Mustang Valley Journey
Save the Dates: Sept 9 - Sept 17, 2024
Where: Mustang Valley, Nepal
Optional Cultural Events on 18 Sept 2024
Journey with Cave Yogis
Save the Date Sept 9-17 2024 for a retreat into the mystical Mustang Valley of Nepal.
Embark on an adventure where ancient spirituality intertwines with the natural beauty of The Last Forbidden Kingdom. This experience will start in Jomsom and take you to Lo Manthang, a historically rich city that serves as the capital of the former kingdom. On September 18 you will have the option to join the grand opening of the Shenten Thagye Ling Monastery and Cultural Center with Bon Monks and villagers in the Jomsom area.
Our faculty with this unique experience is led in part by Zhula Rinpoche from Lubrak, also known as Yungdrung Gyaltsan of the Zhu Clan, who has an esteemed reputation in the Mustang Region. With an expertise in Shamanic Rituals, Dzhogchen and a lived experience in the hermitage caves for a 2 year period during the harsh Himalayan winters practicing Tummo and Vital Essence practices to stay alive.
The details of your journey include…
A Location and Heritage Experience: Journey to the Kali Gandaki Gorge, nestled between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges, a sanctuary deeper than the Grand Canyon. This breathtaking location is home to the Bon Cave Yogis and has long preserved the sacred Bön culture.
Authentic Tibetan Yogic Techniques: Learn and practice Tibetan yogic techniques that are deeply rooted in ancient wisdom for inner peace and physical well-being. These include Tsa Lung, Trul Kor, and Tummo breathing to harmonize mind, body, and spirit.
Personalized Bon Medicine Assessment: Receive individual health and well-being assessments based on traditional Tibetan medicine, considering physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
Five Elements Connection: Deeply explore the connection between the five elements and their influence on life, emphasizing the bond we share with nature for a balanced and harmonious life.
Sacred Cave Exploration: Discover the spiritual essence of Mustang Valley through visits to sacred caves, revered as powerful meditation sites with centuries of yogic practice, offering insight into the heart of Bon hermitage culture.
Revitalizing Ancient Traditions: In collaboration with MindOnly, the Mustang Bon Foundation invites you to rediscover the nearly lost practices of over 300 ancient yogis, now preserved by a handful of dedicated practitioners.
Exploring the Bon Kingdom of Zhangzhung: Step into a pivotal place in Bön history and mythology, exploring various active styles of meditation based on Tibetan Yoga and the Five Elements of Tibetan Shamanism: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space.
Connection with Nature: Experience a journey that goes beyond inner balance, connecting with the vast openness of space under clear skies. Feel yourself being rejuvenated by the sacred lakes and grounded amidst the mountains.
Active Exploration and Immersion: This retreat offers more than traditional meditation; it's an active exploration where you live and breathe the ancient yogic traditions of the Bon in the very caves and landscapes where they have thrived for centuries.
Meet the Faculty
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Zhula Rinpoche
from Lubrak also known as Yungdrung Gyaltsan of the Zhu Clan has an esteemed reputation in the Mustang Region. With an expertise in Shamanic Rituals, Dzhogchen and lived experience in the hermitage caves for over a 2 year period during the harsh Himalayan winters practicing Tummo and Vital Essence practices to stay alive. He is recognized as the reincarnation of Lama Tempa Gyaltasen who was renowned in the region for freeing the Royal Family with exorcisms and being appointed as the Royal Lhabon. He is an authentic Cave and Hermitage Yogi who has not only taught the practices but lived through experience. This is a unique opportunity for a heart-to-heart transmission with a true spiritual exemplar.
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Geshe Sonam
from Jomsom, Nepal received his training for the Geshe degree under the guidance of His Holiness the 33rd Menri Trizin, the Abbot of Bon Menri Monastery and lineage holder of the Yungdrung Bon spiritual tradition. Geshe Sonam served as personal assistant to His Holiness. Following the direction and continued guidance of His Holiness, Geshe Sonam translated many of the key texts in the Bon Dzogchen canon. In particular, he translated significant works from Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen Rinpoche.
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Amchi Khedup
is a Bon Doctor from Jomsom, Nepal he trained as a Bon monk, graduated with a Bachelor in Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery (BSRMS) from The Medical College of Sorig Bumzhi Menriling Menri Monastery in Dholanji, India. He now lives and works at MCEC. Prior to the clinic at MCEC, the nearest clinic was in Pokhara, which made treatment unavailable to the majority of villagers. In addition to providing everyday medical services, the clinic has been an invaluable community resource serving over 3000 patients a year.
