A Pilgrimage to Nepal and Maratika

Once you have completed the registration form, we will send you an email with the details for payment. A deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your place, with full payment due by 31 December 2026.

Refund Policy

Full refund for cancellations made six weeks or more prior to the departure date. For cancellations made less than six weeks before departure, the following cancellation fees apply: cancellations between 4 and 6 weeks prior to departure incur a non-refundable fee of 25% of the total tour cost; cancellations between 2 and 4 weeks prior to departure incur a non-refundable fee of 50%; cancellations less than 2 weeks prior to departure are non-refundable in full.

Additional Costs

Please be aware that for any refund or cancellation, regardless of the period, bank fees and payment system charges incurred for both the original transaction and the refund process will be your responsibility and will be deducted from the refunded amount.

Most nationalities, including UK, EU and US passport holders, can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport — the process is simple and quick, usually taking well under an hour. You will need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry with at least one blank page, a passport-sized photo, and the visa fee in cash (US dollars).

As of today, visa fees are USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days — a 15-day visa is sufficient for the length of this trip. You're welcome to apply in advance through the Nepali Embassy in your country instead, if you prefer. Please check current fees and requirements before travelling, as these are set by the Nepali government and can change.

This is an easy-going pilgrimage rather than a trekking trip, with walking on temple grounds, cobbled streets and some stairs across the Kathmandu Valley. The road journey to and from Maratika is long, around 7 to 8 hours each way, so a degree of comfort with extended travel by road is helpful.

At Maratika itself, the walk from the hotel to the main cave takes 10 to 15 minutes, along a path with a long staircase heading downhill. If walking this stretch would be difficult for you, we can arrange a jeep from the hotel to the cave entrance — just let us know in advance. On other days at Maratika, we visit further caves that involve somewhat longer walks, up to around 1 to 2 hours on foot over uneven hillside paths. For anyone unable to manage these longer walks, alternative arrangements can be organised, so please don't hesitate to tell us about any concerns when you register.

The retreat days involve extended periods of seated practice; camping chairs are provided in the caves for anyone who finds sitting on the floor uncomfortable.

We travel in March, generally a mild and pleasant time of year in Nepal. Expect warm, sunny days in Kathmandu and Maratika, with daytime temperatures around 20° to 24°C (68°–75°F), and noticeably cooler mornings and evenings, around 8° to 12°C (46°–54°F).

What to Pack

• Comfortable layers for warm days and cool evenings
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
• A hat and sunscreen for sun protection
• Modest, comfortable clothing for temples and the retreat
• Any personal medication, in its original packaging, with a copy of your prescription
• A UK-to-Nepal plug adapter (Nepal uses Type C, D and M plugs, 230V)

Before we set off for Maratika, we'll take you to Thamel, Kathmandu's shopping district, where you'll find trekking gear, clothing and pretty much anything else you might need for the trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Nepal. We recommend being up to date with your routine vaccinations, and it is worth discussing Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination with your GP or a travel health clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure, as these are commonly advised for travel to Nepal.

Please avoid tap water throughout the trip — stick to bottled or treated water, including for brushing your teeth. Please consult your doctor or a travel health professional for advice tailored to your individual health needs.

We suggest that all participants take out comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation and repatriation, for the full duration of the trip. While this is not obligatory, we strongly encourage you to arrange cover before departure, and to send us your policy details once you have purchased it.

Below are a few well-regarded providers to start your search; please compare cover carefully, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, as what suits one traveller may not suit another.

• True Traveller — a UK-based specialist popular for its flexibility around pre-existing medical conditions
• Staysure — UK-based, well suited to older travellers, with no upper age limit
• World Nomads — widely used internationally, with straightforward online quotes