In-Person: Manhattan Pilgrimage – A Meditative Walk through NYC
with nico hase
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Meet at the Met Cloisters (exact location will be sent via email)
99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York City, NY 10040
Pilgrimage has been an essential part of Buddhist spiritual life for thousands of years. The process of walking–outer pilgrimage—often gives rise to insights, healing, and a deep sense of letting go—inner pilgrimage.
Doing this together builds community and mutual belonging.
Doing this in a major American city brings the sacred into the everyday.
In this 12 mile pilgrimage, visiting Insight meditation teacher nico hase will guide participants in a meditation walk from northern Manhattan to our home ground at New York Insight. The pilgrimage will happen rain or shine.
The group will gather at 10:00 at the Met Cloisters. After a guided meditation, dialogue, and intention setting ritual, the group will walk in silence until lunch.
During lunch there will be time for casual conversation, followed by a brief meditation, before resuming the silent meditation walk. The pilgrimage will end at 115 W 29th Street around 5:00pm, where nico will offer a dharma talk followed by reflections, dialogue, and a brief closing ceremony.
(See below for a map of our route.)
This pilgrimage is open to anyone who can walk ten miles at a brisk pace with infrequent stops. No prior meditation experience is necessary.
Join visiting Insight meditation teacher nico hase for a day of outer and inner pilgrimage, and a deepening into the sacred in the everyday of city life.
FAQ
Where do we meet?
We’ll meet at 10:00 at the Met Cloisters. Exact location will be sent via email.
Where do we end?
We’ll conclude our walk with a talk and snacks at New York Insight Meditation Center at approximately 6:00pm.
How do I get to the starting point?
The Met Cloisters is located at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY, 10040. By subway, take the A train to 190th Street and exit the station by elevator. Walk north along Margaret Corbin Drive for approximately 10 minutes or transfer to the M4 bus and ride north one stop. You can find more information about getting to the Met Cloisters here.
How long is the walk?
The walk is approximately 12 miles.
Are there bathrooms along the walk?
Yes. We will be making bathroom stops every 1-2 hours.
What should I bring?
Water and snacks and lunch!
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable walking shoes (running sneakers are recommended), and lightweight clothing that is appropriate for being outside for several hours.
What kind of physical prep work should I do?
This pilgrimage is a 12-mile walk. A person should be comfortable walking at least 10 miles with 1-2 breaks that last less than a half hour.
If I can’t do the whole length, can I leave early or meet you further along the route?
YES!
What is a silent pilgrimage?
A silent pilgrimage is a contemplative walking journey where participants travel in meditative silence, combining physical movement with spiritual practice.
Who can I contact for more info?
Feel free to reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Registration:
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Teacher(s)
nico hase
nico hase lived in a monastery for six years before earning a PhD in counseling psychology and becoming an Insight meditation teacher full-time. He currently mentors mindfulness teachers, teaches online and in-person retreats, and speaks with students in one-on-one sessions. He and his beloved life partner Devon are the authors of How Not to Be a Hot Mess: A Survival Guide for Modern Life. Find out more at devonandnicohase.com.