Ayurveda in Nepal Immersion Program with Todd Caldecott

Arrive in Kathmandu, once thought to be the fabled Shangri-La. You will be met upon arrival at the airport, and transferred to your hotel for check in.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Enjoy the morning at your leisure to take in the sights and sounds of the city and familiarize yourself with Kathmandu. This fascinating city is rich in legends and artistic and cultural heritage. Follow the labyrinthine narrow lanes which lead to a multitude of small squares. Check out the Durbar Square crowded with temples and palaces and immerse yourself in the bustling activity. In the afternoon we make our way to Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya to enjoy our first lecture with Vaidya Madhu – Introduction to Nepalese Ayurveda and the Bajracharya Tradition. Vaidya Madhu will give us an introduction to Newar Buddhism, the Bajracharya consecration, and insight into his own family traditions. He will also explain the definition of Ayurveda, its historical background and the eight limbs (ashtanga) of Ayurveda. We later gather in the evening to enjoy our Welcome Dinner to learn more about each other and share our intentions for the journey.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Enjoy the morning at your leisure independently. In the afternoon we make our way to Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya once again to enjoy our second lecture with Vaidya Madhu – Tridosha Siddhanta. During this lecture Vaidya Madhu will explain the different aspects of the three active dohsas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In the philosophy of Ayurveda, the five elements combine to form three dynamic forces called doshas, or “bodily humors”. According to the theory of Ayurveda, the doshas are the governing principles of the body, and when in a state of balance they facilitate good health, whereas when their equilibrium is disturbed, the doshas act to cause disease.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

A day of fascinating sightseeing! We begin the day with a guided tour of Pashupatinath Temple which lies in one of the most important places of pilgrimage for followers of Hinduism. Pashupatinath is known as the guardian spirit and the temple is thus considered the holiest of all Shiva shrines in Nepal. In the sanctum of the temple lies Shivalinga with its four faces, each having a different name and significance, as well as images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi, and Ganesh. Sitting along the shores of the Bagmati River, the temple is surrounded by a large bustling market with many vendors, giving us an excellent opportunity to pick up gifts and souvenirs.

We then visit Boudhanath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. The city is home to the ancient Buddhist Stupa which dominates the skyline and is one of the largest in the world. The Stupa’s massive mandala also makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. At night the Stupa is adorned with brilliant butter lamps creating a dramatic light display.

Finally we end the day with Swayambhunath, an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. Considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, it is of prime importance to the Newari Bajracharya lineage. The complex consists of the Stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, a museum, library, and also has a face of the Buddha painted on it with Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows. The dome at the base of the Stupa represents the world, and the thirteen pinnacles on the top symbolize the thirteen stages one must pass to reach enlightenment.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

After a morning of leisure, in the afternoon we make our way to Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya once again to enjoy our third lecture with Vaidya Madhu – Daily Living in Ayurveda. Today Vaidya Madhu will discuss “swasthya vignana”, the daily practices of Ayurveda, as well as “ahara vignana”, dietetics in Ayurveda.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Today we begin the day with a guided tour of Bhaktapur, an ancient Newar town in the Kathmandu Valley. This beautiful city features classical Newari architecture, much of it still surviving since the earthquake in 2015, known as the “City of Devotees”, the “City of Culture”, and “Nepal’s Cultural Gem”. It is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley and is renowned for its elegant art, interesting culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances, as well as some tasty treats such as “Juju Dhau”, a “royal yogurt” made from buffalo milk. Bhaktapur is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines and is filled with terra cotta monuments, carved wood columns, and palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, and open courtyards. Lying along the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Bhaktapur is surrounded by mountains and provides a magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Later we visit Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is named after Vishnu, the deity for which it enshrines, and is adorned by some of the finest specimens of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple is of great importance due to its shrines which are rich in architectural beauty, as well as its idols such as the Vishnu idol which has ten heads and ten arms and is an excellent example of 5th century stone carvings.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Take the weekend off and enjoy the many sites, smells, and sounds that Kathmandu has to offer. Visit the King’s Palace to view the giant fruit bats hanging from the trees, or wander the Thamel district of Kathmandu, which is a haven for tourists, containing numerous restaurants and shops that cater specifically to western appetites. Optional excursions and interesting day-trips will also be available (at own expense).
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

After a morning of leisure, in the afternoon we make our way to Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya to enjoy our fourth lecture with Vaidya Madhu on Rasayana Tantra, the branch of Ayurveda that deals with anti-aging therapies to maintain youthfulness, increase longevity, enhance strength, and prevent disease. During this lecture Vaidya Madhu will also introduce the practices of Rasa Shastra, a system of alchemical practices used by Ayurveda, and mastered by the Bajracharya lineage, that relies upon the usage of specially purified substances as a medicine.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Revel in a day of discovery with our full day excursion to visit traditional herbal pharmacies in Banepa and Arubari. Today we will learn about a variety of medicinal herbal and aromatic plants and the way they are used in Ayurveda to help cure and prevent diseases, and promote good health. Later in the day we enjoy a lecture with Vaidya Madhu on The Preparation of Ayurvedic Remedies, where we will learn about the different combinations of plants and herbs used to create medicinal remedies.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Today we will visit the Devi Ma Kunja Rural Ayurveda Hospital in Sipadole Village, founded by Dr. Sarita Shreshta. Dr. Shreshta is a classically trained Ayurvedic physician with more than 25 years of clinical experience, renowned as Nepal’s first Ayurvedic OB/GYN. During this lecture, Dr. Shreshta will share her knowledge and experience of Ayurveda, with a focus on the science of prasuti-tantra (obstetrics) and stri-roga (gynecology), and the unique Newari traditions used to support mother and child.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Josh Greene)

Today we enjoy a full day trek and herb walk through the scenic Kathmandu Valley for an introduction to some of the important plants used in Ayurveda. As we hike through the stunning natural environment, your teachers will describe the various herbs and medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. We will have an opportunity to ask questions regarding the flora we encounter and learn about the importance the natural environment has on Ayurveda and our health. Your teachers will also discuss the principles of “dravyaguna” or pharmacology, along with the taste qualities, energy, effect, and special properties of medicinal plants and herbs. This will be an exhilarating day to reconnect with Mother Nature and form a deeper respect and appreciation for our great Earth.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Relish a day of pampering and luxury! Today we travel to Maharajgunj, where you can choose to enjoy an authentic Ayurvedic Massage (optional & at own expense). Take the time to relax, renew, and rejuvenate as you are drenched in herbal infused oils and massaged by expert therapists. In the evening we gather one last time for our Farewell Dinner. As we celebrate our time in Nepal we will have the opportunity to review and share all we have learned and experienced with our newfound friends and ask any remaining questions we may have.
(Overnight in Kathmandu at the Holy Himalaya or similar)

Today you will be transferred to the airport for onward flights home. 

(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.