AYUR YOGA ECO ASHRAM IN MYSORE
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Originally from Canada, Alex has been based in Nepal for the last number of years and has in-depth knowlege on the many sacred sites of Nepal and the Himalayas.
Alex has studied Buddhist philosophy at a University based out of a Tibetan monastery in Kathmandu and is therefore familiar with a classical Tibetan learning environment. At the same time, Alex’s studies in Tibetan Buddhism have stemmed from a psychological/’mind-training’ interest, which comes out in his approach to meditation, philosophy, and various cultivation practices from the rich Tibetan Buddhist wisdom tradition.
Thanks to a wealth of experience in Nepal and in the Himalayan region, Sisse is a knowledge gateway between Asia and the West. For the last twelve years, Sisse has been traveling to Nepal and Tibet. Sisse is originally from Denmark.
Ten years of experience with meditation practice and for the last years, guiding meditation at the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center (HBMC) in Kathmandu, combined with local experience as a freelance consultant for various international organisations, her studies of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language, as well as working as a travel guide in the Himalayan region are the basis of her expertise to found Himalayan Hermitage. Sisse is the founder, as well as photographer and facilitator of Himalayan Hermitage.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST MONESTARY IN PHARPING, KATHMANDU VALLEY
Arrival and pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. We drive straight to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Pharping, the South Western corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Here we have time to rest, go for a walk or enjoy the spectacular views over Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon there will be an introduction to the pilgrimage by the Himalayan Hermitage facilitator.
DAY 2 – STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST MONASTERY
Morning meditation session followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we hike through rice fields to visit the Asura cave and the self-arisen Tara in Pharping. Dinner and Meditation session. We spend the night at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery guesthouse.
DAY 3 – WE FLY TO LUMBINI
In the morning we fly to Lumbini. After lunch we settle in at the hotel. In the evening we have a Dharma talk and introduction to Lumbini. Meditation session after dinner.
DAY 4 – PILGRIMAGE TO THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE BUDDHA, LUMBINI
Morning meditation session followed by breakfast. We spend the day visiting the Buddha’s birthplace and exploring the monasteries of the different Buddhist traditions. We move around on bicycle inside the inner area of Lumbini. Rest followed by dinner. Evening meditation.
DAY 5 – WE JOURNEY TO THE THARU LODGE IN CHITWAN
After breakfast we travel 2-3 hours by jeep to the beautiful Tharu Lodge. After lunch we can rest at the lodge or have a swim in the pool. Afternoon walk on the premises. Dinner and evening meditation.
DAY 6 – STAY AT THE THARU LODGE
Morning meditation practice & discussion. In the middle of the day it is possible to take a rest and a dip in the lovely pool. Evening jungle walk with the elephants. Evening meditation.
DAY 7 – STAY AT THE THARU LODGE
Morning meditation session. In the middle of the day it is possible to take a rest and a dip in the lovely pool. Evening jungle walk with the elephants and sundowner while they bathe. Evening meditation.
DAY 8 – WE RETURN TO KATHMANDU, OVERNIGHT IN BOUDHA
After breakfast we return to Kathmandu by jeep which takes between 4-5 jours. Lunch, rest, and free time until dinner at a rooftop restaurant near the magnificent Boudha Stupa. Evening meditation.
DAY 9 – WE SPEND THE DAY IN BOUDHA, EVENING AT THE SWAYAMBHU STUPA
After breakfast we walk to Shechen Monastery. We have a meditation session in the meditation room of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, one of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of our time. After lunch the group will have a closing circle with homemade chai in Swayambhu. Back to Boudha for dinner.
DAY 10 – DAY OF DEPARTURE
Day of departure. We provide transportation to the airport.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & STAY AT THE TIBETAN BUDDHIST MONASTERY IN PHARPING, KATHMANDU VALLEY
Arrival and pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. We drive straight to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Pharping, the South Western corner of the Kathmandu Valley. There may be time to rest from the journey, go for a walk or enjoy the spectacular views over Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon there will be an introduction to the journey by the facilitators.
