Nepal Pilgrimage with The Happy Yogi - Vanessa Coomans
Mar 22-Apr 1, 2025
10 Exhilarating Days in the Kathmandu Valley
JOIN US for yoga practice in the mornings and exploration of the rich, ancient, Buddhist and Hindu traditions of the Kathmandu Valley in the afternoons. This special valley, tucked away in the Himalayan foothills, is a power-house for pilgrims and spiritual seekers from India, Nepal, Tibet, and the world! The living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism converge here in age-old sacred worship.
Our days will include…
Morning’s are for practice! Meditation & asana - Ashtanga Yoga in the traditional Mysore style —under Vanessa’s caring guidance with Cory assisting.
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
Teachings with true masters, scholars, monks/nuns in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Here you see our main teacher - Khenpo Karma Guyurme of Ka Nying Shedrup Ling Monastery.
Exploring
AND Adventure!
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Day 1 - 3
Exploring the vibrant Swayambhunath area - including excursions to nearby World Heritage sites!
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Day 3 - 7
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 7-10
Lodging at the beautiful Namo Buddha Resort, a cozy, nature reserve in the foothills of the Himalayas (think The Shire in the Hobbit movies!).
What You Can Expect
It's Nepal! Be ready for the unexpected - we are!
Daily visits and hikes to unforgettable and powerfully charged sacred sites, temples and monasteries
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, including some “free time” as we thought you would appreciate that too..
Sacred Sites Abound
Unesco World Heritage Sites
Boudhanath Stupa
Dating back to 5th century CE this is the largest and one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists in the world - surrounded by a village of 40,000 Tibetans and 50 monasteries, this will be our home base.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Commonly referred to as the “Monkey Stupa” it is over 1500 hundred years old! Accessible via 365 steps - this shrine traces its origins back to that of the valley itself when legend has it that the bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjushri, used his sword to cut a gorge that drained the water to create the valley.
Patan Durbar Square
Situated along the ancient Silk Road, this formidable plaza is home to the old palace of the kingdom, which dates back to King Ashoka and the 3rd century BCE.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
One of the three original kingdoms dating back to at least the 12th century CE and located in the east corner of the valley - Bhaktapur is known for its artisans and is a super fun place to wander and shop.
Several monasteries, including:
Ka Nying Shedrup Ling Monastery
We'll receive teachings from Khenpo Tulku Tokpa - a reincarnated lama
Thrangu Monastery
In the hills of Namo Buddha
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!
…and many more local temples and stupas will come as we progress on our pilgrimage through the valley!
How much does it cost?
EARLY BIRD rates (end May 1, 2024)
2690 (Euro) - 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).
3250 (Euro) - 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 560 euro 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 Feb 1, 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).
