Exploring Yogic Buddhism
A Pilgrimage in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal
with guest teachers — Ashtanga’s Andrew Bresnen & Ellie Ray of Mysore Austin
October 19-29, 2026
Registration opens Sept. 16, 2025 at 12pmCST
10 Transformative Days in the Heart of the Himalayas
Step into the Kathmandu Valley, a place where the living traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism have shaped daily life for centuries. From sacred stupas to hidden monasteries, each day unfolds as an invitation to connect more deeply with yourself and the spiritual heritage of Nepal. With every step, you’ll be guided, supported, and welcomed into a rhythm of practice, community, and discovery.
Not just a trip, but a journey of the spirit.
Begin each morning with grounding yoga practice, then step out into the Kathmandu Valley to explore its rich Buddhist and Hindu heritage. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this valley has long been a magnet for pilgrims and seekers from Nepal, Tibet, India, and beyond. Here, the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism meet in vibrant temples, sacred stupas, and centuries-old rituals—offering an experience that is as deeply spiritual as it is unforgettable.
Our days will include…
Each morning starts with meditation practice guided by your Pilgrimage Leader 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
After meditation we shift seamlessly into morning Mysore classes under Ellie & Andrew’s expert guidance. That’s two Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teachers on the job!
Each shala offers a unique mystical experience nestled near the power places that anchor our journey.
Ashtanga Yoga
Along with teachings offered by Cory and the TSP crew (see our “Who We Are” page), you’ll also have the incredible opportunity to receive teachings from 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.
Learning
AND Adventure!
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Day 1 - 3
Discover the magic of Swayambhunath — wander through its vibrant hillside sanctuaries and set out on enriching excursions to nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites, where centuries of Buddhist and Hindu devotion still pulse in every stone.
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Day 3 - 7
Settle into the heart of Boudha, Kathmandu — a vibrant village where more than 40,000 Tibetans keep alive the living tradition of the Buddha. Here, the great stupa rises above prayer flags and incense, anchoring a community steeped in devotion.
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Day 7-10
Your sanctuary at Namo Buddha Resort awaits — a serene eco-retreat in the Himalayan foothills. Surrounded by forest and village life, it feels like stepping into a world out of time, where comfort and simplicity nurture body, mind, and spirit.
What is Yogic Buddhism?
Yogic Buddhism is a way of describing the deep overlap between Vajrayāna Buddhism and the yogic traditions of India, especially Hatha Yoga — from which Ashtanga Yoga has roots. Both traditions emerged side by side and share methods that work not only with the mind, but also with the body, breath, and subtle energies. In Vajrayāna, practices with prāṇa (life force), nāḍī (energy channels), and bindu (drops of subtle essence) mirror yogic approaches to transformation, uniting posture, breath, visualization, and mantra into a holistic path. At its heart, Yogic Buddhism is about using the fullness of human experience — body, speech, and mind — as gateways to awakening, honoring the shared heritage of yoga and Buddhism while offering a complete path of embodiment, awareness, and liberation.
What You Can Expect
It’s Nepal! Expect the unexpected — and know we’ve got you covered.
It’s Nepal — a land where the unexpected becomes part of the magic. From the moment you are warmly greeted at Kathmandu Airport by our local team, you can relax and let the journey carry you. Each day blends guided visits to unforgettable sacred sites with time to simply be, wander, or rest as you wish. Vegetarian meals (with vegan options) will nourish you, friendships will grow naturally, and every sunrise and sunset will remind you of the wonder of being fully present in this extraordinary land.
Sacred Sites Abound
Boudhanath Stupa
Dating back to the 5th century CE, the great stupa of Boudha is one of the largest and most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. Encircled by a thriving community of 40,000 Tibetans and more than 50 monasteries, it remains a vibrant center of daily devotion. Each morning and evening, thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and offering butter lamps as mantras fill the air. This living spiritual heart of Kathmandu will serve as our home base — a place where the timeless teachings of the Buddha are woven seamlessly into daily life.
Swayambhunath Stupa
One of the most ancient and beloved landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley. Over 1,500 years old, its origins are said to reach back to the very birth of the valley itself. Pilgrims ascend 365 stone steps to reach the hilltop shrine, where the watchful eyes of the Buddha gaze out in all directions. From here, the panorama of Kathmandu unfolds, prayer flags ripple in the wind, and the atmosphere hums with centuries of devotion — a place where history, myth, and living practice come together.
Patan Durbar Square
Once a flourishing stop along the ancient Silk Road, Patan is a city where history and devotion intertwine. Its roots reach back to the 3rd century BCE, when Emperor Ashoka is said to have established its earliest stupas. At its heart lies the old royal palace and Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with intricately carved temples and shrines. Walking its narrow lanes, you’ll find artisans keeping centuries-old traditions alive — from metalwork to sacred sculpture — all within a community that has been steeped in Buddhist and Hindu practice for millennia.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur, one of the three original kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, traces its history back to at least the 12th century CE. Tucked into the eastern corner of the valley, it feels like stepping into a living museum of temples, courtyards, and timeless brickwork. Known for its master artisans — from woodcarvers to potters — Bhaktapur is also a delight to simply wander. Its narrow streets invite exploration, its vibrant squares hum with daily life, and its markets are filled with treasures both sacred and handmade, making it a perfect place to shop, connect, and soak in the valley’s rich cultural heritage.
Several monasteries, including:
Ka Nying Shedrup Ling Monastery
Also known as the “White Gompa” and home to our root teacher, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Thrangu Monastery
In the hills near Namo Buddha Stupa this is an inspiring place of study and practice founded by the venerable Thrangu Rinpoche.
Nagi Gompa - A Nunnery
Perched high on the northern slopes of the Kathmandu Valley, Nagi Gompa Nunnery is a place of quiet strength and devotion. Home to a vibrant community of Tibetan Buddhist nuns, the monastery is known for its atmosphere of deep practice and simplicity. The climb up through pine forests opens into sweeping views of the valley below, offering a sense of both retreat and vastness. Visiting Nagi Gompa is a chance to step into the rhythm of monastic life — to hear the cadence of prayers, see the discipline of study, and feel the inspiration of women dedicating their lives to the Dharma. We'll have lunch and practice meditation with the amazing head of the nunnery - Ani Gyan Tara.
Pharping
On the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley lies Pharping, a sacred Newar town revered as a center of spiritual power. The hillsides are alive with monasteries and meditation caves where great masters have practiced for centuries, filling the area with a palpable sense of blessing. At its heart stands the Vajrayogini Temple, dedicated to the fierce goddess of wisdom and transformation, drawing pilgrims from across the Himalayas. Wandering through Pharping, one encounters a living tapestry of devotion — prayer flags fluttering, monks in study and ritual, and a landscape that invites both awe and inner reflection.
How much does it cost?
$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.
Deadline to sign up is Sept 1, 2026.
Program Costs do not include: airfare to/from Kathmandu, Visa fees, additional hotel nights before or after scheduled program dates, unscheduled activities and excursions, soft drinks, alcohol and espresso/special coffee 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).
EARLY BIRD - 1st come 1st serve! Opens Sept 16 at 12pmCST:
NEPAL500 (2 spots at $500 off)
NEPAL300 (2 spots at $300 off)
NEPAL200 (4 spot at $200 off)