Trip Highlights
- Soak up the Nepali way of life
- Visit the holy lake Gosaikunda
- Magnificent view of the mountain and the Himalayan range,
- Vibrant culture of diverse ethnic peoples
- Presence of thousands of temples dedicated to Gods and Goddess
- Experience the rituals conducted by Jhakris
This is a unique tour mostly concentrated in and around Kathmandu valley to provide a special opportunity for you to experience one of the oldest and vibrant cultures of the world. It has fascinating living religions like Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism, Bonpo, nature worship, ancestral worship etc. all blending to one another. You may or may not believe in mental telepathy but some of the rituals just do that with the spirit of the deceased before it is sent to nether world. All of these religions and rituals are influenced by the belief and practice of Tantrism.
In the pursuit to seek Tantrik activities we may visit some of the remote place either in the mountain or plain to observe the reality. We will take you to the place as described in this program but the location may change depending upon the suitable condition.
Apart from that magnificent view of the mountain and the Himalayan range, vibrant culture of diverse ethnic peoples, presence of thousands of temples dedicated to Gods and Goddess that has made a deep impact on the major religions are all part of the tour. You may call it Bon-po, Animist, or Tantrick all these has its own impact on the major religion and vice versa. You may also encounter numerous festivals that are expression of the culture evolved even before the birth of Gautam Buddha.
The program is intended to cover healers, shamans, spiritual practice, rituals, herbal and botanical healers, natural healing and, practice in Hinduism and Buddhism as much as possible in a short time. This program does not cover yoga and other form of meditation, nor it goes very high in the mountain in the pursuit of peace but, rather it is focused on back to basic that enlighten you on the question of life and death. This is a unique tour mostly concentrated in and around Kathmandu valley to provide special opportunity to you to experience one of the oldest and vibrant cultures of the world. It has fascinating living religions like Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism, Bonpo, nature worship, ancestral worship etc.
The culture and mysticism that we have now is the tradition from the dynastic rule of Kiratis, Lichivis, Mallas, Shah and Rana. The history goes back to the advent of the Indus civilization. Hindu mythology is full of events that are part of what Nepal is today. Of course, the Muslim invasion of India and Mongols thrust to the south of Mongolia and China has made a major impact.
Religion based on animist trait has its own festival dedicated to nature. Lord Shiva is manifested in a different form to the different religious adherent. But all consider him as a benevolent and fearsome God. For Kirantis, the original inhabitants of Nepal, Shiva and his concert Parvati are considered as their ancestor. There are many festivals dedicated to Shiva as a Hindu God. The Impact of Buddhism and later Brahmanism can be seen in many of the festivals held and social practice that has become culture in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. Moreover the cult-like impact of tantric power has also left deep impression in the lives of people in the valley as well as far-flung villages. Whether we talk about the power of Milarappa or the power of Jhakris to ward off hail storm, in true sense it is ‘tantric power’ we are talking about; it can also be called cosmic power which is beyond the comprehension of human being. Much talked about the stories of the sage Padman Sambhaba who propagated Buddhism in remote parts of the Himalayan region is very much related to spiritualism. Spiritualism and tantric power are used interchangeably. So, none of the today main stream religions like Hindu and Buddhist in this part of Himalaya can be detached from this cosmic power. It has been said India witnessed a great tantric period between the 7th and 13th centuries. But many believed Nepal experienced much earlier than the Veda (Hindu scripture) was written.
The shamans are known as ‘Jhankris’ in Nepali that you see to-day, the witchcraft and black magic that we hear and see wherever there is the presence of Jhakris, the mantras (scared speech) that are recited in the temple, gompas, scared places, and power centres scattered at many places in Nepal are all the manifestation of spiritualism. Vajrayana Buddhism that practice spiritual teaching in combination with the teaching of Buddha is one of the clear examples of present religious culture here in Nepal. Even for laymen, like us, the experiences of all such events are memorable and fascinating. So, in the Himalayas the people, festivals, religions, temples, shrines, gompas are all prominent subjects for visitors of all interest.
Note: Yoga trek is becoming popular and can incorporate this activity with spiritual healing along the way.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu(BB).
Upon arrival our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. In the evening welcome dinner with a cultural show.
Day 02: In Kathmandu (BB). Tour of Kathmandu and Patan.
