Following the Footsteps of the Gelugpa Masters

The Gelugpa order was founded by Tsong Khapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357 – 1419), one of the great figures of Tibetan religious history. He was a renowned scholar, meditator, and philosopher, his written work contains a comprehensive view of Buddhist philosophy. Moreover, his written works include practice that integrates sutra and tantra, analytical reasoning, and yogic meditation. He was also life to revitalizing Tibetan Buddhism. Furthermore, he was also recapturing the essence of Buddha’s teachings as he understood them.

More About Tsong Khapa

Tsong Khapa was born in the Tsongkha valley in the Amdo province of eastern Tibet. According to traditional biographies, his birth was the culmination of a process of spiritual development. So, the spiritual development began during a previous life, at the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. As a young boy, he offered a crystal rosary to Buddha. Who presented him with a conch shell and told his attendant Ananda that in a future life the young boy would be born in Tibet. There he would found a great monastery. Moreover, he becomes one of the most influential figures in the spread of the Dharma in the “Land of Snows”. The Buddha then predicted that in his future life the young boy would be named Sumatikirti. The Sumatikirti means the Sanskrit Equivalent of Lobsang Drakpa.

The beginning of his order can be traced to his founding of Ganden Monastery in 1410. This monastery was in which monks would strictly adhere to the rules of Vinaya. And, also sharpen their intellects in philosophical debate, and engage in the high-level tantric practice. The school he founded was originally referred to as Gandenpa. After its first monastery, and later became known as Gelugpa or “System of Virtue” in accordance with its reformist orientation.

Your key focus of this authentic private group tour programme aims to trace back in time. Therefore, visit some of the must-see sights of Tibetan Gelugpa monasteries, temples and meditation sites. The primary objective to explore and learn the mythic and inspirational stories of The Great Gelugpa Masters.

As part of the key focus of your thematic tour in “Following the Footsteps of the Gelugpa Masters”, the tour covers the following key sacred seats of Gelugpa Buddhist tradition. They reflect rich history in teachings from past and present of Gelugpa masters of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet.

Gaden Monastery

The mother monastery of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism founded by reverent Master Tsongkhapa

Sera Monastery

The second biggest Gelugpa learning center founded by Chamchen Choeje Shakya an important student of reverent master Tsongkhapa

Drepung monastery

the biggest Gelugpa learning center founded by Jamyang Choeje Tashi Palden one of the main disciples of master Tsongkhapa

Tashi Lhunpo monastery

The biggest Gelugpa learning center in the Tsang region or the present Shigatse prefecture. It is the primary seat of successive Panchen Lamas, the second highest ranking lama in Geluk lineage of Tibetan Buddhism

Olka Cholung monastery where master Tsongkhapa spent five years in retreat based on advice from the Dakinis. In addition, where he gained some of his deepest realizations into the nature of reality

Pabonka Hermitage

The first buildings established in the Lhasa area and the historical hermitage site founded by the 32nd king Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century

The trip will also take us through a classic route in central-western Tibet. As a result, through the tour visitors can witness marvelous landscapes. Furthermore, visitors also witness some of the key stunning sites of historic and religious significance. For example, the gorgeous sight of Yamdrok and Sechen Lhatso Lakes, the Karo La Glacier. Furthermore, the trip will give a wonderful experience to dip in a natural Olka Cholung hot spring.

In addition, during your tour in Lhasa, you will be exploring some of the major best-loved sights of religious and historic significance in the city. It including the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. Get an ample chance to visit and observe the traditional life of the indigenous Tibetan rural communities. Furthermore, the handicraft center to see and learn the extraordinary array of authentic Tibetan traditional and contemporary works of crafts and arts.