.

• Incorporate into the Dharma program additional disciplines that support our transition to a new world — including psychology, natural medicine, regenerative farming, renewable energy, and technology — all integrated within the Dharma framework.

As the program and infrastructure grow, and as we learn from each year’s experience, this gathering will evolve into a long-term container for serious practice as well as a springboard for service in our home communities, offering strength and vision as the world undergoes transition and regeneration.

There are two ways to enter Tsum Valley—both equally meaningful, each offering its own kind of initiation.

1. The Walking option or “Trek Group” (17 Days Total)

For those called to the traditional way, this group begins with a five-day trek through some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Yes, the trek will test you — expect a full day of walking (8 hours per day) across steep, rugged trails, suspension bridges, and mountain ridges with rapid altitude gains. But what awaits is nothing short of breathtaking:

• Towering Himalayan peaks etched against the sky

• Verdant forests and terraced hillsides alive with color

• Hidden waterfalls, rushing rivers, and remote mountain passes

• Quiet villages where time seems to stand still

This path is not just about physical effort; it’s an immersion into the living spirit of the Himalayas, connecting us to the same routes once taken by pilgrims of old and still walked by villagers today.

This year, the Trek Group will be guided by Dr. Miles Neale, alongside Dhawa Gyanjen, a licensed local mountain guide from the Tsum region. Along the way, you can discuss with Miles themes from his books, reviewing the steps and stages of the Lam Rim from Gradual Awakening, or the journey of rebirth from Return with Elixir, as you make your way toward the sacred destination of Rachen Nunnery in the Upper Tsum Valley.

The walk itself becomes a dynamic learning methodology—part spiritual pilgrimage, part physical initiation, and part educational workshop.

The Trek Group will meet with the Heli Group on the same day at Rachen Nunnery, where they will merge for a nine-day retreat together. All participants will then fly back to Kathmandu via helicopter. There is no option offered to walk back down.

Please Note: Accommodation along the five-day trek is very basic home stays, modest guest houses short on comforts, with communal squatter latrines, and homestyle set meals.

Additionally, there are inherent dangers to this landscape, including steep cliffs without railings and occasional rockslides. You will be under the supervision of an experienced, licensed mountain guide and porters familiar with this specific route. They are equipped to manage emergencies.

You must obtain medical evacuation insurance with coverage at 3800 meters and sign a waiver of liability. Its worth mentioning that Dr. Miles Neale’s children, ages 11, and 8, were able to successfully complete the journey in 2025, so it is entirely possible with the right mindset and level of physical fitness. We encourage you to consider the trek at least once in your lifetime.

2. The Helicopter option or “Heli Group” (13 Days Total)

For those unable to make the trek—due to physical limitations or time constraints—we offer the option to fly round-trip by helicopter directly to Rachen Nunnery from Kathmandu.

Though this route avoids the long trek, it still requires deep commitment. You’ll arrive directly at altitude and immediately enter the raw, remote conditions of Tsum Valley.

Both groups will converge at Rachen Nunnery and continue the pilgrimage together as a cohesive unit, sharing teachings, practices, and sacred site visits before returning via helicopters directly to Kathmandu airport.

Whether you join the Trek Group or Heli Group, you will be warmly greeted at the airport in Kathmandu (KTM) and transferred to Hotel Tibet or another 3-star hotel for rest and a welcome dinner. The following day, while our local tour organizer completes your permitting, we will have a short group excursion to local Buddhist sites and to the markets to stock up on last-minute essentials for your journey.

Arrival Days 1-2: Arrival and Prep

• Trek Group: Arrives April 11, 2026

• Heli Group: Arrives April 15, 2026

After completing a rich and transformative retreat and pilgrimage in the sacred Tsum Valley, the whole group will depart Rachen Nunnery together by helicopter, flying over the majestic Himalayan landscape back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and some rest. The afternoon offers free time to relax or enjoy final shopping and exploration around the great stupa of Boudhanath. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey. The following day you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

We hope to gather again around the same time the following year to deepen our study and practice with Geshe Zopa and the Rachen nuns.

