MOUNTAIN MEDITATION RETREAT TOUR

Arrival

After arriving at Bagdogra Airport you will drive towards Gangtok.

The distance is roughly 125 km and is roughly a 5-hour drive. 

When you reach Gangtok, you can check in at your hotel. 

Take rest for next day tour. 

Overnight stay at Gangtok.

Gangtok Guided Monastic Tour

A guided tour of the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, Sikkim, offers visitors a fascinating insight into Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhist studies. Here's what you might experience during a guided tour of NIT:

Introduction to NIT: Your guided tour will likely begin with an introduction to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, including its history, mission, and significance as a premier research institute dedicated to Tibetan and Buddhist studies.

Library: Visitors are often taken to the institute's library, which houses a vast collection of Tibetan Buddhist texts, scriptures, manuscripts, and reference materials. The library is a treasure trove for scholars and researchers interested in Tibetan studies.

Museum: The highlight of the tour is usually the museum within the institute, which showcases a rich display of Tibetan artifacts, thangkas (traditional Buddhist scroll paintings), statues, ritual objects, ancient manuscripts, and rare photographs. The museum provides insights into Tibetan art, culture, and religious practices.

Thangka Painting School: It may include a visit to the Thangka Painting School affiliated with NIT. Here, visitors can witness traditional Tibetan thangka painting techniques being practiced and learn about the significance of thangkas in Tibetan Buddhist art.

Gift Shop: Many guided tours conclude with a visit to the institute's gift shop, where visitors can purchase authentic Tibetan handicrafts, books, souvenirs, and traditional Tibetan artifacts. Proceeds from the gift shop often support the institute's research and educational activities.

Throughout the guided tour, visitors have the chance to interact with knowledgeable guides or staff members who can provide detailed explanations, answer questions, and offer insights into the institute's work and the significance of Tibetan studies in the context of Sikkimese culture and heritage.

Next, you will proceed to Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim and the seat of the Karmapa Lama, the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Rumtek Monastery is renowned for its traditional Tibetan architecture, vibrant murals, and a vast collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and artifacts.

Followed by your guided tour would likely start with an introduction to Tshulakhang Monastery, providing information about its significance, history, and religious practices.

Architecture and Layout: Visitors would have the opportunity to explore the monastery's architecture and layout. Tshulakhang Monastery may feature traditional Tibetan architectural elements such as colorful murals, intricately carved woodwork, prayer wheels, and prayer flags.

Main Prayer Hall: The guided tour would likely include a visit to the main prayer hall of Tshulakhang Monastery. Here, visitors can observe Buddhist rituals, prayers, and ceremonies conducted by monks, and learn about the significance of various religious artifacts and symbols.

Monastic Life: Visitors may also get a glimpse into the daily life of monks residing in the monastery. Guides may provide insights into monastic routines, meditation practices, and the role of the monastery within the local community.

History and Cultural Significance: Throughout the tour, guides may share stories and historical anecdotes related to Tshulakhang Monastery, offering insights into its cultural significance and the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.

Spiritual Experience: Visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of the monastery, taking in the serene atmosphere, participating in prayers or meditation sessions if permitted, and reflecting on their own spiritual journey.

Interaction with Monks: Depending on the arrangements, visitors may have the opportunity to interact with monks, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practices. 

Overnight stay at Gangtok

 Teenjurey Hike

Get ready for a wonderful hike today.

After having your breakfast, you will be heading to Teenjurey in Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 5 km.

The Teenjurey hike, which takes 3.5 hours, goes through a forest of magnolia, maple, and pine. The forest is also home to deer, leopards, red pandas, and many colourful birds. Enjoy the freshness of the surroundings as you proceed to the highest point at 2433m (7980ft) of the sanctuary. From the watch tower at Teenjurey top, you can see a fascinating view of Gangtok town and Teesta Valley on one side and the towering Khangchendzonga peak on the northern horizon (Teenjurey hike video)

We will serve packed lunch at Teenjurey. Spend a leisurely hour at the top of the hill and take some splendid photographs before coming back to Gangtok in the afternoon.

After the hike, go for an evening stroll at M.G. Marg to mingle with the locals of Sikkim. Enjoy the local cuisines, try some street food, and buy some souvenirs before you return to your hotel.

Overnight stay at Gangtok

Transfer to Vipassana Meditation & Research Centre

Today you will be leaving for a 10-day meditation retreat.

where your schedule will be as mentioned below for the next 10 days :

4:00 am                         Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am                Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am                Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am                Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am                Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's   instructions

11:00-12:00 noon       Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm        Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm                 Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm                Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm              Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's     instructions

5:00-6:00 pm                Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm                Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm                Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm               Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm               Question time in the hall

9:30 pm                        Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am               Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am              Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am              Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am              Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am              Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm             Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm             Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm             Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm             Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm             Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm             Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm            Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm             Question time in the hall

9:30 pm             Retire to your own room--Lights out 

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am               Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am               Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am              Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am          Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm        Question time in the hall

9:30 pm        Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am         Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am         Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall

9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall

9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall

9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall

9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall

9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Schedule for the day:

4:00 am Morning wake-up bell

4:30-6:30 am Meditate in the hall or in your room

6:30-8:00 am Breakfast break

8:00-9:00 am Group meditation in the hall

9:00-11:00 am Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions

11:00-12:00 noon Lunch break

12 noon-1:00 pm Rest and interviews with the teacher

1:00-2:30 pm Meditate in the hall or in your room

2:30-3:30 pm Group meditation in the hall

3:30-5:00 pm Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions

5:00-6:00 pm Tea break

6:00-7:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

7:00-8:15 pm Teacher's Discourse in the hall

8:15-9:00 pm Group meditation in the hall

9:00-9:30 pm Question time in the hall

9:30 pm Retire to your own room--Lights out

Overnight stay at Meditation & Research Centre

Departure:

Today after the daily schedule we will transfer you to either Bagdogra or Gangtok