Discover Tibet - ‘The Rooftop of the World’: a sacred land of nomads, endless space where mantras of compassion have been recited for centuries. Alex and Sisse d’Artois, the founders and directors of Himalayan Hermitage, will be your guides on this unique journey.
At the auspicious time of Saga Dawa Duchen, the full moon anniversary and celebration of the Enlightenment of the Buddha, we will reach and circumambulate Mount Kailash - the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhist cosmology. It is said that visiting this sacred mountain is one of the most virtuous actions one can do in his/her lifetime.
Our 3-day circumambulation (kora) around Mount Kailash will start on day 12 of our journey. We will walk around the sacred mountain clockwise, an estimated 52-53 km total. We walk at a comfortable pace and take breaks whenever it is needed. The mountain itself is 6’700 meters (21’982 feet) high. The highest point we reach is Drolma-la pass at 5’630m (18’470 feet).
We will be staying in the best possible locations throughout the journey, ranging from high-end to more basic guesthouses and lodges with all basic facilities.
Throughout the journey (except on days of extensive travel), group meditation sessions and discussions on Buddhist philosophy are interwoven into the daily schedule. This is what makes this journey truly immersive. As we discover a whole new outer environment, we will also look within ourselves to cultivate the hallmarks of the native tradition of the land; mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. The lectures and practices are approached from a non-religious, secular, and psychological perspective.
The pilgrimage 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 5’700.- (expires 6 months prior to the start of the journey)
Normal price: USD 6’000.-
Single Room Supplement: is an added USD 800.-
Included in the price
17 nights/18 days itinerary
Transfers upon arrival and departure
All accommodation as per itinerary
All vegetarian meals (vegan possible too)
Experienced guides and instructors
Daily Dharma talks and introduction to Meditation
Notebook for journaling during the pilgrimage
Not included are
International airfare to and from Nepal
Personal travel insurance during the journey
Personal visa for Nepal (USD 25.- for 15 days / USD 30.- for 30 days to be purchased upon arrival)
Any alcoholic beverage during the journey
Tip to local guides and porters
Transfer / Visa / Covid-19 Travel Protocol
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. For the visa for Tibet, Himalayan Hermitage will collect all group passports and apply for the group visa. Participants must arrive in Kathmandu no later than the evening of September 26, 2022 in order to give themselves the minimal time needed to rest up, acclimatize, shake off jet-lag, and most importantly for the Chinese group visa application for Tibet.
Please also check-out the Covid-19 update and the Covid-19 Travel Protocol
Prerequisites for Joining the Journey
This journey is designed for experienced and active travellers in good physical condition. The itinerary includes full day hikes, especially around Mount Kailash and sometimes at high altitude. Trails around the mountain will include steep descents/ascents on mountainous terrain.
Knowledge or experience with the practice of meditation are not necessary. However, curiosity and the wish to go deeper with one’s mind is required.
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 8 participants is needed 6 months prior to the journey's starting date to guarantee this journey.
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. It is subject to the company’s General Terms and Conditions.