Itinerary Recap: Date & Day Breakdown

Trek Group – 17 Days

• Day 1-2 – Apr 11-12: Arrive Kathmandu and prep day

• Day 3-7 – April 13-17: Trekking

• Day 7-15 – Apr 17-25: Arrive and retreat Rachen Nunnery

• Day 15 – Apr 25: Final full day at Rachen

• Day 16 – Apr 26: Depart Rachen → overnight in Kathmandu

• Day 17 – Apr 27: International departure from Kathmandu

Heli Group – 13 Days

• Day 1-2 – Apr 15-16: Arrive Kathmandu and prep day

• Day 3-11 – Apr 17-25: Arrive and retreat at Rachen Nunnery

• Day 11 – Apr 25: Final full day at Rachen

• Day 12 – Apr 26: Depart Rachen → overnight in Kathmandu

• Day 13 – Apr 27: International departure from Kathmandu

• Accomidations

  Quality hotel in Kathmandu (two nights upon arrival, and one night before departure), all guesthouses on the Trek Group itinerary, and all nights at Rachen Nunnery. Double occupancy only.

• Airport transfers

• Permitting

  All required permitting for travel into the restricted mountain areas including Tsum Valley.

• Transport

  Jeeps, helicopter flights, and van transfers.

• Geshe Zopa & Rachen Gifts

  Travel expenses and teaching honorarium for Geshe Tenzin Zopa, with a gift to Rachen Nunnery, our host. *Additional gifts to help build and maintain infastructure always welcome.

• Gradual Path Team

  Travel expenses and fees for curating and organizing the pilgrimage to Dr. Miles Neale and the Gradual Path team.

• Local Support Team

  Licensed local tour operator, experienced licensed trekking guide, porters, and local logistics team.

• Private Cook

  Private cook and food brought from Kathmandu for three meals per day, providing simple, nutritious meals throughout.

• Tips

  Generous tips for guide, porters, and kitchen staff included. *Additonal tips above and beyond are not expected but always welcome.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• International Airfare

• Insurance
  Mandatory high-altitude evacuation insurance (ensure coverage up to 3,800 meters).

  Mandataory travel insurance for trip delays, interruptions, and other medical emergencies. Helicopters are unpredictable and can disrupt our journey.

• Visa

  Check requirements for your nationality. Online and Visa Upon Arrival options available.

• Personal Expenses

  Such as hotel-based spa and laundry services, addtional food and drink beyond those provided.

• Hot Showers (during trekking)

  Nominal charge by each guest house for time-limited hot shower during the trekking portion.

• Trekking Gear

  Beyond the porter bags that protect your larger luggage during transport, you must bring your own trekking gear.

• Additional Donations
  While we have included a generous donation to Rachen for hosting us, we encourage those with financial means to consider offering further gifts to support building the infastructure for future pilgrimages and more comfortable long term retreat stays. There is no tax deduction on gifts for this project.

This pilgrimage is not for everyone.

The Tsum Valley will test your body, mind, and spirit. This is part of its power—but it also means that only those who are ready, willing, and prepared should consider joining.

Here’s what you must know:

Altitude: We’ll be living at elevations up to 3,700 meters. Altitude affects everyone differently—you may experience headaches, fatigue, or even nausea. It can take a day or two to acclimatize, particularly if you are flying in via helicopter. We will be under the supervision of an experienced mountain guide.

Basic Facilities: There are no hotel-like amenities, no heating, and very basic shared rooms with en-suite toilets. No single occupancy is available. Hot showers are rare and limited. You wash your own clothes in a basin and air-dry them on a line. This is not a resort, or even a hotel. This is a nunnery, so a contemplative and respectful demeanor is expected. We will follow the five Buddhist precepts during our stay.

