18-Day Pilgrimage Journey to Tibet and Mount Kailash
$4,999.00
The Pilgrimage Journey in a Nutshell
- 18 Days from September 28th – October 15th, 2022
- Guided by Alex & Sisse d’Artois, founders of Himalayan Hermitage
- Explore Tibet – ‘The Roof of the World’: a land of nomads, endless space, and pilgrims reciting mantras of compassion
- Join pilgrims from all over the world for a 3-day circumambulation (kora) around Mount Kailash, Tibet – the epi-centre of Tibetan Buddhist cosmology. We start our Kora on the full moon date.
- Early bird price of $4999 USD per person
- Guests must arrive in Kathmandu two days prior to the starting date of the journey, no later than the evening of September 26th, for handing in all passports of the group in order to initiate the Chinese group visa application for Tibet
- Please see the ‘Price & Inclusions’ tab below for more details
- POST-PANDEMIC TRAVEL
- FACILITATORS
- DAILY PRACTICE
- MEDITATION
- PHILOSOPHY
- PAYMENTS
- PRICE & INCLUSIONS
- REGISTRATION
- INFORMATION ABOUT ALTITUDE
- FAQ (VISA, MONEY, FOOD, VACCINES)
- SUGGESTED FITNESS FOR THE JOURNEY
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
- INFORMATION ON ARRIVAL & INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
- ADD-ONS
- PACKING LIST
- CONTACT HIMALAYAN HERMITAGE


There is nothing religious about the practice of meditation or in visiting sacred places. In fact, there is nothing even Buddhist about it! The idea of pilgrimage here, means that while we are exploring sacred sites, we are also investigating ourselves with a ‘tried, tested, and true’ introspective process called meditation. The practice of meditation is simply a tool to bring your mind back to a place of naked awareness, to a place of basic space with yourself and environment.
It is simply a technique with which to uncover all the layers of hope, fear, grasping, and judgement that are all such strong habits which cloud the mind. With the practice of meditation, we can learn to come back to ourselves, to become familiar with the groundless, unfabricated, and raw quality of reality. The daily schedule in this itinerary comprises of meditating together every morning and evening – this can be for 30-60 minutes (several sessions of sitting and walking meditation) depending on what the group wants and where we are in our itinerary. Note, on days of extensive travel sessions will not always be possible.
Throughout the journey we slowly walk through all 3 yanas (vehicles) of the Tibetan Buddhist path. We explore how & why shamatha/mindfulness (one-pointed ‘calm abiding’ meditation) + vipassana (insight) are used as tools from the beginning through to the end of the path. The foundational path of the Shravakayana is comprised of: ‘The 4 Turnings of the Mind’, ‘Refuge’, ‘The 3 Marks of Existence’, and ‘The Four Noble Truths’. There is an emphasis on exploring the middle yana – the Mahayana (the ‘great vehicle’ of the Bodhisattvas) which entails: ‘Bodhicitta’, ‘The 6 Paramitas (perfect actions)’, ‘Shunyayta (emptiness)’, ‘Relative and Ultimate Truth’, and ‘Lojong (mind-training)’.
We contemplate Lojong slogans as brought forth in an accessible way by great Tibetan/Western hybrid teachers Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Pema Chodron. We touch upon the final yana of the Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) by exploring its many expressions and intricate symbolism. At face value Tibetan Buddhism may look esoteric, but with investigation we may see first-hand how it is simply a system for training one’s mind by utilizing various methods which combine mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom cultivation practices.
Please refer to the ‘Price’ tab for specific information about price & what is included on your journey.
- DEPOSIT: The deposit is due at the time of registration
- BALANCE PAYMENT: The full balance of the payment is due no later than 90 days before the starting date of the journey (unless booking last minute, which is generally not a problem – please inquire with Himalayan Hermitage about this). After filling out the REGISTRATION FORM and paying the deposit you will be sent an email with the ‘Payment Procedure’ which outlines how to transfer the balance of your payment into Himalayan Hermitage’s bank account.
