April 11–28, 2027 (Trek & Donor) · April 15–28, 2027 (Heli)

BY APPLICATION ONLY

Join us for a rare pilgrimage into Nepal’s sacred Tsum Valley, a renowned beyul, or hidden land, and stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism.

Guided by Geshe Tenzin Zopa and Dr. Miles Neale, and hosted by the nuns of Rachen Nunnery, this journey includes teachings inside the newly completed World Peace Stupa, continuation of our preliminary practices (ngondro) focusing on mandala offerings, and pilgrimages to holy sites that remain largely untouched by modernity.

Tashi Delek, and welcome to another rare opportunity.

In April 2027, we will return to Rachen Nunnery for our second annual pilgrimage and retreat in Nepal’s hidden Tsum Valley—a journey for those ready to step beyond comfort and enter the heart of authentic spiritual practice.

This is not an ordinary cultural tour, wellness retreat, or adventure trip. It is a serious commitment to practice, self-mastery, and inner transformation.

Together with our teacher, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Abbot Geshe Nyima, and the nuns of Rachen, we will gather in this sacred Himalayan valley, enter the newly completed World Peace Stupa for the first time, and immerse ourselves in teachings, rituals, and practices in one of the last untouched sanctuaries of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tsum Valley is not a typical pilgrimage destination. It is a beyul—a hidden or secret valley said to reveal itself only to those with the karmic connection and sincere intent to enter. 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 Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa once practiced here. Our own lineage masters—Drukpa Rinpoche, Geshe Lama Konchog, and Geshe Tenzin Zopa—have spent years meditating in its caves. Their blessings still permeate the valley through sacred relics, terma, or hidden treasures, and the enduring power of their spiritual accomplishments.

Rachen Nunnery is the sacred heart of this pilgrimage. Founded nearly a century ago and home to a devoted community of nuns, it is guided by Abbot Geshe Nyima and inspired by Geshe Tenzin Zopa. At its center stands the World Peace Stupa, one of the tallest and most remote in the world, filled with ancient relics and sacred objects. Our group will enter its dome, into the Medicine Buddha mandala, to receive teachings and maintain our practice together.

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 Nights Total)

For those called to the traditional way, the Trek Group begins with a five-day walk through some of the most pristine landscapes in the Nepalese Himalayas.

This route is physically demanding, with long walking days, steep trails, suspension bridges, mountain ridges, and rapid altitude gains. But the rewards are unforgettable:

• Towering Himalayan peaks

• Verdant forests and terraced hillsides

• Waterfalls, rivers, and remote mountain passes

• Quiet villages where time seems to stand still

This is not only a trek. It is a pilgrimage into the living spirit of the Himalayas, following routes still walked by local villagers and pilgrims today.

The Trek Group will be guided by Dhawa Gyanjen, an experienced, licensed, and local mountain guide from the Tsum region. Along the way, you will bond with like-minded pilgrims who share an affinity for Geshe-la, authentic Dharma, nature, and the courage to embrace physical challenges.

The Trek Group will meet the Donor and Heli groups at Rachen Nunnery, where all participants join together for the nine-nine retreat. Everyone will return to Kathmandu by helicopter. There is no option to walk back down.

Please Note:

Accommodations during the trek are very basic homestays and modest guesthouses, with limited comforts, communal squat toilets, and simple set meals.

The terrain includes inherent risks, including steep cliffs without railings and occasional rockfall. You will be accompanied by an experienced licensed mountain guide and porters familiar with this route.

All participants must obtain medical evacuation insurance covering 3,800 meters and sign a liability waiver.

Dr. Miles Neale’s children, ages 11 and 8 at the time, successfully completed this trek in 2025, so it is entirely possible with the right mindset and fitness level. We encourage you to consider making this journey at least once in your lifetime.

2. The Helicopter option for "Donor Group" (17 Nights) and the “Heli Group” (13 Nights)

For those unable to make the trek due to physical limitations or time constraints, the we offer round-trip helicopter transport directly between Kathmandu and Rachen Nunnery.

Although this option avoids the five-day trek, it still requires commitment. Participants arrive directly at altitude and enter the raw, remote conditions of Tsum Valley.

The Heli Group will join the Donor and Trek Groups at Rachen Nunnery for the nine-night retreat, sharing teachings, practices, sacred site visits, and daily life together before returning by helicopter to Kathmandu.

Whether you join the Trek, Donor, 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. Each group will have time in Kathmandu for arrival, orientation, a short sacred tour, permit processing, and any final preparations at Thamel market before embarking for Tsum Valley.

Arrival and Prep Days:

Trek Group: Arrives April 11, 2027
April 12: Permit processing and preparation day
April 13: Begin trek to Tsum Valley

Donor Group: Arrives April 11, 2027
April 12–13: Permit processing and preparation days
April 14: Helicopter to Tsum / Rachen, assuming permits are completed before the holiday

Heli Group: Arrives April 15, 2027
April 16–17: Permit processing and preparation days
April 18: Helicopter to Tsum / Rachen

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.

Departure Time
Please only book a flight departing after 5:00 pm on April 28. This is to provide us with a buffer if delays occur with the helicopters. If you need to reserve an extra night's hotel stay to depart the next morning, you can do so when purchasing a package on our site.

