Kathmandu Valley Buddhist Pilgrimage
Jivamukti Yoga & Meditation in Nepal’s Sacred Heartland
with Jessica Stickler & Cory Bryant
March 6-16, 2027
Practice at Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites—including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Namo Buddha—while integrating daily meditation, yoga, and cultural immersion.
10 Incredible Spiritually Supercharged Days!
JOIN US for Vajrayana Meditation & Jivamukti 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…
Daily 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.
Vajrayana Meditation
Jivamukti Yoga morning classes under Jessica’s expert guidance with Cory assisting. Jivamukti Yoga is a physically vigorous, vinyasa-based style founded by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1984, aiming for "liberation while living". It combines energetic hatha yoga with five core tenets: Ahimsa (non-violence), Bhakti (devotion), Dhyana (meditation), Nada (sound), and Shastra (scripture). It emphasizes activism, ethical veganism, and animal rights.
Jivamukti Yoga
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.
Learning
AND Adventure!
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Day 1 - 3
Lodging at the beautiful Namo Buddha Resort, a cozy, nature reserve in the foothills of the Himalayas (think The Shire in the Hobbit movies!).
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Day 4 - 5
Exploring the vibrant Swayambhunath area - including excursions to nearby World Heritage sites!
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Day 3 - 7
Comfortably based in Kathmandu's Boudha village, a thriving buddhist community of 40,000 Tibetans living the spiritual tradition of the Buddha.
DAILY RUNDOWN
Day 1 – Arrival & Transition to Namo Buddha
Your journey begins in Boudhanath with optional morning practice, followed by breakfast and free time to settle in. We gather for lunch before traveling to Namo Buddha, a peaceful hillside retreat. After arrival, we come together for orientation and dinner, beginning our time in a quieter, more contemplative setting.
Day 2 – Grounding in Practice
The day opens with meditation and yoga, establishing a steady rhythm for the journey ahead. After breakfast, we go on a hike to explore the surrounding villages with a local guide, followed by free time to rest or reflect. In the afternoon, we gather for a workshop with Jessica, deepening our connection to the practice before dinner together.
Day 3 – Namo Buddha Pilgrimage
Morning practice is followed by a pilgrimage walk to the Namo Buddha Stupa and Thrangu Monastery, a site deeply connected to the Buddha’s path of compassion. The afternoon offers space for rest and integration, with time to gather again for sangha and meditation in the evening.
Day 4 – Bhaktapur & Transition to Kathmandu
After a final morning of practice, we depart Namo Buddha and travel to Bhaktapur, one of the valley’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities. We explore Durbar Square, temples, and local artisan life before continuing to Kathmandu and settling into our hotel in Thamel. The evening is open to explore at your own pace.
Day 5 – Swayambhunath
We begin with morning meditation and yoga before visiting Swayambhunath, one of Nepal’s most iconic Buddhist sites. After lunch, the afternoon and evening are open—an opportunity to explore, rest, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu.
Day 6 – Pharping & Arrival in Boudha
Morning practice is followed by a journey south to Pharping. Along the way, we visit Chobar Gorge and continue to sacred sites including Asura Cave and Vajrayogini Temple. By late afternoon, we arrive in Boudhanath, check into our hotel, and take an introductory walk around the Great Stupa before a shared dinner.
Day 7 – Teachings & Community
After morning practice and free time, we gather for a hands-on mala-making experience and lunch. In the afternoon, we receive Dharma teachings, followed by a visit to a local community initiative, witnessing compassion in action. The evening is open.
Day 8 – Nagi Gompa Pilgrimage
We begin early and travel to Budhanilkantha before hiking into Shivapuri National Park to Nagi Gompa. Here, we receive teachings and meditate in a powerful natural setting. After a simple meal, we return to Boudha, with the evening free to rest.
Day 9 – Deepening the Practice
Morning meditation and yoga continue to anchor the experience. The day includes group discussion and additional Dharma teachings, offering space to reflect and deepen understanding. In the evening, we visit Pashupatinath Temple, experiencing its powerful ritual atmosphere along the Bagmati River.
Day 10 – Patan & Closing Celebration
After morning practice, we travel to Patan, exploring Durbar Square, the museum, and its rich artistic heritage. Returning to Boudha, we gather in the evening for a closing celebration, including a shared meal and time together to reflect on the journey.
Day 11 – Closing Practice & Departure
On our final morning, we gather for meditation and yoga before a final breakfast together. Departures begin, with each participant carrying forward the experience of practice, pilgrimage, and connection cultivated throughout the journey.
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..
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 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.
Deadline to sign up is Feb 1, 2027.
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, 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.
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!