Overview
Shamanism Tour in Nepal – A Journey into Ancient Healing Traditions
Step into the mystical world of Nepal’s ancient spiritual traditions with our Shamanism Tour in Nepal—a truly immersive cultural experience that unveils the centuries-old practice of shamanic healing deeply rooted in the Himalayan way of life.
Long before the introduction of modern medicine and hospitals, the people of Nepal sought healing and guidance from nature and the spiritual realm. Illnesses were believed to be caused not just by physical conditions, but by supernatural disturbances—angry deities, unsettled spirits, or disrupted natural energies. In this belief system, mountains, rivers, trees, rocks, the sun, moon, stars, and even sacred springs called deurali were considered to hold immense spiritual power.
Out of this deep connection between humanity and the spirit world, Shamanism was born—a sacred practice used to communicate with spiritual forces to heal the sick, restore harmony, and protect the community from unseen evils.
Who Are the Shamans of Nepal?
Shamans, known locally as Jhankri (male) or Jhuma (female), serve as healers, spiritual guides, and protectors in rural Nepali communities. They act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms, performing rituals to diagnose and cure illnesses believed to be caused by supernatural interference.
During a healing session, a shaman enters a trance-like state, often invoking the very spirit believed to cause the illness. By channeling this energy, they seek the reasons behind the ailment—whether it is a displeased deity, a cursed object, or a malevolent force.
To appease the spirits or fulfill their demands, offerings are made. These can include a chicken, goat, or sheep, as well as items like alcohol, grains, and money. It is believed that once the spirits are satisfied, the patient’s condition often improves remarkably.
Experience the Shamanic Rituals
One of the most captivating aspects of the tour is witnessing a full shamanic ceremony. The shaman, adorned in traditional attire with colorful feathers, bells, and amulets, dances to the rhythm of a sacred leather drum (Dhyangro) and chants powerful mantras. The hypnotic music, rhythmic dancing, and dramatic rituals provide a vivid insight into Nepal’s spiritual heritage.
Female shamans, equally respected, wear bells around their necks and perform rituals that are both healing and protective. Their presence challenges conventional gender roles and highlights the inclusive spiritual culture of Nepal.
You’ll have the opportunity to observe or participate in ceremonies, meet local shamans, and learn about their lineage, initiation process, and the symbols they use. Some programs also include storytelling sessions with elders who share folktales and legends surrounding the spirits and the natural world.
Attend the Annual Shaman Festival in Rukum
If your travel dates align, you can attend the Shaman Festival in Rukum, one of Nepal’s most vibrant and sacred gatherings of shamans from across the country. Dozens of shamans congregate to perform healing rituals, dance for days, and exchange spiritual knowledge. For travelers, this is an extraordinary opportunity to witness a cultural phenomenon rarely seen outside the region.
Why Join the Shamanism Tour in Nepal?
- Explore an ancient healing tradition still practiced today
- Gain deep insights into Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage
- Witness authentic shamanic rituals and ceremonies
- Visit remote, culturally rich villages rarely seen by tourists
- Participate in immersive experiences with local communities
- Attend a unique spiritual festival in the Himalayan foothills
Tour Details & Custom Packages
Our Shamanism Tour is customizable based on your interests and travel dates. Whether you want a short cultural experience or a longer stay in the heartland of Nepal’s spiritual traditions, we can create the perfect itinerary for you.
For tour packages, pricing, and booking inquiries, please email us at [info@nepalmtlovers.com]
Come and witness the living spirit of Nepal through the eyes of its shamans—a journey into a world where the mystical and the natural exist in perfect harmony.
1st itinerary:
Three-Day Shamanic Healing Retreat Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Healing Session
- Depart and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the village.
- Check in to your hotel.
- After a short rest, take a brief drive to visit the Shaman.
- Spend about 1 hour with the Shaman – she will assess your condition and begin the first healing session.
Day 2: Healing & Village Experience
- Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the Shaman’s recommendation, you may visit her first.
- Enjoy a 25-minute scenic walk to the Shaman’s place for the next healing session, then walk back to the hotel.
- Spend the afternoon resting at the hotel, or let our local team guide you to some beautiful nearby spots, if you wish.
- In the evening, walk again to the Shaman for your third healing session, then return to the hotel.
Day 3: Departure
- After breakfast, we’ll pick you up around 9:00 AM for your return trip back to your original hotel.
