A Yoga Pilgrimage to the Sacred ~ Discover Ancient Nepal

NM
Natalie Macam
  • Email address verified
Oct 19 - Nov 1, 2018
Group size: 8 - 16
A Yoga Pilgrimage to the Sacred ~ Discover Ancient Nepal
Nepal

Natalie Macam
  • Email address verified

Oct 19 - Nov 1, 2018
Group size: 8 - 16

About this trip

  • Visit unforgettable, powerfully charged sacred sites, temples, and monasteries
  • Connect with the wisdom of Nepal's living spiritual traditions through stays at monasteries
  • Immerse in Nepalese culture in the mountain villages picking vegetables, cooking, and learning from locals.   
  • Ignite your spirit through daily meditation and yoga practices
  • Explore and trek the majestic Himalayan mountains on the less trodden Mardi Himal region of Annapurna range
  • Deepen your relationship with yourself and others. Let yoga penetrate your heart

Experience one of the most magical, beautiful, peaceful yet exhilarating places in all of Asia. This is a spiritual journey for those that are seeking to visit Nepal and immerse themselves in the spirituality that is offered not only in the living traditions but also in spirit of the land.   Hinduism and Buddhism converge here, and is full of awe-inspiring monuments to the sacred. Join Natalie for a journey of the heart and mind as we explore the living pilgrimage sites of Kathmandu and beyond.

If you love yoga and you love adventure, this transformative divine journey will be the experience of a lifetime!


Early Bird ends May 28, 2018 and prices will increase $250

Early Bird

Twin Share $1950

Single $2450


After May 28,, 2018

Twin Share $2200

Single $2700


Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal trek is a relatively new route located in the Annapurna region. It "officially" opened in 2012 and has yet to command large crowds like other treks in the region. A richly diverse trek it takes you through beautiful forested areas though to rocky mountain terrain and several base camps which may have snow depending on the time

This Trek The Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for those of us who are looking for an ‘off the beaten path’ trekking experience in the quieter parts of the Annapurna region of Nepal.   While trekking on this route, leading up to Mardi Himal base camp and finally the high camp, we get to appreciate the solitary trails complete with verdant forests, interesting villages, valleys, terraced farms, dazzling rivers and the extraordinary views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli mountains. 


 Mardi Himal trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal where we stay in teahouses (lodges), try local food, appreciate the excellent hill and mountain landscape; and marvel at the panoramic views of the massive Himalayan mountains including Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal.

Most of the trek is a loop. From the base camp to Low camp (1 camp) is backtracking but after it'll be different. 


The route is quite mixed towards to base camp. Ridge, steep portions both down and uphill to the View point.

Sacred Summary

* Visit Kathmandu's most sacred temples including The Pashupatinath Temple (Nepali: पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर)the most famous and sacred Hindu temple complex in Nepal.   Experience a private puja (ceremony) by the Temple Pujari (priest). 


* Stay at monasteries including Namo Buddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. 


* Our Mardi Himal adventure starts from the Himalayan capital Kathmandu with scenic overland drive to reach famed and popular touristic spot at Pokhara, blessed with natural beauty where Annapurna mountains reflects on its serene Phewa and Begnas lakes. The High Altitude Trek offers the most awesome panorama of mountains and marvelous landscapes.  Our adventure begins walking along the high ridges of Annapurna area hills past traditional Gurung people farm villages of Buddhist culture and then entering into pristine woodland where in spring and summer this whole area turns into a natural garden when wild flowers are in full bloom.  The trail crosses cool rivers, lush green valleys, terrace farms and warm, pristine Juniper and Rhododendron forests, hospitable villages to reach the Mardi Himal Base camp at 4500 m (14,500FT)


* Experience one of the gateways to trekking in the Himalayas, Pokhara.   It will overwhelm you with one of the greatest photo spots in the world. While you walk along the shores of the Phewa lake you will be surrounded by a panoramical view over  the Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna.   We will also visit (Peace) Shanti Stupa balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Lake, the brilliant-white Peace Pagoda of Pokhara offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Lake Phewa. Pilgrims climb the hill using paths from the different parts of the city or take a boat across the lake and begin their climb at the shore.


* Nepal homestay with a local family:  Experience Nepalese village life first-hand and chance to experience living with a Nepalese family.  Learn the depth of their rich culture, food, and heritage with an amazing experience of local village lifestyle.  Very rarely are we given the opportunity to experience local living, and when you are given the chance, you feel honoured and grateful. It takes a lot of trust for a community to let tourists in, but there’s another level of selflessness required to invite groups onto your property and into your home. 

Maximum Partcipants

We've capped the enrollment to 16 maximum due to the high altitude trek and also to keep the intimacy of the experience.    


Cancellation/Refund Policy

A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to hold your space and is due at the time of registration.     


Full balance must be paid 60 days prior to event start date.  


Cancellations must be sent in email to tigerwaveyoga@gmail.com.    


