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Himalayan Healing Tours

Festival Calendar

Guru Rinpoche Day

गुरु रिन्पोछे दिवस

May 26, 2026 · Jestha, 2083 (10th day of the lunar month, observed monthly) BS

Approximate — confirm closer to your travel dates

Himalayan Buddhist communities (Nyingma-affiliated monasteries)

Plan a trip around Guru Rinpoche Day
A monthly observance on the tenth day of each Tibetan lunar month honoring Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the tantric master credited with establishing Vajrayana Buddhism in the Himalaya, with the tenth day falling within Saga Dawa considered the most significant occurrence of the year.

History & origin

Padmasambhava is revered, particularly within the Nyingma school, as the founder of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, said to have subdued local spirits and established the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet at Samye — his ongoing spiritual presence is invoked specifically on the tenth day of each lunar month across the Nyingma tradition.

How it’s celebrated

Monasteries hold Guru Rinpoche pujas and recite prayers associated with him on the tenth day of every lunar month, with observance especially elaborate when the date falls within Saga Dawa. Monasteries across the Everest, Helambu and Mustang regions with a Nyingma affiliation mark the day with particular devotion.

Tips for visitors

Recurs monthly rather than as a single annual event — worth asking about at any Nyingma-affiliated monastery, since a Guru Rinpoche puja may be underway on the tenth day of whichever lunar month you're visiting.

Related journeys — Buddhist Pilgrimage

Buddhist Kathmandu Immersion

A five-day immersion in Kathmandu Valley's living Buddhist tradition — major monasteries, guided meditation, and a journey out to Namo Buddha.

Namo Buddha & Buddhist Foothills

A three-day short pilgrimage to the hillside monastery at Namo Buddha, one of the Kathmandu Valley's key Buddhist sites, for guests with limited time.

Buddhist Kathmandu Introduction

A one-day introduction to Buddhist practice in the Kathmandu Valley for guests who want context before a longer pilgrimage journey, or who only have a single day.

Didn't find quite the right fit?

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