Shaman Festival Tour

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu our representative will warmly greet you and arrange a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. This introductory day is dedicated to resting after your long journey adapting to the new time zone and absorbing the lively atmosphere of Nepal's historic capital. During the afternoon enjoy a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets of Thamel to explore shops and cafes. In the evening join for a comprehensive briefing for the trip.

After breakfast take a scenic twenty five minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the Langtang Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges. Upon landing, board a private off road vehicle for a picturesque highway drive west toward Kusma the district headquarters of Parbat. Stop along the way to walk across the famous Kusma Suspension Bridge, one of Nepal's highest pedestrian footbridges spanning the Kali Gandaki River gorge. Afterward visit the revered Kalika Temple, a significant Hindu shrine offering serene spiritual ambiance and panoramic valley views before settling into your comfortable hotel in Kusma for the night.

Depart Kusma after breakfast for an exciting mountain drive into Rukum East traveling along winding roads through terraced hillsides, pine forests and dramatic river canyons. Your destination is Lukum (Lugum Village) a traditional Magar settlement famous for its stone roofed architecture and indigenous heritage. Upon afternoon arrival check into a community lodge or homestay and spend the remaining daylight hours exploring the narrow stone pathways. Observe daily agricultural routines and weaving practices untouched by commercial tourism. Engage with village elders to understand the spiritual significance of local shamanism before savoring an organic locally sourced dinner prepared by your hosts.

Today marks the opening of the celebrated Jhakri Mela, an extraordinary shamanic gathering bringing spiritual practitioners together from the remote village of Lukum. Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere as shamans assemble in elaborate attire featuring feathered headdresses, bells, cowrie shells and sacred wooden drums. Spend the day observing rhythmic drumbeats, hypnotic chanting and ritualistic dances performed to honor ancestral deities and ensure prosperous harvests. Witness authentic healing ceremonies and spiritual invocations preserved for centuries among the Kham Magar community. In the evening join local villagers around communal campfires to share folk stories, traditional songs and festive delicacies. One of the festival's most distinctive customs is the Sisno (stinging nettle) ritual. Fresh nettles are gently used by the villagers as they playfully strike one another to cleanse the body, remove negative influences and offer protection from misfortune.

If yesterday belonged to the spirits, today belongs to the people. Solemn chants give way to laughter and lively folk beats as the village celebrates completing the sacred rituals. Younger shaman apprentices take center stage, their energetic drumming echoing across the square as they playfully tease young women through song and dance. Soon a Holi like celebration unfolds: handfuls of mountain earth fly through the air covering villagers and willing visitors in mud. This playful ritual honors the fertile soil that sustains every family reminding everyone that all distinctions of age, wealth and status disappear when covered in earth. Conclude this unforgettable cultural experience with an authentic evening dinner.

Following breakfast and a warm send off in Lugum board your four wheel drive vehicle for a rugged mountain journey to Taksera another prominent Kham Magar settlement in Rukum East. Nestled amidst dramatic mountain ridges and alpine meadows Taksera offers an enchanting window into authentic Himalayan village architecture. After checking into a charming homestay enjoy a traditional lunch of buckwheat millet and mountain vegetables. In the afternoon take a guided walking tour through tightly clustered stone dwellings visiting historic shrines and scenic viewpoints. Watch artisans craft hemp garments and wooden utensils before enjoying an authentic dinner around a cozy hearth.

After a leisurely breakfast in Taksera bid farewell to the highlands of Rukum East and begin your return drive southeast toward Burtibang in Baglung District. Today’s overland route crosses dramatic mountain passes descending through dense rhododendron and oak forests, secluded river valleys and cascading waterfalls. Along the way make strategic stops at scenic viewpoints and traditional teahouses to stretch your legs, sip fresh Nepali tea and photograph the changing landscapes. Observe the gradual transition from rugged alpine architecture to terraced subtropical farmlands. Arrive in Burtibang by late afternoon to check into your hotel and explore the bustling bazaar.

Today your journey into one of Nepal's remote wilderness areas drives from Burtibang up to the expansive valley of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. The off-road ascent climbs through lush pine forests, open grazing pastures and crystalline streams before reaching a magnificent high altitude plateau surrounded by snow capped Himalayan peaks. Renowned as Nepal's only protected hunting reserve, Dhorpatan provides a vital sanctuary for rare alpine wildlife like blue sheep and Himalayan thar. Upon arrival check into a simple community lodge. Spend the afternoon taking a refreshing nature walk across the valley floor visiting the seasonal Tibetan settlement and monastery.

After waking to crisp alpine air and enjoying breakfast overlooking the peaceful Dhorpatan valley begin your eastward overland journey back to the regional hub of Baglung. Descend from the high plateau along scenic dirt roads tracing rushing mountain rivers and passing through rural farming hamlets and terraced fields. Stop for a midday lunch at a roadside settlement before continuing along the improved highway toward Baglung Bazaar. Upon afternoon arrival check into your well appointed hotel to unwind from the drive. Later explore the town center before evening dinner.

Following breakfast in Baglung enjoy a smooth 2 hours drive along the paved Mid-Hill Highway back to Pokhara. Upon arrival check into your lakeside hotel and spend the afternoon discovering the city's celebrated natural and cultural attractions. Begin with a tranquil boat ride across Phewa Lake to visit the island temple of Tal Barahi. If weather permits, Boating in the Fewa lake and visiting the iconic World Peace Pagoda to have a beautiful view of Pokhara city and Annapurna range. Spend your evening exploring the lively Lakeside promenade.

After a breakfast in Pokhara transfer to the domestic airport for your short scenic return flight to Kathmandu. Upon touching down in the capital check into your hotel before embarking on a guided afternoon cultural tour of the valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the monumental Boudhanath Stupa joining pilgrims circumambulating the sacred dome amidst fluttering prayer flags. Next proceed to the sacred Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath along the Bagmati River to observe intricate pagoda architecture. Conclude your day with a special celebration dinner at a fine traditional Nepali restaurant.

Your memorable cultural and wilderness journey across Nepal concludes today. Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast at your hotel taking advantage of any remaining free time for last minute souvenir shopping packing. Depending on your flight schedule our team will coordinate a smooth private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to your departure. As you drive to the airport take a final look at the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Our representative will assist with your luggage and bid you a warm farewell for your journey home.