A Pilgrimage in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal
with David Robson & Jelena Vekic
Oct 4 - 13, 2027
Practice at Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites—including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Namo Buddha—while integrating daily meditation, yoga, and cultural immersion.
10 Days of Pilgrimage as Practice
Join us for a deeply immersive journey through Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, where daily Vajrayana Buddhist-based meditation & Ashtanga Yoga anchor the mornings—and afternoons unfold in exploration of the region’s rich spiritual heritage.
Set in the Himalayan foothills, the Kathmandu Valley has long been a meeting place for Buddhist and Hindu traditions—a living landscape of pilgrimage shaped by centuries of devotion. From sacred sites like Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupas to temples, monasteries, and village life, the experience offers a direct connection to these enduring traditions.
This is more than a retreat—it’s an opportunity to practice within a culture where spirituality is woven seamlessly into everyday life.
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Day 1 - 2
We pick you up on arrival and whisk you off to the vibrant buzz of Kathmandu’s Thamel—home to the majestic Swayambunath Stupa and a whole lot of monkeys!
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Day 3 - 6
Next up—the awe-inspiring Boudhanatha Stupa where we settle into a thriving buddhist community of 40,000 Tibetans living the spiritual tradition of the Buddha.
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Day 7 - 10
Then we venture out of the city for a relaxing stay at the beautiful Namo Buddha Resort, a cozy, nature reserve in the foothills of the Himalayas (think The Shire in the Hobbit movies!).
David Robson and Jelena Vesic are world-renowned Ashtanga Yoga instructors known for making the traditional practice accessible and educational through their global platform David & Jelena Yoga. They are based out of Canada, where they run the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto (AYCT), a diverse and dedicated traditional shala founded in 2008.
Each morning, after meditation with The Spiritual Pilgrim Founder, Cory, they will teach in the Mysore style supplementing with dharma talks/discussions as they are so inspired. Additionally, when we move up to Namo Buddha Resort they will offer two afternoon workshops.
Ashtanga Yoga with David & Jelena
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation in Thamel
In the afternoon, we gather at Hotel Thrive in Thamel for orientation, setting the tone for the pilgrimage ahead before we head out to explore Thamel’s vibrant streets as we make our way to Kathmandu Durbar Square. After we’ll share a welcome dinner together at the charming Thamel House where the staff will treat us to a performance of local traditional dance.
Day 2 – Pharping & Swayambhunath
Each day begins with practice — meditation & yoga — establishing our daily rhythm. After practice, we depart for Pharping, visiting sacred sites including Asura Cave and Vajrayogini Temple. We’ll then make our way to Swayambhunath Stupa, immersing in its ancient symbolism and panoramic sunset setting.
Day 3 – Boudhanath, Teachings & Pashupatinath
After practice and breakfast we’ll head to Boudhanath Stupa, settle into our hotel, and take our first kora around the Great Stupa before meeting with Cory’s guru, Khenpo Tokpa Tulku—a Tibetan Buddhist monk and highly revered teacher to receive teachings and practice guidance. Afterwards you’ll have some free time before we visit Pashupatinath—one of the world’s most sacred Shiva Temples and cremation sites.
Day 4 – Nagi Gompa Pilgrimage
We begin early with meditation before traveling to Budhanilkantha and hiking into Shivapuri National Park to Nagi Gompa. Here, we receive teachings and meditate in a serene forest setting before returning to Boudha in the afternoon.
Day 5 - Patan
Morning practice anchors the day before we travel to Patan, exploring its historic Durbar Square and museum. In the afternoon we’ll return to Boudha where you can enjoy some free time!
Day 6 – Bhaktapur & Namo Buddha
After practice, we depart Boudha and travel to Bhaktapur, wandering its preserved courtyards and temples. In the afternoon, we continue to Namo Buddha, arriving at the peaceful hillside resort where a quieter rhythm begins.
Day 7 – Rest, Practice & Village Life
At Namo Buddha, the pace softens. Morning meditation and yoga are followed by free time to rest or reflect. Before lunch we explore nearby villages on a hike with a local guide, then gather for a workshop with David & Jelena in the late afternoon.
Day 8 – Namo Buddha Pilgrimage
After morning practice, we make a pilgrimage to Namo Buddha Stupa and Thrangu Monastery—sites deeply connected to the Buddha’s path of compassion. The afternoon offers time for integration before dinner together.
