A Nepal-Himalayan Experiential Shamanic Adventure
with a Pilgrimage to Kalingchock (inclusive of trekking)
August 28 – September 11, 2025
Nepal, Heart of World Shamanism
This unique Nepal-Himalayan Experiential Shamanic Pilgrimage is a rare opportunity for everyone - including beginners, aspirants, and experienced Shamanic practitioners, healing practitioners, and Animists from any background. Led by Bhola Banstola, a Dhami-Jhankri traditional Shaman with decades of experience, it offers a unique chance to learn from Nepal's diverse and deeply rooted Shamanic lineage practices.
As the world undergoes rapid changes and many people are uprooted from their cultures, we need the anchors provided by lineages, and the need for Shamanic healing is even more deeply felt.
Healing the self, communities, and others can only be achieved by bringing ancient traditions into modern times. Elders and leaders from different backgrounds and practices must unite to preserve, share, and transmit our ancestral wisdom. Now is the time to preserve, protect and spread our Shamanic teachings, knowledge, and culture in unity.
We have created this fully immersive program in Nepal’s rich culture to experience and learn from the renowned Dhami-Jhankri Shamans. These Shamans, both men and women with diverse cultural backgrounds, will share their lineage rituals and traditions for four to five days in an eco-friendly village on the slopes of Nagarkot Hills near Bhaktapur’s medieval UNESCO heritage town.
All the presentations and ceremonies will be indoors and outdoors in a nature-immersed community hall.
The pilgrimage
During the Pilgrimage, accompanied by the local Shamans (men/women), participants will trek through Nepal's most breathtaking scenery and mountainscapes, receiving spiritual healing, empowerment, and more.
The stunning, spectacular views of five Himalayan ranges and the terraced rural landscapes are incomparable. We will drive to the base of Kalingchock – the sacred abode of Goddess Kali /Bhagawati- and ascend on foot to the summit from where we may view Mount Sayalung and many other high Himalayan ranges (weather permitting). Mount Sayalung is a sacred place – the holy abode of Lord Shiva, the chief mentoring deity of many Himalayan Shamanic Lineages.
Shamans and lay pilgrims embark on this holy site yearly to receive healing, empowerment, and spiritual renewal and to express gratitude. During this Pilgrimage, participants will also visit the shrine of Dolokha Bhimsena near Charikot; we will also visit Mount Kalingchok, opposite Sayalung. Shamans revere the Kalingchock and Dolokha Bhimsena as pilgrimages – hugely important ‘once in a lifetime’ events.
This exciting experiential and fully immersive adventure builds on previous highly successful pilgrimages and events from which hundreds of international participants have benefitted. It offers everyone a powerful, intimate experience, focusing specifically on Nepal’s rich and varied forms of Shamanism, vibrant cultural heritage and healing practices.
Itinerary
Each day of this Pilgrimage is designed to offer new revelations and opportunities to explore the richness of Nepali culture and Shamanic healing practices.
The schedule includes morning, afternoon, and sometimes late evening sessions with breaks for lunch and dinner. All participants are encouraged to engage in ceremonies, group cleansing, and healing processes within the designated time and space.
Respect for the local culture is paramount. Being on time and respecting the elders and co-participants is essential. We will adhere to a dress code that respects cultural expectations, ensuring a harmonious and respectful environment.
For an enhanced experience, all the presentations, discussions and ceremonies in Nepali or any regional language will be translated into English and vice versa. (Interpreters will simultaneously translate rituals and sacred songs as much as possible.)
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (August 28)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, the program starts with a reception. Then, participants are escorted to a beautiful property in Thamel, the Apsara Boutique Hotel or equivalent accommodation, where there will be a welcome dinner at 7:00 PM and a gathering in the conference hall after dinner, followed by the opening and welcoming ritual.
(This day corresponds to the Rishitarpani festival, the final day of the Nepali women’s festival/Teej- honouring the primordial sages and luminaries.)
DAY 2: KATHMANDU VISIT TO SACRED PLACES: Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa (August 29)
After breakfast in the hotel, we drive to the most sacred ‘Pashupatinath shrine’, the abode of Lord Shiva, the guardian deity of Nepal, and the centre of Sanatana-Hindu culture, tradition, and religion. We observe rites of passage by the holy river Bagmati’s banks (Ghat). The Pashupati enclave provides a variety of temple architectures, some of which are the Dome, Pagoda, and Shikhara styles.
We will also visit Bouddhanath, one of the largest stupas of its type in Asia, which has become an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.