DAY 2 – PHARPING
Morning yoga followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we hike through rice fields to visit and pay homage to the Asura cave and the self-arisen Tara in Pharping. Dinner and meditation session. We spend the night at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery guesthouse.
DAY 3 – SWAYAMBHU
Morning yoga followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we pilgrimage to the sacred Stupa of Swayambhu and watch the sunset overlooking the Kathmandu Valley from the Stupa. Dinner and meditation session. We spend the night at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery guesthouse.
DAY 4 – NAMO BUDDHA
After morning yoga and breakfast we continue our journey to the lovely area of Namo Buddha, where we spend the next two nights. We will have lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the resort we will stay in, followed by a free afternoon. After dinner we will have a meditation session.
DAY 5 – NAMO BUDDHA PILGRIMAGE
Morning yoga followed by breakfast at our resort in Namo Buddha. After lunch we hike to pilgrimage in Namo Buddha where it is said that the previous incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving Tigress and her cubs. We visit the stunning monastery of Thrangu Rinpoche and the sacred Namo Buddha Stupa. We overnight again at the beautiful resort in Namo Buddha.
DAY 6 – JEEP RIDE TO PHABLU
After breakfast we depart for Phablu early morning and venture into the foothills of Lower Everest region of Nepal. We go on a beautiful and bumpy jeep ride up through Central West Nepal where we drive along the Sudekoshi river and lush landscapes of Central Nepal. Once we get closer to Phablu we might get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. The roads are much better now compared to in recent years but we can prepare ourselves for an adventurous and long day of traveling. Dinner and overnight at a charming mountain lodge in Phablu.
DAY 7 – HIKE TO THE TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
After breakfast, we begin our 6-7 hour hike up to the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery located up in the lower Everest region. We stop for lunch in Junbesi and climb the last bit after lunch. Afternoon tea and dinner.
DAY 8 – STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
Morning practice with the nuns. At the nunnery we experience the living tradition of a sacred heritage, passed down from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, to the present day, in an unbroken lineage of masters whose teachings have been passed on to their students, seeking the qualities and realisation of awakening. We join the nuns in their daily practices in the main gompa (place of meditation), and other than that there is the chance to go for stunning hike in the astounding surroundings of hillsides, dotted with prayer flags and retreat caves where we – if the weather is on our side- will be able to get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas.
DAY 9 – STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
We take a few days off hiking and spend the day at nunnery, where we are able to sit in at the nunnery gompa with the nuns practicing. It is possible to go for short hikes in the area around the nunnery. The day is partly guided, partly free for own adventures. According to Tibetan terminology, this Tibetan Buddhist nunnery is seen as a pure realm; a Buddha field. This signifies a place where many prayers and mantras have been whispered throughout the years, of the many nuns living there; mantras and prayers of compassion and loving kindness for the wellbeing of all sentient beings, and very naturally one senses the result of this accumulation of merit.
DAY 10 – RETURN TO PHABLU
After breakfast we make our descend to Phablu. We have lunch and dinner and spend the night at the same charming mountain lodge in Phablu as on our way up.
DAY 11 – FULL DAY AT THE MOUNTAIN LODGE IN PHABLU
Early morning there is an optional outing by a 30-40 min. jeep ride to go up above Phablu for a sunrise view to Mount Everest & the full Himalayan range. Departure at 4.30am. We return to the lodge and have breakfast around 8am. Day for rest & evening yoga & meditation practice/philosophy session. Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 12 – RETURN TO KATHMANDU
Early morning breakfast at the lodge and departure for Kathmandu at 7am. We embark on yet another full day of traveling down through Solo Khumbu on our way back to Kathmandu. It’s a stunning ride but bumpy as well! Dinner and overnight at our guesthouse in Boudha.
DAY 13 – BOUDHA FREE DAY
Last day of the programme is free to do shopping, visit sights in Kathmandu etc. We meet for a farewell dinner at the Roadhouse Restaurant with view to the sacred Boudha Stupa. We overnight in Boudha.
