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FULLY BOOKED
Click here to inquire for 2023

HIKE-NATURE-YOGA-SOUND

Immerse yourself in a 10-day Pilgrimage to the roof of the world, the Himalaya of Nepal

Join Fran Siebrits on foot in Nepal to experience the breath-taking landscape & friendly culture of the local people.

Enjoy guided nature hikes, temple excursions, yoga classes and meditation practice.

Experience sound healing in the mountains with locally crafted singing bowls.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 10 days immersing in the landscape and culture of Nepal
  • 5 days staying in traditional Hindu mountain village home-stay
  • 4 days staying in local Nepali home-stay in Pokhara
  • 1 day staying in traditional Gurung mountain village home-stay
  • Sound healing experiences (ancient Vedic technique) with locally crafted singing bowls while staying at the mountain village
  • Day-hikes (with small day-pack) to Sarangkot, Buddhist World Peace Pagoda, Hindu Shiva Temple, and Panchase sacred mountain summit (highest altitude of pilgrimage at 2500m) – 4 separate day-hikes in total
  • Location-move hikes (with big backpack and belongings) to Makanpur Mountain Village, Panchase Danda and return to Pokhara – 4 separate location-move hikes in total
  • Paddle on Phewa Lake for beautiful mountain views
  • Daily yoga (outdoors when possible)
  • Pokhara experience, shopping and sight seeing
  • Daily views of the Annapurna range of the Himalaya Mountains (weather permitting)
  • Daily yoga classes, meditations, discussions, walks, reflection time
  • Delicious vegetarian cuisine

ITINERARY: 8-17 November 2022

8 Nov – Arrival at Pokhara (airport or bus station)
(optional evening yoga depending on your arrival time, 0pening dinner)

8-10 Nov – Stay at family guesthouse in Pokhara
(daily yoga, paddle across Lake Phewa & day-hike to Buddhist World Peace Pagoda & Shive Temple)

10-13 Nov – Hike to stay at traditional Hindu family farm in small mountain village
(yoga, meditation & sound healing prorgamme with Fran & Gerrit)

13-14 Nov – Hike to stay at traditional Gurung village higher in the mountains
(hike to summit sacred mountain, highest point of pilgrimage at 2500m)

14-15 Nov – Hike back to traditional family farm in mountain village
(evening yoga programme with Fran)

15-17 Nov – Back to family guesthouse in Pokhara
(daily yoga, day-hike to Sarangkot, optional at your own expense: shopping, massage, paragliding)
(closing dinner on 16th)

17 Nov – Departure from family guesthouse, back to airport/bus station (or to continue your travels)
(optional morning yoga and brunch, depending on your departure arrangement)

PLEASE NOTE THAT BOOKINGS HAVE CLOSE AND WE ARE FULL FOR THIS PILGRIMAGE

CLICK HERE TO INQUIRE ABOUT NOVEMBER 2023

Includes:
– 10 days facilitated pilgrimage from arrival in Pokhara on 8/11/22 until departure from Pokhara on 17/11/22
– 9 nights sharing accommodation at family home-stays / guest-houses
– 3 vegetarian meals and drinks per day (except on 4 days when there will be 2 meals per day and snacks in-between)
– daily yoga and/or meditation programme
– sound healing experience
– guided hikes

Excludes:
– travel to/from Pokhara, Nepal
– shopping, massages, paragliding
– additional snacks and drinks outside of catered meals
– gratuity

Cancellation policy:
– 6 months before cancelled by participant, you will receive a 50% refund*
– 3 month before cancelled by participant, yo will receive a 25% refund*
– no refund if cancelled by participant 1 month prior to pilgrimage commencing
– if the pilgrimage is cancelled by the organisers, you will receive a full refund*
*5% admin fee will be withheld on all refunds

BOOKING PROCEDURE

1. Click here to pay your deposit / full payment
2. Click here to complete our Booking Form

MEALS & DRINKS

All meals included except 4 x lunches.
– on these days we start with yoga followed by brunch (late breakfast) before our excursion
– if needed, there will be an opportunity to purchase lunch or a snack later in the day

All meals are vegetarian, freshly made, and sourced from locally available ingredients.
– in Pokhara there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, at your own expense, if you wish for something different

No alcohol or meat is available at any of the eateries or homes we will be visiting.
– in Pokhara there are a wide variety of establishments to choose from at your own expense

When in Pokhara:
We will be eating at a locally-run health eatery with a Western bohemian flair, which also serves vegan meals (included with your meal is one tea/coffee/juice per meal) – there is a wide variety to choose from and many fresh dishes like salads, smoothie-bowls, etc.

When in the mountains at the family farm:
We will be cooked for by our hostess (and mother of the family, as is tradition). Please note this is not a restaurant with a wide variety of ingredients, and we gratefully receive what is provided. Meals here are made from produce from the small-scale family farm, and prepared for the group and family members alike… we eat what they eat.

As you will see, the local mountain communities have lived with Nature, from the land, eating what they can grow for many generations (and they are some of the healthiest and happiest people living today).

Where possible we will try accommodate special dietary requirements, so please let us know ahead of time for us to prepare.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Will it be cold at night and what are the sleeping arrangements?
    It will be chilly at night in the mountains, as it is going from autumn into winter (but not quite mid-winter yet). Accommodation for the most part will be 2 persons sharing per room. Although basic bedding is provided, it is advisable to take a sleeping bag for extra comfort and warmth.
  • What distance do we walk per day?
    We don’t hike every day. But on the days that we do, the distances are not far. In Nepal, it is more a matter of time rather than distance, as the hiking profile can be very misleading if looking at kilometres. There are 4 days of between 3-5 hours walk with your backpack, carrying everything you need to the next destination where we overnight. While we will take it at a gradual pace, it is a good idea to put some backpack training in before then. The other excursions will be day-hikes, so bring a smaller daypack for a warm top, your water, and snacks.
  • Do we carry our own backpacks and sleeping bags?
    For 4 of the days, yes – these are the days we move on to the next place. For the other 2 day-hikes, you only need a small day-pack for your snacks, water and a warm top.
  • What are the fitness requirements?
    The motto of the pilgrimage is going to be based on the local saying bistari bistari, meaning slowly slowly. While you will be required to carry your own backpack on 4 particular hikes going to another farm/village in the mountains, the distances are not far and our pace will not be fast… we would hate for us to miss out on “smelling the roses” along the way! The idea is that we immerse ourselves in the journey. Apart from these 4 hikes where we will be moving on to another place for the night, the other 2 day-hikes will be with daypacks at a pace that, again, allows us to take it all in.
  • Is there an age restriction (am I too old)?
    There is no age limit for this pilgrimage… if your heart says yes, then we will make it happen. In all honesty, you may be in even better health than some other youngsters. Please don’t let this be an obstacle.
  • What is the altitude we will experience?
    While in the mountains, most nights are around 1500m.
    The highest we overnight will be at 2000m (the highest we will hike is 2500m, on one particular morning summit).