Package Details & Inclusions
Total Price: USD 285 (per person for 2 nights / 3 days)
Includes:
- Comfortable hotel accommodation for 2 nights, including breakfast
- Three healing sessions with the Shaman
- Private transportation on the first and last day
- Local guide assistance
- All healing materials used during the sessions
Thank you, and we look forward to supporting your healing journey.
2nd Itinerary:
Shamanism Journey in a Remote Village of Nepal
7 Days / 6 Nights shamanism information
Cost: US$ 950.00
Discover the mystical world of Shamanism in the heart of rural Nepal. This unique journey takes you deep into the remote mountain villages of Rukum, where ancient healing traditions are still alive. Guided by local shamans and enriched by the culture of the Gurung and Magar communities, this is an immersive experience unlike any other.
Itinerary Overview
Day 01:
- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Approx. 7 hours).
- Evening at leisure in Pokhara. Overnight stay.
Day 02:
- Drive from Pokhara to Burtibang (Approx. 5 hours), then continue to Rukum (Approx. 4 hours).
- Arrive at a traditional mountain village and settle in. Overnight stay.
Day 03:
- Experience your first Shamanism session.
- Observe healing rituals, chants, and spiritual ceremonies passed down through generations.
Day 04:
- Explore the surrounding mountain village.
- Learn about local life and witness more Shamanic practices in their natural setting.
Day 05:
- Visit Gurung and Magar villages in the area.
- Gain insights into the cultural and spiritual heritage of these indigenous communities, including their connection to Shamanism.
Day 06:
- Drive back to Pokhara (Approx. 8 hours). Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 07:
- Return drive to Kathmandu (Approx. 7 hours).
- End of the journey.
Trip Cost: US$ 950.00
Cost Includes:
- Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Public jeep transport from Pokhara to Burtibang to Rukum and back
- Accommodation in Pokhara
- Full board (meals and accommodation) during your stay in Rukum
- Materials used in Shamanic practices
- Honorarium for participating shamans
- Experienced local guide throughout the journey
This journey is perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion, spiritual insight, and authentic experiences far from the usual tourist trails.
For booking or more information, contact us
info@nepalmtlovers.com
WhatsApp: Tara DC + 977 9851089399
Frequently asked questions:
What is shamanism in Nepal?
Shamanism in Nepal is a deeply rooted spiritual tradition practiced by various indigenous and ethnic groups across the country. Shamans, locally known as Jhākri (or Dhami, Bonpo, depending on the region), act as healers, spiritual guides, and protectors of their communities. They communicate with spirits, perform rituals to heal illnesses, and maintain harmony between the human and spirit worlds. Unlike organized religion, shamanism is passed down through experience, dreams, and initiation rather than scripture.
Where to find shamans in Nepal?
You can find shamans in many rural parts of Nepal, especially among communities like the Tamang, Magar, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. Villages in regions such as Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Solukhumbu, and parts of the Terai have active shamanic traditions. In Kathmandu Valley, some well-known shamans like Aama Bombo also practice and accept visitors. If you’re seeking an authentic experience, local festivals, village ceremonies, or referrals from trusted locals are the best way to connect with a real practitioner.
What is shamanism in simple words?
Shamanism is the practice of connecting with the spirit world to help people. A shaman is like a spiritual doctor—they use rituals, songs, and special tools to heal, protect, or find answers. They believe that spirits live in nature, animals, ancestors, and even sickness. When something goes wrong, they talk to these spirits to understand and fix the problem.
What is the history of shamanism?
Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices in the world, and in Nepal, it dates back thousands of years. Long before organized religions took root, people believed in nature spirits, ancestors, and unseen forces. These beliefs evolved into the shamanic traditions still alive today. Over time, Nepalese shamanism blended with elements of Hinduism and Buddhism, but it kept its unique character—centered on the shaman’s personal connection to the spirit world.
What is the importance of shamanism?
Shamanism plays a vital role in Nepalese communities, especially in rural areas. It offers healing where modern medicine may not reach, spiritual guidance during crises, and a way to stay connected with ancestors and nature. Shamanism also helps preserve ancient knowledge, rituals, and cultural identity, passing wisdom through generations.
What are the four laws of shamanism?
While not all shamans follow written “laws,” here are four key principles that often guide shamanic practice:
Balance – Everything in life must stay in harmony: people, nature, spirits.
Connection – All living and spiritual things are connected; what happens to one affects the whole.
Responsibility – Shamans must use their gifts to help others, not for personal gain.
