Pilgrimages

Nepal is a special country where Nature, humans and the divine have a tripartite presence and role in maintaining a serene balance and harmony also called Dev Bhumi Nepal. From the massif Himalayas to the mid-Himalayan green mountains to the unending flat plains of the South, Nepal is a living museum of many human groups and sub-groups, vibrant cultures, spiritual practices, art and architecture. Nepal's identity and power centres are the old squares, temples, monasteries and sacred places. The holy 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, pilgrims, 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.

This program is proposed to participate and get a first-hand experience from the local Nepali Dhami - Jhankri shamans (male and female) learning their millennia-old lineage healing secrets and getting acquainted with the art of setting ritual spaces, rhythms and sacred chants. The participants will be accompanied to the temples, shrines and power places of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, cultural and historical heritages centres, to offer prayers and join local pilgrims. 

It is a rare opportunity to be with the shamans, elders and long-lineage carriers of different lineages, listen to them, converse, and receive healing and teachings.

Nepal is one of only a few countries globally, still the 'home of longest-living shamanic traditions and masters'.

The participants will spend the first two days and three nights in Kathmandu to prepare and rest after a long journey with time differences and jet lag at the Apsara Boutique Hotel. Then the Group will be transferred to Bhaktapur (city of devotees) UNESCO world heritage town for a day and night and there after proceed for a week-long retreat with the Dhami - Jhankri - Shamans in beautiful homestay settings in the village of Nagarkot, immersed in Nature.

During these retreat days different sessions with the Shamans will be held daily. 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.

After the retreat we visit other power places, as mentioned in the itinerary.   

On the final day of the pilgrimage, empowerment and initiation will be bestowed.

We are excited to offer this transformative Nepal-Himalayan Experiential Shamanic Pilgrimage for those who are passionate about and eager to dive into the profound teachings of Shamanism and Animism. Organised by Bhola Banstola, a distinguished 27th-generation Dhami-Jhankri Shaman with over 30 years of experience, this journey will provide unparalleled insights into the rich tapestry of shamanic practices found throughout Nepal.

In an ever-evolving world, it is essential to reflect on our role and connection to it. We will bridge ancient traditions with contemporary life, facilitating a more profound healing that benefits all. Elders and leaders must unite to preserve, share, and transmit our ancestral wisdom, protecting and spreading our Shamanic teachings globally in harmony.

Hosted in an eco-friendly village on the slopes of the Nagarkot Hills, above the historical town of Bhaktapur, you will have the unique opportunity to learn from renowned Dhami - Jhankri Shamans, both men and women, who will share their lineage rituals and traditions in engaging settings—indoors and outdoors. Our offerings are designed to be more profound, concrete and powerful than ever before, drawing from the success of previous events and focusing on the diverse richness of Nepal's Shamanism.

Each carefully crafted itinerary accommodates participants' physical abilities, cultural and spiritual backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity for participants from all backgrounds. Every day of this pilgrimage will unveil new insights and cultural experiences. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, complemented by lunch and dinner breaks, will immerse you fully in the experience.

Participants are strongly encouraged to engage in ceremonies, group cleansing, and healing rituals, fostering a sense of community throughout. To enhance understanding, all presentations conducted in Nepali or regional languages will be translated/interpreted into English and vice versa, ensuring clarity and engagement. (Based on participant needs, there may also be translations into English-French and other languages.)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the journey will begin with a warm welcome, followed by an escort to the beautiful Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar. A group gathering and welcoming ceremony from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM will be followed by a reception dinner at 8:00 PM, kicking off this enriching experience.

The initial two days and three nights in Kathmandu will allow for acclimatisation, sightseeing, visiting empowering sacred power places and restful preparation before the adventure ahead. Then we will head to a weeklong retreat with the Dhami-Jhankri Shamans in a serene homestay in Nagarkot with an overnight stopover in Bhaktapur (City of Devotees), a UNESCO heritage town.

During this immersive week-long retreat, the first three days will focus on essential shamanic practices, including spirit classification, exploring the roots of disharmony and disease, and engaging in powerful group rituals from different shamanic lineages.

In the early morning hours after breakfast, there will be visits to the village temple, a crossing of the Madhav River by bridge, and a walk through pristine forest. The shamans will also accompany the group on an ancestral ritual at a waterfall and a morning drive to Batashi Danda to view the Himalayas. The remaining days will delve into learning shamanic rhythms, melodies, and healing techniques, empowering you with the wisdom of healing tutelary spirits and deities.

The journey will also encompass visits to sacred sites in the Kathmandu Valley, culminating in final initiations and empowerment. Nepal is a unique destination that harmonises nature, humanity, and spirituality. From the majestic Himalayas to the verdant mid-Himalayan regions, it is a living showcase of diverse cultures, spiritual practices, and historic artistry.

Amidst this vibrant backdrop, sacred temples and shrines along the rivers have stood as spiritual beacons for countless generations. The organisers are highly knowledgeable about local religious and spiritual practices, ensuring that you not only visit these power places but also learn time-honoured methods inherent to the tradition.

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As we conclude this extraordinary journey with an empowering ceremony on the final day, you will leave with profound insights and experiences that deepen your understanding of Nepali Shamanism. Join us for this unforgettable pilgrimage and embark on a transformative journey through this ancient tradition!

Daily program

Programmes and itineraries are subject to change

Legend: B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner

Day 1 (September 22, 2026) : 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. (Please look for someone from the airport with a "YOUR NAME" banner after customs clearances. Please don't let anyone handle your luggage unless necessary). 

Group dinner and welcome ceremony.

