In 2026, Lawudo Gompa is offering two rare and deeply meaningful pilgrimages to the Khumbu region of Nepal, marking the third anniversary of the passing of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the Lawudo Lama. These pilgrimages invite students and practitioners to walk in the footsteps of the Lawudo Lamas, practise in places blessed by generations of realised yogis, and reconnect with the living lineage of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
For many students of Tibetan Buddhism, pilgrimage is not simply travel—it is a form of practice. To visit and practise in the holy places of one’s own teacher is especially powerful. These two pilgrimages offer that opportunity, guided by experienced teachers and held within the rhythm of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar.
Why Lawudo?
The Khumbu region is renowned for its dramatic Himalayan landscapes—soaring peaks, clear skies, roaring rivers, and ancient villages. Yet its deeper significance lies in its spiritual history. Padmasambhava blessed this land as a place that nurtures realisation, and for centuries yogis have practised in its caves, hermitages, monasteries, and retreat sites.
Lawudo holds a particularly intimate place in the life of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It was here, in his past life as the Lawudo Lama, that he accomplished the highest stages of Dzogchen Atiyoga in the Lawudo cave and surrounding earth holes. It was also here that he later rebuilt Lawudo Gompa, ordained the first Kopan monks, and supported the spiritual and material wellbeing of local communities through major restoration projects.
Pilgrimage to Lawudo is therefore not only a journey through sacred geography, but a journey through the living story of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s compassion, activity, and vision.
The Third Lawudo Anniversary Pilgrimage
16–30 April 2026 (15 days)
With Charok Rinpoche, Venerable Sarah Thresher, and Venerable Angie Muir
This 15-day pilgrimage commemorates the third anniversary of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s passing and is especially oriented towards prayer, reflection, and retreat.
Pilgrims will travel through key sacred sites of the Khumbu region, including:
- Rimijung, Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Thame monasteries
- Kari Nunnery
- Thame-teng Stupa
- Lawudo Gompa, stupas, and meditation caves
The pilgrimage culminates in a three-day retreat at Lawudo Gompa with Charok Rinpoche, creating space for deeper contemplation and practice. Throughout the journey, participants will engage in prayers and practices taught by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, with a particular emphasis on clearing obstacles and creating auspicious conditions for his swift return.
This pilgrimage is especially suited to students wishing to reconnect with the places most closely associated with Rinpoche’s practice, activity, and legacy.
In the Footsteps of the Lawudo Lamas
22 May – 10 June 2026 (21 days)
With Charok Rinpoche and Venerable Sarah Thresher
This longer pilgrimage takes place during Saka Dawa, one of the most sacred months in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana.
Over 21 days, pilgrims will visit many of the most important holy places connected with the Lawudo Lamas, including:
- Guru Puja and blessings at Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s birth house in Thame
- Mani Rimdu Cham dances at Thame Monastery
- The Oracle Lake above Tengbo
- Lawudo Gompa on the 15th day of Saka Dawa
- The White AH cave of Padmasambhava and Mandarava above Khumjung
- Meditation caves of past great masters at Phortse
- The historic Sherpa gompas of Rimijung, Thame, Pangboche, Tengboche, and Deboche
This pilgrimage offers a rare convergence of sacred timing, sacred place, and lineage connection. Practising in these locations during Saka Dawa is traditionally understood to greatly multiply the merit of virtuous actions and prayers.
A Pilgrimage of Lineage, Practice, and Devotion
Pilgrimage is always uplifting—but pilgrimage to the holy places of one’s own teacher carries a particular resonance. These journeys to Lawudo and the wider Khumbu region offer time to reflect, to practise together, and to allow the landscape itself to support inner transformation.
For students of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the Lawudo pilgrimages are an opportunity to honour his life, teachings, and vast compassionate activity, while strengthening one’s own connection to the path.
Further Information
For full details and itineraries, those interested are invited to contact the organisers directly:
