Nepal Pilgrimage & Trek with Marque Garaux
October 5-14, 2025
$200 off if you register by Jan 15, 2025!
Embark on a Transformative Journey with The Spiritual Pilgrim: Buddhism, Yoga & Trekking in the Himalayas!
JOIN US for a transformative journey of yoga, spiritual exploration, and Himalayan adventure! Begin each day with rejuvenating yoga practices designed to prepare your mind and body for the depth of what lies ahead. In the afternoons, delve into the rich and ancient Buddhist and Hindu traditions of the Kathmandu Valley, a sacred destination tucked away in the Himalayan foothills.
This special valley is a powerhouse for pilgrims and spiritual seekers from India, Nepal, Tibet, and beyond! It is where the living traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism converge in age-old sacred rituals, offering a rare opportunity to experience timeless teachings and spiritual heritage.
After immersing yourself in these profound teachings for four days, embark on a five-day trek through the breathtaking Himalayan mountains. Experience the grandeur of these towering peaks while connecting more deeply with your inner self through daily meditations in these serene and awe-inspiring surroundings.
Whether you seek spiritual growth, connection with ancient wisdom, or an unforgettable adventure, these 10 days promise a spiritually supercharged experience like no other!
Our days will include…
Ashtanga Yoga in the traditional Mysore style (and a couple Led Primaries)—morning classes under Marque’s expert guidance.
Learn more about Marque on our Featured Teachers page.
Ashtanga Yoga
Daily meditation practice guided by Cory. Drawing on the teachings of his teachers Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche & Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche we will explore traditional śamatha (calm abiding) to open awareness practices.
Meditation
Exploring the teachings and practices of Tibetan Buddhism with and amongst true masters, scholars, and monks/nuns. Here you see a past group enjoying lunch with the nuns of Nagi Gompa in the Himalayan foothills.
Adventure
AND TREKKING!
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Day 1 - 2
Exploring the vibrant Swayambhunath area - including excursions to nearby World Heritage sites!
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Day 3-4
Comfortably based in Katmandu's Boudha village, a thriving buddhist community of 40,000 Tibetans living the spiritual tradition of the Buddha.
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Day 5-10
Magical days trekking through the mesmerizing microclimates while surrounded by the majestic snow peaks of Nepal’s Himalayas!
What You Can Expect
It's Nepal! Be ready for the unexpected - we are!
In Kathmandu, daily visits and hikes to unforgettable and powerfully charged sacred sites, temples and monasteries
On trek, invigorating days filled with fresh air, trees, waterfalls, rivers, snow peaks, and the occasional Hanuman monkey!
Delicious vegetarian meals (with vegan options)
Free time and space for YOU
The company of good friends
Magical sunrises and sunsets EVERY day
On arrival in Kathmandu Airport our sweet local staff will greet you and from that point on you can just lean back and enjoy the ride! Rest assured we’ve got you covered from start to finish.
Sacred Sites Abound
Stops on our journey include:
Unesco World Heritage Sites
Boudhanath Stupa
Dating back to 5th century CE this is the largest and one of the most sacred site for Buddhists in the world - surrounded by a village of 40,000 Tibetans and 50 monasteries, this will be our home base.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Over 1500 hundred years old and accessible via 365 steps - this shrine traces its origins back to that of the valley itself.
Patan Durbar Square
Along the Silk Road and home to the old palace of the kingdom dating back to Ashoka and the 3rd century BCE.
Buddhist nunnery: Nagi Gompa
We'll have lunch and practice meditation with the amazing head of the nunnery - Ani Gyan Tara
Pharping
A sacred Newar town on the southern edge of the valley that’s chock full of monasteries, meditation caves and an amazing Vajrayogini Temple!
Poon Hill Trek - Spectacular mountains and rural ethnic villages
An invigorating trek through picturesque mountain villages, forests of bright rhododendron and a variety of ethnic groups and cultures. Winding your way up terraced hillsides pass through villages of the Gurung and Chhetri peoples you will emerge onto ridges to indulge in incredible views. The highlight, and high point, of the trek is Poon Hill, which offers the best panoramic views of the high Himalaya in Nepal – Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and the mesmerizing fish-tail pinnacle of Machhapuchhre.
Max elevation is 3200m/10,500 feet. Weather is hard to predict these days, but generally it’s warm and sunny during the day and pretty cold at night. We’ll be staying in guest lodges along the trail. They are simple, but comfortable with good mattresses and big down comforters. The rooms are not heated, but the water is sometimes. Each day starts with yoga and meditation, then a hearty breakfast before we head out on the trail. We stop about midway for lunch. So, the trekking is generally 3-4 hours before and after lunch. The first day is pretty tough with a lot of uphill, but after that things even out a bit with rolling up and down elevation through absolutely gorgeous nature and amazing snow peak views that sneak up on us throughout. It’s such a fun, inspiring, reflective experience — so awesome.
We will have a team of porters to transport the bulk of our stuff — each person is limited to 15kg (less is better). We will provide coaching on how/what to pack. Here’s a rundown of what’s included in the cost of the pilgrimage and what’s not:
INCLUDED: Basic lodge accommodation on trek; Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner — all veg and super good) during trek; Domestic flights KTM-POKHARA –KTM; Annapurna conservation Area permit fees; Trekking permit (TIMS); Porter to carry personal gear (15kg per person luggage allowance); Comprehensive medical kit; 1 night hotel in Pokhara on our return.
NOT INCLUDED: Cost for Insurance; Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft & hard drinks, and other incidentals.
How much does it cost?
SAVE $200 off the cost listed here if you register before January 15, 2025!
$3200 (USD) - shared room (note, if you do not have a roommate we will do our best to pair you with one; however, if that’s not possible you’ll need to pay the private room rate).
$3800 (USD) - private room (note, Namo Buddha Resort - our hillside destination for days 7-10 - does not have enough singles, but they do have houses with upstairs/downstairs bedrooms - there is a chance you will be asked to share such a house - one up, one down).
Hold your spot with a $600 nonrefundable deposit.
You are responsible for your international transportation to/from Kathmandu, Visa costs, shopping and a few meals here and there, otherwise all expenditures are included.
Final payments due Aug 15, 2025.
Program Costs do not include: air fare to and from Kathmandu, airport or departure taxes not included in your air ticket, visa fees, additional hotel nights before or after scheduled program dates, unscheduled activities and excursions, soft drinks, alcohol and espresso drinks, phone calls, massage services, shopping, laundry or other personal expenses, additional meals, drinks and snacks, travel insurance, trekking/travel extensions (although we are happy to arrange for you).