Nepal Extension
7 Days – Kathmandu Valley, Pharping & Nagarkot
Follow in the footsteps of Guru Rinpoche through the luminous valley of Kathmandu — the living heart of Vajrayana Buddhism. This 7-day journey blends sacred pilgrimage and contemplative photography, visiting ancient caves, stupas, and monasteries where practice and daily life meet.
Our days begin with soft morning light at Swayambhu and Boudhanath, and unfold through Patan’s courtyards, Pharping’s meditation caves, and the serene hilltop of Namobuddha. The journey concludes with an overnight stay in Nagarkot, where sunrise over the Himalayas offers a final moment of quiet reflection.
Trip at a Glance
- Swayambhunath Stupa – Ancient hilltop shrine overlooking Kathmandu
- Patan (Yempi Mahavihara) – Guru Rinpoche’s first monastic residence in Nepal
- Pharping (Asura & Yangleshö Caves) – Sacred sites of Padmasambhava’s realization
- Boudhanath Stupa – The great mandala of devotion and light
- Namobuddha – Pilgrimage site of compassion and panoramic valley views
- Osel Ling Monastery – Home to Tsoknyi and Mingyur Rinpoche’s communities
- Nagarkot – Himalayan sunrise and Nepali village life
Price and Payments
€550 per person (6 participants)
(from the time you arrive in Kathmandu)
Price Includes
- All accommodation (twin share, breakfast included)
- Sabila Boutique Hotel (Boudha, 5 nights)
- Hotel Himalayan Villa or Everest Manla Resort, Nagarkot (1 night
- Private van and driver for all ground transportation
- All monastery and heritage site entry fees
- Licensed English-speaking cultural/Buddhist guide
- Photography mentoring and daily instruction with James Gritz
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee (~$30 USD on arrival, payable in cash)
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, dinners, tips, and personal expenses
Deposit: $440 required with registration (non-refundable)
Vehicle & Travel Details
We’ll travel in a private, comfortable air-conditioned van throughout the Kathmandu Valley. Drive times are short and scenic — usually under two hours. The route includes one domestic flight from Lumbini to Kathmandu, followed by road travel to Nagarkot.
About Our Hotels
Our accommodations are selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. Sabila Boutique Hotel, located just below Swayambhunath, offers views of the sacred hill and easy access to old Kathmandu. At Nagarkot, we stay at Hotel Himalayan Villa or Everest Manla Resort, both offering stunning Himalayan panoramas and a peaceful environment for rest and reflection.Highlights
- Photograph monks at dawn circumambulating the great stupas
- Explore Pharping’s sacred caves and the living practice of Vajrayana
- Experience the timeless calm of Namobuddha’s hillside monastery
- Capture the first light over the Himalayas from Nagarkot View Tower
- Learn to see and photograph with awareness and stillness