This tour aims to gradually nurture spiritual practices in participants and encourage in a healthy lifestyle thereafter. It combines a cultural tour with a wilderness experience and a short yet beautiful hike through Kathmandu valley to one of the most sophisticated woodlands – the Shivapuri National Park.
Shivapuri National Park is a major watershed with subtropical and temperate climatic zones located less than 30 minutes drive north of Kathmandu and spread over 144 sq km. The Park has diverse vegetation composed of pine, oak, rhododendron and is rich in wild mushrooms of which there are at least 129 species here. Himalayan Black Bear, Spotted Leopard, Jungle Cat, and Rhesus Monkeys abound in the jungle as do around 177 species of birds and over 100 species of butterflies.
We get to enjoy the area and participate in daily yoga/meditation practices and Pranayams.
Our yoga is guided by Dr. Chintamani who has spent the last 22 Years teaching yoga, running a classical yoga Retreat Center and Academy. With over 40,000 + hours and 22 years of teaching experience, Dr. Chintamani embodies a wealth of knowledge withinEastern philosophy, astrology, mantras, tantra, puja, spiritual social responsibility and the deep understanding of yogic lifestyle.
Dr. Chintamani Gautam incarnates the apex of yogic knowledge and teaching in the Himalayan region today, being among the very few with a Ph.D in Sanskrit. His wealth of knowledge and wisdom is incomparable.
ITINERARY
Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu - 1,300m/4,264 ft
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day-2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Early morning Yoga / Meditation class at the Thamel Eco Resort followed by breakfast. After we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valleys cultural, historical, religious (world heritage) sites. During the day, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath Stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swayambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird's eye view of the of Kathmandu valley.
Following this, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site. The area of Kathmandu Durbar Square is home to fascinating Nepalese architectural pieces dating back many centuries. The site is also the home to Nepal's living Goddess 'Kumari.' In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner with a live Nepalese culture show.
Day-3: Full day sightseeing to Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Early morning Yoga / Meditation class at the Thamel Eco Resort followed by breakfast and we start a full day sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur cities. Today, we will have a lunch break either in Patan or Bhaktapur itself and return to the hotel in the early evening. After some rest, we will assemble in a special hall for meditation discourse with Dr Chintamani Gautam, our Yoga teacher. And after dinner, we will assemble again for classic meditation practice as taught by Dr Gautam, for an hour before retiring to bed.
Day-4: Drive to Shivapuri Village Eco-Tourism and Conservation Farm
After an early morning Yoga / Meditation session followed by breakfast we then drive to the Shivapuri Village Eco-Tourism and Conservation Farm. Situated approx. 25 km to the north of Kathmandu city center at an altitude of 2000m above sea level in the northern slopes of the park, the Eco-Farm (Resort) has breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, the lush greenery of the park forest and a sense of remoteness; even while being so close to the capital. The majestic view of the Himalayas, the golden sunsets and breathtaking tours conducted to the local ethnic village nearby, within the buffer zone and the Park itself are seldom equalled
The meals at Shivapuri Village are authentic Nepalese food, which is served in a typical village atmosphere with Nepalese hospitality. Continental cuisines are also served with light snacks around the fireplace. Upon reaching the resort we will be allocated our rooms and served lunch. After lunch, there will be plenty of time for rest and relaxation before assembling in the open to be briefed on our stay. In the evening Dr Chintamani Gautam will teach us Buddhist meditation for an hour followed by dinner in the evening.
Day-5: Morning hike in the Shivapuri National Park followed by refreshments and Relaxation Meditation.
After an early morning Yoga / Meditation session on the lush green Eco Farm lawn flanked by breathtaking scenery, we will have our breakfast around 8 am followed by an hours' rest before we proceed for today's hike in the surrounding area. The hike takes us through the natural forest that is preserved as a buffer zone to the Shivapuri National Park. Along the route, one might encounter numerous birds, pheasants and on rare occasions wild boars and barking deer. Shivapuri National Park is home to numerous bird species. The hike is ideal for anyone interested in ornithology and bird watching. Today, we will enjoy a packed lunch in a very scenic spot during our hike. We return to the Resort in the late afternoon for some refreshment before assembling on the lawn for Relaxation meditation skill fully guided by Dr Chintamani Gautam.
Day-6: Cultural Tour to nearby Tamang Village followed by evening session of Meditation.
Following an early morning Yoga / Meditation session, we will go for a culture tour to the nearby Tamang village where we get to see Nepalese village life in its purest form. We get to witness, terraced agriculture, farm life as well as the opportunity to meet and converse with the locals who always seem delighted to see the visitors in their village and share their experiences. We will have a break mid-day for a packed lunch in this ethnic village while savouring its beauty. We return to the Farm in the late afternoon followed by some refreshment and rest. Later we assemble in the Meditation Hall for the evening session of Meditation. Today Dr. Chintamani Gautam will teach us inner power meditation for an hour and half before breaking for dinner in the evening. After dinner, we will gather around the fireplace to exchange thoughts on our experience at the Eco-Farm before retiring to bed.
Day-7: Drive back to Kathmandu and overnight.
Today we have an early start at about 5:00am for our Yoga and Meditation practice as it is the last day of our adventure. In today's session, Dr Chintamani Gautam will combine all elements of the four types of meditation that have been offered so far and personally appraise individual progress made during the last few days since we started. After assessing the individual progress Dr Gautam will now offer his advice on a personal basis for the advancement of his teaching to participants who wish to continue their practice in the future. After the session, we will have our breakfast followed by some rest before driving back to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is at leisure. Later we will enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day-8: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home
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