The Faith Healers
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitwan
Both the Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman descent that inhabit the Terai plans of Nepal's to the mountains of the Himalayas share many practices like Shamanism though some rituals and ceremonies may differ. So as to say indigenous shamanism is not limited to any particular ethnic group or sect. Shamans are found throughout Nepal and are called, "Dhami" or "Jhankri". In most part of the rural Nepal, even to this date, people are dependent on the shamans in case of disease, drought, floods, infertility, family and community disputes, appeasing deities, etc.
Shamans have their own personal paraphernalia, sacred objects, drums to accompany their sacred chants and dances while they sit in trance to heal their patients. The shaman, when inspired by the tutelary deity or their power animal, dance to inspiring spirit rhythms as they journey to the three levels of existence. This is often done to retrieve lost souls. Shamans are found in all religious groups and their service is highly sought after. Until the opening of Nepal to foreign scholars, in the 1950s, the mysterious Himalayan shaman was not known to the outside world.
At this time a large number of ethnologists, anthropologists and medical practitioners conducted extensive research and wrote about the importance of shamans in every aspect of Nepali society and it proved the long inherited tradition and culture imbued in the blood can not be wipes out easily.
The itinerary is designed as such that the visitors will be offered an opportunity to witness this very mysterious and interesting practice being performed live along with the visit to popular touristic sites.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet, accord welcome and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: After breakfast sightseeing of Kathmandy city with visit to old Kathmandu city, Bon Monastery and Swoyambhunath Stupa. Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple and a visit to a local Shaman to view the shamanistic practices. Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 04: Sightseeing tour of Vajra Jogini Temple in Shanku and on the way back visit Boudhanath Stupa, Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 05: Visit Bhaktapur city and then drive to Duwakot to receive healing and shamanistic advice. Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 06: Today after breakfast drive to Pokhara (200 kms, 6 hours). Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 07: Local sightseeing in Pokhara with visits to Bindyabasini Temple, Old Bazaar, Mahendra Bridge, Davies falls with an hour of boating in Lake Fewa. Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 08: Drive Tibetan Refugee Camp to visit Tibetan shamans.
Day 09: Drive to Lumbini the birth place of Lord Buddha and sightseeing of Lumbini Garden visiting Ashokan Stupa, Maya Devi Temples, the ancient ruins etc.
Day 10: Drive to Chitwan National park. Half day jungle activities with elephant safari to view wildlife. Overnight in your hotel. Overnight in wildlife resort (B/L/D)
Day 11: Full day Jungle activities including jungle walk, dugout canoe ride, visit to elephant breeding camp etc (the program may differ slightly according to the lodges chosen). (B/L/D)
Day 12: Some unfinished jungle activities or rest. After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu Rest of the day free. Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 13: (Optional Mountain flight to the Everest). Day free for shopping. Farewell dinner and cultural show in the evening at a local restaurant. Overnight in your hotel. (B)
Day 14: Free till transfer to the airport to connect your onward journey (B)