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.

RECAP DATES:

Trek Group — 17 nights

Day 1 — Apr 11: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 — Apr 12: Permit processing / prep day
Days 3–7 — Apr 13–17: Trekking / approach to Tsum
Days 8–16 — Apr 18–26: Shared retreat at Rachen Nunnery
Day 17 — Apr 27: Depart Rachen → overnight Kathmandu
Day 18 — Apr 28: International departure

Donor Group — 17 nights

Day 1 — Apr 11: Arrive Kathmandu
Days 2–3 — Apr 12–13: Permit processing / prep days
Day 4 — Apr 14: Fly to Tsum / Rachen with Geshe-la
Days 4–7 — Apr 14–17: Four private nights at Rachen Nunnery
Days 8–16 — Apr 18–26: Shared retreat at Rachen Nunnery
Day 17 — Apr 27: Depart Rachen → overnight Kathmandu
Day 18 — Apr 28: International departure

Main / Heli Group — 13 nights

Day 1 — Apr 15: Arrive Kathmandu
Days 2–3 — Apr 16–17: Permit processing / prep days
Days 4–12 — Apr 18–26: Fly to Tsum and shared retreat at Rachen Nunnery
Day 13 — Apr 27: Depart Rachen → overnight Kathmandu
Day 14 — Apr 28: International departure

• Nepal Tourist Visa
  Included in your package.

• Accommodations

  Quality hotel in Kathmandu (two or three nights upon arrival (depending on the package), and one night before departure, all guesthouses on the Trek Group itinerary, and all nights in the Tsum. 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 infrastructure 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

  Basic Nepali-level tips for guide, porters, and kitchen staff included. *Additional tips above and beyond will be collected at the end of the program to bring up to Western standards and reflect our true appreciation.

• International Airfare

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

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

• Personal Expenses

  Such as hotel-based spa and laundry services, additional 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 Tips and Donations
  While we have included a donation to Rachen for hosting us, we encourage those with financial means to consider offering further gifts to help build and maintain the infrastructure for future pilgrimages and more comfortable long-term retreat stays. There is no tax deduction on gifts for this project. Additional tips to support staff at the conclusion is encouraged.

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 cannot 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

Please note that Global Rescue only offers medivac service; you need a separate medical insurance policy to cover hospital expenses. Also, you do not need the Global Rescue "high altitude" add-on package; the basic coverage is enough for Tsum.

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

Note that most insurances do not cover major catastrophes
like earthquakes, political instability, or trip cancellation due to war. Please do your own research and read the fine print.

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.

This pilgrimage is by application only. After reviewing carefully the entire website, you may register your interest and you will be placed on a waitlist. Next, you will receive an email with further questions to help us assess if you are a good match for this tour.

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.

Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstances.

Trek Group – departure begins April 11, 2027

• 90+ days before departure — cancel on or before Jan 11, 2027

Full refund of payments made, minus the non-refundable deposit. Processing fees are not refundable.

• 89–60 days before departure — cancel Jan 12 – Feb 10, 2027

50% refund of payments made after the deposit. Processing fees are not refundable.

• 59 days or fewer before departure — cancel on or after Feb 11, 2027

No refund.

Donor Heli Group – departure begins April 12, 2027

• 90+ days before departure — cancel on or before Jan 12, 2027

Full refund of payments made, minus the non-refundable deposit. Processing fees are not refundable.

• 89–60 days before departure — cancel Jan 13 – Feb 11, 2027

50% refund of payments made after the deposit. Processing fees are not refundable.

• 59 days or fewer before departure — cancel on or after Feb 12, 2027

No refund.

Main Heli Group – departure begins April 15, 2027

• 90+ days before departure — cancel on or before Jan 15, 2027

Full refund of payments made, minus the non-refundable deposit. Processing fees are not refundable.

• 89–60 days before departure — cancel Jan 16 – Feb 14, 2027

50% refund of payments made after the deposit. Processing fees are not refundable.

• 59 days or fewer before departure — cancel on or after Feb 15, 2027

No refund.

Travel insurance covering trip interruption and trip cancellation is required to protect your investment. Please read the fine print of your contract carefully.

Important Notes:

• All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to connect@gradualpath.com.

• 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 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 co-founder of Khor community, a peer-led space for dharma practice and discussion. 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 Khamsang Tours, a licensed tour operator in Nepal. Chhewang is a former Buddhist monk, passionate social activist, and experienced tour organizer. He and his brother, Dhawa Gyangen, hail from the Tsum Valley and established Khamsang Tours and Trekking in 2014. As Himalayan natives, Chhewang and Dhawa are deeply knowledgeable and proud of their Buddhist heritage and enjoy bringing guests into the region to explore its unique culture, art, and spiritual traditions. Over the years, Chhewang has organized tours to Ladakh, Tibet, India, and many parts of Nepal, and has worked closely with Geshe Tenzin Zopa on multiple past pilgrimages. Chhewang will oversee all operations of our pilgrimage from the ground in Kathmandu and looks forward to welcoming you to Nepal.

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.