The Schedule
Note: This schedule is indicative and may be adjusted based on our visits to local Bon communities and sacred sites. We aim to provide a flexible experience that aligns with the unique spiritual opportunities we encounter in Mustang Valley.
Day 1 begins in the tranquil town of Pokhara, where you'll start your retreat with a personalized Bon medicine assessment. This holistic evaluation sets the stage for balancing your elements for the rest of the week. You'll also have the chance to connect with fellow participants, creating a supportive group dynamic for the journey ahead. This day serves as a perfect preparation for your flight to Jomsom the following day, marking the start of your transformative experience.
Day 2-3 will see you settling into the luxurious Shinta Mani hotel in Jomsom, acclaimed by Conde Nast Traveler. This exquisite retreat, nestled amidst breathtaking mountain ranges, will be your haven as you immerse yourself in the local Bon culture. Here, under the guidance of the local Rinpoche and Geshe Sonam, you'll begin your spiritual practices. Your days will be enriched with gentle hikes or eBike rides to sacred sites in the region, deepening your connection with this ancient land and its traditions.
Day 4-5 of our retreat takes us along the scenic Kali Gandaki River, making stops in pivotal towns like Muktinath, Charang, and Chuksang. In each of these locations, you will have the opportunity to visit sacred sites, continuing your yogic practices in spaces that have been revered for centuries. These days are not only about spiritual practice but also about acclimatizing to the altitudes of approximately 3000 to 3300 meters.
Muktinath, known for its ancient temple and sacred waters, offers a unique blend of spiritual energy and natural beauty. Charang, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provides a deeper understanding of the local traditions. Chuksang, a quaint and picturesque village, serves as a gateway to some of the region's most revered spiritual sites.
Day 6-7 leads us to the enchanting Lo Manthang, often called The Last Forbidden Kingdom, nestled in the heart of Nepal. At the Royal Mustang Resort in this ancient city, you'll be surrounded by an aura of serenity that's perfect for deepening your practice. Lo Manthang, a walled city steeped in history, stands as a vibrant testament to Tibetan and Bon cultures. It's a place where time seems to stand still, preserving the essence of traditions and spiritual practices that have been passed down for generations. Here, amidst the mystical charm of monasteries and the echoes of ancient rituals, you'll connect with a unique spiritual heritage that continues to thrive in the seclusion of the Himalayas. This leg of the journey in Lo Manthang is not just a visit to a historic location; it's an immersion into a living, breathing culture where every corner tells a story of faith and endurance.
Day 8 offers a flexible conclusion to your journey. You have the choice of a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, where you can reflect on your transformative experiences, or you may opt to continue your spiritual practices in Jomsom. This day also presents the opportunity to participate in the grand opening of the Shenten Thagye Ling Monastery & Cultural Center with Bon Monks and villagers in the Jomsom area.
Our Previous Journeys
Previous Retreat Details:
Mustang: Shinta Mani Hotel
Kathmandu: Dwarikas Hotel
Faculty: Zhu La Rinpoche & Geshe Sonam
Dates: 20 - 31 August 2019
In 2019, our retreat in Jomsom, Nepal, brought together philanthropists and prominent figures, culminating in an extraordinary achievement: raising over $700,000 for the development of the Shenten Thagye Ling Monastery. This significant contribution enabled the initiation of the monastery's first phase, significantly forwarding our mission. The retreat offered a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the sacred Atri practices of the Bön tradition and the exploration was facilitated by helicopter tours, providing an unparalleled view and experience of the deeply spiritual landscape.
The initial phase of our project saw remarkable accomplishments, including the establishment of a medical clinic that now serves over 3,000 locals every year. Additionally, we successfully transformed a local hotel into a hostel for children, thereby making a substantial impact on the community.
Building upon this momentum, the Mustang Bön Foundation is excited to extend an invitation to the Mustang Valley. This is not just a spiritual retreat; it's a profound journey into the heart of the Bön tradition, immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. Our endeavor goes beyond personal enrichment; it actively contributes to the preservation and celebration of a rich cultural heritage.
We are now poised to launch Stage 2 of our project, which encompasses the further development of our Monastery and Cultural Center. We encourage you to join us in this unique blend of cultural and spiritual exploration. Be part of this extraordinary journey and witness firsthand the growth and impact of our initiatives in this remarkable region.