DAY 14 – DEPARTURE
Day of departure. We provide transportation to the airport.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & STAY AT THE TIBETAN BUDDHIST MONASTERY IN PHARPING, KATHMANDU VALLEY
Arrival and pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. We drive straight to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Pharping, the South Western corner of the Kathmandu Valley. There may be time to rest from the journey, go for a walk or enjoy the spectacular views over Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon there will be an introduction to the journey by the facilitators.
DAY 2 – PHARPING
Morning yoga followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we hike through rice fields to visit and pay homage to the Asura cave and the self-arisen Tara in Pharping. Dinner and meditation session. We spend the night at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery guesthouse.
DAY 3 – SWAYAMBHU
Morning yoga followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we pilgrimage to the sacred Stupa of Swayambhu and watch the sunset overlooking the Kathmandu Valley from the Stupa. Dinner and meditation session. We spend the night at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery guesthouse.
DAY 4 – NAMO BUDDHA
After morning yoga and breakfast we continue our journey to the lovely area of Namo Buddha, where we spend the next two nights. We will have lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the resort we will stay in, followed by a free afternoon. After dinner we will have a meditation session.
DAY 5 – NAMO BUDDHA PILGRIMAGE
Morning yoga followed by breakfast at our resort in Namo Buddha. After lunch we hike to pilgrimage in Namo Buddha where it is said that the previous incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving Tigress and her cubs. We visit the stunning monastery of Thrangu Rinpoche and the sacred Namo Buddha Stupa. We overnight again at the beautiful resort in Namo Buddha.
DAY 6 – JEEP RIDE TO PHABLU
After breakfast we depart for Phablu early morning and venture into the foothills of Lower Everest region of Nepal. We go on a beautiful and bumpy jeep ride up through Central West Nepal where we drive along the Sudekoshi river and lush landscapes of Central Nepal. Once we get closer to Phablu we might get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. The roads are much better now compared to in recent years but we can prepare ourselves for an adventurous and long day of traveling. Dinner and overnight at a charming mountain lodge in Phablu.
DAY 7 – HIKE TO THE TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
After breakfast, we begin our 6-7 hour hike up to the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery located up in the lower Everest region. We stop for lunch in Junbesi and climb the last bit after lunch. Afternoon tea and dinner.
DAY 8 – STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
Morning practice with the nuns. At the nunnery we experience the living tradition of a sacred heritage, passed down from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, to the present day, in an unbroken lineage of masters whose teachings have been passed on to their students, seeking the qualities and realisation of awakening. We join the nuns in their daily practices in the main gompa (place of meditation), and other than that there is the chance to go for stunning hike in the astounding surroundings of hillsides, dotted with prayer flags and retreat caves where we – if the weather is on our side- will be able to get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas.
DAY 9 – STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
We take a few days off hiking and spend the day at nunnery, where we are able to sit in at the nunnery gompa with the nuns practicing. It is possible to go for short hikes in the area around the nunnery. The day is partly guided, partly free for own adventures. According to Tibetan terminology, this Tibetan Buddhist nunnery is seen as a pure realm; a Buddha field. This signifies a place where many prayers and mantras have been whispered throughout the years, of the many nuns living there; mantras and prayers of compassion and loving kindness for the wellbeing of all sentient beings, and very naturally one senses the result of this accumulation of merit.
DAY 10 – RETURN TO PHABLU
After breakfast we make our descend to Phablu. We have lunch and dinner and spend the night at the same charming mountain lodge in Phablu as on our way up.
DAY 11 – FULL DAY AT THE MOUNTAIN LODGE IN PHABLU
Early morning there is an optional outing by a 30-40 min. jeep ride to go up above Phablu for a sunrise view to Mount Everest & the full Himalayan range. Departure at 4.30am. We return to the lodge and have breakfast around 8am. Day for rest & evening yoga & meditation practice/philosophy session. Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 12 – RETURN TO KATHMANDU
Early morning breakfast at the lodge and departure for Kathmandu at 7am. We embark on yet another full day of traveling down through Solo Khumbu on our way back to Kathmandu. It’s a stunning ride but bumpy as well! Dinner and overnight at our guesthouse in Boudha.
