Nepal Experiential Shamanic Pilgrimage
With Easy Hiking and Visits to Shamans in their Working Places
October 11-October 25, 2023
Nepal, the Heart of World Shamanism and Centre of Learning:
Since time immemorial, the Nepali people have preferred their habitations to be in the higher hills and mountains, far from the flat plains and close to heaven, to allow their souls to merge with clouds and otherworldly realms.
The towering height and vast open spaces of these uncontaminated terrains have profoundly influenced people’s characteristics, thoughts and ways of life for millennia.
The mountain deities and spirits are the groundings and protective forces that people invoke and propitiate in their everyday lives – whether to seek support or celebrate any events. To these sacred lofty Himalayas, people embark on pilgrimages annually or semi-annually.
Our Pilgrimage
During this pilgrimage, the local Shamans and Elders introduce us to these powers who have empowered and initiated them and helped us to establish our own connection with them.
After the retreat, the participants will be accompanied to the houses of Dhami-Jhankri-Shamans, where the Shamans work to help their patients and perform divination and healing. There will be possibilities for requesting divination and conversing with Shamans and their patients.
The participants will spend the first three days and nights in Kathmandu to prepare and get some rest after a long journey with time differences and jet lag at the Apsara Boutique Hotel: www.apsaraboputiquehotel.com. Then the Group will be transferred for a four-day retreat with the Dhami-Jhankri-Shamans in beautiful homestay settings in the village of Nagarkot, immersed in nature.
During these retreat days, there will be three sessions of work with the Shamans per day. On these days, the local Shamans will perform purificatory rituals and healing sessions and share their evolutionary experiential path describing how they became Shamans and what they do.
From Nagarkot, the participants will hike to Changunarayan and Bhaktapur and stay for three days and nights in Bhaktapur, visiting the Mother Goddess shrines and some local healers.
On returning to Kathmandu and Patan, if possible, rituals will be performed in the power places.
On the final day of the pilgrimage, empowerment and initiation will be bestowed.
Note: This is not a certification trip to make you a healer or a Shaman but is intended to enhance your knowledge through direct contact and experience with authentic lineage Shamans within their indigenous culture.
Itinerary
Nepal, for many millennia, has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage.
The sacred human-made power places in the form of temples and shrines to house the male and female deities in the banks of Bagmati, Vishnumati, Rudramati and Hanumente Rivers, collectively called the Sacred Kathmandu Valley Mandal had hosted yogis, monks and ascetics for thousands of years.
The organizers are well-versed in the local religious and spiritual practices, both written and oral and will not only accompany you to these power places but will also share some of the methods that the tradition allows. From the Kathmandu Valley, your introduction to Nepal starts and follows the higher hills and the mighty Himalayas, accompanied by the rhythm of the local Dhami-Jhankris-shamans.
It is a rare opportunity to be with the elders and long-lineage carriers, listen to them, and receive healing and teachings.
Nepal is only a few countries in the world which still is the ‘home of longest-living shamanic traditions and masters’.
Day-by-day itinerary:
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, the program starts with a reception, escorted to a beautiful property in Thamel at the Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar accommodation, where there will be a welcome dinner.
Group dinner and overnight.
KATHMANDU VISIT SACRED PLACES: Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa
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). Pashupati enclave provides a variety of temple designs, some of which are Dome, Pagoda and Shikhara styles.
Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas of its type in Asia, and it has become an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.
After the group dinner, we will stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu-Nagarkot
On arrival in the village, a traditional welcome program with Kalashas (water vases), flowers and tika (red and yellow pigment blessings).
Systemization in different houses (check-in) followed by a group lunch.
In the afternoon, the first outdoor ritual of purification and ‘Linga Jhandoutalan’ raised the ceremonial pole with a special flag created for the occasion.
Introduction of Nepali Dhami-Jhankri Shamans and Elders (men/women), the role of Shamans and their place in Nepali society.
Group teachings and sharing from the Shamans and a specific ritual of purification
Dinner break and overnight
Nagarkot
- After breakfast, the morning session begins with a ritual of purification.
- An in-depth sharing of Shamans and Elder’s understanding of the Importance of practising Shamanism and its impact on ecology and the world environment.
- A ritual that reveals how the Shamans create a relationship with their Ista Deo (the principal helping spirit), local keepers of the land and the environment. We explore the Importance of appeasing the local spirits of Nature and how to do that.
