Tour Package Announcement

We are pleased to inform you all that the organizing committee which, to this date, has organized four successive Monlam at Bodhgaya in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007 will be continuing the Kagyu Monlam every year from now on.

For the well being and beneficiation of all sentient beings, the organizing committee is happy to be holding a great Monlam at Bodhgaya for one week from 1st December to 7th December. Many Great Lamas, Rinpoches, Monks and foreign disciples from all over the world will participate in this Monlam. His Holiness 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje and H.H. Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche will also join the Monlam.

Therefore the Monlam Committee has chosen the only Karma Kagyu Tour Operator (Shambhala Travels) for individuals and small groups wishing to join package pilgrimage tours starting in Nepal and India. The rate for these two package tours is discounted in maximum on the condition that the group has a minimum size of 5 persons. The package can be cancelled by individuals or groups at the latest one month before the tour starts. Advance payments will then be reimbursed in full.

Requirements to join the package:

• All passport details

• 50 % advance of total cost through bank transfer.

Bookings accepted from 1st August 2008 until tour starts.

1st option itineraries are as follows:

Nov 25 Arrival at Kathmandu, assistance and Hotel transfer.

Nov 26 Visit Boudha and Swambhunath stupa.

Nov 27 Drive to Lumbini. Overnight at hotel.

Nov 28 Drive to Kushinagar. Overnight at hotel.

Nov 29 Drive to Patna via Vaishali. Over night at Patna

Nov 30 Drive to Bodhgaya via Rajgir and Nalanda. Over night at Bodhgaya.

Dec 01 MONLAM

Dec 02 MONLAM

Dec 03 MONLAM

Dec 04 MONLAM

Dec 05 MONLAM

Dec 06 MONLAM

Dec 07 MONLAM

Dec 08 Drive to Varanasi. Overnight at Hotel

Dec 09 Early morning visit and boat at river Ganges and afternoon visit Saranath.

Dec 10 Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Dec 11 Rest and Shopping

Dec 12 Departure

2nd option itineraries are as follows:

Nov 28 Arrive Varanasi, assistance and Hotel transfer.

Nov 29 Visit Saranath stupa.

Nov 30 Early morning sightseeing at river Ganges and drive to Bodhgaya.

Dec 01 MONLAM

Dec 02 MONLAM

Dec 03 MONLAM

Dec 04 MONLAM

Dec 05 MONLAM

Dec 06 MONLAM

Dec 07 MONLAM

Dec 08 Drive to Patna for DEL flight

How to reach Bodh-Gaya

Bodh-Gaya is in the Indian state of Bihar and can be reached simply by train, bus or airplane. Traveling by road can take more time than comparable distances in the West, Hong Kong and similar locations.

Distances to Bodh-Gaya

Gaya____________________ 16 kms

Patna____________________115 kms

Rajgir____________________ 90 kms

Varanasi_________________ 250 kms

By Air

There is a flight to Patna from Delhi and you can then proceed from Patna to Bodh-Gaya by taxi. It normally takes 3-4 hours. There is also a flight from Kathmandu to Varanasi. From Varanasi the journey to Bodh-Gaya takes 5-6 hours by car. Bodh-Gaya has started hosting International flights from Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bhutan. Transportation by car or bus to Bodh-Gaya from the airport can be arranged on arrival. Schedules, fares and flight availability information can be obtained directly through Indian Airlines or Shambhala Travels. Other airlines may also serve Patna Airport. For further information contact a local Travel Agent or Shambhala Travels.

By Train

The nearest train station is 16 kms away in Gaya. There are many taxis which can be hired at the Railway Station. Gaya to Bodh-Gaya is less than a one hour drive away. The Rajdani Express train has one of the quickest and most comfortable services running between Delhi and Calcutta which stops at Gaya. For detailed information contact Indian Rail.

Accommodation

There are several guest houses and lodging alternatives in Bodh-Gaya within comfortable walking distance of the stupa temple. This information is provided to assist those pilgrims who want to make their accommodation arrangement in advance.

Therefore interested parties or individuals are kindly requested to contact the KARMA KAGYU TRAVEL AGENCY (M/S SHAMBHALA TRAVELS AND TOURS for more details)

Bookings can also be made for individuals only needing room or transport in Bodhgaya.

Mr. Tsering

Shambhala Travels and Tours (p) Ltd.

P.O. Box No 4794

Kathmandu

Nepal

Tel: 4225166, 4246830, 4231932, 4255794

Fax: 0977-1-4227229

E-mail: travels@shambhala.wlink.com.np

info@shambhalatravels.com

ktd@shambhalatravels.com

http://www.shambhalatravels.com

If you have any further queries regarding Monlam you can also contact following email address:

kagyu_monlam@yahoo.com

If you have your own separate itinerary and require any assistance please do let us know without any hesitation. Likewise if you wish to make other pilgrimage travel during the Monlam we can provide assistance.

Cost Includes:

The Package Inclusions :

Scheduled courtesy pick–up & drop from Airport Welcome drink on arrival. Breakfast and Dinner

Sightseeing tours throughout the trips with English speaking guides Entrance fees in world heritage sites. Accommodation in twin bed rooms Transportation as per itinerary

Prices exclude:

Airfare and Airport tax;

Visa fee;

Medical costs if necessary

Extra costs in the event of landslides, road blockages;

Expenses of personal nature;

Camera charge

Laundry, entertainment, tips etc

All other expenses which are not mentioned

Some brief information:

Lumbini: Once upon a time, over 25 centuries ago, Kapilvastu, the capital of the Sakya was in a festive mood. Mahamaya, the chief queen of King Suddhodana, had a dream in which a magnificent white elephant with a lotus in his trunk appeared and entered her side. The 64 Brahman soothsayers who were invited to interpret the queen’s dream prophesied that she would give birth to an illustrious son who would either be a world conqueror or a world renounced. On the auspicious full moon day of Vaisakha in 566 BC in Lumbini grove, just outside Kapilvastu, the young prince was born. He was named Siddhartha Gautama (Siddhartha Gautama meaning one who has achieved his purpose, Gautama being the name of his gotra or clan.

Lumbini, the sacred site of Lord Buddha’s birth is today a small village in NEPAL, 27 Km from Sonauli on the Indo-Nepal border.

Bodhgaya:

In November 2007 Gyalwa Karmapa will attend the Kagyu Monlam in Bodh Gaya, India. It is a gathering to practice Paths of Aspirations (or Wishing Prayers). Bodhgaya is located in the Indian state of Bihar, 115 Km from Patna. More than 2500 years ago Siddhartha, a young ascetic, having royal heritage came here. He was looking for a quiet retreat place where he would meditate for 6 years and become enlightened as Lord Buddha under the bodhi tree.

To this very day it is the most important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists world-wide. This is why a gathering for the Monlam practice at this place is of special importance. Gyalwa Karmapa has been in Bodh Gaya before in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004 and 2007

Saranath: After Sakyamuni gained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree on the bank of the Niranjana River, he walked over 250 Kms from Bodhgaya and gave the teachings on the 4 noble truths to his first 5 disciples.

Kushinagar: is a place that the Buddha chose for his Mahaparinirvana, or the final exit from this earth. Kushinagar or Kushinara as it was then known was the capital of the Malla Republic, one of the Republican states of modern India during the 6th and 5th centuries BC. Kushinagar is identified with the modern village of Kaisa, 51 kms from Gorakpur city, in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Thanking you in advance,

With best regards,

Karma T Dhondup

Chairman, Kagyu Monlam organizing committee