DAY 13 – BOUDHA FREE DAY
Last day of the programme is free to do shopping, visit sights in Kathmandu etc. We meet for a farewell dinner at the Roadhouse Restaurant with view to the sacred Boudha Stupa. We overnight in Boudha.
DAY 14 – DEPARTURE
Day of departure. We provide transportation to the airport.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & STAY AT THE TIBETAN BUDDHIST MONASTERY IN PHARPING, KATHMANDU VALLEY
Arrival and pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. We drive straight to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Pharping, the South Western corner of the Kathmandu Valley. There may be time to rest from the journey, go for a walk or enjoy the spectacular views over Kathmandu Valley. In the afternoon there will be an introduction to the journey by the facilitators.
DAY 2 – PHARPING
Morning yoga/voice work followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we hike through rice fields to visit and pay homage to the Asura cave and the self-arisen Tara in Pharping. Dinner and meditation session. We spend the night at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery guesthouse.
DAY 3 – SWAYAMBHU
Morning yoga/voice work followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we pilgrimage to the sacred Stupa of Swayambhu and watch the sunset overlooking the Kathmandu Valley from the Stupa. Dinner and meditation session. We spend the night at the Tibetan Buddhist monastery guesthouse.
DAY 4 – NAMO BUDDHA
After morning yoga, voice work & breakfast we continue our journey to the lovely area of Namo Buddha, where we spend the next two nights. We will have lunch in the beautiful surroundings of the resort we will stay in, followed by a free afternoon. After dinner we will have a meditation session.
DAY 5 – NAMO BUDDHA PILGRIMAGE
Morning yoga & voice work followed by breakfast at our resort in Namo Buddha. After lunch we hike to pilgrimage in Namo Buddha where it is said that the previous incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving Tigress and her cubs. We visit the stunning monastery of Thrangu Rinpoche and the sacred Namo Buddha Stupa. We overnight again at the beautiful resort in Namo Buddha.
DAY 6 – JEEP RIDE TO PHABLU
After breakfast we depart for Phablu early morning and venture into the foothills of Lower Everest region of Nepal. We go on a beautiful and bumpy jeep ride up through Central West Nepal where we drive along the Sudekoshi river and lush landscapes of Central Nepal. Once we get closer to Phablu we might get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. The roads are much better now compared to in recent years but we can prepare ourselves for an adventurous and long day of traveling. Dinner and overnight at a charming mountain lodge in Phablu.
DAY 7 – HIKE TO THE TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
After breakfast, we begin our 6-7 hour hike up to the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery located up in the lower Everest region. We stop for lunch in Junbesi and climb the last bit after lunch. Afternoon tea and dinner.
DAY 8 – STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
Morning practice with the nuns. At the nunnery we experience the living tradition of a sacred heritage, passed down from the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, to the present day, in an unbroken lineage of masters whose teachings have been passed on to their students, seeking the qualities and realisation of awakening. We join the nuns in their daily practices in the main gompa (place of meditation), and other than that there is the chance to go for stunning hike in the astounding surroundings of hillsides, dotted with prayer flags and retreat caves where we – if the weather is on our side- will be able to get a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas.
DAY 9 – STAY AT A TIBETAN BUDDHIST NUNNERY IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
We take a few days off hiking and spend the day at nunnery, where we are able to sit in at the nunnery gompa with the nuns practicing. It is possible to go for short hikes in the area around the nunnery. The day is partly guided, partly free for own adventures. According to Tibetan terminology, this Tibetan Buddhist nunnery is seen as a pure realm; a Buddha field. This signifies a place where many prayers and mantras have been whispered throughout the years, of the many nuns living there; mantras and prayers of compassion and loving kindness for the wellbeing of all sentient beings, and very naturally one senses the result of this accumulation of merit.
DAY 10 – RETURN TO PHABLU
After breakfast we make our descend to Phablu. We have lunch and dinner and spend the night at the same charming mountain lodge in Phablu as on our way up.
