Shamanic Trek - 18 Days

Trip Detail
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: As Per Itinerary
  • Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: As Per Itinerary
  • Group Size: 2-15
  • Max Elevation: 3,220 m
  • Season: March to May & September to November

Shamanic Trek in the Himalayas of Nepal is one of the craziest experiences one could have in their life. Not many people knew that Shamanism practice existed in Nepal until the Himalayas got opened for the visitors. Being the land of diverse cultures and people from hundreds of different communities, Nepal has got shamans in every community practicing distinct values yet with the same motto to offer healing and prosperity to their people. From a very long time ago, shamanism co-existed with Hinduism and Buddhism in the high Himalayas.

Imagine being part of this very magical world even for a short period and observe their rituals, healing process, and practices. What can be more intriguing than this?

Shamanism Tour in Nepal takes you to the remote northern district of Rolpa, Rukum, and Baglung, the home of the northern Magar community. Even called Magar, they have their Tibeto-Burma language called Kham along with a very distinct culture and tradition. As per the data, these people are registered as Hindus, however they rarely called brahmans for any ritual. Instead of that, the life cycle rituals are performed by the son-in-law of the master of the house, and shamans are called for healing seances. In a big village like Lugum, there are about 20 shamans or Jhankri, performing under the supervision of a few older masters or guru.

Highlights

  • Hike through dense forests, where you can see diverse vegetation, wildlife, and birds
  • Pass by beautiful mountain villages
  • Explore virgin Dhorpatan valley
  • Get to see the daily lifestyle of the locals and interact with them
  • Observe Shamanism
  • Witness stunning landscape and breath-taking views of the Himalayan mountains like the Dhaulagiri range, Fishtail, Churen Himal, Dogari, Pyutha Hiunchuli, Gurja Himal, etc

Itinerary

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Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft).

After landing at the Tribhuvan international Airport you will meet with our trek team members near the terminal gate holding your nameplate. He will take you to the hotel and quickly inform you regarding the further program. For today, you are free to rest and explore nearby areas on your own. 

  • Hotel

This is an extra day in Kathmandu that will let you relax after your long flight to Kathmandu. If it's your first time in Nepal You might do sightseeing by yourself at a few monuments like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhnath Stupa, etc. And today, you will prepare for the trek. In the afternoon, you meet with the trek guide, and he will let you know about further trek plans. If anything is missing for the trek, your trek guide will help you to shop.  

  • Breakfast only
  • Hotel

After having a delicious breakfast, you head to the airport to fly to Pokhara, the city of Lakes. During the flight, you can see gorgeous scenery and mountain views. Upon landing at the airport, you move to the hotel. Enjoy the day visiting tourist areas like Davis Falls, Bat Cave, etc. In the evening, you can go boating on the tranquil Fewa Lake and have dinner enjoying a beautiful sunset.

  • Breakfast only
  • Hotel

Today, you drive to Darbang. The drive is not too long. From Pokhara, you drive for fours to reach Beni. From here, the drive continues for another one hour and takes you to Darbang. During the drive, you can see wonderful scenery, lush green hills, terraced fields, and small mountain villages. 

  • BLD
  • Camping

The trail heads towards Siwang. Trekking through a lush forest of rhododendron and pine, you pass by villages like Dharapani and Takam before reaching Siwang. On the way, you will get to see stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri. 

  • BLD
  • Camping

After having a warm breakfast, you continue trekking towards Moreni. The trail gradually ascends through small settlement areas and dense forests. On the way, you can see a range of birds and beautiful views of the mountains. 

  • BLD
  • Camping

The trail from Moreni ascends through a dense forest of pine. If you are lucky, you might see musk deer on the way. Likewise, the trail also offers amazing views of Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal.

  • BLD
  • Camping

Leaving Gurjaghar behind, you will visit an ancient Bon Gompa, where you can see monks practicing healing techniques. The trek then continues to Cheentung and leads you to Chisapani. Further, you walk and reach the entrance of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and head to Syal Pake for a night stay.

  • BLD
  • Camping

The trail ascends through Upper Syal Pake and takes you to Kukur Deorali. From here, a downhill walk takes you to Bhujekhung and ascends steeply to Phalgune Pass (3,915m). From the pass, superb views of Churen Himal, Dogari, Pyutha Hiunchuli, Gurja Himal, etc can be seen. The trail then descends following a steep trail to Thankur. 

  • BLD
  • Camping

The trail moves to the northeast and descends through dense forests along the Sai Khola. Further, following Gustung Khola, you trek and cross a suspension bridge. From here, the trail steeply ascends to Kayam and takes you to Tatopani. This village is famous for its natural hot springs, where you can spend time relaxing your muscles. 