In the morning we take you on a walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar square. This will be the first opportunity to see the local bazaar and meet people on the street. Walkthrough Asan Tole (locality) to Durbar Square. Asan is an old bazaar of Kathmandu with narrow roads and old houses dated back to more than a hundred years. Asan used to be the main market in those days and it is still as vibrant as ever with all kind of shops and all sorts of visitors; it is famous for its traditional and cultural lifestyle of the people. In Asan, there are temples that are alive and packed with worshipers offering puja (prayer) and at the same time buying and selling in traditional style. The centre of the city is a labyrinth of narrow streets and markets crowded with exotic produce, products and a bewildering mix of people – Tibetan women in their stripped aprons, traders from India and Sadhus – Hindu holy men, who are perhaps on pilgrimage to one of the countless shrines or temples of the valley. The sound, colour, pilgrims and people provide a wonderful opportunity to see and shoot first hand. As you wander along you will see the historic Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction.
We continued on to walk through Indra Chowk and finally Kathmandu Durbar square. The Durbar is the historic seat of the Shah Dynasty. The square itself is a medieval wonder that has given Kathmandu much of its mystery and atmosphere. Nautalle Durbar (9 storied palace), Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Drum and the Jagannath temple are all there within walking distance in Basantapur. This place is also called Hanuman Dhoka because of the statute of Hanuman, a mythical Hindu monkey God stationed at the main door. The original Royal seat and the surrounding temples have some of the best architecture and erotic carving. Kasthamandap is part of the extended former royal palace structure believed to have been built from the timber of a single tree. The temple of the Living Goddess Known as “Kumari” is also located in the vicinity. Freak Street the most popular tourist site before Thamel was discovered is close by. This Freak Street used to be a hub for hippie and overland adventurers in the late 70s. There are still traces of those days in the street.
In the afternoon we visit Patan Durbar Square. While in Patan visit the temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira, Mahaboudha, and Krishna Temple. All these places are historical as well as religious significance. There are fascinating stories related to these sites. This royal palace is believed to have been built in 299 AD. There are many beautifully carved windows, doors and balconies for which it is famous. Mahaboudha is made of Terracotta bricks and pagoda style structure of Mahavira dedicated to Lord Buddha built in 13th century.
Day 03: In Kathmandu (BB). Tour of Swambhunath, Pasupatinath and Baudhanath.
After breakfast we travel to Swambhunath. This is a very well known 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa (Chaitya). The tourist gave ‘monkey temple’ as its nickname. The stupa is located on the summit of a hill overlooking Kathmandu valley. Besides Boudhanath, this is one of the popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. The legend has it that once upon a time Kathmandu valley was a lake and the Goddess Manjushri found a shrine here at Swambhunath after she drained the water from the lake. Swambhunath is one of the most important temples and pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhist alike. Its vantage point provides a panoramic view over the surrounding city and countryside. With its tremendous white stupa shrines and ever wandering eye, it has truly memorable sights.
Next we visit Pasupatinath temple. Devotees queue from very early in the morning when only the gate on the western side of the temple opens for worship. This is one of the holiest Hindu shrine in the world dedicated to the Hindu god ‘Shiva.’ The temple is located on the bank of Bagmati-river. The premise of the temple on the bank of the Bagmati river is also a place to cremate dead bodies. The surrounding area of the temple has shelters for Sadhus (Hindu pious people). They are usually there either meditating or just lazing around. The temple of Shiva adorns a festive look on the festival of Shiva known as “Shiva Ratri.” Usually, this day falls in the month of February. On this day Sadhus from all over India throng to this place to worship Lord Shiva. It is very colourful and wonderful sights.
The stupa of Boudhanath is located very close bye. It is the Mecca of Buddhist. Boudanath has a different layout built in the shape of a Mandala (a Buddhist representation of the heavens). It is a must-visit place for pilgrims from Tibet, and from the northern belt of the Himalayas who often make the long journey to pay their respect and prayer. Boudanath Stupa is the biggest stupa in the country. It is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage. The stupa represents the mind of the Buddha. The stupa is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century by King Mandeva. Most of the monasteries in the vicinity of Boudanath offer meditation and retreats to visitors. To get an insight into Buddhist monastic life it is worth visiting some of the monasteries. Baudhanath was listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument in 1979.