‘Early Bird Special’: 4999 USD (expires 6 months prior to the start of the journey)
Normal price: 5299 USD
Single Room Supplement: +575 USD
Inclusions:-
17 nights/18 days
- All accommodation, meals & transport in Nepal & Tibet
- Experienced guides & instructors
- Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
- Healthy, vegetarian meals
- Daily Dharma talks & introduction to meditation
- Notebook for journaling during the pilgrimage
- International flight ticket to Nepal
- Personal medical travel insurance during the pilgrimage
- Personal visa to Nepal (25 USD for 15 days / 30 USD for 30 days to be purchased upon arrival)
- Any alcoholic beverage during the pilgrimage
- Tip to local guide and porters
- Headache
- Nausea & Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise
- Passports & Visa information
- Food
- Health & Vaccines
- Money
- Communication throughout the journey
Passport / Visa Information
• What do I need to know about the visas?
Firstly, it is important that your passport is valid at LEAST 6 months beyond the end date of the journey. In addition to this, please make sure that you have at least two empty pages free in your passport.
You will not need to apply for your Nepali visa prior to the journey.
Nepali visa
This can easily be obtained ‘upon arrival’ in the Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport. Once you reach the immigration section of the airport, please proceed directly to the machines available in the far left corner and fill in all of the necessary information asked. It will ask you how long you will need the visa for (15 days, 30 days and beyond). Fill in the needed days + take the photo of yourself on the spot and proceed to payment. Payment can be done either in cash or with credit card (you might have to insist on the credit card as they will try to turn this request down!). For more information about the Nepali visa see here.
Food
• I have special dietary needs; can this be accommodated?
Throughout the Journey in Nepal we will be eating primarily vegetarian meals. Vegan food can also be accommodated, as well as ‘gluten free’ options. Please inform us in the registration form under ‘dietary needs’.
Health & Vaccines
• Which vaccines will I need in Nepal?There are no required vaccines for Nepal, but we recommend that you speak with your physician to decide on what options are best for you. Tibet is located at higher altitude and it is therefore difficult for most viruses and bacteria to survive.
• What about malaria?As we will only be spending time in Kathmandu valley and in the Everest region there is no risk of malaria.
Money
How much money will I need to bring?
During the journey your accommodation, food, and transportation are all covered so you will only need to bring for any extras such as gift shopping and tipping local guides.
How Do I get cash in country?
In Kathmandu you will be able to take out Nepali Rupees (NRP) from any ATM which you will find all over the city. Once we reach Phablu (gateway to the Everest region) it will not be possible to take out money from an ATM so it is good to take out before to ensure pocket money for snacks and souvenirs.
Communication throughout the journey
Will I be able to get wifi throughout the journey?
For the most part of the journey you will be able to connect with wifi on hotels and guesthouses in Nepal. During our three nights up at the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery guesthouse in the Everest region we will not have wifi access.• How many miles/km does it take to walk around Mount Kailash?
Here is a rough outline of our 2 nights, 3 days’ Kora around Mount Kailash. We can expect to walk an estimated 52-53 km for our entire circumambulation around the mountain. We walk at a comfortable pace and take breaks whenever it is needed:- Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery (6 hr walk, 20 km, 200 m ascent)
- Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Dzultripuk Monastery (7-8 hr walk, 18 km, 550 m ascent, 600 descent)
- Day 3: Dzultripuk Monastery to Darchen (3-4 hr walk, 14 km, 150 descent)
This journey is designed for experienced and active travellers in good physical condition. The itinerary includes full day hikes, especially around Mount Kailash and sometimes at high altitude. Trails around the mountain will include steep descents/ascents on mountainous terrain.
• Is it possible to rent a yak or horse for the 2 1/2 days’ Kora around Mount Kailash?
If you feel it might be a challenge to walk the Kora it is possible to rent either a horse or yak while circumambulating Mount Kailash at an extra and reasonable cost. Write to us for more information.• How can we expect the accommodation to be like around Mount Kailash?
We will be staying in tea houses around the mountain, with basic but comfortable accommodation. There will be a clean bed available and a warm, nourishing meal. A hot shower cannot be guaranteed.To partake on a journey with Himalayan Hermitage you MUST be covered by a travel medical insurance. If you arrive without having this coverage, you will not be able to participate on the journey. This insurance needs to include trekking or travel over 4000 meters (10,000 feet) and it needs to include emergency medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, and emergency repatriation.
We highly recommend a travel cancellation insurance as you never know what might come up in life at the time of getting ready to leave for a big journey.
Please have a look here below for different options:
World Nomads provides medical travel insurance for travellers below 70, including also the journey cancellation. You can use the box below to get a quote for your journey.
