Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, and ending in Tatopani at a natural hot-spring
Visit 2 UNESCO Sites
Visit the historic UNESCO sites of Darbur Square and Boudhanath
Year-long Sadhana
To prepare for our time together in Nepal there will be three quarterly times we meet up as a group by Zoom to practice. A reading list is provided, and each quarter we read and then discus the book.
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Daily Hatha Yoga and Deity Yoga (inclusive of self-inquiry prompts) and meditations that welcome you to explore your inner landscape while in the ancient abode of yogins: the Himalayas
Take Home Materials
The foundational deity teachings and practices on Goddess Annapurna and Lord Shiva and meditations will be outlined in take home material for to you continue with once you are home
Gift Meditation Supports
Key items to support your meditation practice in the mountains
All Entry Fees & Guidess
All entry fees to enter into the Annapurna Himalayan Range + guides and porters
In Town meals
When in Kathmandu and Pokhara breakfast and dinners will be provided with lunches free to do what you like
3 Meals Daily in Mt.
Local mountain fare
All land transport
Airport arrival pick-up, taxis, and buses
Loving Guidance
With care and ongoing assistance we'll help you along as you prepare to come to Nepal (inclusive of flight recommendations and any help to prepare to secure your Visa) and throughout our pilgrimage
Trip Prep Information
You will receive detailed information on how to prep for this transformational journey
What’s not included
Personal Passport
Everyone must obtain and hold a passport valid for at least 6 months prior to arrival.
E-Visa for entry Nepal
Each person will obtain an E-Visa upon entry arrival to Nepal. Details on how to do so will be sent out to each registrant.
Airfare to & from Nepal
Each person must arrange their own flights to and from Nepal. Entry points and recommended departure airports.
In Town Lunches
This is left open for everyone to sample what foods call to you and to have some food selection autonomy when we are in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Budget about $10-12 a day
Bottle water
All drinking water (cost about 5 cents a litter). All water must be treated. Also, everyone is asked to travel with a "Lifestraw" water bottle.
Sacred items
For your home or yoga space altar and practice, friends & family.
Misc expenses
Like having your clothes washed
Any extra baggage fees
coming and/or going
Return to airport
Because of varying personal schedules of departure from Nepal each person will handle your return to the airport. But we will assist as you like and as needed.
Health/Travel Insurance
Health and Travel Insurance is required for this journey. Travel insurance can be purchased with plane ticket, another provider or from WeTravel.
Note
Adjustments may be made based on local conditions at the time of the pilgrimage
Stephanie teaches nondual Tantric wisdom. She’s known for creating sacred healing, creative-expressive and meditative spaces. Certified in Integrative and Kum Nye Yoga, and deity yoga of the nondual Shiva/Shakti and Shakta traditions. She holds a B.A in Studio Arts from Whitman College.She is part of the forthcoming anthology "When She Wake: Women's Stories of Awakening". She guides Mountain Shakti yoga backpacking pilgrimages around the world and is the creative of Ashram of Arts.
Visit: www.mountainshakti.com
This was my second time going and I had an amazing time each year.
The mountains, Stephanie's teachings and guidance, plus Alex's support is the perfect blend. Plus, the community of other women on a similar path. I found both the backpacking and yogic teachings to be beginner-friendly. Stephanie is kind and nurturing. The itinerary is flexible and Stephanie adapts to the needs of the group.
It's a wonderful pause on day-to-day life and I hope to be able to keep attending. Jai Ma!
This trip was amazing on all levels - the people, the scenery, the loving teaching of the goddess traditions and the nurturing guidance. I loved it and can't wait to do another! A lot of this was new to me - I am not an avid back packer or meditator but that was okay. I felt comfortable asking questions and for help when needed and Stephanie, Alex, and everyone were wonderful and open. I can't wait to do more and am excited about my practice. It was so lovely. Thank you! :)
I knew I needed to go on this yatra when I first read about it. The journey was everything I’d hoped for and more. Stephanie and Ganga Devi provided a gentle introduction to navigating the cultural waters of India, and their embodied Devi wisdom permeated every aspect of the trip, from dance to yoga, sightseeing and train travel. Despite the group speaking two different languages (English and Portuguese), love permeated all interactions and I’ll always cherish the connections made. The sites visited were fantastic; yogini temples were 🔥🔥🔥. All in all it was amazing. Thank you Mountain Shakti and Ganga ❤️❤️❤️!
I am so full of love and gratitude after this wilderness goddess backpacking retreat. Stephanie is a beautiful soul who is relatable, thoughtful and the best person to laugh with. I felt so seen by her and I learned much through her wisdom and teachings. During one of our morning mediations, as I opened my heart up to the wisdom of the Goddess Radha, quiet tears started pouring down my cheeks as clarity for something I haven’t understood about myself for decades was realized. I am so grateful for this. The mountains, the goddesses, the new friends, the backpacking, yoga, meditation, the views and good energy…all EPIC!
Fantastic deep dive into Nepalese culture, yoga, meditation and the traditions of Dashain! I highly recommend for anyone looking to explore Nepal in a small, like-minded group with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. From learning about and honoring ancient spiritual traditions to hiking in the Himalayas, this is a trip of a lifetime!