Sakyadhita Australia Pilgrimage – Celebrating 10 Years

11-17 March 2026

Dates

Buddhist Pilgrimages

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 BOOKING FORM	Download Booking Form: Click here
TOUR COST (not including GST)	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

Spiritual Leader: Ven Thubten Chokyi

Ven Chokyi is a nun in the Tibetan tradition. She is based at Chenrerzig Institute in Queensland where she is the resident teacher, leading the foundation studies program.. She is currently 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.

Ven Chokyi is also International Director of the Liberation Prison program. She is now based in Bunbury, Western Australia.

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.

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 and proceed to temple visit: Tibetan Buddhist Society and the Peaceful Land of Joy Gardens.

Another possible temple visit TBC

Lunch to be arranged (own cost)
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

Pilgrimage led by Venerable Chokyi with a 3 day retreat at Newbury

Donation to Sakydhita Australia – $250

5 nights accommodation at Newbury and Atisha Centres

10th Anniversary Dinner on 11 March 2026 at Red Emperor Restaurant, Southbank (Vegetarian Banquet)

5 Breakfasts – Days 3 to 7 • 3 Lunches – Days 4-5, Day 7 to be via donation

4 Light Supper – Day 3-6

Transport by Mini Bus – pickup in Southbank Melbourne to drop off in Melbourne

1 night accommodation in Southbank Melbourne (if taking the package)

Retreat Package only – (if attending the retreat only)

Retreat led by Venerable Chokyi (Fri-Sun)

Donation to Sakydhita Australia – $100

2 nights’ accommodation at Newbury Centres

2 Light Suppers – Day 3 & 4

2 Breakfasts and lunches

EXCLUDES

Flights/transport to Melbourne Southbank

Meals except where indicated

Travel insurance

10th Anniversary Dinner for Retreat Package only

Donations

GST

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.