Day 9 – Today’s all about yoga with morning practice and an afternoon workshop with David & Jelena — with ample time for rest and reflection throughout the day.
Return to Boudha & Closing Celebration
We begin with a final morning of practice at Namo Buddha before returning to Boudha. The afternoon is free, followed by a closing gathering and farewell dinner to honor the journey together.
Day 11 – Departures
Departures begin, carrying forward the experience of practice, pilgrimage, and connection cultivated throughout the journey.
The Kathmandu Valley Pilgrimage Experience
This journey moves through the sacred heart of Nepal, weaving together practice, pilgrimage, and cultural immersion across the Kathmandu Valley. Beginning in the peaceful hillside setting of Namo Buddha, the experience opens with dedicated time for meditation, yoga, and study—establishing a grounded rhythm before moving into the energy of the valley.
From there, the pilgrimage unfolds through Nepal’s most revered Buddhist and cultural sites. We explore the ancient cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, practice at Swayambhunath, and walk the kora at Boudhanath. Along the way, we visit Pharping’s sacred caves, receive Dharma teachings, connect with local community initiatives, and make pilgrimage to Nagi Gompa.
Each day integrates meditation, yoga, and meaningful exploration—creating a balanced experience of inner practice and outer journey. This is not simply a tour of sacred places, but a guided immersion into a living Buddhist culture, where the environment itself becomes part of the practice.
Your Host
Cory has devoted much of the past decade to exploring the intersections between Ashtanga Yoga and Tibetan Buddhism. Dating back to 2002 he has studied intensively with renowned yoga masters such as David Life, Sharon Gannon, David Garrigues, Tim Miller, Tim Feldmann and Kino MacGregor, as well, as Tibetan lineage holders including khenpo Tokpa Tulku, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (with whom he took refuge) and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. His approach to teaching reflects not only his deep commitment to spiritual practice but also his extensive study of Yoga and Buddhism.
With a Ph.D. in Food Chemistry and a background in international food policy, Cory brings a unique perspective to his teaching, blending the precision of the scientific method with the contemplative wisdom of Buddhist philosophy. He explores the rich intersections between Buddhism and Yoga, offering an integrative approach to both practice and life.
How much does it cost?
$3400 (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).
$4000 (USD) - private room (note, Namo Buddha Resort - our hillside destination for days 1-3 - may not have enough singles depending on the group composition, 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.
Travel for many folks has historically been via the Middle East. If you wish to avoid that area Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong — or Singapore Airlines/Korean Air through Asia are good options.
Deadline for VIP sign up is Nov 11, 2026.
Program Costs do not include: airfare 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).
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 site for Buddhists in the world - surrounded by a village of 40,000 Tibetans and 50 monasteries, Boudha is the heart of The Spiritual Pilgrim.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Over 1500 hundred years old and accessible via 365 steps - this shrine traces its origins back to that of the valley itself. It’s said that this peak was once the only piece of dry land in the valley as it was once a huge lake. Manjushri—The Buddha of Wisdom—was flying over when he saw the light of a lotus radiating up and decided this would be a good place for the dharma to flourish. So his used his sword to cut a gorge and drain the water to form the valley.
Namo Buddha Stupa
Marks the sacred place where the Buddha made the ultimate selfless act in his prior life — the act which catapulted him into Buddhahood! In his life prior to being born Siddhartha he and his brothers were exploring this area and came upon a starving tigress and her cubs. He fed her his own body to save their lives making this spot a special place of remembrance of the buddha nature that resides in ALL beings.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
One of the Kathmandu Valley’s three historic kingdoms, Bhaktapur dates back to at least the 12th century CE. Located on the valley’s eastern side, it is known for its skilled artisans, beautifully preserved temples and courtyards, and lively lanes that make it a wonderful place to wander and shop. Its pottery, woodcarving, woven textiles, and traditional Newari foods offer a vivid glimpse into the valley’s living cultural heritage.
Patan Durbar Square
Along the ancient Silk Road, Patan is home to a historic royal palace and sacred sites traditionally linked to Emperor Ashoka and the 3rd century BCE. Its winding lanes, temple-filled courtyards, and extraordinary Newar art and architecture reveal centuries of Buddhist and Hindu culture. Still renowned for its master metalworkers and craftspeople, Patan remains a vibrant center of Newar culture and sacred art.