DAY 11 – FULL DAY AT THE MOUNTAIN LODGE IN PHABLU
Early morning there is an optional outing by a 30-40 min. jeep ride to go up above Phablu for a sunrise view to Mount Everest & the full Himalayan range. Departure at 4.30am. We return to the lodge and have breakfast around 8am. Day for rest & evening yoga & meditation practice/philosophy session. Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 12 – RETURN TO KATHMANDU
Early morning breakfast at the lodge and departure for Kathmandu at 7am. We embark on yet another full day of traveling down through Solo Khumbu on our way back to Kathmandu. It’s a stunning ride but bumpy as well! Dinner and overnight at our guesthouse in Boudha.
DAY 13 – BOUDHA FREE DAY
Last day of the programme is free to do shopping, visit sights in Kathmandu etc. We meet for a farewell dinner at the Roadhouse Restaurant with view to the sacred Boudha Stupa. We overnight in Boudha.
DAY 14 – DEPARTURE
Day of departure. We provide transportation to the airport.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Arrival and pick up at Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. We drive straight to our guesthouse in Boudha, five minutes walking distance to the sacred Boudha Stupa. There may be time to rest from the journey or go for a walk to the Boudha Stupa. In the afternoon there will be an introduction to the meditation journey by instructors Alex d’Artois & Sisse Budolfsen.
DAY 2 – FULL DAY IN BOUDHA
Morning meditation session followed by breakfast. We have our introduction session to Buddhist philosophy before lunch. After lunch and a rest, we walk to the Boudha Stupa and Shechen Monastery, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu. We get to visit Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s meditation room, the founder of Shechen Monastery and one of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of out time. We have dinner in Boudha and overnight at the guesthouse.
DAY 3 – HIKE FROM KOPAN TO SHIVAPURI NATIONALPARK
Morning meditation and breakfast. After breakfast we start our 6-7 hike that day up to Kopan and from there across the Northern hills of the Kathmandu valley to Shivapuri National Park. On our way we stop at Nagi Gompa, a nunnery nestled in the national park and we pay homage to Tulku Urgyen, the late founder of the nunnery and one of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of his generation. We take our lunch at the nunnery before doing the last stretch of the hike up to the beautifully located cottage where we will stay for the next coming nights. Dinner and overnight at the cottage.
DAY 4 – FULL DAY AT THE COTTAGE IN SHIVAPURI NATIONAL PARK
Morning meditation and breakfast. We spend the full day at the cottage in the Shivapuri National Park. Free morning and lunch at the cottage. In the afternoon we have a meditation and philosophy session followed by a sunset view over the Kathmandu valley. Dinner and overnight at the cottage.
DAY 5 – WE DRIVE TO SWAYAMBHU
Morning meditation and breakfast at the cottage. After breakfast we drive to Swayambhu and settle into our hotel which is 20 min walk from the Stupa. We take lunch at the hotel.
DAY 6 – WE FLY TO PARO / BHUTAN
After breakfast we depart for the international airport and fly to Paro, Bhutan. We visit Dhuntse and Kyichu Lakhang – the house of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, one of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of this century. We spend the night at a lovely resort.
DAY 7 – JALA DZONG
After breakfast, we drive to up the hill behind the dzong to begin our walk to Jala Dzong. We have lunch at camp and then visit the Dzong and enjoy the day at this location. This is also a famous location for encountering the national flower of Bhutan – the blue poppy – but only during summer season. We spend the night camping at Jala Dzong.
DAY 8 – CAMP AT LATAYKHA MONASTERY
After breakfast, continue our walk to Lataykha monastery, which as retreat location for Buddhist practitioners of the region. From this location, we can enjoy Great views of Hemphug Monastery, Bemri and Phurdo Gompa.
DAY 9 – HIKE TO BEMRI, THE SITE OF THE 100,000 DAKINIS
After breakfast, we walk to Bemri a sacred site which is known as the mountain of 100,000 dakinis who took flight from here. We continue hiking for visits at Dhunkalha or Phurdo Gompa and return to hotel by vehicle. We spend the night at a beautifully located resort in Paro.
DAY 10 – CHELE LA & KILAY NUNNERY
We rise early for the drive to Chele la and visit Kilay gompa (nunnery) along the way. We have a picnic lunch at the top of the pass where we will get great Himalaya views if the weather is clear. After this continue down the back side of the pass to Haa valley. We spend the night at a beautiful farmhouse.
