NEPAL: Discover the Peace Within
A 10 Day Spiritual Journey in the Himalayas of Nepal
Oct 29th – Nov 7th, 2019
This special group tour and retreat explores the best of authentic Nepalese and Tibetan culture and Himalayan spiritual traditions combining yoga and meditation with guided cultural tours, enlightening workshops and unforgettable scenery.
I want to share an important secret with you…
All of this time, while you have been searching for answers, for fulfillment, for joy, for love and happiness outside of yourself, in your career, in your relationships, in your struggles and goals, in your chasing of desires…
…that which you seek has been inside you all along.
There is a place inside you that is your true Home. A place that knows only stillness, complete peace and fulfillment and (dare-I-say-it)… bliss.
I call this place the peace within.
“But if this peace is inside me, how come I have never found it?” I can just hear you asking. 🙂
Because it has become hidden… buried under layers of tension, years of work, routine and stress, ingrained habits of ignoring your inner voice, putting others first, not taking time for yourself. But although it has become buried, it has never been lost to you, there is nothing you can do to destroy this sacred place.
It lies deep within you, beyond your fluctuating thoughts and feelings, your family roles,your job, your personality, your hopes and memories, expectations and relationships… it is at the deepest core of your being, it is the eternal, ever-present Truth of who you are.
You can re-discover this peace within. When you reconnect with it, I can guarantee that shift will happen…
Regardless of what’s going on in your life, you find a sense of ease… even when things get hard. You become guided by that excellent internal navigation system – your intuition.
You get clear on what serves you and what doesn’t it, and it becomes simpler to just let go. Kindness, joy and compassion become your natural state of being. You give yourself and your life space… and you begin to flourish into the beautiful potential you were born with.
You are fulfilled from within. You have come Home.
There are places in the world where this peace was never lost. Where the spiritual and the sacred are a part of everyday life. Where eons of wisdom and deep knowledge have accumulated to give us a road map on the path Home.
The Himalayas have long been known as the world’s Shangri-La, that mythical utopian paradise of harmony and peace. Hundreds of generations of rishis, yogis, monks and sages have been called to this sacred place to meditate and unravel the mysteries within.
Highlights of Our Unforgettable Journey…
- Daily Yoga and Meditation classes to calm your mind and release built-up stress and tension held in your body
- The perfect place to unwind – we stay in two gorgeous resorts with on-site Ayurvedic wellness spas: one close to sacred Buddhist and Hindu sites, the other on a tranquil lake surrounded by jaw-dropping Himalayan views
- Fascinating guided tours exploring Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, medieval royal squares, as well as hiking to a local village and a visit to a local school
- Workshops on yogic philosophy and Eastern spirituality to help you release the mental chatter and negative attachments in your mind and bring peace and harmony into your daily life.
- A very special lesson with a 4th generation Tibetan sound healer on using Tibetan Singing bowls for healing and meditation
- An incredible Himalayan experience: as well as being surrounded by stunning vistas throughout the retreat, we will take an early morning trip to the top of Sarangkot mountain to view one of the most incredible spectacles in the world: the sun rising over the Himalayas
- Connection with like-minded souls: the amplification of energies that occurs is a group such as this is truly magical, and many strong friendships have blossomed during –and after- our retreats
- Tools and insights to take back home: Our workshops are designed to guide you into receiving your own unique insights and messages from within to help you make the changes you need to make long after the retreat is over. Welcome to your new chapter of ease, fulfillment and joy.
- Total Immersion and Support: as well as traveling with local Nepalese guides, you will also be accompanied by 2 experienced Australians, one a yoga and meditation teacher, the other a holistic counselor, and both always ready for a chat or a hug!
- Optional healing and pampering: the Ayurvedic spas at the resorts feature a range of therapies that you can book in your free time if you need a little extra TLC..that most precious resource. We have built in several extended periods of free time so you can truly rest and just be – we understand that’s what vacations are all about!
This heart-centered tour and retreat explores the best of authentic Nepalese and Tibetan culture and Himalayan spiritual traditions. This unique package combines yoga and meditation with guided cultural tours, enlightening workshops and unforgettable scenery.
Now it is your turn to follow this calling…
Are you ready to heed this call and join us on this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Himalayas of Nepal?
I am ready to go!
What’s Included
- Accommodations for nine nights, 4 nights in Kathmandu and 5 nights staying near Pokhara on a tranquil lake surrounded by stunning Himalayan views.
- Nine breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 9 evening meals.
- Special guided tours with our local experts, including a 2 day guided tour of Kathmandu’s World Heritage listed temples, palaces and royal city squares.
- Visit a traditional Nepali village, watch an unforgettable Himalayan sunrise.
- All entry fees on guided tours.
- Eight yoga and meditation lessons.
- All workshops and workshop materials.
- Pickup and return to Kathmandu airport.
- All transportation within Nepal, including two short internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara
What’s Not Included
- International airfares
- Optional therapeutic massages and spa treatments
- Personal items
- Meals not listed above
- Optional tipping
- Drinks
- Visa costs
- Gratuities for the hotel maids (we recommend $1.00 USD per night)
- Other non-included items would include souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, laundry, alcoholic and bottled beverages.
“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a deep and permanent change in the ideas of living.”~ Miriam Beard
Itinerary
Day 1 – Oct 29
After collection from the airport we transfer to our beautiful and serene hotel at the Park Village Resort. Participants are invited to rest after a long flight, book a massage at the Ayurvedic Healing Centre, wander through the flower gardens or lounge by the pool until our official welcome and dinner.
Our first evening will be spent setting intentions for our journey in our opening ceremony and getting to know each other any questions you may have, and outline details of the rest of the trip.
Day 2 – Oct 30
7.00am – 8.30am: Yoga & Meditation
8.30am – 9.30am: Breakfast
10.00am – 1:00pm: Tour of Boudhanath
Our tour guide will lead us on a special tour of Boudhanath, the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. This beautiful 14th century stupa is Nepal’s largest, and is an important pilgrimage and meditation place not only for the local Nepalese, but for the many Tibetan Buddhists in the Kathmandu area as well. We can join the circular procession of pilgrims as they devotedly spin prayer wheels, recite mantras and perform prostrations at this auspicious site. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants overlooking the temple.
1.00 – 2.00pm : Lunch at a local reastaurant
2.00 – 4.00pm Kopan Monastery Visit
The afternoon will be spent enjoying the peaceful surrounds of the Tibetan Buddhist Kopan Monastery. Just north of the ancient Buddhist town of Boudhanath is Kopan hill, which rises up out of the terraced fields of the Kathmandu valley and is visible for miles around. Dominated by a magnificent bodhi tree, it was once the home of the astrologer to the king of Nepal. This same hill is now the home of Kopan Monastery, a monastery in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism under the guidance of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The air is clean and the view across the valley magical.
It is the home of 360 monks, lamas, teachers and workers. The monks come from all areas of Nepal and Tibet with ages ranging from seven to sixty years old. They have devoted their lives to the study and practice of the teachings of the Buddha. Visitors from all over the world come here to attend courses and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the place for study and practice.
7.00pm – 8.00pm: Dinner
Day 3 – Oct 31
7.00am – 8.30am: Yoga and Meditation
8.30am – 9.30am: Breakfast
10:00 am Fly to Pokhara
Today we leave Kathmandu and hop on a quick flight (20 minutes) to the beautiful lakeside mountain town of Pokhara. In clear weather,
the flight allows stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. We will be staying on the shores of the quiet and serene Begnas lake.
1.00pm – 2.00pm: Lunch
2.00 – 7pm: Rest & Relax
Spend the remainder of the afternoon taking in the incredible Himalayan vistas, rowing on the lake, reading in the gardens or indulging in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment at the in-house spa.
7.00pm – 8.00pm: Dinner
Day 4 – Nov 1
7:00 – 8.30am Yoga and Meditation
8:45 – 9.45am: Breakfast
10:00 – 12.30pm Optional Guided Hike
If you feel like getting out and exploring the beautiful natural surroundings around Begnas Lake as well as take in some incredible Himalayan scenery, one of the resort’s guides will take you for a guided hike for a few hours. Otherwise, if you simply prefer to enjoy the surrounds of the resort, you may relax by the pool, in the peaceful gardens or enjoy a cup of tea in the restaurant at your leisure.
1:00 – 2:00pm: Lunch
2.30 – 4.30pm Yogic Philosophy Workshop
In this fascinating workshop led by Sharee, discover the deeper philosophies of yoga as a complete spiritual path. In the West, yoga has become synonymous with physical postures, but in truth it is an in-depth system of practice comprising ethics, daily habits, meditation and so much more – with the sole purpose of liberating the practitioner from the fear-based egoic mind into the peaceful state of true
awareness.
7.00pm – 8.00pm: Dinner
Day 5 – Nov 2
5.00am – 7.00am: Himalayan Sunrise
This morning will be one of the most memorable mornings of your life. Our tour bus will take us up to a ridge on Sarangkkot mountain where we will take in the view of the magnificent Himalayan peaks around us and the clouds and valleys below us. The colours of this incredible scene change moment to moment as the dawn sun slowly rises.
7:00am – 7:30am: Packed breakfast
As we will be “on the road” exploring the beautiful Himalayan scenery and sights of Pokhara today, we will be enjoying a simpler packed breakfast near our look-out point and will have a hearty lunch later at one of the lakeside restaurants in Pokhara.
10:00am – 5:00pm: Pokhara Sightseeing
Today will be a full day out and about exploring the popular lakeside mountain town of Pokhara. We will have fun on the lake rowing out to the beautiful island temple in the center of Pokhara Lake, as well as visit the Tibetan Refugee Handicraft Centre and Devi Falls. We will enjoy lunch at one of the delicious local restaurants and there will be plenty of time for souvenir shopping in the many bright
market stalls.
4:30pm – 6:00pm: Restorative Yoga and Meditation
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Dinner
Day 6 – Nov 3
7:00am – 8:30am: Yoga & Meditation
8:30am – 9:30am: Breakfast
10:00am – 12:00pm: Mindfulness Workshop
Mindfulness is a fundamental practice in cultivating a calm and peaceful state of mind and is a central component in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. We will explore the basics of mindfulness as well as try out some simple techniques that you can incorporate into your life back at home to reduce stress, anxiety and worry and enjoy the present moment.
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm – 7:00pm; Rest and Relax
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Dinner
Day 7 – Nov 4
7:30am – 8:30am: Breakfast
9:00am – 1:00pm Village and School Excursion
Today you will get a special insight into daily life in the country-side of Nepal. A local guide will lead us on a lovely walk exploring the local village and a nearby organic coffee farm. We will also have the heart-warming opportunity to meet the kids at the primary school. You are welcome to donate any stationery to the children or English books to their school library.
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Lunch
4:30pm – 6:00pm: Yoga and Meditation
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Dinner
Day 8 – Nov 5
8:00am – 9:00am: Breakfast
10:00am Return Flight to Kathmandu
Today we leave our lakeside escape and head back to Kathmandu, once more on a comfortable and short 20 minute flight, with stunning Himalayan views in clear weather.
1:00pm: Lunch at Park Village Resort
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Yoga & Meditation
6:00pm – 7:00pm: Dinner
7:00pm – 8.00pm: Sound healing with Tibetan Singing Bowls
Sudeep, our 4th generation Tibetan Sound Healer, will join us for an interesting demonstration of the religious, meditative and therapeutic uses of the Tibetan Singing Bowl. These round metallic bowls produce a vibrating singing sound when a wooden stick is struck against or rubbed around its circumference. Sudeep will show you how the powerful sound emitted by the bowl has been used for centuries by Tibetans to calm the mind and heal various ailments.
Day 9 – Nov 6
7:00am – 8:30am: Yoga and Meditation
9:00am – 10:00am: Breakfast
10:00am – 1:00pm: Patan Tour
Today our local tour guide will lead us on a fascinating tour of the ancient royal city of Patan, also known as the “City of Beauty” or the “City of Fine Arts”. This world heritage listed site is a visual and cultural feast of exquisite stone architecture, palaces, pagoda temples, Buddhist and Hindu shrines, statues and religious art. This will be followed by a delicious rooftop lunch overlooking the captivating main square and, if the weather is clear, a Himalayan panorama.
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Swayambhunath Temple Tour
Our afternoon includes a guided tour of possibly the most recognizable symbol of Nepal, the famous Swayambhunath or “Monkey Temple” as it is also called due to the incredible number of monkeys that inhabit the temple grounds! Arguably one of the world’s most fascinating architectural jewels, this Buddhist pilgrimage site is a haven of peace and beauty with its leafy trees draped in colourful prayer
flags, glowing butter lamps, tiny craft and tea shops, and Buddha’s all seeing eyes gazing down over the whole of Kathmandu valley.
7:00pm – 9:00pm: Closing Ceremony and Farewell Dinner
We will celebrate the conclusion of our incredible journey together with a special ceremony where we will have the opportunity to share our personal highlights of the tour before saying farewell to the new friends we have all made. We will then enjoy a final sumptuous banquet dinner all together.
Day 10 – Nov 7
8:00am – 9:00am: Breakfast
9:00am Airport Transfers
For those flying out today, we will arrange airport transfers as needed after breakfast and make sure you get off to the airport on time.
This looks amazing!!
Trip Leader
Sharee is a naturopath and a yoga and meditation teacher that has been leading retreats in Nepal for the past 9 years.
It is truly a dream come true for Sharee to do this work and facilitate people like you on your journey towards wholeness.
“I love nothing more than witnessing the shift in your eyes after you have witnessed your first Himalayan panorama, or hearing from how several months after the trip you have implemented some of the tools we taught and your life has changed so much for the better.”
Sharee believes that spiritually-oriented journeys can be life-changing:
“When we travel somewhere new, we see the world with new eyes. We must give up our illusion of control and regain our sense of wonder. This can be a powerful catalyst for self-transformation and joy. And when we visit somewhere sacred and magnificent, such as the Himalayan mountains, we experience something magical that can never be forgotten.”
Testimonials
Thank you Sharee for an amazing trip to Nepal. You gave me a taste of what Nepal has to offer and everyday brought a new experience. The trip was so well organised and I always felt safe in your capable hands. Practicing yoga taught me so much about myself and has enabled me to grow as a teacher and a person.
I loved learning about the healing powers of the singing bowl and I have used it often since being home. There is a now a little bit of Nepal in my heart and when I close my eyes I can see the sunrise over the Himalayas and again feel the peace of that moment.
This trip was for me, a spiritual quest and I found that Sharee and her enlightened team of practitioners fulfilled my requirements. Tour guide “Dip” with his profound wealth of knowledge guided us around Kathmandu Valley with ease and comfort. Questions I asked Raja were answered with such depth that several times I was reduced to tears – there are others that brought a specialness to this magical time in Nepal.
I was sad when my journey came to an end and I had to leave these people that had such an impact on my life. In the future I hope I will be fortunate enough to join Sharee once again as she delivers a tour that feeds your soul completely.
Registration
The 2019 trip cost is:
$3195 USD per person double occupancy
$500 USD single supplement
A $500 USD deposit is required to secure your place as soon as possible, spots are strictly limited!
Cancellations of bookings must be notified in writing or by email: Please note that because our tours and retreats are limited to a small number of attendees to allow for a more personable, intimate experience, our cancellation policy is in place to help guests and us alike work together sharing expenses that may arise from unexpected cancellations.
I. Your initial deposit is non-refundable. II. Your non-refundable deposit is transferable to another attendee. III. Your full balance is due 48 days before the start date of our retreat. IV. If you cancel within 30 days of retreat date (in writing) – 50% of total amount (less deposit which is non-refundable) will be refunded. V. Within 14 days of our retreat – no refunds given, no exceptions.
Trip cancellation insurance is ALWAYS recommended when making travel plans. You can use our suggested Travel Guard Insurance online and choose from several policy options.
Place your deposit NOW with our secure online store (your deposit holds your spot).
When you hit the blue Add to Cart button, your selection will go immediately into the shopping cart. When you are finished, then click the “Checkout Now” button.
If you don’t wish to register online or are having issues, call 1-866-866-5566 or email us.
Make a Payment
Deposit
$500Add to cart
If you’ve found this trip after the registration date – no worries! Give us a call and we’ll do our best to get you on the trip.
If you prefer not to make payments online, please give us a ring at 1-866-866-5566. Money orders are also acceptable for your deposit. We look forward to sharing this amazing adventure with you!
Hello
I’m wondering if you still offer this tour?
Or if it was only in 2019
Hi Trish! For us all travel is on hold now so that trip was in 2019.
Hi!
I would like to know more about this. Do you have photos / information about previous tours that you can share with me? I will be in Kathmandu in October to do a sound healing short course and I would love to do this right after. Thank you so much!
Love,
Corinne
Hello Corinnne,
For more information it is best if you contact Sharee directly. She is leading the group and will be happy to ansewr any questions you might have.
Here is her e-mail address:
sharee@ashimaliving.com
Do you have anything available for the end of may 2018.
Hello Iana,
We don’t have any group trips to Nepal for end of May 2018 but we can create a customized itinerary just for you.
If that is something you are interested in, please feel free to send me an e-mail and I’d be happy to work on that for you.
Please send the e-mail to: ales@journeysofthespirit.com
Hi. Is there any trip for 2018?
Hello Azel,
We currently don’t have any group trips to Nepal scheduled yet for this year but we can always customize a trip for individual travel as well.
If this is something you are interested in, please feel free to contact us at:
ales@journeysofthespirit.com
I would then discuss the options with you and put together a custom itinerary.
– Ales, Director of Travel @ Journeys of the Spirit