Nepal is home to over sixty distinct ethnic and linguistic tribal groups, more than half of which practice some form of shamanism. Not surprisingly, then, the shamanic practices of Nepal reflect a diverse array of influences, among them Tibetan "Bon" religion (probably an early form of Tibetan shamanism), Tibetan Buddhism, early Hinduism and an apparently unbroken line of traditon and history dating all the way back to their Stone Age origins. It is likely that many of the healing practices of Buddhism and Hinduism share a common origin with Himalayan shamanism. However, Nepalese shamans belong to different religious groups and do not see themselves or their shamanic roles as "religious".

 

Here we focus mainly on the shamanic practices of the Newari, one of the more significant ethnic groups of Nepal, offering a few details about the Kirati as well.

 

Ethnic groups of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman descent live in Nepal’s Terai plains and the mountains of the Himalayas. The present Himalayan society is a creation of many mixtures of cultures and despite their cultural and religious differences there are many similarities due to their shared unique, geographical environment. The three important elements of their shared religious-spiritual lives are: a) the indigenous shamanic cults within a limited small cultural groups (villages and communities); b) Hinduism that came from the south, over two thousands years, ago with Sanskrit/Vedic culture and Khas, an Indo-Aryan language which is now, Nepali, the present national language; c) Mahayana Buddhism which arrived from the north during the 11th century, along with the Tibeto-Burman language.

 

Indigenous shamanism is not limited to any particular ethnic group or sect. The rituals and ceremonies may be different but they share a similar core. The shamans do not show any prejudices between the poor or rich, cast or color, language or nationality, religion or sect. The shamans have their own personal paraphernalia, sacred objects, drums, sacred chants and dances. 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. Though the majority of the Nepalese are Hindus, there are Buddhists, Muslims and newly converted Christians. Shamans are found in all religious groups and their service is highly sought after.

Day 01: Arrive & Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Visiting religious site of Kathmandu
Day 03: Visiting religious site of Kathmandu
Day 04: Visiting religious site of Kathmandu
Day 05: Visiting religious site of Patan
Day 06: Visiting religious site of Bhaktpur
Day 07: Kathmandu - Pokhara
Day 08: Pokhara Shamanism Ceremony in the evening
Day 09: Visiting religious site of Pokhara
Day 10: Visiting Pokhara
Day 11: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 12: Visiting Daxinkali Village Shamanism Ceremony in the evening
Day 13: Visiting in Kathmandu
Day 14: City tour Kathmandu Valley
Day 15: City tour Bhaktpur & Patan
Day 14: Free Day in Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure

Tour Cost For Nepal Eyes of the Shamanism

Deluxe Hotels Option		Standard Hotels Option		Economy Hotels Option
Group Size	Cost in US$ Per Person	Group Size	Cost in US$ Per Person	Group Size	Cost in US$ Per Person
01 - Person	000.00	01 - Person	000.00	01 - Person	000.00
02 - Person	000.00	02 - Person	000.00	02 - Person	000.00
03 - 05 Person	000.00	03 - 05 Person	000.00	03 - 05 Person	000.00
06 - 09 Person	000.00	06 - 09 Person	000.00	06 - 09 Person	000.00
10 - 14 Person	000.00	10 - 14 Person	000.00	10 - 14 Person	000.00
15 & Above	000.00	15 & Above	000.00	15 & Above	000.00
Single Supplement	000.00	Single Supplement	000.00	Single Supplement	000.00
Trip Cost includes: 1. Airport transfers on private vehicle 2. Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu as per the category of trip taken on Bed & Breakfast. 3. 3 meal (breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) in local restaurants along the trekking trail. 4. Accommodation in guesthouses (Tea House) on trekking trail. 5. An English speaking tour guide for city sightseeing. 6. An English speaking trekking guide for the trekking with necessary porters 7. Wages of guide and other members. 8. National park fees, Govt. taxes and other applicable fees.
Trip cost does not include: 1. International Airfare. 2. Nepalese Visa fee and international airport departure tax. 3. Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu. 4. Personal / Travel / Medical insurance and any other insurance for the members. 5. Hot water for shower during the trek. 6. Expenses of personal nature viz. tips, laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks etc. 7. Any other cost, which is not mentioned in cost inclusive field above.