Simple Food: The Tsum Valley has been purely vegetarian and has maintained an ethos of nonviolence towards animals for over a century. Meals will be nourishing but basic—often potatoes, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Your body may feel depleted at times; we’ll do our best this year, bringing up a private cook with extra food supplies from Kathmandu to supplement the nunnery staff and offerings. There are no optional cafes, restaurants or convenience stores in the area, so you may want to bring personal snacks etc.

Physical Demands: Those walking up must be fit enough to handle an average of 8 hours of trekking per day, over steep, uneven terrain. It's a full-day commitment. If you disregard this, you can put yourself and others in the group at risk. Even the helicopter group will face some rugged conditions and occasional excursions to sacred sites of up to 5-6 hours.

Unpredictability: In the mountains, weather can shift rapidly. Helicopter delays are common, and sometimes the tour can be interrupted. On a previous tour, we lost a day when our helicopter was diverted to rescue operations. In such a scenario, pilgrims would be expected to pay additional charges for their accommodations in Kathmandu while we wait, as the tour organizer and local operator can not be responsible during force majeure.

We also allow one full day and night to descend to Kathmandu before our onward international flights. In the event of a heli disruption on our return, we would again leave the expenses incurred to each pilgrim.

Patience and flexibility are essential, and medical evacuation and trip interruption insurance are mandatory. You must read and agree to our Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy.

For medical evacuation (covering around 3,700 meters), we recommend Global Rescue

For individual travel insurance, including trip interruption, we recommend World Nomad

Ask yourself honestly: Are you ready for discomfort, simplicity, and effort as part of your spiritual practice?

If your priority is ease or luxury, this is not the right trip. But if you’re willing to lean into challenges for the sake of inner growth, this pilgrimage can offer rare and lasting transformation. This pilgrimage is not for everyone.

The Tsum Valley will test your body, mind, and spirit. After a week in the Tsum, Geshe-la himself once said, "My mind is in bliss, but my body is mashed potatoes." This is part of its power—but it also means that only those who are ready, willing, and prepared should consider joining.

We have a limited number of spaces for this pilgrimage due to the allocation of only 15 double rooms at Rachen Nunnery. All rooms are shared and must accommodate both pilgrims and staff. Single occupancy is not available.

Due to this, we anticipate that the pilgrimage will sell out. Priority enrollment will be given to senior students of Geshe Tenzin Zopa and to pilgrims who have previously traveled with Dr. Miles Neale and the Gradual Path.

If you are new to Geshe Zopa or have not yet joined a Gradual Path journey, we kindly ask that you first participate in one of our other pilgrimages before applying for the annual Tsum Valley program.

Thank you for your understanding and for honoring the intention of this sacred container.

Helicopter Contingency

We travel in a remote region where helicopters are chartered by the aircraft, not by the number of passenger seats. Some costs can only be confirmed close to departure. If extra helicopter costs arise, we share them fairly across the entire group.

1. Load management (very likely)
   • We may add an extra helicopter or fly with some seats empty due to partial load, based on the final headcount. For example, only two passengers remain in a 5-seat helicopter.
   
   • The cost of unused seats is shared equally among all registered participants (trek and heli groups weighted accordingly), not only the smaller subgroup on the final helicopter.
   
   • Typical impact: about USD 100–200 per person; the exact amount will be set once the final number of participants and heli load plan is confirmed.
   
   • Faculty/staff seats are already included in our plan.
   

2. Operational delays or redeployment (rare)
   • Helicopters can be reassigned or grounded (weather, emergencies, airspace rules).
   
   • If we lose a day, extra hotel nights and any international airline change/rebooking fees are each guest’s personal responsibility.
   
   • We will assist with arrangements at the best available rates; travel insurance covering trip delay/disruption is required at your expense.
   

3. Government stipulation (unlikely)
   • There is a new advisory from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal that a second pilot is required to occupy one of the five passenger seats during the “monsoon season” (May–October), reducing paying seats and increasing overall charter prices. As of now, this does not affect our April tour.
   
