Discover two Himalayan treasures - Bhutan and Nepal - in one journey.
Join an intimate group of travelers and explore some of the most sought after sacred sites.
We will start and end in Kathmandu, Nepal. Accommodation will range from high-end eco-resorts to Monastery guesthouses with all basic facilities.
Every morning and evening (except on days of extensive travel), we will practice sitting or walking meditation for 20 to 60 minutes together as a group, as well as have lectures and discussions on Buddhist philosophy (roughly 1-hour per day).
The lectures and practices are approached from a non-religious, secular, and psychological perspective.
Alex and Sisse d’Artois, the founders and directors of Himalayan Hermitage, will be our guides.
The journey and all lectures will be guided in English.
The Facilitators
Sisse d’Artois is a knowledge gateway between Asia and the West. For the last eleven years, she has been living in and traveling to Nepal and Tibet.
A born nomad from Denmark, Sisse has been an avid traveler for the past 20 years. 2005 was the first time she traveled to the Himalayas. This sparked within her an ongoing love affair with both Nepal and the Buddhist wisdom tradition. Sisse’s studies couldn’t even keep her settled down - her double BA in ‘Educational Studies’ and ‘Development Studies’ led her to the likes of Lebanon, Syria, and eventually back to her first love: Nepal. Moving on to her post-grad at the University of York in England, on ‘Post War Recovery Studies’, Nepal pulled Sisse back yet again with a thesis on ‘Transitional Justice in post-conflict Nepal’.
The first time Sisse traveled to Tibet was in 2007 - this marked a major turning point in her life. Every year since, she has guided between 1-3 Danish groups for a minimum of 21 days, throughout the Tibetan plateau.
Originally from Canada, Alex d’Artois has been based in Nepal for the last number of years and has in-depth knowlege on the many sacred sites of Nepal and the Himalayas. He has studied Buddhist philosophy at a University based out of a Tibetan monastery in Kathmandu and is therefore familiar with a classical Tibetan learning environment. At the same time, Alex’s studies in Tibetan Buddhism have stemmed from a psychological/’mind-training’ interest, which comes out in his approach to meditation, philosophy, and various cultivation practices from the rich Tibetan Buddhist wisdom tradition.
Sisse and Alex are the founders and directors of Himalayan Hermitage. Their expertise comes from merging western and eastern perspectives. During the journey, they will introduce the hallmarks of Himalayan Buddhist cultures - philosophy, history, and various cultivation practices such as mindfulness, compassion and wisdom. In this way, they offer a window into the spiritual heritage of Tibet by facilitating a group of pilgrims (rather than tourists) to immerse experientially into the raw, powerful environments, and uplifting cultures of the Himalayas.
Price per Person
‘Early Bird Special’: USD 5’650.- (ends April 12, 2024)
Normal price: USD 5’960.-
Single Room Supplement is an added USD 850.-
Included in the price
10-day/9-night itinerary
Airport pick-up and drop off
Return flight between Kathmandu and Paro (Bhutan)
All accommodation as per itinerary
All healthy vegetarian meals (vegan possible too)
Daily Buddhist philosophy discussions and meditation sessions, lead by Sisse and/or Alex d’Artois
Notebook for journaling during the journey
Not included are
International airfare to and from Nepal
Personal travel insurance during the journey (compulsory)
Personal visa for Nepal
Any alcoholic beverage during the journey
Tips to local guides and porters
Prerequisites for Joining the Journey
We like to make our journeys accessible to participants of all levels of physical fitness. On this journey we won’t hike everyday, but most days you can expect 1-3 hours of hiking. The hike up to the nunnery in the Everest region will take around 8 hours at a moderate pace, including breaks and lunch. The terrain is not too strenuous. As an alternative to this hike, it is possible to be led on horseback for all or part of the way, or to even get to the nunnery by jeep – please inquire with us about the best option for you!
Altitude sickness is not a concern during this itinerary since we won’t be venturing higher than 3,050 meters (10,000 feet).
There is no prerequisite for joining a journey, nor is it required to have any knowledge or experience with the practice of meditation, or of Buddhism. Simply to have the wish to go deeper with one’s mind, and to have curiosity regarding its qualities, is enough.
Transfer / Visa / Terms and Conditions
Himalayan Hermitage will provide transportation by private car on your arrival/departure day from/to Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu. The visa for Nepal can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu (or other border points). A passport valid until 6 months after your travel date is required.
Please also check-out the terms and conditions.
Booking / Further Terms
For all questions please send your message or reach out to Himalayan Hermitage on WhatsApp: +977 9813519458.
Click here to book your journey.
A minimum of participants is needed to guarantee this journey. Please do not book any international flight tickets until you have received direct communication from Himalayan Hermitage that the journey is taking place.
Insurance is your own responsibility. To partake on a journey with Himalayan Hermitage you must be covered by a travel medical insurance with sufficient coverage. We also strongly recommend a travel cancellation insurance (e.g. Travel insurance option).
This pilgrimage journey is organized by Himalayan Hermitage in partnership with Buddhist Magazine Lion’s Roar.