  • BLD
  • Camping

The trail crosses Sano Bheri on a thrilling hanging bridge and steeply ascends to Pelma. The trail follows a downhill route that leads to a wooden bridge. Crossing the bridge, you ascend and reach a village called Puccha. From here, you walk for around a couple of hours to reach Maikot for a night stay. 

  • BLD
  • Camping

From Maikot, the trail descends for around an hour to Sano Bheri. You will cross a hanging bridge, and descend to reach Ghara. The trail from here onwards goes through dense forests and ascends to Mayang, where you will take a short lunch break. Further, passing by Adheri Khola village and Dimurgaira, you reach Okhama for a night stay.

  • BLD
  • Camping

The trail gradually ascends to Pipaldhunga and descends along the motor road. Further, walking along the hillside you reach Birgum from where beautiful views of Sisne Himal can be witnessed. Further, the trail descends and takes you to Taka Sera for a night stay.

  • BLD
  • Camping

Today is a rest day in Taka Sera. You will spend the day exploring the village and its nearby areas. You will get a chance to observe a very unique lifestyle, beliefs, and practices while spending time with the locals. 

  • BLD
  • Camping

After having breakfast, the trail gradually descends towards Lugum. Trekking through dense forests, enjoying breath-taking views of the snow-capped mountains, you pass by small settlement areas to reach Lugum.

  • BLD
  • Camping

Today, you drive back to Pokhara. The remaining day is free to relax and explore around the hotel.

  • Breakfast & lunch
  • Hotel

You take another flight back to Pokhara. The flight will be scenic and short. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you head to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace, and join farewell dinner in the evening with team members.

  • Breakfast & farewell dinner
  • Hotel

It is time to fly back to your home or next destination. According to your flight departure time, one of our team delegates will drop you at the airport and bid you our last goodbye.

  • Breakfast only

Cost Detail

What's included

  • Airport pick up and drop
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast and farewell dinner
  • Domestic flight as per the itinerary (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • Camping accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trek
  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary
  • English speaking guide
  • Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
  • Staff cost including their salary, insurance, airfare, equipment food, and accommodation
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing
  • Government and local taxes

What’s Excluded

  • International flight fare or any delays
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodations and meals (because of early arrival or late departure)
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters (recommended as it is more cultural practice)
  • Additional charges because of unseen event, weather, political barriers, etc
  • All the costs and expenses that are not listed in "cost includes" will be counted as excludes

Useful Information

About Shamanism Rituals

An experienced shaman is well known with many long songs (consist about 10,000 lines), which he learned from his own master. The songs tell the life of the first shaman, Ramma Puran Can, who came on earth to fight the witches, postpone death, plant origins of agriculture, weaving, and share the world between human beings & the masters of the wilderness. A disease in this community is usually attributed to the loss of one’s soul. Therefore, the shaman’s work consists first in tracking the soul through a spiritual journey in the other worlds. Once he found it, he tries to convince the soul to come back to the patient, its owner. A blood sacrifice is then offered to the soul to welcome it back to the world of the alive.

The shamans are also responsible for the village prosperity. The whole community of the shamans performs a big festival that usually takes place in July, under the guidance of a master. During this ceremony, at the same time as the master collects a few seeds from the underworld as a token for abundant harvests, and the witch of the white clay is freed from the underground. It is then supposed to take the life of a villager before being banned from the village for a whole year. The festival recalls, if necessary, that there is no life without death.

Why go on Shamanic Trek with us?

We are the natives of this northern part of Nepal. Being born and raised in the same community, we are well aware of every little detail. While trekking with us you will get exclusive information about the community and the locals. Likewise, our Shamanic Trek itinerary includes some of the rarely visited villages. Following the rugged and isolated trail, you will pass by picturesque villages and valleys. Likewise, our Shamanic Tour itinerary includes adequate rest days and offers you ample time to dwell in the magic of the region.

Shamanic Trekking requires full board support. As the basic infrastructure is still undeveloped, the trail does not offer accommodation or meal service. While trekking with us, you will get high-quality service, genuine costing, and a very friendly crew. To know more about the Shamanic Trek package or Shamanic Trek cost, feel free to contact us anytime.

Other Information to Note

  • Do physical activities like jogging, hiking, or exercise before the commencement of the trek. This will help you during the steep ascends & descends on the trail
  • Double-check all the gears and documents before embarking on the journey
  • Carry a nice sleeping bag with you as it can get cold during the nights & mornings
  • Make sure to carry extra batteries and solar charging device for your electronic items
  • If you have any past medical history or health problems, then do share with us so that we can advise the best possible options for you
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during the trek as it can trigger altitude sickness
  • Drink plenty of water, and carry insects repellents
  • Make sure to carry reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste on the way