Warning: This trip is life changing. Prepare to be challenged in the best ways. Physically, mentally, spiritually. Luckily, Dr. Miles Neale and his team are so attentive to the details that you will have plenty of space to savor each experience. The guides for the trek were amazing - kind, supportive, always there when needed, and full of information about the landscape and culture, because this is their home, too. And the spiritual force of Rachen Nunnery, Mu Monastery and the many sacred sites along the way offers a ground of blessing that is hard to describe. You'll just have to go.

This trip was an unbelievably precious experience to visit rare and holy places so remote you would never get to them without this team creating the opportunity. Wonderful leadership and guides. I am in awe of the work that must have been involved to make it happen and filled with gratitude.

The pilgrimage was the most extraordinary journey I have ever made. The ten-week preparation through Gradual Path / Miles Neale was the first step along the way. Together with Lama Tenzin Zopa, we walked through his “home valley”: the Tsum Valley, a hidden place that remains largely untouched, both in nature and in culture. It was special to spend time like this with such a remarkable man and teacher—someone who enjoys a good debate, offers profound teachings, and is equally happy to join in a playful water fight in the river of 1,800 streams. The trekking days were intensive, steep and very, very beautiful! The visit to Mu Monastery and the many culturally and historically significant Buddhist sites were deeply impressive and left me in quiet awe. My stay at Rachen Nunnery has been of immeasurable value to me. The dedication and hospitality of the nuns exceeded all my expectations. Their warmth, joy, discipline, and the way they devote their lives to the Dharma—in such a remote place—touched me deeply. It was also incredibly special to share parts of the trek with them, quite literally walking hand in hand. I felt: this is the energy the world needs. I truly felt welcome and at home there. The guidance and organization of the trek, the facilities, the cooking and the handling of every eventuality by the brothers Dawa and Chhewang Nitup Lama and their team were top-notch—professional, safe, filled with humor, joy, care, patience, dedication, and love. Buddhists through and through, from Tsum Valley, proud and happy to bring us there. I am deeply grateful to everyone who was part of this journey, and especially to Emily Wolf and Miles Neale, who set me on this path. Have to integrate now.... Dorène de Vries

What an awesome spiritual and personal adventure, and a life-changing experience. Getting back to bare basics, a simplistic lifestyle with like-minded strangers, who become friends, created deep appreciation of my life and the infallibility of its impermanence. Miles and Emily were always willing to listen and promptly helped to sort out any difficulties I had. Going on pilgrimage, for me, requires inner strength and enquiry, a quieting of the mind so as to absorb the blessings that surround me. Being in Tsum Valley felt like coming home, a place I’ve been before and want to return back to time and time again. The teachings (and recordings) were priceless, the dharma discussions inspiring and meaningful and the Ranchen Nunnery sangha community and Chhewang, Dhawa and Tsultrim were simply beautiful friends. And all the pilgrims were awesome! There was nothing to complain about, even with gastro on the hike! (Although maybe I did complain at the time because I felt pretty miserable 🤢 and note to self: too many tissues and wet ones is never enough on a hike!!) All I could think of was Geshe-la emphasising the purpose of the pilgrimage was purification - recite the mantra with every step and hopefully I managed to purify a lot! Thank you Miles and Emily for giving me the opportunity to share this special time with you and your dharma family. Please let me know how I can donate to Ranchen Nunnery and Mu Monastery going forward. It is an honour to be able to give even a little to preserving the vast spiritual history and holy objects held by these very special places now deeply embedded in my heart. 🙏🥰

I had a wonderful time throughout the Tsum Valley Pilgrimage. Dr Miles and the entire Gradual Path team were flawless. Geshe Zopa enhanced every aspect of the journey with his perfect instruction, presence, knowledge and kindness. I experienced and observed a high level of care and concern given to all participants. Safety and wellbeing were paramount. The group in it's entirety was cohesive and enjoyable to be with. Would love to attend again. The Tsum Valley and it's people are beautiful. The Nun's at Rachen Gompa extraordinary. A pure and special place.