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Consisting of a complex geographical, linguistic and cultural diversity, Nepal is a small yet opulent cove of unique traditions that have been in practice since ancient times. Among the many forms, the diverse Nepali society holds, perhaps the most fascinating is the mediumistic practices of Shamanism.
Usually called a Dhami in Nepal, a shaman is a lively mediator between the spirit world and our own. A shaman's unique repertoire consists of many rituals, like healings, fortune-telling, consultations with the spirit world, ceremonies for the dead and the newly-born, spells to remove curses or to bring good luck and love among a myriad of others.
Often accompanied by dramatic and startling performances, with colorful costumes, drumming, chanting, and whirling while chanting sacred mantras, shamanistic rituals are as exotic as it gets when it comes to Nepal's indigenous customary practices.
In the context of Nepal, the indigenous system of healing has its roots going back to time immemorial. However, requiring a long and complex apprenticeship, shamanism is not a genteel process as it often deals with darker themes of life and death. As such, the Shamanism Trek in Nepal is a mysterious journey through the hidden layers of Rasuwa's northern foothills.
The 8 Days Shamanism Trek takes you to Syabrubensi and Gatlang among other prominent Tamang settlements of northern Nepal. It also includes an overnights stop at the village of Tatopani where there are natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. The highlight of the trek, however, is the Thuman village where you will get a chance to experience a shamanistic ceremony.
The trekking journey presents travelers with an insight into the shrouded indigenous ways of Nepal's diverse ethnic pockets. In the far-off lands where spirits and people are believed to be walking the same pathways, and where ghosts and divinities inhabit the surrounding hills and forests, as well as objects, shamanism is as integral to the ethnic people as the concept of construing the interrelationships of body, spirit, and society.
Thus, the trek is an opportunity to learn and experience this altruistic part of Nepal's culture. It is a thrilling experience that is unlike anything else.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Day in KathmanduDay 02: Drive to Syabrubesi (1460m/4790ft) 7-8 hours
Day 03: Trek to Gatlang (2238m/7343ft) 5-6 hours
Day 04: Trek to Tatopani (2607m/8553ft) 5-6 hours
Day 05: Trek to Thuman (2338m/7671ft) 5-6 hours
Day 06: Shamanism Ceremony Day in Thuman Village
Day 07: Trek to Syabrubesi (1460m/4790ft) 4-5hours
Day 08: Drive to Kathmandu
What's included
- 1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
- 3 star accommodations in Kathmandu
- A porter and his entire expenses.
- Airport pickup and drop facility.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Company duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
- English- speaking, trained and experienced Tibetan guide
- First aid medical kit
- Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
- Insurance of guide and porter.
- Kathmandu-syabrubesi-Kathmandu travel in a private car
- Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide
- Lodge expenses during the trek.
- Shamanism Ceremony
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
- Airfare for international flights.
- Cost for additional trips.
- Extra night accommodations in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trip(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
- Nepal arrival visa.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
Arrival Day in Kathmandu
You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to your hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, thus you may check into your hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Drive to Syabrubesi (1460m/4790ft) 7-8 hours
Today, you will have a pleasant drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. Heading north out of the city, you will be driving through scenic foothills. The drive also passes by high ridgelines and presents fleeting sights of the countryside life of Nepal. Passing through Dhunche, you will reach Syabrubesi. Along the way at the bank of the Trishuli River, you can get amazing glimpses of the Ganesh Himal as well. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Trek to Gatlang (2238m/7343ft) 5-6 hours
From Syabrubesi, you will trek through the hilly pastures towards Gatlang, passing by many small settlements along the way. You can observe the traditional village life of the locals as you make your journey. The village of Gatlang is known for its cultural shows performed by the people in traditional clothing. The village is set high on a hillside among terraced fields. Upon reaching Gatlang, you can visit a Tamang monastery here, as well as the beautiful Parvathi Kunda Lake. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Trek to Tatopani (2607m/8553ft) 5-6 hours
On the way to Tatopani, you can enjoy mesmerizing sights of the Langtang range and the Ganesh Himal. The village of Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs that are known to relieve muscle and body pains. Along the journey, you can enjoy amazing views of the Langtang Himal, the Kerung Peak, the Ganesh Himal, and the Sanjen range. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Trek to Thuman (2338m/7671ft) 5-6 hours
From Tatopani, you will have a beautiful trek along the verdant woods of the valley towards Thuman. You will pass through the Timure village- an old trade-route settlement to Tibet. At Timure, you will also pass a fort that is a historical reminder of the Nepal-Tibetan relations that have existed for many centuries. Thuman is a village popular for its Shamanic performances and beautiful views of Langtang. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Shamanism Ceremony Day in Thuman Village
This is one of the highlights of the trekking journey. Today, you will partake in observing a shamanistic ritual in the village. The shamanistic rituals touch on many aspects of life and death, as well as the healing process of the body and mind. Seeing a shaman perform a ritual in his colored costume, often accompanied by chanting, drumming and the use of various tools like peacock-feather brooms is a daunting sight. It is an exciting prospect. Overnights stay at the guesthouse.
Trek to Syabrubesi (1460m/4790ft) 4-5hours
Today, you will bid the village goodbye and trek back to Syabrubesi, hiking along the same route as before. You will make your way through the hillocks and the pastures back to the settlement. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Drive to Kathmandu
From Syabrubesi, you will drive back to Kathmandu.