- Lunch break
- Discussions and highlights on causes of disharmony, diseases, spiritual pollution, dietary restrictions and more
- Two long Lineage-carrier Jhankri Shamans share their journey on their’ call.’
- A specific healing ritual with group participation
- Dinner break
- Group healing ritual
Nagarkot
- Ways of ‘Calling’ in the Dhami-Jhankri-Shaman’s path in Nepal and the Himalayas: Jhankri-Shamans share their experiences.
- Guru Gyan/Dikshya – The Teacher’s wisdom, methods and ways of apprenticeship and initiations in the Shamanic path
- Traditional ways of self-protection and protecting others and the property
- Cross-cultural Shamanism in Nepal’s context: two Shaman Elders share their experiences of learning from teachers outside the lineage
- Lunch break
- Two Elder Shamans (men/women) share their experiences of creating Jantar – amulets/talismans for specific purposes with sacred diagrams, plants, minerals and incantations and ritual of enlivenment Deuta Bolaunu: calling and embodying a spirit. Shamans from the same lineage share the incorporation and their experiences.
- Shamans share Shamanic community group sacred songs, invocations and more. Why are mantras transmitted by a teacher or lineage Elders kept secret?
- Dinner break
- Individual empowerments and group life vitality essences calling back ritual ‘Saato Bolaunu’ Ritual and prayers of conclusion
Nagarkot- Kuri/Kalingchock
Participants will receive spiritual healing, empowerment, and renewal during the Pilgrimage while trekking through Nepal’s most breathtaking scenery and mountainscapes. The stunning, spectacular views of five Himalayan ranges and the terraced human-cultivated landscapes are incomparable. We will hike to Mount Sayalung, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, the chief mentoring deity of many Himalayan Shamanic Lineages.
Shamans and laypeople travel to this holy site each year to receive healing and spiritual renewal and express gratitude. During this journey, we will also visit Mount Kalingchok (if the road is clear), which stands just opposite Sayalung, a sacred home to the Goddess Kali (also known as Kalingchok Bhagawati). Shamans revere Kalingchok and Sayalung pilgrimages as ‘once in a lifetime events.
While completely immersed in Nature’s beauty and abundance, you will reflect that what is without is also within. This sacred Pilgrimage makes a complete circuit of spiritual quest and renewal, thus balancing the primordial male and female aspects within each of us.
All existence self-arises in Primordial consciousness from the Void of Creation; this Primordial consciousness is Harmony, the balanced truth and the spirit in everything. It is the consciousness of creative power and the world’s divine wisdom. Ultimately, the soul’s deepest desire is to enrich its consciousness with this Primordial essence.
- Early morning (after breakfast), we will drive to Kalingchok to explore the immense beauty of Nature in the mid-Himalayas.
- This trail is full of mesmerizing views of rivers, streams, waterfalls, forests, and bird-eye views of snow-capped mountains. The shrine, dedicated to Goddess Kali in her form as Kalingchok Bhagawati, is nestled on the hill at 3800 meters altitude.
- We will experience 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 stay at a Guesthouse in Kuri.
Kuri – Kalingchok Shrine- Kuri
- With the call of the dawn, the group will take a meditative pilgrimage walk with Shamans and other pilgrims to the top of Kalingchok to make an offering (of a trident, bell, incense, flowers, etc.) to the holy abode of Mother Kali. After the Shamanic ceremony to honour the Goddess, the Shamans bestow empowerment on each participant. After celebrating the mother, we will descend to the base in the late afternoon.
- Overnight stay at a Guesthouse in Kuri.
Kuri Kalingchock-Dhugne
- The pilgrimage route heads towards Sayalung by driving from Kuri to Mudhe (40 km, approximately 3.5 hours).
- On reaching the destination, villagers and local Shamans welcome the group to a local homestay facility.
- Overnight in Dhunge in a family-run homestay facility.
Dhunge -Sayalung-Khola Kharka
- Early morning after breakfast, the group, accompanied by the Shamans, will embark on a pilgrimage to the sacred Mt. Sayalung (a mount with a hundred hills). The first stop is the holy cave where Shiva-Mahadeva meditated and gave teachings to his first disciple Banjhankri and human neophytes.