Respect – For spirits, elders, nature, and the sacred traditions passed down.
What are shamans known for?
Shamans are known for their ability to:
Heal people spiritually and emotionally
Perform rituals during life events (births, deaths, harvests)
Communicate with spirits and ancestors
Remove negative energies or “spirit attacks”
Guide the community during times of illness or misfortune
Are shamans full-time?
Not always. Many shamans in Nepal live normal lives—farming, working, raising families. They serve as shamans when needed, especially during illness, ritual ceremonies, or festivals. However, some well-known shamans dedicate themselves fully to the role, especially those who are in high demand or teach others.
What is the most spiritual place in Nepal?
Nepal is filled with spiritually powerful places, but a few stand out:
Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu) – Sacred to Lord Shiva and central to Hindu faith.
Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu) – A major Buddhist site attracting pilgrims from around the world.
Lumbini – The birthplace of the Buddha and a center for peace and reflection.
Gosaikunda Lake – A holy high-altitude lake worshipped by both Hindus and shamans.
For many shamans, remote mountains and sacred forests are also considered spiritually powerful.
Which religion is shamanism?
Shamanism is not a religion in the traditional sense. It is a spiritual practice found across many cultures. In Nepal, it exists alongside Hinduism and Buddhism. Many shamans identify with these religions but still follow their traditional ways of working with spirits, nature, and ancestors.
What are the 7 stages of shamanic initiation?
Although each culture is different, a general path to becoming a shaman includes:
Calling – Through dreams, visions, or illness, the person is chosen.
Crisis – The person may experience suffering or sickness that cannot be explained.
Recognition – The community or elders recognize the person’s potential.
Training – The apprentice learns rituals, songs, and spiritual knowledge from a master.
Initiation – A formal ceremony marks their entry into the shamanic path.
Testing – They must prove their abilities through real healing and spirit work.
Practice – The shaman begins serving the community independently.
What are the powers of a shaman?
Shamans are believed to have special spiritual abilities, including:
Sensing or seeing spirits
Healing illness caused by spiritual imbalance
Guiding lost souls
Protecting people from curses or negative energy
Predicting events or giving guidance through divination
What is the number 9 in shamanism?
The number 9 holds symbolic meaning in many spiritual systems, often representing completeness or sacred cycles. In some Himalayan traditions, 9 can relate to specific steps in ritual, levels of consciousness, or sacred chants. However, its importance varies between regions and is not universal across all shamans.
What are the main beliefs of shamanism?
Everything in nature has a spirit—trees, rivers, animals, mountains.
Illness and misfortune often come from spiritual causes.
Spirits and ancestors can help or harm, depending on how they’re treated.
The shaman serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Balance and harmony must be maintained between people, nature, and spirits.
What are the two types of shamans?
Hereditary Shamans – Those born into a family of shamans and trained from a young age.
Spirit-Called Shamans – Those chosen later in life by spirits through visions, illness, or dreams, often unexpectedly.
Both types are respected, though their paths to becoming a shaman differ.
Why is Nepal so spiritual?
Nepal’s spirituality comes from its deep traditions, diverse cultures, and sacred geography. The Himalayas are seen as the home of gods and spirits. Its people still honor nature, ancestors, and rituals passed down for centuries. Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs mix together, making Nepal a land where the spiritual and everyday life are closely connected.
Who is the main god of Nepal?
Nepal doesn’t have just one “main” god due to its religious diversity. However:
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is especially important and widely worshipped.
In Buddhism, Lord Buddha and various Bodhisattvas are central.
In shamanic traditions, the focus is more on local spirits, nature deities, and ancestral forces rather than one supreme god.
Why is shamanism important?
Shamanism preserves ancient wisdom and connects people with forces that science can’t always explain. It helps communities heal, understand suffering, and live in balance with nature. In a rapidly modernizing world, shamanism reminds us of the spiritual roots that ground our humanity.
What god does shamanism worship?
Shamans don’t always worship gods the way formal religions do. Instead, they respect and work with many kinds of spiritual beings—nature spirits, ancestors, guardian deities, and local forces. In Nepal, shamans might invoke Hindu or Buddhist gods alongside traditional spirits during rituals.
What tools do shamans use?
Drum (Dhyāngro) – For calling spirits and entering trance
Mala (prayer beads) – For chanting and focus
Feathers, bells, or staff – For clearing energy
Offerings – Rice, flowers, or liquor to appease spirits
Clothing or masks – Worn during ceremonies for identity and protection
Can a shaman have a wife?
