Himalayan Hermitage
Our Team offers tailor-made and pre-packaged Immersive Journeys in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. Our expertise comes from merging western and eastern perspectives. We explore the hallmarks of Himalayan Buddhist cultures – philosophy, history and various cultivation practices, such as mindfulness, compassion and wisdom. With this we offer a unique introduction to the spiritual heritage of the Himalayan region by becoming pilgrims (rather than tourists) as we immerse ourselves experientially into the raw, powerful environments and uplifting cultures of the Himalayas. Our facilitators are well versed in ‘Buddhist Studies’ (philosophy, history, and language) and have had a daily meditation practice for at least 5 years. The idea of ‘pilgrimage’ here is of an introspective and non-religious inclination where our aim is to provide everyone of all faiths and cultures access to the rich wisdom traditions of the Himalayas.
Discover a Living Wisdom Tradition
Upcoming Journeys
Our Team
Alex d’Artois, Co-Director & Facilitator
Originally from Montreal, Canada Alex has been based in Nepal for the last number of years and has in-depth knowledge on the many sacred sites of Nepal and the Himalayas.
Alex has studied Buddhist philosophy at a Tibetan monastery in Boudha, Kathmandu and is therefore familiar with a traditional classical Tibetan learning environment. At the same time, Alex’s studies in Tibetan Buddhism have stemmed from a psychological or secular interest, which comes out when he introduces these foundational Buddhist practices to a Western audience.
Sisse Budolfsen, Co-Director & Facilitator
Thanks to a wealth of experience in Nepal and in the Himalayan region, Sisse is a knowledge gateway between Asia and the West. For the last eleven years, Sisse has been traveling to Nepal and Tibet. Sisse is originally from Denmark.
Ten years of experience with meditation practice and for the last years, guiding meditation at the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center (HBMC) in Kathmandu, combined with local experience as a freelance consultant for various international organisations, her studies of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language, as well as working as a travel guide in the Himalayan region are the basis of her expertise to found Himalayan Hermitage. Sisse is the founder, as well as photographer and guide of Himalayan Hermitage.
What People Say
"My experience with Himalayan Hermitage has been life-changing. The friendly, knowledgeable and charming guides lead you through some of the most challenging situations with grace and compassion. Whenever I thought I hit my limit physically or mentally I was able to fall back into the practices they taught me; or simply open my eyes to the beautiful of Nepal to be reinvigorated on the journey. I am so grateful"
"I have learnt so much. I have learnt to trust. Trust in people, in situations, and in myself. And to have courage. To dig deep and to trust that everything will be ok. I have also learned about the true nature of peoples, their kindness, generosity and their unconditional love. Additionally, the introduction to Buddhist philosophy has been so complimentary and interesting. Nepal is an amazing and interestingly diverse country with very peaceful and loving people. Finally, I have learned how complimentary the yoga and meditation practices are in daily life and how this consistency is so important for progress"
"What seems to be very complicated back home is kind of presented in a simple framework to build upon. I feel even more curious now after being presented to the Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. I feel happy that it is so accessible for me as a Western person. I really feel welcomed here, in Nepal. And being with the monks up early in the morning, meditating. And just to be part of this culture in a very natural way. I had my doubts whether this was possible. But now I see it, I feel it. That it is authentic and that it is a living thing that you can come and experience. And that is something very precious. What stands out for me during this pilgrimage is the moving part, that we move from place to place. We hike through beautiful paths and see the local culture and we come by sacred places. We lit butterlamps and we had this really intense feeling of being in important places. Without this really being part of our culture (back home) but still visiting a living culture. That made a big impression. It is also such a strong feeling to experience something valuable like this in a group. You go and you wander through the mountains and you come to a new place and you settle. You do your practices led by the instructors in beautiful places, you go through the meditation practices, and I was a bit surprised. It helps you settle, and open up. This is a new experience for me, and a very valuable one ( ..) If you stay or visit in Kathmandu definitely combine it with a pilgrimage. That is really eye opening"
“Sisse, Alex and Alix (yoga teacher) are superb guides in yoga, meditation and in the Buddhist practice and tradition. The treks were amazing, and practicing with the monks and nuns was priceless. I have many tools to bring back with me and apply to my life at home. I thoroughly enjoyed the Nepal experience with Himalayan Hermitage!”
“Overall, I really enjoyed the pilgrimage! I went into this with an open mind and I was very pleased with the breadth of the experience. Alex, Sisse & Alix (yoga teacher) were very kind, professional and calm under pressure. Their network of guides, porters and their knowledge of the area is top notch! Thank you for this once in a lifetime experience. I will never forget this and the wonderful people I have met”
“I have had an amazing time. It has been one of the biggest experiences of my life. I loved being in Nepal and during this pilgrimage it has been an amazing opportunity to get closer to the culture and religion in an amazing way that is understandable for Western people like me. I have learned how Tibetan Buddhism can become a part of my life and I will carry home many tools in my backpack. The sessions we had were so mind opening and I was exposed to so much new information. The places we stayed at were beautiful – they had amazing views and amazing food. I would highly recommend this for everyone to do, it is so important!”
