Shamanic Pilgrimage to Nepal: A Sacred Journey
Oct 11, 2027
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Oct 25, 2027
Nepal
Experience Nepal’s spiritual heritage beneath the Himalayas. This pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to explore a land where the mystical and the everyday are closely connected. Discover ancient temples, vibrant market squares, and shamanic chants that highlight the sacredness of daily life. In the Kathmandu Valley, observe palace squares with intricate woodwork, courtyards illuminated by butter lamps, and temples and pagodas that symbolise the path to enlightenment. Here, devotion is not only observed but deeply felt, reflected in Nepal's architecture, art, and daily life.
The Jhankri, Nepal’s traditional shaman, serves as a healer, mediator, and guardian of ancestral wisdom. In Nepali society, the Jhankri is a key community figure, called upon to heal, restore harmony, communicate with ancestral souls, nature’s spirits, and guide individuals through life’s transitions. Their ceremonies, held in sacred groves or village homes, feature drums, mantras, and purifying herbs. The Jhankri’s role is both protective and transformative, maintaining balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. During this pilgrimage, you will observe and participate in these rituals, gaining insight into how the Jhankri’s wisdom shapes Nepal’s culture and fosters resilience and connection. No Nepali shamanic tradition uses mind-altering substances or herbs to induce trance and journeys.
Guided by Dhami-Jhankris, you will join a circle of healing, ceremony, and cultural exchange. Through shared experiences with local families, you will engage with Nepal’s diverse traditions and spiritual heritage. Participate in rituals, river blessings, and village ceremonies, and receive direct teachings from shamans and elders. This pilgrimage is a meaningful journey that welcomes you as a participant and fellow seeker, offering opportunities for personal growth and connection.
Welcome to Nepal, and welcome to the pilgrimage of a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary
Legend: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) & Dinner (D)
Day 1 (Oct 11, 2027): Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, where agency representatives will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to Hotel Apsara or similar accommodation.
6:00 PM: Attend a group meeting and welcome ceremony to set intentions, meet fellow participants, and receive blessings from a local elder or shaman.
Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Nepali cuisine and your first experience of local hospitality. (D)
Day 2: Sacred Kathmandu Exploration
Begin with a walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historic palaces, courtyards, and intricately carved temples.
Visit the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, who represents the divine feminine in Nepalese tradition.
Continue to Ason, Kathmandu’s historic market district, to experience local trade and culture. Visit a traditional art gallery to observe how spiritual motifs are integrated into daily life.
Overnight at Apsara Hotel or similar. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Temples and Rituals in the Valley
Begin the day at Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, to observe morning rituals and the candle oil-wick lamps.
Visit the shrines of Gorakhnath (patron saint of yogis) and Guheshwari (a powerful Tantric site dedicated to the goddess).
Observe cremation ceremonies along the Bagmati River, a significant ritual reflecting impermanence and spiritual continuity.
In the afternoon, visit Boudhanath Stupa, surrounded by prayer wheels and pilgrims. Observe Buddhist monks in prayer and participate by spinning the prayer wheels.
Overnight at Apsara Hotel or similar. (B/D)
Day 4: Foundations of Nepali Spirituality
Join a full-day immersion in Nepali culture, traditions, and shamanic healing. A local Jhankri shaman will introduce you to Nepal's cosmology, rituals, and healing practices.
Overnight at Apsara Hotel or similar (B/L/D)
Day 5: Kathmandu-Bhaktapur (City of Devotees)
After breakfast, the group travels to Bhaktapur, known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant festivals, and artisan culture.
Explore Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, Taumadi, Dattatraya Square, and Pottery Square. Observe artisans at work and view historic woodcarvings. Engage with local craftspeople to learn about the spiritual symbolism in their work.
Overnight at Vajra Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 6: Bhaktapur & Journey to Nagarkot
Continue exploring Bhaktapur, visit local shrines, and observe daily rituals.
In the late afternoon, drive to Nagarkot, a hill village known for its panoramic views, forests, suspension bridge, and river. Experience rural Nepali hospitality and the rhythms of hill life.
Overnight in a Nagarkot Homestay. (B/D)
Day 7: Shamanic Work Begins
Meet traditional shamans and learn about the Jhankri shaman’s role in community healing and spiritual guidance. Participate in introductory rituals, trance drumming, and learn about local shamans’ initiation rites and path to becomMeet traditional shamans and learn about the Jhankri’s role in community healing and spiritual guidance. Participate in introductory rituals and trance drumming, and learn about local shamans’ initiation rites and path to becoming shamans. (B/L/D)
Day 8: All-day shamanic works
(B/L/D)
Day 9: Local Shrine & Shamanic Practice
Walk to a local shrine, Jalapa Devi, with an expert guide.
Learn about the land's cosmology and guardians, and join healing ceremonies.
Overnight in Nagarkot Homestay. (B/L/D)
Day 10: River Ceremony & Ancestral Work
Join a River Ceremony, a tradition that uses water, prayers, and offerings to honour ancestors and seek their guidance. Participate in a group ceremony and riverside reflection, guided by experienced shamans who have preserved these practices for generations.
Overnight in Nagarkot Homestay. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Integration with Shamans
Spend the final day on shamanic teachings and integration, focusing on personal growth, healing, life essence rituals, protection, and empowerment for your journey.
Overnight in Nagarkot Homestay. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Himalayan Views & Chobar Gorge
Take an early morning drive to Nagarkot Batashi for sunrise views of the Himalayas, weather permitting. Continue to Chobar Gorge, home to Jalavinayaka (water-Ganesh) and a site of mythic river creation. Explore the area and visit Swayambhu Mahachaitya on the return to Kathmandu.
Overnight at Apsara Hotel or similar. (B/L)
Day 13: Sacred Sites of Kathmandu Valley
Visit Budhanilakantha early to see the Reclining Vishnu statue in the cosmic ocean. Return for breakfast, then continue to Patan, known for its temples, monasteries, and sacred art. Visit the living culture of the Newar community.
Overnight at Apsara Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 14: Initiation & Conclusion
In the morning, participate in a group initiation ceremony, receive blessings, and mark the completion of your pilgrimage. Join a group reflection and sharing circle.
Afternoon free for personal exploration or rest.
Attend a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey together.
Overnight at Apsara Hotel or similar. (B/D)
Day 15 (Oct 25, 2027): Departure
After breakfaAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport, carrying with you the insights and blessings gained from Nepal’s sacred traditions.
Note:
The minimum number of participants to organise this trip is 16.
Book a spot
For all the details of participation fees, what is included and excluded in the package, please send an email to Bhola Banstola bhumi1008@outlook.com