Nepal Experiential Shamanic Pilgrimage
Nepal, the Heart of World Shamanism and Centre of Learning
September 09 – September 23, 2024
Since time 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 grounding 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.
Pilgrimage programme
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.
After spending two days understanding and exploring the Sanatana-Vedic-Dharma and Buddhist cultures of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, the participants are accompanied to a serene and nature-immersed village for a five-day retreat. Here, the Dhami-Jhankri-Shamans (men and women) help us understand and navigate through their initiation, apprenticeship, rituals, healing sessions, divinations, creation of sacred protective amulets, fire rituals and hot water cleansing rites.
After five days of intense retreat, the participants will hike to Changunarayan and Bhaktapur (approximately four hours excursion) and stay in Bhaktapur for three days and nights, visiting the Mother Goddess shrines, Bhairung temples and some local healers.
On returning to Kathmandu, the participants will visit Patan- the City of Beauty, Budhanilakantha, Swayambhu Chaitya, and other places- and offer rituals in the power places.
On the final day of the pilgrimage, empowerment and initiation will be bestowed.
Included services:
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Transportation for arrival and departure from the airport in Kathmandu
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Guided sightseeing of UNESCO Heritage Sites
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Hotel accommodations & Homestays
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Participation in ceremonies & healing rituals
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Most meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) as per the itinerary prepared for the participants using what is locally available
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All Transportation per the itinerary
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Guide service, interpreter, city cultural guide, support staff
Excluded services:
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Your international flight tickets to and from Kathmandu
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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)
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Tips to the service providers like guides, homestays, drivers and assistants
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Perks and gratitude to the Shamans and elders
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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)
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Personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, drinks, or all are not explicitly included under the clause ‘what is included
Book your spot
For tentative daily itineraries and programs, please send email at
Cancellation policy
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60 days before programme start - there are no cancellation fee
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59 to 45 days before - 25% cancellation fee
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44 to 30 days before - 50 % cancellation fee
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29 to 15 days before and after - 100% cancellation fee
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.
Important
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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.
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Day-by-day itinerary and other details will be sent only after receiving 50% of the deposits.
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Please have full insurance for safety.
Note about food and drink
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As the Shamans, Elders, lineage holders and tradition keepers of different age groups and dietary restrictions will be part of the work team with different eating habits and beliefs, all the meals during the three days of teachings and trekking will be vegetarian. But in Kathmandu you will have a choice of non-vegetarian menus, continental dishes etc.
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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.
Options during your stay in Nepal
If you are interested in a longer stay, we can arrange other visits or trekking in the Himalayas. Nepal has a lot to offer and while the pilgrimage can only showcase some of the wonders of the region as the programme focuses on shamanic healing, teachings and in-depth experiences.
Bhola can make all the necessary arrangements if you wish to experience any of the following:
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Mountain flight to Mount Everest in Eastern Himalayas (early mornings) - it is a one-hour flight from Kathmandu airport.
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Visits to Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Patan Durbar squares, etc.
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Trekking, white water rafting, visits to National Parks.