Yes, many shamans are married. Their family life often supports their work, especially during rituals or festivals. Being a shaman is not about renouncing life—it’s about serving people while staying spiritually connected.
Who is the enemy of the shamans?
The “enemy” in shamanic belief is not a person but disharmony—spiritual imbalance, forgotten ancestors, ignored rituals, or malevolent spirits. Shamans work to restore balance, not to fight in the traditional sense. Their role is to heal rather than to battle. When shamans encounter illness, misfortune, or emotional distress, they see these as symptoms of a deeper spiritual disconnection. The “enemy,” therefore, may manifest as lost souls, negative energies, or broken relationships between humans and nature, but ultimately, it is the disruption of harmony that they seek to correct. Through rituals, journeying, and communication with the spirit world, shamans aim to mend these fractures and restore balance within the individual and their community.
From: $285
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop transport as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation and breakfast
- guide and porters (Cook and sardar in the case of camping trek)
- National parks’ fees and government royalties
- Insurance of our trekking staff members
Cost Excludes
- International air ticket, airport tax and Nepal visa fees
- All kinds of drink during trekking and travel stay with us
- Travel insurance and cost of medical services of tourists
- All kinds of cloth and personal trekking equipment
- Other personal expenses and tips
- Charted helicopter, plane and other transports in case of emergency
Talk with a travel expert with more than a decade of experience and plan your adventure.
Gear List
Trekking Packing List
- 50L backpack
- Waterproof trekking boots and gaiters
- Warm clothes, down jacket, gloves, and trekking pants
- Wool/nylon socks and sandals
- Warm sleeping bag
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- 1L water bottle and snacks
- First-aid and repair kit
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Toiletries
- Important emergency phone numbers
- Sunglasses and spare glasses/contact lenses
- Raincoat and umbrella
- Pocket knife
- Camera
- Pen and paper
SUPPORT
Important Information before Your Trip to Nepal
Payment
Booking deposit: 15% of the total cost is required to confirm your reservation.
Balance payment: The remaining amount can be paid at our office after your arrival in Nepal.
Airport Arrival
Our representative will meet you at Kathmandu International Airport with a Nepal Mountain Lovers signboard. Please inform us in advance if your flight or arrival plans change.
Accommodation
In Kathmandu and other cities, accommodation is in tourist-standard hotels.
During trekking, accommodation is generally in teahouses/lodges or tents, depending on the route.
Twin rooms are standard. A single room is available at an additional cost.
Trekking Guide and Group
A professional trekking guide will lead your trip, supported by porters and other staff.
Maximum group size: 12 people.
An orientation will be provided before your trek.
Currency and Payments
USD, EUR, AUD and major international cards are commonly accepted in Nepal. ATMs are available in major cities.
Nepal Visa
A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport or from a Nepali embassy/consulate before travel. Please check the current visa fees and requirements before your trip.
Food and Drinking Water
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during the trek as included in your package. Local and continental food is available along most trekking routes.
Bottled and boiled water are available in many places. In remote areas, water may be treated with purification tablets or liquid.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can occur at high elevations. If you experience headache, dizziness, nausea, breathing difficulties or other symptoms, inform your guide immediately.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required. We strongly recommend insurance that covers trekking at your planned altitude, medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
Laundry
Laundry services are available in Kathmandu and other cities but are generally not available during trekking.
Luggage
You can take approximately 10 kg of personal luggage during the trek. Excess luggage can normally be stored safely at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, drinks, laundry and souvenirs are not included unless stated in your package.
Mount Everest Views
Everest can be viewed from several trekking routes in the Everest region. Other regions offer different spectacular Himalayan views.
Tips
Tips for guides, porters and other staff are optional but appreciated for good service.
Rules and Regulations
The remaining balance must be paid according to the agreed payment schedule. Failure to pay may result in cancellation of the trip without a refund.
If a major national emergency prevents travel before your arrival, we will discuss the available options with you. If an emergency occurs after your arrival, we will make reasonable efforts to keep you safe and may need to change the itinerary.
If government fees, permits or other mandatory costs increase after your booking, the additional cost may be payable by the traveler.
Any illegal, dangerous or seriously disruptive behavior may result in removal from the trip without a refund.
Please report any problems or complaints to your guide or our office as soon as possible so we can address them.
You are responsible for carrying and protecting your passport, visa, permits, insurance documents and other important travel documents throughout your trip.
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