Medical Travel Compared offers a good platform for comparing what different options of travel medical insurances that are out there.
If you are 70 + please have a look at TripAssure – partner of World Nomads – via their ‘Silver Nomads’ program here and get a price.
When must I arrive in Kathmandu?
Guests must arrive in Kathmandu in time for handing in all passports of the group so we can initiate the Chinese group visa application for Tibet. For each individual journey, we will inform you exactly how many days prior we need for this.What time should I book my departing flight from Nepal?
You will return to Kathmandu a few days prior to the end of the journey and are therefore safe to book a flight on the last day of the journey. If you would like to stay on in Nepal hereafter let us know and we are happy to help you either book something or offer advice on nice places to go.If you arrive a few days early in Kathmandu or stay on in Kathmandu after the end of the Pilgrimage Journey to Tibet, here are a few options you might like to consider:
UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour
In this 1-day tour we have selected the 4 most important & interesting ‘UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ in the Kathmandu Valley. Please note that we do not visit these sites during the itineraries of our Journeys. These World Heritage Sites were chosen by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) as being judged as important in having the ‘collective interests of humanity’. If this may be your only visit to Nepal, these sites are not to be missed!
1. Pashupatinath Temple:
The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in Nepal. It is located on both banks of the Bagmati river in the Kathmandu Valley. The temple belongs to the Hindu tradition and is one of the four most significant religious sites found in Asia for Hindus who worship the God Shiva. This Sacred Hindu temple is a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’. The existence of temples on this sacred site date back to 400 BC. The two-storied temple that one can see today was built around the 15th Century by a Lichchhavi King. The main Temple is built in the Nepalese pagoda style and boasts a copper and gold roof which covers an inner sanctum home to the main idol: Mukhalinga, who’s faces look in the four directions (which represent various aspects of the God Shiva). The Main entrance to the temple courtyard (the western entrance) is limited to only certain people of Hindu practice – not all. There are many other temples in this complex including the Vaishnava Temple and the Gehyeshwari Temple. Also worth mentioning on the Pashupatinath grounds are the caves of the great Buddhist masters Tilopa and Naropa.
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square:
‘Durbar Square’ is roughly translated as ‘King’s Square’ or ‘Royal Palace’. There are 3 major Durbar Squares found in the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur Durbar Kshetra, is situated in front of the old royal palace of former Kathmandu. It is a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’.
3. Patan Durbar Square:
The Patan Durbar Square, another one of the 3 major ‘Durbar Squares’ (and another UNESCO World Heritage Site), is located at the centre of the city of Lalitpur. This ancient Royal Palace is where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. It is one of the marvels of Newari architecture (the Newari are famous for their expert craftsmanship of fine carpentry, pottery, metal-work, statue making, and architecture). There are many temples and idols in this area.
4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Another ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is the ancient royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom. This ‘square ’ is actually spread across 4 squares ( Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square), but the area as a whole is informally known as Bhaktapur Durbar Square. There is much to see at this site and it is definitely not to be missed if this may be your only visit to Nepal. Highlights include spectacular architecture and the fine wood carvings of the Newari. There are assortments of beautiful, intricate (and graphic) Tantric gods, goddesses, and deities carved into the wood-work of the many temples.
The time of the tour can be flexible upon request, but what is recommended is to start at 9:00 AM and finish by 4:00 PM
The cost Includes:
- – Private Car
- – Tour Guide
- – Pick-up at Hotel and drop-off at Hotel
The cost excludes:
- – Tourist entry fees
- – Meals and drinks
Cost:
- $100 USD for a single person
- $70 USD per person on a sharing basis (2 participants and above)
- 60-minute massage: $22 USD
- 90-minute massage: $32 USD
- 120-minute massage: $40 USD
Shivapuri & Nagi Gompa Day Hike
Shivapuri is a National Park reserve situated at an altitude of 2563m. It is north of Kathmandu and is the second highest foot-hill in the Kathmandu Valley after the famous Phulchowk hill. On this hill is located Bagdwar, the source of the Holy River Baghmati, and is the biggest water supply to the Kathmandu Valley’s increasing population.
From downtown Kathmandu we drive for about 45 minutes (8km) to Budhanilkantha Temple – a Hindu temple with one of the biggest statues of Lord Vishnu sleeping on an ocean bed. This is where we start our hike. From Budhanilkantha we walk through the Shivapuri conservation area – this is a government protected forest where over 500 species of fauna are found.