   • If authorities change the timeframe to include our dates, be advised that the estimated impact could be around $300 per person one-way (trek group) or $600 per person round-trip (heli group).

We understand that this uncertainty may be unwelcome; however, this policy allows us to plan responsibly and share costs fairly.

Payment & Agreement
• Any surcharge will be invoiced shortly before departure so we can reconfirm aircraft and finalize the lift plan.

• Timely payments are required and appreciated; delaying payment or refusing to pay a balance after agreeing can jeopardize the plan for the whole group and may affect your spot.

• By registering, you agree to share necessary adjustments outside the control of Gradual Path and our local operator.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Deposit: non-refundable.

• 90+ days before departure — cancel on or before Sun, Jan 11, 2026 → Full refund of payments made, minus the non-refundable deposit (processing fees are not refundable).

• 89–60 days before departure — cancel Mon, Jan 12 – Tue, Feb 10, 2026 → 50% refund of payments made after the deposit (processing fees are not refundable).

• 59 days or fewer before departure — cancel on or after Wed, Feb 11, 2026 → No refund.

• Travel insurance covering cancellation is strongly recommended.

Important Notes:

• All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected].

• Processing fees charged by credit card companies, Stripe, are non-refundable.

• Travel insurance is mandatory to protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Is a Tibetan Buddhist monk, born in the Tsum Valley, holding the honoured Geshe (Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy) degree from Sera Je Monastic University, South India, having completed the 20-year monastic curriculum in just 17 years. A prolific international teacher and author of 12 books, Geshe Tenzin Zopa was featured in the documentaries “Unmistaken Child” and the forthcoming "Rice and Sugar", and participated in “Forbidden Journey to Tibet.” He is currently a travelling Geshe for the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), and has co-led pilgrimages with Dr. Miles Neale and the Gradual Path since 2016 to India, Nepal, Indonesia, Japan, and Bhutan.

Is a clinical psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University in New York City. She is co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy (Routledge, 2023), and the former Director of the Nalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy Certificate Program. Currently, Emily is Director of the Gradual Path and Contemplative Psychology, a group practice and training for therapists specializing in contemplative-based psychotherapies. She has studied with Geshe Tenzin Zopa since 2006 and is developing the multi-year practice program for the annual Tsum Valley pilgrimage.

We are honored to partner with Three Jewels Adventures, a licensed tour operator in Nepal founded and managed by Amber Tamang and his wife Sushma Tamang.

Amber was born in the southern Solukhumbu region of the Nepali Himalayas and began his journey in the trekking world in 1993 as a porter, working to support his college education in Kathmandu. By 2001, with his wife and fellow guides, he established Three Jewels Adventures as a family-run company dedicated to serving pilgrims and trekkers with both skill and heart.

Over the years, Amber has guided journeys across Nepal, notably the annual pilgrimages with Venerable Robina Courtin, and specializes in routes that weave together natural beauty with profound cultural depth—Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites, archaeological treasures, and sacred valleys. Beyond guiding, Amber also writes articles and blogs on trekking and cultural heritage, and contributes as an instructor and mentor for new trainee guides.

For our Tsum Valley Pilgrimage, Amber and Sushma will coordinate all local logistics with their team, ensuring that our sacred journey unfolds with care, safety, and authenticity.

Is a local "Tsumba" born and reaised in the Tsum Valley in the borderlands between Nepal and Tibet, at 3600 meters. Tsum Valley only opened its doors to foreign travellers in 2008, and for now remains an unspoiled gem, off the beaten tourist path. After obtaining his university degree in Kathmandu, Dhawa became a licensed trekking guide in 2003. He specializes in high altitude trekking, with attention to detail in preparation, guest safety always in mind, and a passion for preserving the ecology and spiritual culture of his beloved Tsum Valley. Not only will Dhawa be the lead guide during the trek up to Tsum but he will also manage all logistics for both trek and heli groups while in Tsum. We are fortunate to rely on his expertise.