Group dinner and overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 3: Visit Old Kathmandu, Durbar Square, Ason (August 30)
On this day, we take a walking tour of Medieval Kathmandu, an open museum with palaces, temples, and shrines; deities to which these places are sacred include Kumari, the living goddess residence, and also shrines to Kaalo Bhairung and Seeto Bhairung (Bhairung is the Nepali name for Bhairava). On returning to Thamel, we will pass through the oldest local market, Ason, a commercial route connecting Nepal, Tibet, and India in the olden periods.
Dinner and overnight in Kathmandu
DAY4: Kathmandu-Nagarkot (August 31)
On arrival in the village, the locals will perform a traditional welcome program (Swagatam) with Kalashas (water vases) and flowers, receiving a ceremonial Gamcha scarf and Tika (red and yellow pigment) blessings, followed by tea.
Allocation to different houses (check-in)-Homestay facilities—every home is different and hosted by a family—followed by a first encounter with a group of Shamans.
With the introduction of Shamans, their lineages and practices are followed by long chants and a ‘ritual of purification and cleansing’.
After the lunch break, the afternoon session will be dedicated to Nepali views on the importance of Ancestors and Lineage in Shamanism, followed by a ritual on honouring, remembering and propitiating them.
DAY 5: Nagarkot (September 01)
Full day dedicated to learning and healing rituals from different lineage Shamans (men/women)
DAY 6: Nagarkot (September 02)
Full day dedicated to learning and healing rituals from different lineage Shamans (men/women)
DAY 7: Nagarkot (September 03)
Full day dedicated to learning and healing rituals from different lineage Shamans (men/women)
DAY 8: Nagarkot- Charikot (September 04)
After an early morning breakfast, the group embarks on a bus ride, passing through villages, meandering river valleys, lush green forests and deep river valleys.
On reaching Charikot/Bhimeshwar, the district headquarters of Dolokha district, in the shadow of Gauri Shankar Himal (Parvati-Shiva), we overnight in a guesthouse/lodge and, time permitting, explore the village town.
(Approximately 127 kilometres- travel time 6/7 hours with a stopover for tea and lunch). The altitude of approximately 1555 meters.
DAY 9: Charikot – Bhimsen Sthan- Kuri (September 05)
After breakfast, the group visits the shrine dedicated to Bhimsena in the form of Bhimeshwar. In the epic of Mahabharata, Bhimeshwar is a cultural hero of truth and strength, but here he is revered as a deity who bestows success in commerce, material well-being, and intelligence. After offering prayers for success in our endeavours/projects, we proceed to Kuri, the base of the sacred Kalingchock Mount, the abode of Goddess Kali.
When we reach Kuri village, we will have a group lunch and afternoon free time to acclimatize and prepare for the next day’s triumph to the climax of our Pilgrimage.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse/lodge.
A group of Shamans performs the preparatory and ‘door opening’ rituals, seeking permission from the local spirits, guardians, and the Great Goddess for the next day’s Pilgrimage.
(Approximately 30 kilometres drive- four hours, including a visit to Bhemeshwar shrine). Altitude of roughly 3400 meters
DAY 10: Kuri – Kalingchock- Kuri (September 06)
With the call of dawn, the group will join the group of Shamans and other pilgrims following the rhythmic drums and sacred chants on an active meditative pilgrimage walk with Shamans and other pilgrims to the top of Kalingchok, stopping in some power places.
On reaching the summit of the sacred abode of the Goddess, we offer a trident, bell, incense, flowers, etc., to Mother Kali. After the Shamanic ceremony to honour the Goddess, the presiding Shamans bestow empowerment on each participant. Having received the blessings of the Mother and other relevant deities and empowerment from the group of Shamans, we descend to the base village, Kuri.
Weather permitting, we will have a clear view of Mt Sayalung and magnificent views of the high Himalayan range of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Mount Shishapangma, Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, and many other breathtaking mountain peaks.
Overnight in the guesthouse/lodge, group dinner and discussions about the importance of this Pilgrimage and the myths related to this power spot.
Kalingchock is approximately 3842 meters.
Note: Participants who find it difficult to follow the Shaman and other participants on foot may take a cable car from Kuri village to the summit of Kalingchock.
Day 11: Kuri- Bhaktapur (September 07)
After breakfast, we return to the Valley of Kathmandu, passing through old settlements, terraced paddy fields, river valleys, and enjoy stunning views of the beauty of Nepal’s diversity.
Overnight in a hotel/guesthouse in Bhaktapur.
