Sakyadhita Australia Pilgrimage – Celebrating 10 Years
TOUR DATES
11-17 March 2026
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
10th Anniversary Dinner in Melbourne
3 day Retreat led by Ven Chokyi
Visits to temples in Melbourne and country Victoria
Visit to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
TOUR COST
Pilgrimage Package
$1,750 single
$1,695 shared in Atisha only
Retreat Package
$510 single
Pilgrimage Package including 1 night in Melbourne)
$1,950 single
$1,890 shared in Atisha only
TOUR BOOKING FORM
Download Booking Form:
Spiritual Leader: Ven Thubten Chokyi
Ven Chokyi is a nun in the Tibetan tradition. She is based at Tara Meditation Centre Bunbury in Western Australia, where she is the resident teacher, leading the foundation studies program.. She is currently Vice President and Spiritual Adviser of Sakyadhita Australia and Chair of the Australian Sangha Association. She was ordained in 2006 by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Prior to ordination she taught at University and in the community sector.
Tour Leader/Driver: Sharon Thrupp
Sharon Thrupp, Treasurer is the Director of Ekno Travels, a travel company based in Australia and India. For two decades she divided her time between Nepal and India where she studied Buddhism and lived and worked in Dharmasala, India having direct access to the Tibetan buddhist teachings, including the Dalai Lama and other renowned teachers such as Sakyadhita President Jetsuman Tenzin Palmo.
She has now returned to Australia and regularly attends her local Buddhist centre, Chenrezig Institute on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
A$1750
One tour per person
ONLINE BOOKING FORM
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1
Wednesday 11 March 2026
Melbourne – Arrive in Melbourne.
Take Skybus into the city centre.
6pm Meet for a celebratory Dinner at Red Emperor, Southgate Melbourne. Recognising all those involved in our first 10 years!
Overnight Melbourne (own cost).
Day 2
Thursday 12 March 2026
Melbourne – Newbury
9am : Pickups from our meeting point in Southbank in Melbourne.
In the morning we visit the Quang Minh Vietnamese Temple.
Lunch supplied : Donation
In the afternoon we proceed to the Tibetan Buddhist Society and the Peaceful Land of Joy Gardens.
Afternoon tea. Donation.
Accommodation : Sanctuary of Stillness Retreat Centre, Newbury (single accommodation only).
Light Supper provided.
Day 3
Friday 13 March 2026
Newbury – Sanctuary of Stillness
After breakfast, visit a Buddhist Centre near Daylesford or places of interest.
From 4pm : Registration for weekend retreat. Some individual arrivals by own transport.
Breakfast, Light Supper provided
Day 4
Saturday 14 March 2026
Newbury Retreat led by Venerable Chokyi
Retreat details will be provided on booking.
Breakfast, Lunch & Light Supper provided
Day 5
Sunday 15 March 2026
Newbury – Atisha Retreat continues.
Closing session after lunch. Depart by bus/car to Atisha around 2pm. Check into Atisha Centre, Bendigo.
Breakfast, Lunch & Light Supper provided. Overnight Atisha Centre Bendigo
Day 6
Monday 16 March 2026
Atisha Meditation Centre
Tour of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and the Peace Park Gardens. Visit Machig Labdron (the Buddhist Nunnery)
Lunch at Stupa View cafe – own cost.
Breakfast & Light Supper provided
Day 7
Tuesday 17 March 2026
Atisha/Bendigo to Melbourne
Breakfast & Lunch provided (lunch to be via donation). Via Kinglake – Seon Centre, Ven Chikwang Sunim.
For Lunch – donation required.
Return to Melbourne Southbank.
Drop-offs approximately 5pm.
INCLUDES / EXCLUDES
Retreat Package only –
(if attending the retreat only)
NOTES:
There will be invited guests for the 10th Anniversary Dinner as part of the celebrations
The bus will pick you up from a designated location at Southbank, Melbourne at 9am on 12th March.
Suggested Hotels in Southbank, Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express – $190 per night
Mantra Southbank – $225 per night
Mecure Southbank– Approx $250 per night
Oaks Melbourne Southbank – Approx $250 per night
Please do not book flight on 17 March until around 6pm.