Overnight in Apsara Boutique Hotel (D)

Day 2 (September 23, 2026) : Kathmandu visit sacred sites

After breakfast, a walking visit to old Kathmandu, including the Durbar Square, Kumari House, Museum, Kaal Bhairung, Sweta Bhairung, Aakash Bhairung, Kasta Mandapa, Vaisha Deva (healing deity of toothache) and other important shrines. After lunch, visit Aason Tole Bazaar on the way back to Thamel. (B/L/D)

Day 3 (September 24, 2026) : Kathmandu visit sacred sites : 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, overnight in Apsara Boutique Hotel (B/D)

Day 4 (September 25, 2026) : Kathmandu - Bhaktapur

After breakfast drive to Bhaktapur (city of devotees) and explore the UNESCO heritage town. On reaching Bhaktapur, check in Vajra Hotel or similar and start exploration of the sacred sites, palaces, pottery squares, etc. And stop for lunch at Vajra restaurant. After luch visit other part of the city and receive blessings from the hands of the Kumari, the Living Goddess of Bhaktapur (based on availability). Overnight in Vajra Hotel, Bhaktapur (B).

Day 5 (September 26, 2026) : Bhaktapur-Nagarkot

Early morning transfer to the retreat in Nagarkot Village Homestay. On arrival in the village, a traditional welcome program with Kalashas (water vases), flowers, ceremonial scarves and tika (red and yellow pigment blessings) with refreshments. Systemization in different houses (check-in) followed by the first meeting with a group of shamans followed by a group lunch. In the afternoon, work with the 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 (B/L/D)

Day 6 (September 27, 2026) : Nagarkot 

An in-depth sharing of Shaman's and Elder's understanding of the Importance of practising traditional lineage Shamanism, and its impact on ecology and the world environment.

A ritual revealing 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. 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 (B/LD)

Day 7 (September 28, 2026) : 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

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?

Group ritual and overnight (B/L/D)

Day 8 (September 29, 2026) : Nagarkot

Teachings and healing rituals including Kaal Chakra and other rituals (B/L/D)

Day 9 (September 30, 2026) : Nagarkot

Whole day teachings including fire and water rituals. 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 (B/L/D)

Day 10 (October 1, 2026) : Nagarkot

Pilgrimage to the water fall- Garuda/Tundi Water and a ceremony dedicated to the ancestors and lineage(B/L/D)

Day 11 (October 2, 2026) : Nagarkot

All-day sessions with the shamans and question and answer sessions followed by the Ritualof Separating the Living from the Dead'. Individual empowerments and life vitality essences call back rituals 'Saato Bolaunu.' Ritual and prayers of conclusion (B/L/D)

Day 12 (October 3, 2026) : Chobar JalaVinayaka - Shesh Narayana - Pharping - Padmasambhava Cave - Aadhinath Hill - Kathmandu

After breakfast, we embark on a day-long pilgrimage to visit some of the most important and sacred places to the South of Kathmandu Valley.Return to Kathmandu in the late afternoon and overnight at the Apsara Boutique Hotel (B/LD)

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Day 13 (October 4, 2026) : Budhanilakantha - Patan - Swayambhu Chaitya - Kathmandu

Early in the morning, we drive to visit, observe, and participate in the awakening and preparatory ritual of Jalasayana Vishnu (Vishnu reclining on the couch of Naga in the cosmic ocean). After breakfast, we return to the hotel and visit Patan/Lalitpur (the city of beauty). In the late afternoon, after visiting the Swayambhu Chaitya popularly known in guidebooks as Monkey Hill Temple (B/L)

Day 14 (October 5, 2026) : Today is dedicated to Sir Uthaune (Raising the Head/Spirit), specific teachings, initiations, group discussions, and a closing ceremony. Group farewell dinner and overnight at Apsara or a similar hotel (B/L/D)

Day 15 (October 6, 2026)

After breakfast departure - end of the pilgrimage (B)

Included services:

• Transport for arrival and departure from the airport in Kathmandu to the hotel

• 5/6 days of guided sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sights of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu's Durbar Square and Pharping, Patan, Budanilakantha and Swambhunath

• Hotel accommodation: 6 Nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in Apsara Boutique Hotel and one night in Bhaktapur

• Full participation in 8 days Shamanic teachings/ceremonies/rituals

• All the items necessary for ceremonies and healing sessions

• A ceremonial bag with Shamanic souvenirs

• Group healing rituals

• 7 nights in Homestay on fullboard

• UNESCO-listed heritage sites and protected area entrance fees as per itinerary

• All the meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) as per the itinerary prepared for the participants using locally available food and ingredients (except 3 lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu/ Bhaktapur)

• Transport: Kathmandu – Nagarkot - Pharping -Bhaktapur and all the places of sightseeing as per the itinerary

• Guide service, interpreter, city cultural guide, shamans assistants, and support staff 

• Teaching faculty of Shamans both men and women and their assistants

• Transport from and to, meals and boarding for the Shamans and helpers

• All sacred items and objects necessary for the Shamanic rituals, Pilgrimage and ceremonies

• All government taxes 

Excluded 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 of US$ 30 for two weeks- (please check updates before you embark on this trip)

• Tips to the service providers like guides, homestay, hotel staff, drivers and assistants, perks and gratitude to the Shamans

• 3 lunches and 3 dinners

• Insurance of all types (health insurance, baggage loss, trip cancellation, rescue due to sickness or unforeseen circumstances, natural calamities, rescue, etc.). Please give the accurate information of places you stay/go to the insurance company

• Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, drinks, or all that are not explicitly included under clause 'what is included.'