Mustang Valley Journey
Save the Dates: Sept 9 - Sept 17, 2024
Where: Mustang Valley, Nepal
Optional Cultural Events on 17-18 Sept 2024
The Destination
Save the Date Sept 9-17 for a journey into the mystical Mustang Valley of Nepal, an adventure where ancient spirituality intertwines with the stunning 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 option to join the grand opening of the Shenten Thagye Ling Monastery and Cultural Center with Bon Monks and villagers in the Jomsom area.
Nestled between the towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges, deeper than the Grand Canyon, lies the Kali Gandaki Gorge. This breathtaking location is a sanctuary for the Bon Cave Yogis, who have long preserved the sacred Bön culture through their dedicated practices. The remoteness of this region has been a protective haven for these traditions, keeping the essence of the Cave Yogis' practices alive across the mountains.
The Mustang Bon Foundation is dedicated to revitalizing this ancient tradition and in collaboration with MindOnly are taking you on a journey with the Cave Yogi’s.
Once home to over 300 yogis, now only a handful of practitioners remain, persevering in their commitment to advanced yogic practices. These yogis endure challenging conditions, engaging in prolonged darkness retreats and mastering techniques like Tummo to endure sub-zero temperatures, all while maintaining a deep connection with the natural elements to harmonize their body and mind.
You will be stepping into the ancient Bon Kingdom of Zhangzhung, a pivotal place in Bön history and mythology. Here, you'll explore various active styles of meditation based on Tibetan Yoga and the Five Elements of Tibetan Shamanism: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. This journey is about more than just inner balance; it's about connecting with the vast openness of space under a clear sky, rejuvenating by sacred lakes, and grounding yourself amidst the mountains as you witness the sun rising over the hills.
This retreat is an active exploration, a chance to deeply connect with nature and immerse yourself in the ancient yogic traditions of the Bon. It's an opportunity to not just sit and meditate in a room, but to live and breathe the practices in the very caves and landscapes where they have flourished for centuries. Join us for this profound experience in the Mustang Valley, where every breath and step takes you closer to understanding the power and beauty of these ancient practices.
The Journey
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 Tibetan medicine assessment. This holistic evaluation sets the stage for balancing your elements throughout 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 Shintamani 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 4-6 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 7 to 8 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 9 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 with the grand opening of the Shenten Thagye Ling Monastery & Cultural Center with Bon Monks and villagers in the Jomsom area.
Meet the Guides
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Zhu La Rinpoche
from Lomantang
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Geshe Sonam
from Jomsom, Nepal
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Amchi Khedup
Tibetan Doctor
The Practice
Delve into a world of ancient wisdom and spiritual awakening. This transformative retreat includes:
Tibetan Medicine Assessment: Participants will receive personalized assessments based on traditional Tibetan medicine, providing insights into their individual health and wellbeing. This holistic approach considers physical, mental, and spiritual health, offering a unique perspective on personal health care.
Tibetan Yogic Practices: Learn and practice authentic Tibetan yogic techniques, designed to harmonize mind, body, and spirit. These practices, deeply rooted in ancient wisdom, offer a path to inner peace and physical well-being.
Five Elements and Connection to Nature: Explore the profound connection between the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space) and their influence on our lives. This segment of the journey emphasizes the deep bond we share with nature and how understanding these elements can lead to a more balanced and harmonious life.
Sacred Cave Exploration: Experience the spiritual essence of the Mustang Valley through visits to sacred caves. These caves are not just natural wonders but are revered as powerful meditation sites, where yogis have practiced for centuries. This experience offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Bon hermitage culture and its spiritual practices.
Date:
23/8/2019 -> 1/9/2019
Cost:
$10,000 Trip Cost (inc Helicopters)
$50,000 Donation
Location:
Dwarikas & Moksha Mustang
Following our successful 2019 retreat in Jomsom, Nepal, which united philanthropists and eminent figures, we're proud to announce that we have raised over $750k for the Shenten Thagye Ling Monastery. This funding has established the first stage of the monastery, marking a major advance in our mission. The retreat allowed the participants to explore the Bon tradition's sacred Atri practices via helicopter, revealing a deeply spiritual world.
Building on the success of Stage 1, which included establishing a medical clinic serving over 3000 locals annually and transforming a hotel into a children's hostel, we have laid the groundwork for more cultural and spiritual projects.
The Mustang Bon Foundation invites you to Mustang Valley. More than a spiritual retreat, it's a journey into the Bon tradition and Himalayan beauty, contributing to the preservation of a rich cultural heritage. Join us for this unique cultural and spiritual experience and the launch of Stage 2 of our Monastery and Cultural Center.