Nagi Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist Nunnery (2330m altitude) founded by the late great Tibetan master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche is one of the first Tibetan masters to come to Kathmandu and to also teach foreigners. He lived and taught at Nagi Gompa which is one of the first Tibetan Buddhist Nunneries built in the Kathmandu Valley. To reach Nagi Gompa we will hike for about half an hour up a steep and narrow trail followed by two hours at a gradual incline.
This whole tour should be 6-7 hours long. Cost Includes: ● Pickup from Hotel + drive to Bhudanilakhantha ● Trekking Guide ● A packed lunch ● Entry fee to Shivapuri National Park ● Pick-up from Kopan and drop-off to Hotel Cost: $115 USD for single person $80 USD per person on a sharing basis (2 or more participants)Kathmandu to Nagarkot Hike & Overnight in Nagarkot (2 days / 1 night)
If you want to experience a different side to the Kathmandu Valley, outside of the busy city, then Nagarkot is famous for its beautiful views of the Himalayan mountain range. In the morning your guide + driver will pick you up from your Hotel and drive 1 hour to Shakhu Village. The hike starts in Shakhu and will take roughly 5 hours to reach Nagarkot. Overnight in beautiful Nagarkot with morning sunrise views of the Himalayas. After breakfast you will be picked up from Nagarkot for a 2-hour drive back to Kathmandu.
Cost includes:
● All transportation by private car ● Trekking Guide ● All meals ● Hotel in Nagarkot ● Entrance FeesCost excludes:
● Bar bills & cold drinks ● Personal expenses & tipsCost:
$210 USD for a single person $165 USD per person on a sharing basis (2 participants and above) All of the above prices include all taxes, VAT, and service chargesWELLNESS PACKAGES
Massage Packages
Treat yourself with a nice massage with Seeing Hands in Kathmandu.
Seeing Hands are located in Boudha, Thamel, and Patan and are easily accessed from anywhere in the city. Seeing Hands is a social enterprise providing training and employment opportunities in massage therapy for visually impaired people. Seeing Hands employ teams of professionally-trained blind therapists who provide massage to visiting guests. Part of the fees that they earn are used to fund the training and employment of more blind masseurs so the organization can grow and develop. Handicapped people in Nepal have terrible difficulty finding employment, so this is an organization worthy of support.
Seeing Hands offer:
Remedial Sports Therapy, Swedish Relaxation Massage, and Relaxation Foot Massage:
You may wish to choose a combination of the above (Ex: 90 minutes total massage time comprising of 60-minute Swedish Massage and 30 Minutes Foot Massage)
Spa Package
Enjoy the amazing facilities at the Hyatt Regency spa in Boudha where you can enjoy their outdoor jacuzzi + pool and their indoor steam + sauna + jacuzzi:
Full day package: $28 USD
All of the above prices include all taxes, VAT, and service charges
KATHMANDU HOTELS
Himalayan Hermitage has selected a variety of quality Hotels in different locations in Kathmandu. Upon your request HH can make full arrangements to book your Hotel(s) before and/or after your Journey. These Hotels have been organized into their location, quality, and price per night’s stay. All prices include breakfast. The ‘High-end’ and ‘Luxury’ Hotel’s also have a swimming pool. Please see the table below.
Hotel locations:
– Thamel:Thamel is the ‘tourist hub’ of Kathmandu. It is the most tourist friendly area of the city with many Hotels, restaurants, and shops.
– Boudhanath:Boudha is the biggest Tibetan refugee settlement in Kathmandu. It is home to the great Boudhanath Stupa and also to many of Kathmandu’s Buddhist population – Tibetan, Nepali, and foreigners alike. There are many Monasteries and Nunneries built around the Boudha Stupa. This area is also a very friendly and convenient location for tourists with its many Hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Thamel
QualityPrice
Standard
Single: $46 USD
Double: $51 USD
Mid-range
Single: $78 USD
Double: $91 USD
High-end
Single: $102 USD
Double: $114 USD
Boudhanath
Quality
Price
Standard
Single: $30 USD
Double: $42 USD
Mid-range
Single: $128 USD
Double: $135 USD
Luxury
Single: $198 USD
Double: $222 USD
All of the above prices include all taxes, VAT, and service charges