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A Transformational Nepal Pilgrimage

Temples, Shrines, Shamans, and the Sacred Mt. Kalingchock

August 16 – August 30, 2026

Nepal, Heart of World Shamanism

Embark on a journey to Nepal, a land where Nature, humanity, and the divine weave together in perfect harmony, a realm known as the enchanting Dev Bhumi Nepal. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the lush, green hills of the mid-Himalayas, and down to the expansive plains of the south, Nepal stands as a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures, spiritual practices, exquisite art, and remarkable architecture. The pulse of this extraordinary nation resonates within its ancient squares, sacred temples, monasteries, and revered sites. Along the majestic banks of the Bagmati, Vishnumati, Rudramati, and Hanumante rivers lies the Sacred Kathmandu Valley Mandal, a confluence where yogis, pilgrims, monks, and ascetics have gathered for millennia.

Our knowledgeable organisers, deeply immersed in local religious and spiritual traditions, will guide you through these revered sites, illuminating customs and traditions while imparting time-honoured teachings. Your adventure begins in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. It gracefully leads you into the higher hills towards the Kalingchock Bhagawati Shrine, the sacred abode of Goddess Kali.

This program invites you into a world of ancient wisdom, offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the esteemed Nepali Dhami-Jhankri shamans. Discover their millennia-old healing secrets, and immerse yourself in the art of crafting ritual spaces, rhythm, and sacred chants. As you traverse the hallowed temples, shrines, and power spots of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, you’ll join local pilgrims in heartfelt prayers and spiritual connections.

Connecting with shamans, elders, and lineage carriers from various backgrounds is a rare honour, allowing you to engage in meaningful dialogues and receive profound healing and teachings. Each thoughtfully designed segment of our itinerary caters to diverse physical abilities and spiritual backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive experience for everyone.

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The pilgrimage

This Pilgrimage is a sacred quest for personal and communal healing, forging a bridge between ancient traditions and modern lives. United, elders and leaders from diverse paths can illuminate our shared journey, preserving and sharing the wisdom of our ancestors. Now is the time to safeguard and spread our Shamanic teachings, weaving together a rich cultural fabric.

Crafted to immerse you in the heart of Nepal’s rich spiritual landscape, this program offers a rare chance to learn directly from renowned Dhami-Jhankri Shamans over four to five transformative days in an eco-friendly village on the scenic slopes of Nagarkot Hills, near the medieval UNESCO-heritage town of Bhaktapur. Every presentation and ceremony will unfold in a nurturing community hall, enveloped by the beauty of Nature.

Accompanied by local shamans, both men and women will participate in a trek through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, receiving revitalising spiritual healing and empowerment. Marvel at the stunning vistas of five majestic Himalayan ranges and the serene, terraced rural landscapes that surround you. We will journey to the base of Kalingchock, the sacred site of Goddess Kali/Bhagawati, and ascend on foot to the summit, offering panoramic views that capture the soul, weather permitting.

Every year, shamans and dedicated pilgrims converge on Kalingchock and the shrine of Dolokha Bhimsena near Charikot, embarking on profound spiritual journeys that embody healing and renewal.
This Pilgrimage promises an exhilarating, immersive adventure, drawing on the success of previous events that have transformed the lives of countless international participants. It is an intimate, powerful exploration of Nepal’s rich tapestry of Shamanism, cultural vibrancy, and sacred healing practices. Join us on this extraordinary journey and awaken to the magic of Nepal.

PROPOSED ITINERARY

LEGEND: B- Breakfast, L- Lunch and D- Dinner

16: Arrival in Kathmandu (day 01)

Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will welcome you with a warm reception.

You will be escorted to the Apsara Boutique Hotel or a comparable accommodation in Thamel, where a delightful welcome dinner awaits you. (Look for a representative holding a “YOUR NAME” banner after customs. Please handle your luggage personally unless assistance is essential.)

Join us for a group dinner and welcome ceremony.

Overnight at Apsara Boutique Hotel (D)

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17: Kathmandu - Explore Sacred Places of Kathmandu (day 02)

After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll embark on a walking tour of Old Kathmandu, visiting significant landmarks such as Durbar Square, Kumari House, the Museum, Kaal Bhairav, Sweta Bhairav, Aakash Bhairav, Kasta Mandapa, and Vaisha Deva (the deity known for healing toothaches), among others.

Afterwards, we will explore Aason Tole Bazaar on our return to Thamel, providing an opportunity to experience local culture and commerce.

Overnight at Apsara Boutique Hotel (B/L/D)

18: Kathmandu - Visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath (day 3)

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before we drive to Pashupatinath Temple, revered as the most sacred site for Lord Shiva and a cornerstone of Nepalese culture and tradition.

Here, we’ll have the chance to witness profound rites of passage along the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

The diverse architectural styles of the Pashupati enclave, including Dome, Pagoda, and Shikhara, will surely inspire you.
Next, we will visit Bouddhanath Stupa, one of Asia’s largest stupas and a vital hub for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

Overnight at Apsara Boutique Hotel (B/L/D)

19: Journey to Bhaktapur (day 4)

Following breakfast, we will travel to Bhaktapur, also known as the “City of Devotees,” and explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

After checking into the Vajra Hotel or a similar establishment, enjoy lunch at the Vajra Restaurant, then continue exploring sacred sites, palaces, and pottery squares.

If available, we’ll even have the honour of receiving blessings from the Kumari, the Living Goddess of Bhaktapur.