- An uphill trek follows, to the top of Sayalung, accompanied by an elaborate ceremony performed by the Shamans. The footprint of Shiva on a rock at 3000 meters altitude is the highlight of this Pilgrimage.
- A group ceremony to honour the Shaman-masters, ancestors, and spirits of Nature will be followed by descending to the multi-ethnic village of Khola-Kharka. (7-8 hours of trekking).
- Overnight in Khola-Kharka in a family-run homestay facility
Khola Kharka- Doromba
- The first of its kind in Nepal, the ‘Indigenous Peoples Trail’ offers unique, vibrant exposure to one of Nepal’s most culturally diverse areas.
- Kholakharka Sano Sailung has many sacred caves, strange rock formations, and Chortens. Thulo Sailung is a holy place for the Tamang and other ethnic groups, who refer to it as Sayalung Phone (White Male Lord of the Earth).
- Our trail passes through the pine and rhododendron forest, allowing for viewing many different types of birds. Before reaching the destination, the group will visit Rajveer Gumba/Monastery (5-6 hours trekking time)
- Overnight in Doromba in a Homestay.
Doromba- Kathmandu
- After breakfast, we re-tour back to Kathmandu, passing through old settlements, terraced paddy fields, river valleys, and stunning views of the beauty of Nepal’s diversity.
- Overnight in Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast, the group departs to visit the Jalavinayaka (Ganyap-Ganesha shrine by the banks of River Bagmati, nature-created Naga shrine, Shesha Narayana and Guru Rimpoche Caves at Pharping, Swayambhunath Chaitya (Monkey Temple). Overnight in Apsara or a similar hotel
Empowerment and Initiations
The day is devoted to Sir Uthaune (Raising the Head/Spirit), specific teachings, initiations, group discussions, and a closing ceremony.
Overnight at Apsara or a similar hotel.
Free day for rest and preparation of baggage for the next day’s departure
A group farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at the Apsara or a similar hotel.
End of the Pilgrimage
With breakfast, the program comes to an end.
Please Note:
If the road to Kalingchock is inaccessible, we will stay one day more in Doromba and visit a sacred pilgrimage place of locals with the shamans.
There can also be an alternative pilgrimage too, please remain in touch.
Services Included In The Package:
- Transportation for arrival and departure from the airport in Kathmandu
- Three days of guided sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sights of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Pharping, as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Hotel accommodation: 7 Nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar
- Full participation in the 4-days 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
- UNESCO-listed heritage sites and Protected area entrance fees
- All the meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) as per the itinerary prepared for the participants using what is locally available
- Transportation: Kathmandu – Kalingchok Phedi – Dhunge & Doromba –Nagarkot- Kathmandu and all OR whatever Pilgrimage the organizer chooses
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Trekking guide service, city cultural guide, support staff and porters
- Accompanying Shamans – teachers during the Pilgrimage
- Transportation, meals and lodging for the Shamans
- All sacred items and objects necessary for the Shamanic rituals and ceremonies
- All government taxes
- 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 of US$ 40 for two weeks (please check updates before you embark on this trip)
- Tips to the service providers like guides, homestays, drivers and assistants
- Perks and gratitude to the Shamans and elders
- Insurance of all types (health insurance, baggage loss or damage, trip cancellation, rescue due to sickness or unforeseen circumstances, natural calamities and any transport charges not mentioned in the itinerary)
- Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, drinks, or all are not explicitly included under the clause ‘what is included
- 60 days before the commencement of the program, no cancellation charges
- 45 days before 25%
- 30 days before 50 %
- 15 days before and after 100%
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 three days of teachings and trekking will be vegetarian. But in Kathmandu, you will have choices from non-veg menus, continental foods, etc.
If you have any food allergies, please indicate them during registration; we will try our best to meet your needs. Please know that there are few dietary supplements or specially processed energy foods. Please bring your own if you think you will need them.
- If you are interested in remaining longer, we can arrange other visits or trekking in the Himalayas.
- 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.
- If you can add one or two more days, you may be able to experience the following, and Bhola can make all the necessary arrangements:
- Mountain Flight to Mount Everest in Eastern Himalayas (early mornings)- is a one-hour flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport.
- Visits to Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Patan Durbar squares, etc.
- Trekking, white water rafting, visits to National Parks
As The Places are Limited, Please Send an Email for Tariff and Other Details: