Pilgrimage In Bhutan
Led by Lama Palden | Fall 2026
We are excited to announce that Lama Palden Drolma of the Shangpa and Kagyu lineage of Vajrayana will once again return to the only Vajrayana Kingdom in the world in the Fall of 2026.
This is a rich and rare opportunity for practitioners and non-practioners alike to be immersed in a beautiful land suffused with beauty, kindness and spiritual practice, and to enjoy experiences that have the potential to open one’s heart, mind and be powerfully transforming.
We are especially thrilled to announce that this Pilgrimage includes dedicated time with Khandro Dorje Phagmo Rinpoche. Khandro La is a recognized incarnation of Vajra Varahi. She holds a significant place of respect in Tibetan Buddhism, is a treasure revealer (terton), and the founder of the Dorje Phagmo Foundation, a humanitarian mission providing care and education in Bhutan. Those who met her during her US tour in June 2025 were immediately touched by the power of her humble, but powerful presence and the warmth of her kind, generous heart. She is known for being welcoming and accessible to all levels of students.
As in past pilgrimages, our tour begins in Paro, Bhutan, and over 14 glorious days our group will travel though the countryside. Our program includes meditation sessions in ancient temples led by Lama Palden, occasional hikes in Bhutan’s pristine natural environment, delicious local cuisine and stays in quaint hotels.
We are committed to keeping our group size under 25 to create a more intimate and personal pilgrimage experience and connection with Lama Palden. Therefore, our pilgrimages typically book quickly.
Dates, cost and other details will be shared in early October!
Interested in learning more?
Mark your calendar for the Pilgrimage Information Meeting.
Please join Lama Palden, Pilgrimage Leader, and Suzanne Lucas, Coordinator,
for an online information evening Thursday, October 23 at 6 pm.
About Lama Palden
Lama Palden Drolma founded Sukhasiddhi Foundation in 1996, developing its curriculum and teaching all classes, retreats and programs for many years as Resident Lama, bringing many people to the profound transformative path, and supporting their growth. In 2002 she initiated and taught a traditional three year retreat and instituted multi-year programs for those serious students who could not attend the retreat. Lama Palden Drolma has led many pilgrimages to Bhutan and India, and has trained and authorized five of her students as lamas in the Shangpa Kagyu lineage, including Lama Döndrup who completed the three year retreat, Lama Tashi (Annik Brunet), Lama Stephen Gross and Lama Pat Berube, who completed all the Shangpa Lineage meditation and training of the three year retreat over a period of many years. Lama Döndrup is now Resident Lama at Sukhasiddhi Foundation, Lama Tashi and Lama Pat have been teaching at Sukhasiddhi for many years, and Lama Stephen lives in Corfu, where he teaches a weekly dharma class. Lama Palden has trained many others as Community Dharma Leaders.
After two years of living in Portugal, Lama Palden Drolma returned to the San Francisco Bay Area in November 2021, where she continues to act as Senior Lama of Sukhasiddhi Foundation, teaching advanced programs, the Women’s Group, and retreats.