Himalayan Pilgrimage with the Shamans
Unraveling the Secrets of Kathmandu, Mandala, Himlayas and Shamanism
September 22 -October 05, 2023
This unique Nepal-Himalayan Experiential Shamanic Pilgrimage is now being offered to aspiring and experienced Practitioners of Shamanism and Animism who are curious about the diverse and deeply rooted shamanic lineage practices which abound in Nepal.
As the world continues to change, there is a growing need for healing worldwide. We can only achieve this healing by bridging ancient traditions into our modern times.
To restore harmony, Elders and other leaders of our practices must come together to preserve, share and transmit our ancestral wisdom. It’s time to protect and spread our Shamanic teachings, knowledge, and culture in unity. Nepal’s renowned Dhami-Jhankri- Shamans, both men and women with diverse cultural backgrounds from the many geographical regions of Nepal, will share their lineage rituals and traditions in an eco-friendly village nestled on the slopes of Nagarkot Hills about the medieval UNESCO heritage town of Bhaktapur.
This pilgrimage is organized and coordinated by Bhola Banstola, a long-lineage Dhami-Jhankri Shaman with decades of experience leading a wide range of Shamanism and cultural events in Nepal and other countries. All the teachings and ceremonies will be both indoor and outdoor. This exciting proposal builds on previous highly successful events. It has a significant advantage over the earlier events. It can be a more intimate and powerful experience for everyone, focusing more specifically on the rich and varied forms of Shamanism to be found across Nepal. This itinerary combines the exotic city culture of the Kathmandu valley, which is genuinely a repository and live practices which embrace Sanatana Dharma, Vedic culture, Buddhism, Tantrism and Shamanism. Further up in the village, we immerse in the local culture and enter into the ‘ways of the local shamans’ for three full days and some late-night rituals. The pilgrimage accompanied by the local shamans to introduce their power places in the mountains and caves of Saya mountains is remembering and reconnecting to the primordial shamanic roots which each of us carries deeply.
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.
Since 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 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 events. To these sacred lofty Himalayas, people embark on pilgrimages annually or semi-annually.
Itinerary
Nepal, for many millennia, has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage.
Each day of this pilgrimage will offer new revelations and opportunities to explore the richness of Nepali culture and practice, presented in morning, afternoon and night sessions with lunch and dinner breaks. All participants are encouraged to participate in ceremonies and the group cleansing and healing processes within the stipulated time and space. Of course, being on time and respecting the elders and co-participants is essential, and we will adhere to a dress code which respects the cultural expectations. 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 simultaneously translate rituals and sacred songs as much as possible). We will happily welcome Shamans and Elders from other countries with warm hearts if they can join and share their traditions and practices, thus opening the cultural exchange with their Nepali counterparts and creating a world community. 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 equivalent accommodation, where there will be a welcome dinner.
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 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-Shamanic Teachings and Rituals
- 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-Dhunge/Sayalung
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 lay people travel to this holy site yearly to receive healing and spiritual renewal and express gratitude. During this journey, we will also visit the caves and sacred power places of Mt Sayalung and Mt Kalingchock stands in opposite directions. Local shamans revere Kalingchok and Sayalung pilgrimages as ‘once-in-a-lifetime spiritual renewal and empowerment events.
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 in the power places.
- Early morning (after breakfast), we will drive to Dhunge 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.
- On reaching the destination, villagers and locals welcome the group to a local homestay facility.
- A whole day of travel by bus or jeep.
- Overnight in Dhunge in a family-run homestay facility.
Dhunge – Sayalung-Khola Kharka
- Early morning after breakfast, the group, accompanied by the Shamans, will 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 easy 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 call it 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. (5-6 hours trekking time)
- Overnight in Doromba in a Homestay.
Doromba
- Whole day in Doromba, meeting shamans, participating in their rituals, and receiving healing and blessings.
- 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
Kathmandu, Power places visit
- Early morning pilgrimage to Buddhanilakantha, the reclining deity dreaming of the world’s future and Patan, the garden city of temples and monasteries.
- Overnight in Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu- Empowerment and Initiations
- The day is devoted to Sir Uthaune (Raising the Head/Spirit), specific teachings, initiations, group discussions, and a closing ceremony.
- Group farewell dinner
- Overnight at Apsara or a similar hotel.
End of pilgrimages and services and departure after breakfast
Services Included In The Package:
- Transportation for arrival and departure from the airport in Kathmandu
- 5/6 days of guided sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sights of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Patan, Buddhanilakantha, Chobar, Kathmandu's Durbar Square and Pharping.
- Hotel accommodation: 6 Nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar
- Full participation in 4-days Shamanic teachings
- Participation in ceremonies and rituals
- A ceremonial bag with Shamanic souvenirs
- Group healing rituals
- 7 nights in 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 –Nagarkot- Kathmandu - Dhunge - Doromba- Kathmandu and all the places of sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Guide service, interpreter, city cultural guide, support staff (Trekking guide/porters/additional staff for trekking group)
- Accompanying Shamans – teachers during the pilgrimage
- Transportation, meals and lodging for the Shamans and their helpers
- 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%
Please check your passport validity: it should be valid for at least another six months from when you arrive in Nepal. To avoid long lines at the immigration in Kathmandu, you may obtain a Nepali visa in your country.
Day-by-day itinerary and other details will be sent only after receiving 50% of the deposits.
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: