In February of 2001, the Karmapa commenced his first pilgrimage in India, where the sacred sites of the Buddha Shakyamuni are located.

On February 21st, the Karmapa arrived in the Indian capital city of New Delhi. His motorcade was cheered by thousands as it passed by on the street. The Karmapa also met with the Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling, members of the Indian Government and former members of the Federal Cabinet.

The Gyalwa Karmapa visited the Vajra Vidya Institute of the Most Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche which is located in Sarnath (Varanasi). There, His Holiness presided over the Tibetan New Year ceremonies, bestowed blessings and consecrated the Institute. He also made pilgrimage to the Ganges River.

On March 5th, His Holiness arrived in Bodhgaya to be welcomed by hundreds of monks from Rumtek and numerous other monasteries. He performed offerings and prayers at the Mahabodhi Shrine and Stupa, and bestowed empowerments at Namgyal Monastery, a seat of the Dalai Lama. He made pilgrimage to Naranjana or Phalgu River which the Buddha sat for six years without eating (presently the earth has risen above the very spot where the Buddha sat). His Holiness then visited the Vulture’s Peak, where the Buddha gave teachings, the cave where Shawaripa received the Mahakala transmission and the ruins of Nalanda University.

His Holiness arrived once again in New Delhi on March 13th, and visited the Gandhi National Museum. Gyalwa Karmapa conducted prayers for the world religions and also gave blessings in the Buddha Jayanti Park.

On March 25th, the Gyalwa Karmapa arrived at the Tso Pema Lake in Relwasar. Tso Pema is where Guru Padmasambhava transformed the blazing fire, that the King of Zahor tried to burn him and the Princess Mandarava alive in, into a lake. His Holiness gave blessings over 60,000 people, and visited the various temples and holy caves. As the Drikung Master Ontrul Rinpoche said, "Everyone was really blessed by His Holiness."