From the ancient Tang Dynasty trading post of Song Zhou we'll ride with the Tibetan nomads on horseback through the deep forests, river valleys and high mountain passes through the magical Zhaga waterfalls up to the Tibetan highlands. We'll begin with a hike through the rainbow colored lakes and waterfalls and camp out in the grassy meadows by the river. Sometimes we'll stay with the local Tibetans along the way and sometimes we'll stay at the monasteries where hundreds and thousands of monks and nuns live together to celebrate their fasinating religion of Vajrayana Buddhism. We'll visit some of Tibet's most amazing Buddhist monasteries and holy sites and seek their master's blessings, empowerments and teachings while studying the profound path of Mahasandhi Yoga and Chod. There are no requirements or pre-requisits to enjoy this sacred journey. We'll ride and practice in a relaxed and informal way adapting to our changing environment to tap into the divine energies that pervade the Tibetan landscape. No experience in horse riding is needed either although it is good to have. Tibetan horses are much smaller than American horses and each one will be fitted to the rider's capabilities. Hiking and riding on horse back is the only way to get up in the mountains and see what Tibet is really like!

Mahasandhi Yoga and Chod: Padmasambhava was the Buddha that brought Buddhism to Tibet. The Buddha Shakyamuni prophasized his return to the human realm to help turn the third wheel of dharma in the form of the diamond vehicle known as Vajrayana Buddhism. There are six hundred and forty thousand methods to reach enlightenment in the Vajrayana school but they can all be summarized into the three aspects of Mahasandhi Yoga. Mahasandhi Yoga is based on Maha, Anu and Ati Yoga. Maha yoga is a form of energy cultivating exercises to open the physical and psychic channels. Anu Yoga is the ritual of connecting with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Yidam's and Dakinis who are catalysts of enlightenment. Ati Yoga is the realization of the true nature of one's own wisdom mind, which is the exact same as the wisdom mind of all of all the Buddhas of the ten thousand directions.

Padmasambhava emanated as the great master Padampa Sangye and taught his disciple Magik Lopdron who was an emination of his consort Yeshe Tsogyal. Magik Lopdron became the most famous propagator of chod which is know as the supreme practice of offering. In this tradition Padmasambhava came directly to Dudjom Lingpa personally and transmitted the entire chod tradition in a special practice know as Troma. Troma incorporates all seven points of mind training and the special practice of Chod. Chod is the ritual offering of body, speech and mind so that the only thing that remains is pure wisdom. Yeshe Tsogyal personally taught the singing and chanting to Dudjom Lingpa's daughters and then prophasized that one million people will reach enlightenment through this practice. We hope you are one of them! Chod is practiced with hand drums, bells and trumpets with lively singing, chanting, dance and meditation that really opens up the heart chakra. It not only brings about great realizations it is also a lot of fun. Practice as much or little as you like. There are no requirements except to have a good time. Ya ja lo!!!

Itinerary

What to expect and what to pack: We already provide horses, tents, bedding, and food but this is a camping trip so pack accordingly. A thermo-rest sleeping pad and sleepng bag is highly recomended. If you want your own privacy bring your own tent or let us know and we'll provide a Tibetan one for you. Horses are selected according to rider's abilities. Be prepared for all four seasons in a day. Pack according to your own needs!

Needed gear: rain jacket and rain pants, heavy jacket or Tibetan long coat (chuba), layers, long johns, heavy socks, wide brim hat, sun block, toiletries and your needed medications. People have started their film careers here so bring a camera too. Thermo-rest sleeping pad and your own sleeping bag is again "highly recomended", coffee, packaged camping foods, water bottle, flashlight etc... is up to you. We will also shop in Song Zhou for Tibetan long coats and any other last minute supplies.

Itinerary is flexible: We ride and acclimate very slowly so altitude is no problem. The horses are easy going and you can hike if you don't like to ride. If you want a more powerful horse let us know and we'll get you one. Bring layers of clothes to keep warm, dry and happy. If you want to stay on in retreat just let us know and we'll be more than happy to arrange it for you. Private tours can be arranged for groups of four or more. Enjoy!!!

	Flower washing ponds		Dakini Mountains

August, 24 - Drive to the Ancient Tang Dynasty trading post of Song Zhou. We will pass many Han, Qiang, hui, and Tibetan villages along the way so you can see for yourself exactly how the Tibetans are living. Shop for last minute supplies, Tibetan long coats, rain coats, hats, carpets, jewelery, knives, snacks etc... Mount our horses and ride to the amazingly beautiful Housi Gelug Temple. Evening dinner by the camp fire. Lecture on Tibetan culture, Buddhism and Mahasandhi Yoga.

August, 25 - Spend the day at Housi Gelug Temple. visit with the local monks. Evening dinner and practice by the camp fire.

August, 26 - Morning meditation, yoga and Troma chod sadhana practice, the nature of self power and other power, introduction to Mahasandhi Yoga. ride to the top of Zhaga Waterfalls and camp out on the peak. Frolic in the waterfalls, evening practice introduction to Troma, Vajra Yogini, Samantabhadri and the seven point mind training.

August, 27 - Morning meditation, yoga, Troma chod sadhana practice, Padmasambhava, vajrasattva, ride to Bonpo Temple, camp out or stay in the temple, learn about the local Bon religion which predates Buddhism. Dinner by the camp fire, evening practice and the three kaya aspects.

August, 28 - Morning meditation, yoga, Troma chod sadhana practice, Padmasambhava, vajrasattva, Samantabhadra, ride up to 13,000 Ft. to the Source of the Yellow River and Mekong River, camp on the side of the river, evening practice and the five precepts and the five tantric precepts.

August, 29 - Morning meditation, yoga, Troma chod sadhana practice, Padmasambhava, Vajrasattva, Samantabhadra, Heart Sutra, Amitabha, Lecture on the Heart Sutra, ride across the high plains.

August, 30 - Morning meditation, yoga, Troma chod sadhana practice, Padmasambhava, Vajrasattva, Samantabhadra, Heart Sutra, Amitabha, ride to the Longchen Nythink Monastery one of the largest in the world, audience with the abbot Shenchen Rimpoche if he is in, request empowerment and teachings.

August, 1 - Full day practice at the Longchen Nythink Monastery, yoga, Troma chod sadhana practice, Padmasambhava, Vajrasattva, Samantabhadra, Heart Sutra, Amitabha, empowerment and teachings.

August, 2 - Full day practice at the Longchen Nythink Monastery, yoga, Troma chod sadhana practice, Padmasambhava, Vajrasattva, Samantabhadra, Heart Sutra, Amitabha, empowerment and teachings.

August, 3 - Morning bus pass the snow peaks into the valley and see the amazing homes of the local Eastern Tibetans on our way to Chengdu.

August, 4 - Fly back to Beijing and on to USA.