DAY 11 – VISIT TO SHEKHAR DRAK & THIMPHU
We visit Shekhar Drak (dedicated to Avalokitsvara) and continue on driving the back road of Haa. We will stop for a picnic lunch at the scenic Dobsey Dzong. We continue onto Thimphu and check into the hotel. In the afternoon – free time for exploring the city. Prior to dinner, we pay a visit to the Dordenma Buddha which sits above the city and overlooks the entire Thimphu valley.
DAY 12 – RETURN TO PARO
We spend the morning (half day) in Thimphu – select from visits to: Zorig Chusu the School of 13 Traditional Arts, Textile Museum, the Traditional Medical Center or Memorial Chorten. Lunch in Thimphu and then return to Paro with a stop at Tamchoe monastery the famous location of Iron bridge builder Thang Thong Gyalpo and see his chain bridge and other relics located here. We spend the night back at a beautiful resort in Paro.
DAY 13 – TAKTSANG/TIGER’S NEST
We begin our early morning pilgrimage walk to Taktsang Monastery or the famous Tiger’s Nest. On the way back down, we have lunch at the Taktsang “cafeteria”. Return to the hotel where an optional Bhutanese hot stone bath can be organized (at an additional cost) and a farewell dinner for our last night in Bhutan.
DAY – 14 – RETURN TO KTM
We return to Kathmandu by morning flight and spend our last afternoon and night in Boudha. Free day and farewell dinner at Roadhouse in Boudha, with direct view to the Stupa.
DAY – 15 – DAY OF DEPARTURE
We provide transportation to the Tribhuvan International airport
PREPERATION – PASSPORT COLLECTION FOR GROUP VISA APPLICATION – SUNDAY MAY 24th
We encourage participants to arrive at least 2-3 days prior to the journey’s starting date in order to give themselves the minimal time needed to rest up, acclimatize, shake off jet-lag, and most importantly for the group visa application.
In regards to the VISA application:
It is important that your flight arrives in Kathmandu no later than 5:00pm on Sunday May 24th. At 6:00pm all participants’ passports will be collected for the group application of the Chinese visa + travel permit for Tibet. Booking your flight ticket to arrive at least 2-3 days prior to the journey’s starting date will also compensate for any unforeseen flight delays.
When your flight arrives at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a private car will pick you up from the Airport (lookout for the ‘Himalayan Hermitage’ sign!) and drop you off at your Hotel.
DAY 1 – DAY IN KATHMANDU – MONDAY MAY 25th
On the first day of the journey you will be picked up from your Hotel after breakfast and brought to check-in at our Hotel where we stay in Boudhanath. At 11:00am we will have a group orientation and introduction to the pilgrimage journey, led by your hosts and facilitators Sisse Budolfsen and Alex d’Artois, at the Hotel. Afternoon pilgrimage in Boudha and introduction to meditation practice.
DAY 2 – PASHUPATINATH
Morning visit to Pashupatinath – the largest Hindu temple complex in the Kathmandu Valley. The afternoon is free as we may wish to prepare for our next day departure to Lhasa.
DAY 3 – LHASA
We arrive in Lhasa and go straight to the hotel where we spend the afternoon resting before dinner. Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), so it is important to acclimatize by taking it easy/not over-exerting ourselves, resting, and hydrating during our first few days in this new environment.
DAY 4 & 5 – LHASA
In the next couple of days during of our stay in Lhasa we visit the Potala Palace, which used to be the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, followed by the spiritual heart of Lhasa – the Jorkhang temple.
The following day we visit two of the greatest Gelugpa monasteries of Tibet, Drepung and Sera monasteries, located on the outskirts of Lhasa.
DAY 6 – SAMYE
The following day we venture out of Lhasa to the first ever founded monastery in Tibet, the ‘unchanging, and spontaneously arisen’ Samye. Starting in the 8th century, Samye held great importance for the origins of Buddhism throughout Tibet. On our journey to Samye we drive along the sacred Yarlung Tsangpo river (Brahmaputra river) and the many willow trees along its river banks. We spend the night in Tsetang, near Yarlung Tsangpo river.