Overnight at Vajra Hotel, Bhaktapur (B)

20: Bhaktapur to Nagarkot (day 5)

We will begin our day with an early morning departure to our retreat in Nagarkot Village, where a traditional welcome program awaits, featuring kalashas (water vases), flowers, ceremonial scarves, tika (blessings made with red and yellow pigments), and refreshments.

After settling into different accommodations, we will gather for our first meeting with a group of shamans. Following a nourishing group lunch, we will have the opportunity to engage with Nepali Dhami-Jhankri Shamans and Elders, exploring their valuable roles in Nepali culture.

This day will conclude with group teachings, sharing, and a purification ritual.

Overnight at Nagarkot (B/L/D)

21: Full Day in Nagarkot (day 6)

We will dedicate this entire day to connecting with and working alongside shamans and elders, delving deeper into the practices and traditions that shape their contributions to society.

Overnight at Nagarkot (B/L/D)

22: Continuation in Nagarkot (day 7)

Another full day and evening will be spent alongside shamans and elders, continuing our exploration and engagement with their teachings and practices.

Overnight at Nagarkot (B/L/D)

23: Sacred Journey from Nagarkot-Nagarkot (day 8)

We will spend a whole day working with shamans and elders, which may include a visit to the sacred Garuda Waterfall.

Here, we will participate in a cleansing and ancestral-honouring ritual, followed by a life-essence-calling ritual for protection.

Overnight at Nagarkot (B/L/D)

24: Travel from Nagarkot to Charikot/Dolokha (day 9)

After an early breakfast, we will embark on an enriching bus ride through picturesque villages, winding river valleys, and lush forests.

Upon reaching Charikot/Bhimeshwar, the administrative centre of Dolokha district, we will check into a guesthouse or lodge. Time permitting, we’ll explore the vibrant village town.

(Approx. 127 kilometres – travel time 6-7 hours, including a stop for tea and lunch, depending on road conditions. Altitude: approximately 1555 meters.)

Overnight in Charikot (B/L/D)

25 Charikot-Bhimsensthan-Kuri (day 10)

After breakfast, the group visits the shrine dedicated to Bhimsena, in the form of Bhimeshwar, a cultural hero of truth and strength in the epic Mahabharata.

Still, 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 a free afternoon to acclimatise and prepare for the next day’s triumph, 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 (B/L/D)
(Approximately 30 kilometres drive- four hours, including a visit to the Bhemeshwar shrine).

Altitude of roughly 3400 meters

26 Kuri- Kalingchock-Kuri (day 11)

With the call of dawn, the group will join the shamans and other pilgrims, following the rhythmic drums and sacred chants on an active, meditative pilgrimage walk to the top of Kalingchok, a journey of profound spiritual significance.

On reaching the summit of the holy 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, including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Mount Shishapangma, Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, and many other breathtaking mountain peaks, a sight that will leave you awe-inspired and amazed.

Overnight in the guesthouse/lodge, group dinner and discussions about the importance of this Pilgrimage and the myths related to this power spot (B/L/D)
Kalingchock is approximately 3842 meters.

Note: Participants who find it challenging to keep up with the Shaman and other participants on foot may take a cable car from Kuri village to the summit of Kalingchock.

27 Kuri-Kathmandu (day 12)

Kuri to Kathmandu drive by bus. Overnight at Apsara Boutique Hotel (B/L/D)

28 Budhanilakantha- Swayambhunath-Patan (day 13)

Before breakfast, drive to Budhanilakantha, the reclining Vishnu shrine, to observe and participate in the ceremony.

After breakfast, visit the City of Beauty, Patan and the Swayambhu Nath Chaitya (known as Monkey Temple) (B)

29 Whole day initiation, empowerment and conclusion of the teachings and discussions (B/L/D) (day 14)

30 After breakfast, end of the Pilgrimage: Departure (B) (day 15)

The minimum number of participants to run this group is 15, and the maximum accepted is 22.

Services Included In The Package:

  • Transportation for arrival and departure from the airport in Kathmandu
  • All the transportations mentioned in the itinerary
  • 5/6 days of guided sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sights of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Old Kathmandu, Budhanilakantha, Bhaktapur, Patan,etc.
  • Hotel accommodation: 6 Nights of hotel accommodation in Bhaktapur/Kathmandu in Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar
  • Full participation in four days Shamanic teachings
  • Participation in ceremonies and rituals
  • Pilgrimage to Kalingchock and back
  • A ceremonial bag with Shamanic souvenirs
  • Group healing rituals
  • 4 nights in Homestay during Shamanic teachings
  • 3 nights guesthouse and lodge during the pilgrimage
  • UNESCO-listed heritage sites and Protected area entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All the meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) as per the itinerary prepared for the participants (except 5 lunches or dinners while in /Bhaktapur/Kathmandu/Patan) using locally available foods
  • Transportation: Kathmandu –Nagarkot- Chautara- Kuri- Bhaktapur- Kathmandu and all the places of sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Guide service, interpreter, city cultural guide, trekking guide, sherpas and support staff
  • Transportation, salaries, meals and lodging for the Shamans and assistants throughout the program
  • All sacred items and objects necessary for the Shamanic rituals, ceremonies and pilgrimages
  • All government taxes

Reservation and Contact Details

For reservation and further informations, please send an email to

Bhola Banstola
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.BholaBanstola.com
www.nepalishamanism.com