Destination: International Summer Festival 2026
At Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre Ulverston, UK
July 24th - Aug 8th (Festival Dates)
Join us for what’s going to be an incredible adventure!
— See all live updates for flights and accommodations here: —
“Welcome everybody to the NKT International Festival. The NKT International Festivals are the special method to maintain the International Kadampa Buddhist Union from generation to generation. We should know this Union is very important. With this Union we can fulfill our own and others wishes easily. So please keep my message in your heart.
With much love and prayers,”
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
A Meaningful Experience & Adventure
-
The International Kadampa Summer Festival 2026 is a joyous gathering of thousands of Kadampas from around the world, coming together to receive blessed teachings and guided meditations at our Mother Centre, Manjushri KMC. This year, we have the rare and extraordinary opportunity to receive the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini.
During the festival, we'll be able to explore the beautiful Conishead Priory — home of Manjushri KMC — meditate in the first Kadampa Temple for World Peace, and spend inspiring time with the international Kadampa Sangha in a peaceful setting, enjoying beach walks, woodlands, and gardens. We will also explore the nearby town of Ulverston in the Lake District, one of the most beautiful areas in the UK.
For many people, attending these festivals in person is a truly life-changing experience.
We’re hoping many students from KMC Canada can travel and stay together if it helps them attend the festival. If you would like to travel or share accommodation with others, please visit this form with live updates.
May this be a smooth, joyful experience for everyone.
Plan ahead for a truly meaningful holiday!
• Enjoy spiritual renewal and make friends from around the world
• Be inspired by our new General Spiritual Director (GSD), Gen-la Kelsang Jampa
• Receive the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini
• Explore our Mother Centre in historic Conishead Priory
• Meditate in the first Kadampa Temple for World Peace
• Visit the quaint town of Ulverston, in the Lake District
... and so much more!
Get a glimpse of the International Kadampa Festivals watching these inspiring videos:
Flights & Trains
Flight Options (Toronto - Manchester)
We will soon have 2 flight options for the whole Festival and 1 flight option for week 2 only. Please refer to this Google Form for all the latest updates about the selected flights and accommodations!
Trains from Manchester Airport to Ulverston
Going to Ulverston, home of Manjushri KMC, from Manchester Airport is very easy and straightforward. From the Arrivals at the airport, the train station is just a few minutes walk away. From there, hop on the train and enjoy the comfortable 2h ride through the beautiful English countryside!
From Ulverston station, taxis will be available for a quick 5 minutes drive.
Train schedules for the proposed flights:
Coming soon!
Booking Your Festival
Kadampa Festival Accounts
Book your festival at kadampafestivals.org!
To book your festival, you will need to create an account at kadampafestivals.org once the bookings are open.
BOOKING OPENS THURSDAY MARCH 19th 09:00 GMT-4
Attending in Person
Attending an International Kadampa Festival in person is no more less than an amazing experience. It is an opportunity to spend precious time with the International Sangha - people from all corners of the world who have to heart the practice of Buddha’s teachings and the development of inner peace. For many, these festivals become a life changing experience.
If attending the Summer Festival in person, you can book your festival teachings, meals and accommodations (if staying on site), the teachings recordings as well as any other inquiries directly in the booking system of kadampafestival.org.
Attending Online
In order to truly experience the unique and precious benefits of these special gatherings, it is definitely recommended to attend the festivals in person. But sometimes, we simply cannot make it. Yet, due to the kindness of many devoted volunteers, we still have the wonderful and meaningful opportunity to attend all the festival teachings online from the comfort of our homes!
If attending the Summer Festival online, you can book your festival teachings and purchase their recordings directly in the booking system of kadampafestival.org.
Useful Links
Festival & Manjushri KMC Websites
Kadampafestivals.org/summer
Manjushri.org
Train Tickets
Visa / ETA
Extra Tips & Infos
-
-
-
Mild to warm temperatures with long daylight hours, and lush green landscapes are to be expected when visiting the Lake District in the months of July and August. While it is generally the warmest time of year, with temperatures often in the high teens or low twenties (Celsius), it remains unpredictable with frequent rain showers.
-
What to bring depends mostly on your accommodation type and your free time activities.
Essentials:
Passeport and UK ETA Visa
UK Electric Plug Adapters (Type G)
Waterproof clothing
Versatile layers for unpredictable weather
Warm clothings for mild evenings
Some Sterling Pounds in cash is always good to have (MKMC’s laundry machines require £ coins)
Power banks for your electronics
You may wish to get an eSIM card for your phone
If planning on being outside a lot:
Waterproof clothing such as a good raincoat, rain boots or waterproof shoes are a must have. A warm jacket and pants make the mild evenings comfortable.
If camping:
Make sure your tent is well waterproofed. It is good practice to take cardboard from Manjushri’s recycling bins to put under your tent when arriving. This blocks humidity very well. Otherwise, you may want to bring an extra tarp to put under your tent. This is also as to prevent humidity or water flooding from below in case of very bad weather. Nights can be quite cold even in the summer, so make sure to have a trusty sleeping bag and a warm liner.
-
Entry Requirements and Documents
ETA/Visa: As of early 2025, many visitors, including Americans, Canadians, and Europeans, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, costing £10-£16.
Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay.
Documents: Keep passports secure and carry a digital or physical copy.
Transportation and Getting Around
Trains: Generally efficient, but book in advance for cheaper fares.
Driving: Drives on the left. Rent a car for rural areas (Scotland, Wales, Cotswolds).
Practical Tips
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz, Type G (three-pin) plug.
Weather: Highly unpredictable, often rainy. Pack layers, an umbrella, and a rain jacket.
Safety: The emergency number is 999 or 112.
Vocabulary: Common differences: "loo" (toilet), "lift" (elevator), “rubbish” (trash/garbage).
-
If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]