Day 04: In Kathmandu (BB). Tour of Bhaktapur
In the morning we visit Bhaktapur. This is a medieval town situated on the old trade route to Tibet about 22 kilometres from Kathmandu. The beautiful temples and fantastic architectures in Bhaktapur have been well preserved until the 2015 April devastating earthquake which destroyed some of the prominent temples. The architectures of the Malla dynasty are all located in and around Durbar Square of Bhaktapur. Many monuments and temples like Lion Gates (1696AD), Golden Gate, The Palace of Fifty Five Windows (1427 AD), Picture gallery that has ancient Hindu and Tantric painting, and Nyatapola temple (1702 AD) are all in the vicinity of the Durbar Square. The Nyatapola temple is five-storied constructed in pagoda styles; it is famous for its workmanship and outstanding massive structure. Bhairab Nath and Dattatraya Temple (1427 AD) – dedicated to Shiva in his fearsome mood and the intricately carved Peacock window built in a monastery (1458 AD) are all famous for artistic quality. All these artefacts from the 14th to 17th century built by various Malla kings of Bhaktapur have been well preserved. It is indeed fascinating to see all these. Bhaktapur city still wears its medieval look; many of the old people speak their own dialect. The livelihood of the folks living in the city still depends upon agriculture. As you walk along and around the lens in this city you will feel the presence of a rural atmosphere. The bazaar is full of attractive metal and wooden pieces moulded and carved intricately and beautifully done.
After the tour we visit a shaman from the Newar community who live around Bhaktapur. We take the opportunity to observe him at work including the healing process he practices.
Day 05: In Kathmandu (BB).
On this day we would pay a visit to one of the well-known shamans known as Egg Shaman to the western world. He lives in Duwakot village. Though he is Chetri he has been practising as a shaman, which is rare.
Day 06: Trek day 1. Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche. (120 km -5 hr)
You will be driving through gravel and rough road most of the part.
Day 07: Trek day 2 Ascend to Sing Gompa (3254m)
Climb up the trail full of rhododendron forest to a small settlement of Sing Gompa.
Day 08: Trek day 3 Acclimatization day at the high elevation
Today you will acclimatize at a higher altitude to overcome altitude sickness.
Day 09: Trek day 4. Gosaikunda lake (4180m)
We climb the steep trail to Laurebinayak pass (3925m) and descend to the holy lake of Gosaikunda lake (4180m). On this day you can see spectacular view of Manaslu, Ganesh Himala and Himalchuli.
Day 10: Trek day 5. In Gosaikunda (4180m)
Overnight at the lake to see the festival.
Day 11. Trek day 6. Camp at Gopte (3566m)
We make gradual climb to Lauribina Pass (4600m) and descend to Gopte cave (3566m). You can get great view of the Himalayan range.
Day 12: Trek day 7 Melemchi-gaon (2560m)
We walk up and down through forest to the ridge at Tharepati (3600m) and descend to Malemchi gaon. After a hard climb through the rhododendron forest, you reach the ridge at Tharapati in about 2 hours. There are chances to see pheasants and other wildlife in this area. A steep scrambling descent leads to Malemchin gaon situated at the top of Melamchi river valley.
Day 13: Trek day 8 Shermathang (2693m) via Tarkeghyang (2550m)
Descend to Malemchi Khola (river) and climb to Nakote gaon (1776m). Make a gradual ascend to Tarkeghyang (2550 m). The trail continues to climb to the ridge to the highest elevation at 3000 meter and descend to a big Sherpa village of Shermathang (2600m).
Day 14: Trek day 9 Malemchi. Drive to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu (BB)
Descend through the ridge to Bhanjyang danda (1580m). The trail continues to descend to the bridge at Malemchi river (846m) situated at the confluence of Malemchi and Indrawati river. Walk to Malemchipul (bridge) and drive to Dhulikhel; it is about 4 hours ride. Overnight in Dhulikhel (1500m). Dhulikhel is about 25 km from Kathmandu.
Day 15: In Kathmandu (BB)
Free day in Kathmandu. In the evening we take you to Nepali Cultural Show and dinner. The show is in a restaurant typically built in Nepalese style architecture. You are welcome at the gate. The host would take you to their main dining room; there are several in the building. All the sitting arrangements are in traditional Nepalese and the 3-course menu is typical Nepalese food.
Day 16: Depart Kathmandu
Transfer to airport. Fly home.
Note: The itinerary, schedule and programme are suggested guideline only. It may change because of logistics, weather, physical condition, festival date and other circumstances that are beyond our control. The person and appointment thus explained are subject to ground reality and availability of particular subject. We will do our utmost to adhere to the above programme. This is not a rushed city tour nor it is a guided adventure or it has deadline to catch up. The tour hoped to provide insight knowledge and pleasant experience throughout. Walk in the mountain is not that physically demanding but you should be physically fit to experience the mountain and the environment. You should be prepared to walk up the hill and down the trail. Because of the nature of the trip the day schedule are short except on some days. The tour demands your utmost understanding of the people you meet and respect their culture and commitment. Normally 4 to 6 weeks are sufficient for booking but for this trips at least 8 weeks advance notice is required to make the arrangements.