60 days or more prior to the event: your entire payment will be refunded less $500 non-refundable deposit.  


If retreat is full, waitlist will be available.   

Travel Information

Retreat starts Oct 19 with a welcome dinner.      Check in to the hotel anytime that day to get settled.   If you have a late night arrival, you may have to arrive Oct 18.  


Retreat ends after breakfast on Nov 1.


Flights:  There are myriad of different ways to look for flight. I like to use www.skyscanner.com


Money: I usually just bring my ATM card for cash and use as needed when I am in Kathmandu. 

Bring USD with you on the plane as you will need for your Visa. 

You are welcome to bring Travelers Cheques... but I have not used them in a very long time.


 ATMs are fine in Kathmandu, Pokhara and major cities but it doesn't hurt to inform your banks before coming to Nepal (sometimes banks might block your card). 


Money Exchange Available:

•  in Thamel

• Or Nirajan can help us with a better rate.   The rates aren't as good at the airport


Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements (US Passport Holders)


Requirements for Entry:

Passport must have six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry
Visa appropriate for purpose of travel


Tourist Visas:


Online application: https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa


Either apply for a visa at a Nepalese embassy or consulate before traveling, or purchase a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) or at the following land border points of entry:

You may request:

15-day multiple-entry tourist visa ($25 USD)
1-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($40 USD)
3-month multiple-entry tourist visa ($100 USD)


Bring:

4 passport photos

Bring Cash for Visa Fee

Visa fees are payable in USD. Money-changing and ATM services are available at the airport, but credit card payment is not a reliable option. Tourists may stay no more than 150 days in any given calendar year. 


Suggested vaccinations:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal


Dress Code:

Yoga - Please bring leggings or very loose trousers with stretch so most of our legs will be covered.  


Scarf - I always have one with me in case I need to cover my shoulders.   






Evacuation + Medical Insurance required

Evacuation + Medical Insurance ~ Here are some options:


1. Global Rescue www.globalrescue.com
Global Rescue Memberships start at $119. If you have any additional questions they can be reached anytime by email memberservices@globalrescue.com or at +1 (617) 459-4200, or via our website, 


2.  https://medjetassist.com
$240 Individual - 1 month


3.  https://americanalpineclub.org/rescue


Additional Information

There is a Facebook page that has misc questions from the previous Q & A's.    You are welcome to post your questions so others can see. 

Weather


Daytime Temperatures Range 68F - 77F

Lows are about 33F - 42F

Last time I did a trek I brought lots of layers. Can chat with you more about what I'm bringing!

What should I bring?

You will receive a more extensive list in the Program Guide.   Some suggestions are yoga mat, layers for all weather, reusable water bottle, hiking shoes.  


Whatever you need for the trek, you will be able to get in Kathmandu.   They have lots of street vendors who sell everything.    

What’s included

  • Accommodations
    4 Nights Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara (1 night in Pokhara at Monastery), 1 night Namobuddha Monastery, 1 night in Homestay, 5 nights at Tea Houses during trek
  • Private Transportation
    Day 01 to Day 14 Departure
  • Meals
    3 Meals During Trek
  • Meals
    Breakfast
  • Welcome and Farewell
    Dinner
  • Entrance Fees
    Monuments, Conservation Park fees, Trekking permits
  • Guide
    English speaking trekking guide, Heritage and culture expert tour guide in Kathmandu.
  • Porters
    Help carry the bags during the High Altitude Trek
  • Special pooja (ritual)
    Private event with Brahmins (Priest) at Pashupatinath temple.
  • Map
    Trekking Map

What’s not included

  • International airfare
    to Kathmandu and airport taxes
  • Nepal Visa
    Available at airport
  • Medical Insurance
    Please note that Evacuation Insurance is required
  • Lunch + Dinner
    in cities except Welcome and Farewell.
  • Personal Items
    Items of a personal nature expenses such as snacks, alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, mineral water.
  • Additional Expenses
    incurred due to accidents, landslide, strikes, political unrest, etc...
  • Tips
    for guide and porters

Available Packages

Twin Share

Payment Plans available please contact organizer.  

$2,200
Deposit: $500
Single

Payment Plans available please contact organizer.  

$2,700
Deposit: $500

Your Organizer


NM
Natalie Macam
Natalie is a yoga teacher is delighted to land in LA after an eight year stint in Asia. Her resident yoga schedule is in Los Angeles, but she also travels within South East Asia as a guest teacher. She is honored to be part of Samudra School of Living Vinyasa and grateful for studying with Shiva Rea and for the support and friendship of the Prana Vinyasa tribe. Her heart-based, joyful classes offer an opportunity for students to experience and deepen their own yoga practice and come home to themselves. Her classes are often marked by opening and closing the class with her harmonium and essential oils. Natalie finds inspiration from all her teachers and students to live life with spontaneity, to remain close to the source and to move deeply in tune with the pulse of the universe.