An Indigenous Wisdom Journey Through the Himalayas
Led by Paititi Institute
Amazonian and Andean wisdom meets Tibetan Buddhist philosophy

DAY 1 - Arrival & Orientation in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. Today, we arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and a Karuna Project representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Thamel is a suburb of Kathmandu and the hub where most travelers stay and get ready for their adventures in  Nepal.  This afternoon, we will have our orientation meeting to become acquainted with our trip.  We will discuss expectations, gear packing, and become acquainted with the group.  We will then have dinner before heading off to bed for the night.

Accommodations: Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Guided City Tour Kathmandu

This morning, after breakfast, we will meet our city tour guide who will take us to 3 world heritage sites: the temples of Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath. Each of these temples holds a distinct spiritual resonance that transcends architecture and history. Swayambhunath, perched atop a hill, pulses with ancient energy—its all-seeing eyes watching over Kathmandu like a silent guardian of wisdom. Bouddhanath, with its massive stupa and circling pilgrims, radiates a quiet, collective devotion that seems to gather the prayers of the entire Himalayan region into a single breath. Pashupatinath, nestled along the sacred Bagmati River, invites reflection on life and death, where rituals unfold in timeless rhythm, and the veil between worlds feels thin. And. The overall visit will take roughly 6 hours. After we are done visiting the temples, we will return to Thamel, where you will have free time to explore the lively markets and interesting food. 

Accommodations: Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 - Drive to Kakani Village + Orientation to Land, Community and Inner Practice

Following a two-hour drive to Kakani Village, we begin our orientation to the land through the foundations of indigenous wisdom: Qigong and breath awakening to harmonize the body’s "vessel". The afternoon includes experiential workshops where Roman Hanis introduces the retreat’s inner framework, emphasizing our roles as guests in a living relational field rather than consumers. Through an intention-setting circle, we establish group trust, consent, and shared responsibility. A walking visit to Kakani village serves as a lesson in reciprocity, practicing receptive presence while engaging with locals on what it means to be human. In the evening, Roman will introduce Primordial Breathwork—blending Amazonian and Tibetan somatic traditions—culminating in a two-hour guided journey supported by ceremonial cacao. This bridge between instinct and "clear seeing" concludes with a meditation to initiate dream incubation, stabilizing the day’s experiences.

Accommodations: Kakani Adventure Camp

Meals: 3-Daily Meals and Afternoon Tea/Snack at Kakani Adventure Camp

Day 4 - Kakani Adventure Camp + Embodiment, Dream, and the Living Psyche

This morning, we will begin our day with gentle Qigong at sunrise, emphasizing fluidity, joint opening, and breath-movement coordination. The intention is attunement to gravity, space, and vitality before the day unfolds. We will then be served tea before Roman offers an Evolutionary Wisdom teaching, situating Amazonian and Andean indigenous cosmologies alongside Jungian psychology and Buddhist insight. The focus is on how human consciousness matures through relationship with nature, symbol, and responsibility.  This leads into an introduction to Ashuar-based dreamwork, supported by depth psychology. Dreams are presented not as personal fantasies but as communications arising from the wider field of life. After lunch, we have free time for reflection, journaling, and village interaction. Participants are encouraged to listen more than speak, allowing cultural exchange to unfold organically. We will meet for dinner, followed by a seated meditation and optional dream intention practice before heading to sleep.

Accommodations: Kakani Adventure Camp

Meals: 3-Daily Meals and Afternoon Tea/Snack at Kakani Adventure Camp

Day 5 - Kakani Village + Dream, Mantra & The Training Ground of Reality

This morning, we will be guided through breath work focused on stabilizing awareness and nervous system regulation, preparing participants for sustained trekking in the coming days. A practical exploration of mantra as a support for mind and heart, framed not as religious conversion but as vibrational orientation. Participants learn how sound, rhythm, and intention can support resilience, mental health, and clarity during pilgrimage.  Roman will offer a talk on Indigenous Ashuar dreamwork and the dreamlike nature of reality in Buddhism, exploring how daily life itself becomes the Bodhisattva’s training ground. Attention is given to ethical action, discernment, and responsibility as markers of awakening. We will then have lunch, followed by our community engagement project.  We will then walk back to camp, have dinner, and a quiet integration and simple meditation before heading to bed.

Accommodations: Kakani Adventure Camp

Meals: 3-Daily Meals and Afternoon Tea/Snack at Kakani Adventure Camp

Day 6 - Kakani village + Integration and Inner Literacy

This morning, we will be focusing on Qigong, emphasizing grounding, balance, and breath continuity. We will read and have a reflective dialogue on selected Buddha Dharma texts relevant to pilgrimage, impermanence, and compassionate action. The aim is not study for mastery, but literacy of mind.  After this meaningful practice, lunch will be served before diving into alternating Primordial Breathwork and dreamwork integration, allowing participants to connect insight with embodiment.  We will have the option to participate in the community engagement process or take personal time to reflect before dinner is served.   Closing meditation for this section of the trip will be discussed after dinner, in addition to orienting the group toward the forthcoming trek as a lived rite of passage.

Accommodations: Kakani Adventure Camp

Meals: 3-Daily Meals and Afternoon Tea/Snack at Kakani Adventure Camp

Day 7 Drive 8hrs (75 m/122 km) to Syabrubesi (elev. 4,800 ft/1,500 m)

After breakfast, we will load into our transportation for an overland journey towards the Langtang Himal area. We will be driving through villages and towns until we reach Langtang National  Park. From the village of Dhunche, we descend on a zig-zag winding road until we reach our overnight stop at Syabrubesi village. The majority of people here are from the Tamang ethnic group, and we will explore their fascinating Buddhist culture. 

