NEPAL: Men’s Journey

After a well rested night we ignite our day with an early morning meditation. Afterwards we take advantage of the morning and head straight to one of Kathmandu’s most iconic sites, the “Monkey Temple” (Swayambhunath Stupa), an easy walk of just over 2km, which allows us to see the whole city, its streets, people, smells and life up close.
In the afternoon we head to the Boudhanath Stupa to engage in a mindful meditation session and cultivate mindfulness and awareness amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu.

Accommodation: hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: breakfast

We wake up very early, as our journey to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, takes some hours. The journey along the winding roads is not easy and no matter how comfortable the transportation, it is always long. Every couple of hours, we stop for coffee, to stretch our legs and take in the scenery.
After checking in at our hotel we soak in the first contact with the majestic mountains by contemplating / meditating on the simbiose of elements of the water (large Phewa Lake) and the air (Himalayas mountains: Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, the “postcard” Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna) whose location is perfect for helping us restore our energy and the wear and tear of the long journey.

Accommodation: hotel in Pokhara
Meals: breakfast

Pokhara is nicknamed the city of paradise and it’s no coincidence!
Blessed by the Himalayas, reflected in Lake Phewa, it is a city with a mild climate all year round. This day in Pokhara is also good for the last bit of shopping before we head up into the mountains, and to test our endurance, we will walk all the way from lakeside Pokhara to the World Peace Pagoda to watch the sunset and engage in our mindfulness practice.
In the evening we can enjoy a movie night in the most beautiful open-air cinema in the world!

Accommodation: hotel in Pokhara
Meals: breakfast

TWe travel to Kagbeni, a historic and very important town, from the ancient trans-Himalayan salt route from Tibet via Mustang. It is here, along the Kaligandaki River – the deepest gorge in the world – that you can sometimes see Saligram, the stone that symbolises the god Vishnu, bringer of the right life, wealth, protection, health, pleasure and spiritual blessing.
Again we get up early, as our journey to Kagbeni takes some time. If the winds are with us we will make a stop along the way to learn with locals about and take part in some pleasantries by the very local ox like mammal – the YAK.
The accommodation we will check in is a very special morning stop by all the monks in the region to eat and meditate. There’s no better place to get inspired!

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kagbeni
Meals: breakfast

This is our opportunity to experience first hand the life at a monastery of monks, and gaining a deeper understanding of monastic life. Here we will have the privilege of having a Dharma teaching and meditation session focusing on the principles of compassion, impermanence, and interconnectedness by their Master.
This is also a great opportunity to give back to the locals and participate in activities with the local community of Kagbeni. We might participate in a class to share our experiences with the local children, or engage in a more hands-on experience by helping clean some debris from the mud after the devastating local floods and landslides. We trust our local guides for the best way to support the community.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kagbeni
Meals: breakfast

This spiritual travelling pilgrimage allows for contemplation on the principles of peace and interconnectedness with the local environment and community. Guided by a monk we continue our ascent towards Muktinath. Through picturesque scenery, we reach the lost villages of Lower Mustang, crossing the famous Himalayan suspension bridges. This is a meditation practice in itself and one of the great opportunities for self-reflexion. Also by now all of the many activities we did as a group are making us all feel very close and caring for one another, which will culminate with a very special holy meal, sauna and meditation ceremony co-created by our local Master host at the accommodation we will stay for the next nights.

Accommodation: Retreat House in Mustang
Meals: breakfast and dinner

Having reached the highest altitude, today we visit the villages around Muktinath, as well as its Hindu-Buddhist temple, in an intense cultural immersion of these people who have inhabited the Himalayas for centuries. Muktinah is a magical place where religion, spirituality and mysticism meet in a perfect symbiosis. Lots to dive and immerse.
This is also the moment to observe, honour and assimilate the great energy of the femininities within ourselves and as a group by having the privilege of visiting a monastery of women monks, experiencing their daily rituals, teachings, and gaining insights into their spiritual practices. After this experience the chain of westerned gender binarism is weakened and our masculinities are more at ease and confident within our gender identity.

Accommodation: Retreat House in Mustang
Meals: breakfast

After many transformations and soul enriching experiences on the last day at this very sacred place we indulge in wellness activities like sauna and medicinal herbal treatments with our Master host. Today there is allocated time for being on your own and doing some self reflection and deep journaling while for example taking a walk on tracks on the mountains, right next to our accommodation. Or, allocate a time slot with your therapist in residence.

Accommodation: Retreat House in Mustang
Meals: breakfast and dinner

Worth mentioning that from this moment now the focus is on the most superior comfort possible. That said we say goodbye to this enchanted land and kick start our tour in a jeep towards Pokhara. It is a long way but full with gorgeous views where we contemplate the river side and reflect on the growth we have experienced so far. In Pokhara a superior comfort location surrounded by nature is waiting for us. Ideal for relaxation and leisure, allows us to unwind and deepen the enriching experiences with ourselves and as a group.

Accommodation: Eco-Lodge in Pokhara
Meals: breakfast

There are many optional activities here, but in order to have an easy and fully unwinding day we go and do some light, picturesque and calming treks by the rice fields and villages and just let it flow from there, engaging with the community and at the end of the day doing some group well being activities, and paragliding activity (optional). The perfect finishing touch for a great day is group sharing circle and meditation.

Accommodation: Eco-Lodge in Pokhara
Meals: breakfast

Early in the morning our private transportation will be waiting for us to take us back to Kathmandu, so that we can spend the last day of our journey. Every couple of hours, we stop for coffee, to stretch our legs and take in the scenery. Upon our arrival a superior accommodation awaits for us, comfort is key for the next two nights. This evening, with what’s left of our energy, after the day on the road, we go out to eat and socialise a bit.

Accommodation: hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: breakfast

Our final days are spent in a secluded retreat setting in Kathmandu, focusing on deep reflection, open communication, and the synthesis of our collective experiences. Guided workshops and group discussions facilitate a holistic understanding of masculinity in contemporary society. Time for our symbolic closing ritual with a ceremonial dinner and closing sharing circle.

Accommodation: hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: breakfast and dinner

It’s time to bid farewell… As we depart from Nepal, we carry with us the serenity of a traveller enriched by profound experiences. May the memories of this journey, the meaningful connections made, and our contributions to local communities and cultures inspire us to cultivate greater tolerance, peace, and inner tranquillity. Let our shared experiences pave the way for a more harmonious and enlightened world, both within and beyond.
Dhanyavād… and until the next journey!

Accommodation: –
Meals: breakfast