Pilgrimage In Bhutan
Led by Lama Palden | Fall 2026
Join Lama Palden Drolma, a modern Vajrayana master, with a deep and intimate connection to Bhutan on this exceptional opportunity to see the treasures and sacred sites of magical Bhutan.
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Pilgrimage in Bhutan.
Pilgrimage is a significant practice that can lead to a profound spiritual opening and transformation. Traveling throughout one of the world's most beautiful and sacred countries, we are able to experience how Buddhism, and specifically Vajrayana, is ingrained in and practiced in its original culture.
We hope you will join us.
The application process is below. If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Lucas, the pilgrimage coordinator, at pilgrimage@sukhasiddhi.org
Lama Palden Drolma
Sukhasiddhi Foundation, Senior Lama & Founder
If you missed the Pilgrimage Information Meeting, but are interested to learn more, please watch our video recording of the meeting.
“For someone wanting to touch the heart of Buddhism in a place that is such a pure expression, I think {the Sukhasiddhi} pilgrimage is a perfect opportunity. I loved being in Bhutan, experiencing the culture, deepening my own practice, and being around like-minded people who are also committed to their spiritual practice. The time with the lamas was precious and I feel like I made some friends for life. It was both healing and inspiring."
- Mary Glover
Sample Itinerary: 14 Days (13 nights)
Details Subject to Change
Dates: Saturday, September 26 - Friday, October 9, 2026
Day One: Welcome - Arrival Paro Valley
Our pilgrimage begins in the enchanting valley of Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day enjoy views of towering Himalayan peaks.
We will be met by our guides at the airport and travel only a short distance to our hotel for a delicious lunch. Our afternoon excursion begins the chance to open ourselves to the majesty of this sacred land, including the lighting of butter lamps to mark our intentions and aspirations for the journey ahead.
Day Two: Excursion to Serlung Monastery and Dobji Dzong
Enjoy a scenic drive to along the winding road to Serlung Pekar Chöling Gompa (Monastery), which is historically linked to Thangtong Gyalpo, the legendary “Bridge Builder” who constructed 58 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan. We will enjoy tea, meditation, prayers, and time to learn about this unique monastery.
Later, we return towards Paro to visit Dobji Dzong, famous for it’s healing spring connected to Milarepa, and it’s stunning views. We will have a picnic lunch, meditation, prayers, & a walk to the sacred spring.
Day Three: Thimphu
After breakfast, we continue our adventure with roughly an hour drive to Thimphu, the vibrant capital of Bhutan.
Once in Thimphu, we will check-in to our hotel, have lunch, and have the opportunity to visit temples— such as the Memorial Chörten, and the Buddha Dordema, a massive golden Buddha seen from almost anywhere in Thimphu. Lama Palden will guide us in meditation and prayers throughout our visits to these sacred sites. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day Four-Five: Punahkha Valley
We continue our driving adventure to Punakha Valley, one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutan culture. On the way, we stop at Dochula Pass, which on a clear day offers panoramic views of the entire Himalayan mountain range.
Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch at Aum Toebzam Homestay (Restaurant / Farm House)—newly famous both in Bhutan and internationally. Enjoy farm to table fresh organic produce and true Bhutanese hospitality that’s full of heart. If time, our host will offer an Ema Datsi (Bhutan’s national dish) cooking demonstration.
Over the next few days we will enjoy hikes of various lengths to Khamsum Yulley Chorten (stupa) and Chimi Lhakhang (temple), and visit the stunning Punhkha Dzong. Songs, prayers, and meditations led by Lama Palden carry us further into our sacred travel experience.
Day Six: Trongsa
We continue our pilgrimage deeper into Bhutan taking in dramatic landscapes on our ride to Trongsa. Our group will enjoy a few stops along the way, including the beloved tea and cookie break and various opportunities to stretch our legs and take photos.
Day Seven-Ten: Bumthang
After visiting the majestic Trongsa Dzong, we head to Bumthang, comprised of four lush valleys where many famous Buddhist yogis and yoginis lived and practiced. Our drive includes amazing views and stops to sing songs of realization, meditate, and pray in Bhutan’s sacred places.
