Nepal Experiential Shamanic Pilgrimage
Nepal, the Heart of World Shamanism and Centre of Learning
September 4 – September 19, 2023
(without trekking in the mountains)
A pilgrimage is a journey to sacred places to renew and recharge spiritually, to meet and learn from a teacher and to seek healing in far-off places. These are the most common forms of pilgrimage in Nepal.
Spiritual journeys are undertaken to visit the great human-made shrines and the natural Himalayan sacred places. These places are called Tirthas, which means ‘crossing places where one can cross the river to the far shore or a mountain, and in this case, cross over into another dimension of life.
In the same way, a pilgrimage is a way to seek a true teacher who has kept the flame of knowledge alight, which they in turn, have received from an authentic teacher and lineage.
Nepal's renowned Dhami-Jhankri-Shamans:
Nepal is one of the few countries where Millenium old lineage wisdom-carrying Shamans still live. Both men and women with diverse cultural backgrounds will share their lineage rituals and practices in an eco-friendly village nestled on the slopes of Nagarkot Hills above the medieval UNESCO heritage town of Bhaktapur. The presentations and ceremonies will take place both indoors and outdoors.
This exciting proposal is built on previous highly successful events. They have a significant advantage over the earlier events. They can be a more intimate and powerful experience for everyone, focusing more specifically on Nepal’s rich and varied Shamanism.
To give possibilities to participate to interested individuals and groups from different corners of the planet, even without previous experiences, the proposed itinerary suits everyone.
The Proposed Programmes
Each day of these experiential pilgrimages 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.
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). As the Nepali Shamans and elders have their rhythms and ways of working and sharing, there will be time to ask questions and get clarity.
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 (www.apsaraboutiquehotel.com) or similar accommodation.
Day-by-day itinerary in a nutshell:
Welcome, introduction, a ceremony of intention, dinner with the Group and Circle Opening.
(Participants must be in the hotel by 6:00 PM)
Introduction of the history of Nepal, multiple cultures and traditions and visits to Durbar Square and Old Town, Ason. Participation in shrine sacred rituals and a visit to the Sacred Home-the temple of the Goddess Kumari Devi.
Visit the shrine of Shiva at Pashupatinath, the guardian patron deity of Nepal and the Deopatan area. Discussions on death and dying processes by the banks of the River Bagmati, ascending to the Slesmantaka hill, visiting the Gorakhanatha temple and receiving an introduction to the Guhayashwari Goddess. Proceed to the Boudhanath Stupa and visit some monasteries and temples.
After breakfast, proceed to Nagarkot by private vehicle. On arrival, the villagers offer a ceremonial welcome, check-in in homestay facilities and group lunch.
After lunch, the Group gathers in a well-equipped community conference hall immersed in a natural environment, where the Dhami-Jhankri Shamans make ritual preparations, create their traditional Shamanic altars, and make invocations and rites of purification.
There will be individual and group purification rituals, protection and cleansing. Late-night dinner and overnight stay.
Work with the Shamans and elders
Pilgrimage to the Garuda (‘Regal Eagle’) Water Fall, water cleansing ritual, and a walk in the lush green forest before returning to rest.
Work with the Shamans and elders
After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur, the mediaeval city and UNESCO World Heritage site: visit the sacred water fountains, squares, palaces, and temples and visit some of the Mother Goddesses and Bhairung temples. In the evening, drive back to Kathmandu and check in at Apsara Boutique Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Patan/Lalitpur, a medieval city of beauty with infinite Bahas/monasteries, temples, squares, art and architecture. Overnight in Apsara Boutique Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Chobar Gorge/Jala Vinayaka, Shesh Narayan/Asura Caves, Pharping/ Self-created Ganyap and Sweet Tara shrine/ Adhinath Hill. Overnight in Apsara Boutique Hotel.
Group discussions, empowerment, healing and initiation – overnight in Apsara Boutique Hotel.
Early morning visit to the sacred shrine of Budanilakantha, Swayambhu Chaitya and back to the hotel.
Final group meeting in the afternoon and farewell dinner.
The pilgrimage ends after breakfast.
Services Included In The Package:
- Transportation for arrival and departure from and to the airport in Kathmandu
- Six days of unique guided sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sights of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Pharping, Budanilakantha, Patan and Bhaktapur.
- Hotel accommodation: 8 Nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar
- A week of in-depth learning and healing sessions and more from male and female Shaman teachers
- Two days of conclusive empowerment and initiation sessions
- A ceremonial bag with Shamanic healing objects and souvenirs
- A traditional Shamanic drum/Dhyangro is available on loan to play and practise throughout the stay.
- Group healing rituals
- Seven nights and days on a full board basis in a beautiful Homestay during Shamanic teachings and retreat
- UNESCO-listed heritage sites and Protected area entrance fees
- All the breakfast, lunch and dinner meals as per the itinerary prepared for the participants (except three lunches and dinners).
- Transportation: Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Kathmandu, and all the places of sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Guide service, interpreter, city cultural guide, support staff and assistants
- Transportation, meals and lodging for the Shamans during the retreat
- All sacred items and objects necessary for the teachings, rituals and ceremonies
- All government taxes
- International flight tickets to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
- 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)
- This document does not include personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, drinks, and other fees.
60 days before the commencement of the program, no cancellation charges
59- 45 days before 25%
44- 30 days before 50 %
29- 15 days before 100%
Refunds will be made for a valid reason, including personal ill health or an immediate family member’s ill health, with a medical doctor’s certification.
Please have complete insurance coverage for safety.
Please check passport validity: it should be valid for at least another six months from the day of arrival in Nepal. To avoid long lines at the immigration in Kathmandu, you can obtain a visa in your country.
Only when the agency receives 50% of the deposit will you be enrolled in the group
(Note: it is not a certification trip to make you a healer or a Shaman but is intended to enhance your knowledge of the subject.)
Most diets can be accommodated, including vegetarianism. 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 not many dietary supplements or specially processed energy foods. Please bring your own if you think you will need them.
Thanks for joining this trip and helping preserve our beloved ancestors' wisdom.
Namaste, and feel welcome in Nepal.
All correspondences are welcomed only by email at: