A Retreat Holiday in Nepal
A Spiritual Pilgramage and
Awakening Tour in the Himalayas
Discover and enrich your spiritual path nested in the world renowned pilgrimage heritage of Nepal
In Kathmandu, Lumbini and Pokhara Amongst stunning Himalayan Scenery
and in nepals Best Accommodation
12 Days / 11 Nights Small Group Tour Guaranteed Departure
Plus 3 Day Optional Extension
AUD7,720 USD5,070
TWIN SHARE
Single Supp. AUD615 USD400
Currency Exchange Rate 17.03.2024
Wednesday 16th to Tuesday 29th October 2024
You can Book now for 2025
Saturday 26th April to Wednesday 7th May 2025
Tour Package Includes All Accommodation, Meals as per the itinerary, Guides, Sightseeing, Entry Fees to all activities, Porterage, Transfers, Land, Water Transport & Experienced Tour Leader & Local Guides. Lama Sonam and International Teachers * 3 Domestic Air Flights included.
EXCLUSIONS : The price does not include international airfares, visa costs, alcoholic and soft drinks or any meals not included in the itinerary.
NOTE : Flynn's Tours will advise on the most suitable air route for your International travel and how to process your visitor visa in an efficient manner.
Wisdom of the Heart :
For those seeking to awaken and deepen your spirituality, we have curated a full retreat program that includes Buddhist dharma, contemplating, reflecting, mindful movements, and meditation to support you in your practice and overcome the myriad obstacles that may arise, along with the understanding of the deeper aspects of the spiritual path and of reality itself. Embark in this pilgrimage in comfort and be in the loving presence of our local Lama and International teachers from Malaysia and Hungary
Discover and enrich your spiritual path nested in the world’s renown pilgrimage heritage of Nepal. Retreat to the UNESCO World’s Heritage sites in the holy shrines of Kathmandu, Lumbini and Pokhara, and immerse yourself in their rich culture, history and its people. Walk the path of ancient Buddhist teachings with the imbued energy of Namo Buddha and receive the blessings of Guru Rinpoché while you meditate in the cave where he retreated. Photograph the stunning scenery of Mount Everest, Annapurna, and the enchanting boats of Phewa Lake. A retreat meticulously crafted for you to connect with the mystique and enlightening sacred sites of Buddhist caves, monasteries, stupas, pagodas and experience its rich nature, stunning mountain views, colourful art and crafts together with their delicious cuisine, or simply bathe in its enchanting tropical forest and sacred garden of Lumbini.
4/5 Star Accommodation - Lists of Inclusions and Exclusions
Local Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten Meals along with International Cuisine.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided in Hotels and Local Restaurants as listed in itinerary.
Tours & Retreats Highlights
- Personalize Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Healing Massage
- Dharma Talks & Teachings by Lama Sonam
* Introduction to Buddhist Culture & Ritual
* Introduction to Buddhist Teachings & The Wheel of Life
* Introduction to Buddhist Teachings & The Four Noble Truth
* History of Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gautam
* Heart Wisdom: Loving Kindness, Compassion, Joy & Equanimity
- Morning Mindful Movements & Practices
- Mindfulness & Meditation Practices
- Chinese Pu-erh Tea Ceremony
- UNESCO Heritage and Buddha sacred sites in Kathmandu, Lumbini & Pokhara
- Sunrise at Sarangkot
- Boating at Phewa Lake
Other Tour & Retreat Inclusions:
- 11 nights of accommodation. All Meals as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu International Airport Transits
- All Domestic Airport Transits
- Domestic Flights: Kathmandu - Lumbini - Pokhara - Kathmandu
- Private Transport for all tours
- All-inclusive tours and retreats as per the program
- Entrance Fees to all monuments and UNESCO sites
- Guided and assorted by local Lama, international teachers and Nepalese government licensed guide
- Gift Basket - meditation pillow, journal, incense, khada, aromatherapy calming oil.
-Small Group Tour restricted to 12 participants
Non Inclusions : ● Nepal Visa ● Any international airfares and airport services ● Personal expenses such as bills, laundry, internet, telephone calls, snacks, etc. ● Personal gratuities as tips to guide, drivers, local staff, etc. ● Any cost incurred in emergency evacuation due to any unforeseen reasons , personal insurance and medical expenses ● Any other tours, transfers, and services other than those mentioned above.
Optional with Additional Fee ● Personalised Mindfulness Session with Ainee Cha at US$90.00 /60mins session ** Ainee offers guides and meditations that engage your heart, mind, and spirit to allow you to discover your innate wisdom and work through life's challenges. She helps you recognize internal suffering with tenderness and kindness, revealing opportunities to develop radical acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness while creating loving-kindness, gratitude, joy, and equanimity to live deeply in a wise and loving relationship with yourself and others.
Day By Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu - Naturally Arise Stupa
Arriving this morning from your international departure point you will be met at Kathmandu International Airport and transited to your Hotel to freshen up before beginning your retreat experience with a Guided Tour of the Swayambhunath Temple / Monkey Temple, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley where miraculous lotus mysteriously radiated a brilliant light. Swayambhu, means ‘Self-Created’ or ‘Self-Existent’. Today, saints, sages and divinities go to venerate this miraculous light for its power in granting, enlightenment. Swayambhunath is also known as ‘Monkey temple’, and as the, legendary birthplace of the Kathmandu Valley.
This precious hilltop stupa has for centuries been the very heart of Buddhist life in Nepal.
The stupa is known to many locals, the ‘365 steps to illuminations, from the moment you enter the Stupa, there is a sense of being in the serenity of refuge to pilgrims for many hundreds of years. A wealth of smaller shrines, temples, painted images of deities, and other sacred objects, surround the Swayambhu Stupa.
Retreat Highlights/Program:
- Welcome & Opening Circle Upon Arrival
- Guided Tour with Lama Soman
- Introduction to Buddhist Culture & Ritual by Lama Sonam
- Evening Grounding, Chanting & Blessing by Lama Sonam
- Guided Buddhist Cleansing Breathing and Meditation by Lama Sonam
Accomodation: Hotel Mudita - https://hotelmudita.com.np/
Day 2: Kathmandu - ‘All-Encompassing’ - Great Jarung Kashor Stupa
Guided Tour of Boudha Stupa, Boudhanath, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
- Guru Lhakhang Monastery (aka Tamang Gompa)
- Shechen Monastery
- Jamchen Lhakhang (aka Maitreya Buddha)
- White Monastery Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling
- Sakya Tharig Gompa
- Ghyoilisang Peace Park (aka Buddha Peace Park).
Boudha stupa; ‘The Great Jarung Kashor Stupa’ is the largest and most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet forming a religion and culture hub for the Tibetan and people from the Himalayas of Nepal. The Stupa is claimed to entomb the relic of Kasyapa Buddha, the Buddha of the third Bhadra Kalpa. The stupa is known to be a historical pilgrimage site for all the Buddhists around the world while the massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the stages that human beings must pass through to achieve nirvana. Boudhanath stupa is a gateway to heaven serving as a horizon between the earth and sky. Boudha is an awe-inspiring spiritual shrine, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. Absolutely magical, with symbols and interesting energies to be found at every turn (kora). Around the base of the stupa are 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and a ring of prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra embossed on it eleven thousand times. Walking one circuit (kora) of the stupa and spinning each of the 147 wheels thereby equals 1,617,000 prayers. Surrounding Boudhanath Stupa are streets and narrow alleys lined with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. One of the most significant temples is Jamchen Lhakhang,
featuring Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future. The sound of singing bowls and Buddhist chants, mixed with the smell of incense burning creates a kind of healing energy of Boudhanath.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Morning Mindful Movement & Meditation
- Morning Pilgrimage/Kora around Boudha Stupa
- Guided Tour with Lama Sonam
- Introduction to Buddhist Teachings & The Wheel of Life by Lama Sonam
- Free & Easy (after the guided tour)
- Evening Metta Meditation
Accomodation: Hotel Mudita - https://hotelmudita.com.np/
Day 3: Kathmandu - The Place of Awakening
Guided Tour of Pharping
- Asura Cave & Yangleshö
- Chatral Rinpoche Monastery
- Self-Arisen Green Tara Statue
- Vajrayogini Temple
Bhaktapur (a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979)
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Free & easy
Pharping is a blessed village, a well-known holy pilgrimage site for the devotees of Vajrayana Buddhism, where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) retreated and attained enlightenment in Yangleshö (Asura Cave). Yangleshö has rich spiritual vibrations connected with divine energies and is considered to be as important as Bodhgaya; where Siddhartha Gautama got enlightenment.
There is a naturally self-arisen Green Tara statue, an imprint of the hand of Guru
Padmasambhava and a stone representing his foot at the entrance of the cave. The main statue is Padmasambhava in the form of Tsokye Dorje, discovered in a field and brought to the cave by a local Tamang farmer. Around this sacred site sits many entrancing monasteries and temples, including a beautiful Vajrayogini Temple, and Chatral Rinpoche Monastery where Chatral Sangye Dorje (1913-2015) was a self-arisen buddha. His teachings powerfully illuminated the truth of the absolute nature of reality.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square undoubtedly is one of the best places to visit in Nepal as it embodies the richness of ancient temples and shrines, sculptures and historical heritage sites constructed in different eras along with spiritual monuments, and tasty local sweet and savoury delicacies carry the identity of this city.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Morning Mindful Movement & Meditation
- Guided Tour with Lama Sonam
- Introduction to Buddhist Teachings & The Four Noble Truth by Lama Sonam
- Mindfulness / Vipassana Meditation at Asura Cave
- Free & Easy in Bhaktapur
Accomodation: Hotel Mudita - https://hotelmudita.com.np/
Day 4: Kathmandu - ‘Sacrifice To The Tigress’ & Conquering Demons
** Transfer from Kathmandu - Dhulikhel - Timal - Kathmandu
Guided Tour of Namo Buddha, Dhulikhel
- Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
- ‘Sacrifice to the Tigress’
Padmasambhava Holy Place, Timal
- ‘Conquering The Demons’
Witnessing the snow-capped mountain views from Dhulikhel and being in the
enlightening experience of Namo Buddha, the most notable Buddhist pilgrimage,
surrounded by a serene environment and green hills where Lord Buddha, in his
previous reincarnation sacrificed his body to the tigress and her cubs. A small shrine uphill from the stupa contains statues of the prince together with the tigress and her cubs. The benevolent prince's soul ascended to heaven and is believed to have reincarnated in Lumbini. When Lord Buddha arrived at Namo Buddha after receiving enlightenment, he revealed to his disciples that he had sacrificed his life at the spot in the earliest incarnation and his relics were housed there. Namo Buddha is now regarded as a pre-eminent holy pilgrimage and devotees pay homage to the Buddha, offer worship and light oil lamps in reverence. This enchanted place is home for hundreds of monks to receive training in ritual practices and Dharma study. PadmaSambhava is an interesting and popular pilgrimage site located in Timal (aka Yarinak). This valley’s landscape is steep and hilly, forested with pine trees where you can enjoy the breathtaking mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountain range of Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lhakpa, Gaurisankar, and Mahalangur Himalayan. Yarinak is known both for removing obstacles and for providing protection.
This extraordinary cave is where Guru Rinpoché practiced and to find remnants and perfected the practices for eliminating obstacles to realization of the essence of thepath.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Sharing Circle, Chanting & Meditation
- Guided Tour with Lama Sonam
- Pre-history of Buddhism -Story Prince Maha Hridaya (Namo Buddha) & Guru
Rinpoche
- Buddhist Monastic Practices by Lama Sonam
- Walking & Gratitude Meditation
Accomodation: Hotel Mudita - https://hotelmudita.com.np/
Day 5: Lumbini - ‘The Birth Of Lord Buddha’
from Kathmandu - Lumbini by Aeroplane flight
A Guided Tour of Lumbini, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
- Maya Devi Temple
- Ashoka Pillar
- Birth Marker Stone
- The Bodhi Tree
- Eternal Peace Flame
- Pushkarini lake
- World Peace Pagoda
Lumbini is the most sacred pilgrimage site for millions of Buddhist throughout the world.
The birthplace of Gautama Buddha where Shakya Queen Mayavati, gave birth to Prince Siddharta inside the beautiful Lumbini garden in 623 BC, now known as the Maya Devi Temple. Shakya Queen took a ritual dip at the sacred Pushkarini Lake prior to giving birth to Prince Siddharta and he had his first bath at the Holy Pond beside the temple. Around MayaDevi Temple, photographs the Birth Marker Stone, the Bodhi tree decorated with colorful prayer flags and a treasure trove of beautiful ancient artifacts.
Along with a stone is the Ashoka Pillar that has an inscription saying "Shakyamuni
Buddha was born here". The Eternal Peace Flame of Lumbini was lit on 1st November 1986 AD by the then Prince Gyanendra Shah, and is kept glowing uninterrupted 24 hours a day. The flame represents peace.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Self-Practice, Self-Inquiry & Noble Silent
- Guided Tour with Lama Sonam
- History of Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gautam
- Evening Practice & Meditation at Sacred Garden
Accomodation : Zambala Hotel : https://holidaypasal.com/en/hotels/lumbini-zambala-hotel
Day 6 : Lumbini - The Messenger of Peace
Guided Tour of Tilaurakot
- Twin Stupa
- Kapilvastu
- Palace of King Suddhodana & Prince Siddharta
- Lumbini's Sacred Garden
- Monastic Zone
- Visit 29 temples and monasteries of different countries.
Tilaurakot is the capital of Shakya Kingdom, the Kingdom of Buddha’s father located in Kapilvastu near Lumbini where Prince Siddhartha spent his first 29 years as a prince in the palace. The site sits in a peaceful meadow on the banks of the Banganga where we will do some morning practice and meditate.
The Sacred Garden is the heart of Lumbini. There are 29 monasteries built to represent the doctrine of Buddhism in the Sacred Garden. Among them are Myanmar Temple, the International Gautami Nuns Temple, the China Temple, the Dae Sung Suk Ga Sa Korean Temple, Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, and more.
The Japan Peace Stupa, which is a 41-meter tall structure with four different Buddha statues facing the four cardinal directions, are the major attractions of the monastic zones. These temples and monasteries are architecturally stunning and are often adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. Take a peace walk and embrace the garden to fully experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the site.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Morning Mindful Movement & Meditation at Tilaurakot
- Guided Tour with Lama Sonam
- The Journey of Lord Buddha Siddhartha Gautam by Lama Sonam
- Free & easy to visit Sacred Garden
- Evening Talk, Group Circle & Joy Meditation at Sacred Garden
Accomodation : Zambala Hotel : https://holidaypasal.com/en/hotels/lumbini-zambala-hotel
Day 7 : Pokhara - ‘Open the Heart & Quiet the Mind’
Transit from Lumbini - Pokhara by Aeroplane flight
Guided Retreat: Wisdom of The Heart’ Retreat Program
‘Wisdom of the Heart’ Pilgrimage Tour & Retreat is thoughtfully curated for you to
gather, explore, learn, experiment, grow, heal, connect authentically with yourselves and others, and to deepen your spiritual practice.Upon arrival at Pokhara, we will head straight to Raniban Retreat where we will have the perfect opportunity and serene environment to disconnect to stay connected with yourself. Find balance and inner peace in this adventurous pilgrimage in the healing power of nature - mountains, lakes, and forests, to learn and cultivate mindful awareness through mindful movements, yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness meditation with openness, loving awareness, and kindness.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Self-Practice, Self-Inquiry & Noble Silent
- Rest & Relax
- Lomi-Lomi Massage
- Grounding & Sharing/Debriefing Circle
For those who would like specific pujas or blessings from Lama Sonam, this is your chance. Discuss this with our host during the trip.
Accomodation: Raniban Retreat - https://raniban.com/
Day 8 : Pokhara - ‘Awakening Together’
Guided Retreat: ‘Wisdom of The Heart’ Retreat Program
Embark in this perfect opportunity to deepen and renew your spiritual and holistic practice, through slowing down and guided practices.Today, we will explore the qualities of the heart: loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Cultivate openness of the heart through the mind-body-soul practices and deepen the capacity to listen deeply to yourself, and offer love, kindness, and happiness to yourself and others while you bring awakening presence to your heart-mind.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Morning Mindful Movement
- Walking Meditation
- Tea Ceremony
- Lomi-Lomi Massage
- Dharma Talk, Meditation and Q&A
For those who would like specific pujas or blessings from Lama Sonam, this is your chance. Discuss this with our host during the trip.
Accomodation: Rasniban Retreat - https://raniban.com/
Day 9 : Pokhara - ‘The True Refuge’
Guided Tour of Pokhara Monastic Sites
- Peace Pagoda
- Tashiling Tibetan Village
- Dhe Chhen Ling Monastery, Lama Prasa
Peace Pagoda, aka Shanti Stupa in Pokhara is a stunning and picturesque monument located on the Anadu Hill overlooking the mesmerizing Phewa Lake with captivating Annapurna Mountain range. The stupa emanates a calm and tranquil energy, illuminating a collective inner peace as we enter. The Peace Pagoda was constructed after the end of World War 2 by Buddhist monks with the objective to inspire peace to all the people around the globe.
Journey into the world of the Tibetan refugees and visit the history of the Tibetan settlements in Nepal where Tibetans weave carpets for their livelihoods. We will have lunch in Dhe Chhen Ling Monastery, where our Lama Sonam resides, have a chat with the local devotees and more.
While we habitually try to control our life, our true refuge—the source of peace, safety and freedom—is in the direct realization of reality itself.
The afternoon will be spent at Phewa Lake where we will enjoy boating on its placid waters.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Morning Mindful Practice / Movement
- Guided Tour
- Boating at Lakeside
- Gratitude Dinner and closing circle with Lama Sonam.
For those who would like specific pujas or blessings from Lama Sonam, this is your chance. Discuss this with our host during the trip.
Accomodation : Hotel Majestic Lake Front - https://www.majesticlakefront.com/
or Kuti Resort - https://www.kutiresort.com/home
Day 10 : Pokhara Lakeside - ‘The Joy of Living’
This morning we drive to Sedibager to ride in the cable car to the summit at Sarangkot. Experience the calming effects of the spectacular sunrise. We will then enjoy Breakfast at a nearby restaurant.
Pokhara’s tranquil beauty has been the subject of inspiration for many travel writers. Its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural disposition.
Pokhara Lakeside is surrounded by its magnificent Annapurna mountains views and a cluster of nine lakes. Let yourself be in the ‘joy of living’, caressed by the gorgeous reflection of the mountains at the iconic Phewa, while you take delight in the local and international cafes and restaurants along the lake. Tuck into mouth-watering street-foods or simply take pleasure in shopping at the locals souvenirs shops, buy handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, singing bowls, and spiritual monuments to embracing care for yourself with a complimentary massage.
Retreat Highlight/Program:
- Morning Mindful Movement & Meditation at Sanrangkot
- Guided Tour including cable car to Sarangkot summit
- Return to Hotel for Lunch and re-fresh
- An afternoon at your leisure around the Lakeside precinct
Accomodation : Hotel Majestic Lake Front - https://www.majesticlakefront.com/
or Kuti Resort - https://www.kutiresort.com/home
Day 11 : Kathmandu - Self-Exploration
Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Aeroplane flight
Following breakfast we transfer to Pokhara airport for our flight to Kathmandu to check-in to our Hotel. After lunch we explore the vibrant heart of Kathmandu at Thamel, Nepal's bustling tourist district. Wander through narrow streets lined with colorful shops selling handicrafts, clothing, and spices. Sample local cuisine at bustling eateries and unwind in cozy cafes. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, music, and bustling energy of this eclectic neighborhood.
Are you ready to feel liberated? Each time we quiet our mind, we open our hearts; our listening becomes sharp and clear, deep and perceptive; we realize that we know more than we thought we knew, we hear the wisdom of our hearts, the heart of our pain. Each time we are able to remain open to suffering, despite our fear and defensiveness, we sense a love in us which becomes increasingly unconditional. Discover this in your own time and space - the wisdom of your heart.
Feel free to visit any sites that are of particular interest to you in Kathmandu
Program:
- After breakfast transfer to Pokhara airport for flight to Kathmandu.
- Explore the Thamel district in Kathmandu
- An evening at your leisure around Kathmandu City.
Accommodation : Hotel Marshyangdi - https://www.thamelhotel.com/
Day 12 : Kathmandu - ‘The end of the beginning’
At Breakfast - our last meal together - we bid farewell to our pilgrimage and welcome the bright beginning of our life, fill yourself with a deep sense of gratitude and optimism. Together, we face challenges, celebrate milestones, and continue to grow in our own way. The journey we embark upon together at the Heart-Mind Wellness Retreat is not just a path towards our goal, it is a witness to our shared values and unwavering commitment to creating a better self, a better
world.
As we step into the end of the beginning, your belief, enthusiasm, dedication and
practice are the cornerstones of your progress. It is in your hands to shape the future, to make it a reality for yourselves and for generations to come. May you be well and happy.
Program:
- Morning Farewell Breakfast Circle
- At your leisure in Kathmandu depending on your flight arrangements.
- Transfer to Airport
3 day optional extra of a wildlife adventure in to visit Chitwan National Park.
Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan has a particularly rich flora and fauna and is home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal Tiger.
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