We will spend three nights in Bumthang, with plenty of opportunities to meditate and recite prayers led by Lama Palden, throughout our time here. Temple visits include Jambay Lhakhang - the oldest temple in Bhutan, the majestic complex of Kurjey Lhakhang —where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and Tamshing Lhakhang —all very historically significant monasteries in Bhutan. We will also have the option to hike to Zhug-dra, a holy site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have left his footprints.
Day Eleven-Thirteen: Return to Paro Valley
We return to Paro, via a stunning flight over the Himalayas, where we will settle for the duration of our pilgrimage.
Over the next few days we will visit spiritually significant temples for prayers and meditation throughout the picturesque Paro Valley, as well as enjoy a few excursions to destinations just outside the valley.
Time with Khandro Dorje Phagmo Rinpoche
One of the primary highlights of our pilgrimage will be our time with Khandro Dorje Phagmo, a Bhutanese spiritual master and emanation of the yidam (awakened being) Vajra Varahi. We will gather at Jabdho Gompa, founded by Longchenpa. This tranquil and secluded Buddhist monastery is surrounded by breathtaking views of the valley and towering mountains, and is home to 22 young nuns. Khandro La will guide our group in various sacred practices and bestow transmissions.
Tshe Lung Ney
New this year, is a special day of contemplation and relaxation at Tshe Lung Ney. Situated along a tranquil river, this peaceful location is imbued with sacred significance. We will have ample opportunities to mediate, pray, and enjoy quiet time in nature as we integrate the power of the last 12 days.
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Our final excursion is the awe-inspiring hike to Taktsang. This moderately challenging hike is approximately 2-3 hours, climbing nearly 3,000’ to elevation of 10,000’ — offering rare views of the valley, and a chance to meditate in Bhutan’s iconic temple.
Alternatives will be available to those unable/do not wish to partake in this hiking excursion.
Our Final Day
A closing circle of gratitude and reflection before we depart for the airport.
Application Process
Complete Online Application
Non-Sukhasiddhi Members will be contacted for an Interview by Suzanne Lucas, our Pilgrimage Coordinator
Upon acceptance — submit $3,000 deposit and sign Pilgrimage Agreement within seven days of notification. This deposit is non-refundable after January 9, 2026.
Questions? Email Suzanne Lucas at pilgrimage@sukhasiddhi.org.
>> The deadline to apply is NOVEMBER 7, 2025.
Investment
Sukhasiddhi Members* $8,750
*A member pays a monthly membership donation
Non-Members $8,995
Single room supplement $595
Shared rooms must be with a person you know.
Not Covered:
Round trip airfare from your home to Bangkok
Hotel and meals while in Bangkok
Travel insurance, a requirement to enter Bhutan
Excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages in Bhutan, laundry
Offerings for temple visits
Tips for hotels, guides, drivers and luggage handler
Dana (monetary offerings) for Lamas and Rinpoche(s)
Payment Schedule
Upon Approval $3,000
No refunds after January 9, 2026
Feb 15, 2026 $3,000
May 15, 2026 Remaining Balance
Included:
Airfare to/from Bangkok to Bhutan, and internal flight to/from Bumthang
Sukhasiddhi Coordinator to provide pre-pilgrimage guidance/suggestions, and pilgrimage assistance while in Bhutan
Included while in Bhutan:
Spiritual Leadership by Lama Palden
Pilgrimage Assistance by Suzanne Lucas
Experienced English-speaking Tour Guides
Accommodation in 3-star hotels + meals
Daily Sustainable Development Fee + Visa
Private Bus / Drivers + Luggage Handling
Entrance fees, taxes
Pilgrimage Information Meeting | Video Recording
About Lama Palden
Lama Palden Drolma is the founder and Senior Lama of Sukhasiddhi Foundation, a Tibetan Buddhist center in the Shangpa and Kagyu lineages. Lama Palden transmits, trains, and mentors students and clients, passing on the teachings and practices that enable one to reach complete awakening. She has a lifelong interest in Comparative Mysticism and Inter-spirituality. Lama Palden also worked for years as a licensed psychotherapist, and in addition to teaching, now does Spiritual Counseling at the intersection of the spirituality and psychology. Her book, Love on Every Breath, is on the practice of Extraordinary Tonglen.