DAY 12: Bhaktapur Visit – Kathmandu(September 08)
After breakfast, visit the medieval town of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site with infinite temples, shrines, squares, palaces, and Hitis (water fountains).
Late afternoon drive to Kathmandu and overnight at Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar.
DAY 13: Chobar-Sheshnarayan-Pharping (September 09)
After breakfast, drive to Jalavinayaka (Ganyap-Ganesha) shrine by the banks of River Bagmati in Chobar, nature-created Naga shrine, Guru Rimpoche Caves at Pharping, Aadhinatha Hill, Sheshnarayan Temple and pristine healing waters, Swayambhunath Chaitya (popularly known as the Monkey Temple in guide books).
Overnight in Apsara or a similar hotel.
DAY 14: FINAL DAY EMPOWERMENT AND INITIATIONS (September 10)
Early morning visit to observe and participate in a unique ceremony at Budhanilakantha- the reclining Vishnu on the Naga couch shrine. After breakfast is dedicated to Sir Uthaune (Raising the Head/Spirit), specific teachings, initiations, group discussions, and a closing ceremony.
-Overnight at Apsara or a similar hotel.
DAY 15: END OF THE PILGRIMAGE (September 11)
WITH BREAKFAST, THE PROGRAM COMES TO AN END.
Services Included In The Package:
- Transportation for arrival and departure from the airport in Kathmandu
- Four days of guided sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sights of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Pharping, Bhaktapur, and Budhanilakantha, as mentioned in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation: 6 Nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar and Bhaktapur
- Full participation in the 4-day Shamanic teachings
- Participation in ceremonies and rituals
- A ceremonial bag with Shamanic souvenirs
- Group healing rituals
- Seven nights in Guesthouses/Homestay/Lodges during Shamanic teachings and trekking Pilgrimage
- Group healing rituals
- UNESCO-listed heritage sites and Protected area entrance fees as in the itinerary
- All the meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) as per the itinerary prepared for the participants using what is locally available except 4 meals
- Transportation: Kathmandu – Nagarkot- Charikot- Bhimeshwar- Kalingchok Phedi – Kathmandu
- Transportation for sightseeing and visits as per the itinerary
- Trekking guide service, city cultural guide, support staff and porters
- Accompanying Shamans during the Pilgrimage
- Faculty of shamans from different lineages during the four days retreat
- Transportation, meals and lodging for the Shamans
- All sacred items and objects necessary for the Shamanic rituals and ceremonies during the retreat and the Pilgrimage
- All government taxes and services
- Your international flight tickets to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal tourist visa. You can obtain an entry visa on arrival at the airport by paying a fee (US$ 40 for two weeks- please check updates before you embark on this trip)
- Tips to the service providers like guides, porters, lodges, homestays, hotels, drivers and assistants
- Perks and gratitude to the Shamans
- Insurance of all types (health insurance, baggage loss, trip cancellation, rescue from trekking due to
sickness or unforeseen circumstances, natural calamities, etc.) - Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, drinks, or all are not explicitly included under the clause
‘what is included.’
As the Shamans, Elders, lineage holders, and tradition keepers of different age groups and dietary restrictions will be part of the working team, having other nutritional habits and beliefs, all the meals during the four days of teaching and trekking will be vegetarian. But in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, you can choose from non-vegetarian menus to continental foods.
Please let them know during registration if you have any food allergies; we’ll try our best to meet your needs. Few dietary supplements or specially processed energy foods are available. Please bring your own if you will need them.
- 60 days before the commencement of the program, no cancellation charges
- 45 days before 25%
- 30 days before 50%
- 15 days before 100%
If you are interested in remaining longer, we can arrange experiences like visits to other interesting places or trekking in the Ηimalayas.
Nepal has a great deal to offer, and of course, our Pilgrimage can only show you some of the wonders of this region, as the program is focused on shamanic healing, teachings, and in-depth experiences.
You can add one or two more days. In that case, you may be able to experience the following:
- Mountain Flights to Mount Everest in the Eastern Himalayas (early mornings) are a one-hour flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport.
- A visit to Patan Durbar squares, etc.
- Trekking, white water rafting, visits to National Parks
Reservation and Contact Details
For reservation of your place, tariff and other technical details of the trekking part, please send an email to:
Bhola Banstola
Email: bhumi1008@outlook.com
Website: www.BholaBanstola.com
www.nepalishamanism.com
In collaboration with:
Ananda Adventure Treks (P) Ltd Chabahil -7,
Kutu Bahal, Kathmandu, Nepal