DAY 7 – GYANTSE
We depart from Tsetang and travel south-west toward Gyantse – this is our next overnight stay on our journey toward Mount Kailash and a slight increase in altitude. Gyantse is 4,000m (13,125 feet) above sea level. The ride is beautiful with majestic scenery along the way. After we have climbed the first pass we will come to one of the four most sacred lakes in Tibet – the Yamdrok Tso. The turquoise colour of the lake is simply pristine.
DAY 8 – SHIGATSE
After breakfast we visit the Gyantse ‘Kumbum‘ which literally means ‘100,000 images‘ of Buddhist deities. The Kumbum is a magnificent Chörten (stupa) from the 15th century and is unique in the Himalayas as it is partially made from wood (most stupas are made from stone). After lunch we have a shorter day’s journey as we travel through farm land from Gyantse to Shigatse. During the afternoon we pay homage while visiting Tashilungpo – the residency of the Panchen Lamas. We spend this night in Shigatse a little lower in altitude than our previous night. Shigatse is 3,845m (12,615 feet) above sea level.
DAY 9 – SAGA
After a morning ‘kora’ (circumambulation – this is a walking practice) around Tashilungpo, the most important monastery in Shigatse, we journey onward to Saga – 4,640m (15,225 feet) above sea level). This is the last stop before we reach the holy lake of Manesarovar and Mount Kailash.
DAY 10 – CHIU GOMPA
Today we arrive at Chiu Gompa and lake Manesarovar. For the first time on our journey we are able to see the majesty of Mount Kailash. We stay in a guesthouse by the sacred lake Manesarovar, located at 5,000m (16,405 feet) above sea level. The guesthouse is modest, but will provide us with a comfortable bed and a warm meal.
DAY 11 – DARCHEN – GATEWAY TO MOUNT KAILASH
We travel from Lake Manesarovar onto Darchen, the gateway to where the kora around Mount Kailash starts will start the next day. We spend the night in Darchen, 4,575m (15,010 feet) above sea level.
DAY 12 & 13 – KORA STARTS AROUND KAILASH
The next morning we start the kora around Kailash – for the next three days we circumambulate/walk around the sacred mountain clockwise. The mountain itself is 6,700 meters (21,982 feet) high. The highest point we reach on the kora is Drolma-la pass and is 5,630m (18,470 feet). We stay in comfortable tea houses on our way around the mountain. Accommodation will be basic, but we will have a clean bed, a warm meal. Hot showers cannot be guaranteed during these two nights in the tea houses around Kailash.
DAY 14 – KORA AROUND KAILASH
We complete the kora late morning and travel back to Saga.
DAY 15 – KYIRONG BORDER
This morning we make our journey south to Kyirong – the new border crossing between Tibet and Nepal. We will travel from one of the highest passes in Tibet at 5,200m (17,060 feet) altitude to the Kyirong border, which is situated at a comfortable 1,850m (6,070 feet). This is one of the most astonishing scenic drives on the planet, from desert-like Tibet to lush and green vegetation in Nepal – all within a few hours! We spend the night at the Kyirong border.
DAY 16 – TRAVEL TO NUWAKOT IN NEPAL
In the early morning we cross the border from Tibet into Nepal. We travel down through Nepal alongside the Langtang National Park on our way from the Tibet border to Nuwakot. This will be one of our longest travel days, with a lot of hours spent in a bumpy jeep! However, the views are exquisite all along the way. We reach our destination for the night, a beautifully located eco-resort on top of a hill in Nuwakot, where we can enjoy a delicious dinner after a long day of adventurous travel.
DAY 17 – RETURN TO KATHMANDU
Today we make our way back to Kathmandu. The drive from Nuwakot to Kathmandu is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. We spend the night at the same guesthouse in Boudhanath from where the journey started. Farewell dinner at the Boudha Stupa.
DAY 18 – DAY OF DEPATURE
Day of departure. We provide transportation to Tribhuvan International airport in today, or on a later date if you wish to stay longer in the Kathmandu Valley.
