Nepal

Journeys to Nepal have centered in Kathmandu, the countryside of Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur, and Dhulikel, with visits to sacred sites and temples, and a few days in the Himalayas to experience the Abode of the gods.

Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, we visit the sacred sites of Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambuhunath, that sits atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, as well as Durbar Square, with its many temples and shrines.

Swayambhu complex includes the Swayambhunath Stupa, along with other shrines and temples that are significant to both Buddhists and Hindus.

Beautiful view of Kathmandu and the Valley

Our journeys begin each day with either centering prayer or meditation, followed by an overview of the day and answering any questions. We travel to historic and/or sacred sites, like the ones below in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

In addition to the Palace of Fifty-five Windows, are the Nyatapola and Bhairva Temples (Nyatapola Temple is the picture above)

The Golden Gate (or Lun Dhwakha) of Bhaktapur features the Hindu goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical griffin) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. There are monsters and other Hindu mythical creatures.

Welcoming tourists from around the world, Bhaktapur has numerous restaurants, hostels, stores, and goods from local artisan artists. We are walking on holy ground as we explore and immerse ourselves here.

The abode of the gods graces our sunrise from a lookout point not far from our guest house outside of Dhulikel. It is an ordinary day for those who live here, but quite an extraordinary one for us. View the Himalayas and feel the sacred energies of some of the earth’s highest peaks.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site are the sacred grounds of Pashupatinath Temple. It is the oldest as well as the largest Hindu temple in the world. The sprawling grounds include temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions centuries old.

Our day ends with a time of reflection together on all we have experienced and the ways that the Divine has been present with and for us on our journey. We discover the holy, blessing, and peace offered in the namaste (“the sacred in me recognizes the sacred in you.”)

Travel to Nepal is as enriching for the soul as it comes with its rich variety of spiritual beliefs, wisdom, tradition and practice…

*photos by Fran Schmidt