Accommodations: Namaste Hotel or Similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 8 - Trek Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (elev. 8,100 ft/2,470 m)

Trekking Distance: 7 miles (11 km)

Highest Elevation: 8,100 ft (2,470 m)

Trekking Duration: 6 hours

Today we begin our first day of the trek. After our morning practice and breakfast, we will prepare ourselves to walk. Our walk starts by crossing over a bridge above Langtang Khola (river), which joins the great Trisuli River, and then uphill through farms, villages, and terraces. Our walk will be mainly in a forest of rhododendron, pines, and bamboo trees. We have a small chance of seeing the elusive Red Panda and other wildlife today. We continue walking until we reach the Lama Hotel. Upon arrival, we will check into our accommodations, have another lesson, and then have dinner, while celebrating the day.

Accommodations: Rustic Tea House

Meals: 3-Daily Hot Meals While Trekking

Day 9 - Trek Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (elev. 11,300 ft/3,430 m)

Trekking Distance: 8 miles (15 km)

Highest Elevation: 11,300 ft/3,430 m

Trekking Duration:  7 hours

The morning after yoga and breakfast, we begin walking above the river gorge into a dense forest of tall pine and rhododendron. We follow multiple farmhouses before reaching the beautiful village of Ghoretabela. After a refreshing chia and reflection stop, we continue to walk for another few hours until we reach Langtang village. Upon arrival, we will check into our rooms and have some structured downtime before meeting for dinner. We will have the opportunity to explore this Tamang village of Tibetan origin before diving into our Paititi practice.

Accommodations: Rustic Tea House

Meals: 3-Daily Hot Meals While Trekking

Day 10 - Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (elev. 12,700 ft/3,870 m)

Trekking Distance: 3.5 miles (6 km)

Highest Elevation: 12,700 ft (3,870 m)

Trekking Duration:  3 hours

After a pleasant overnight in Langtang village and breakfast, our walk continues up a short, steep hill on a winding trail. We slowly walk until we reach a wide, beautiful valley with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks that surround the whole Langtang valley. As our walk continues, we will encounter prayer flags, Mani wall,s and other cultural relics. We continue walking until we reach our final destination at Kyanjin village. Upon arrival at Kyanjin, we will check into our tea house and have our yoga class. Kyanjin is a beautiful village located within Langtang valley that overlooks Langtang Lirung glacier and other high peaks.  

Accommodations: Rustic Tea House

Meals: 3-Daily Hot Meals While Trekking

Day 11 - Tserko Ri Peak Ascent to Kyanjin Gompa (12,700 ft/3,870 m)

Trekking Distance: 10 miles (16 km)

Highest Elevation: 16,40o ft (5,000 m)

Trekking Duration: 7-9 hours

Today offers a spectacular optional ascent of Tserko Ri. For those eager to summit, we’ll set out early—before breakfast—for a 7-9 hour round trip that rewards us with sweeping views of Langtang Himal, Ghengu Liru, Langtang Lirung, and other majestic peaks lining the Nepal–Tibet border. After reaching the top, we’ll linger to take in the scenery before returning to Kyanjin for dinner and potentially structured afternoon activities. In the evening, we’ll gather for meditation and have dinner before settling in for a well-earned rest. This may be the highest elevation some group members have ever reached—a milestone worth celebrating. For those not joining the hike, the morning offers space for personal practice: meditate, wander the village, or simply enjoy what brings you joy in the heart of the Himalayas.

Accommodations: Rustic Tea House

Meals: 3-Daily Hot Meals While Trekking

Day 12 - Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (elev. 8,100 ft/2,470 m)

Trekking Distance:  9 miles (14.5 km)

Highest Elevation: 12,700 feet (4,870 m)

Trekking Duration:  7 hours

This morning, after practice and breakfast, we enjoy the last views of the surrounding mountains of the scenic Langtang valley. With a celebration in our steps, we head back downhill to the Lama Hotel and check into our rooms before having dinner and getting the plan for the next day. 

Accommodations: Rustic Tea House

Meals: 3-Daily Hot Meals While Trekking

Day 13 - Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi (elev. 4,800 ft/1,500 m)

Trekking Distance: 11 miles (7 km)

Highest Elevation: 8,100 ft (2,470 m)

Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours

After our usual morning routine, we pack up our gear and begin our trek back to Syabrubesi. As we descend to lower altitudes, we begin to feel the oxygen in our lungs.  Typically, most people feel stronger as we return to familiar levels of oxygen. Upon our arrival in Syabrubesi, we will check into our last guest house in Langtang Himal before making our way back to the Kathmandu Valley.

Accommodations: Namaste Hotel or Similar

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch While Trekking, Celebration Dinner in Syabrubesi

Day 14 -Drive 7 hrs (75 m/122 km) Syabrubesi to Kathmandu (elev. 4,700 ft/1,450 m)

This morning, we begin to reflect on our journey, have breakfast, and then travel overland back to Kathmandu through the beautiful Nepali countryside. We will stop for lunch in Trisuli town and then head for the hustle and bustle of city life in Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will check into our guest house and head out to our celebratory dinner before returning to the hotel for our final reflection and closing ceremony, inviting participants to consider how insight matures into service, relationship, and ethical action once they return home.

Accommodations: Apsara Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Celebration Dinner in Kathmandu

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Day 15 - Depart Kathmandu

Depart Kathmandu to return home or wherever your next adventure takes you. We will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to departure. The mountains will continue to call, as Nepal is officially part of your story now! Keep those Kakani and Langtang friendships going strong—they're the best kind of souvenirs. Namaste!

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