The Shang Shung Institute U.K. and the Museum of Oriental Art and Culture (MACO) are pleased to present the report of the Maratika and Kathmandu Valley 2025 tour. On our sixteen day trip, we explored the bazaars and ancient temples around Kathmandu, Maratika to the sacred caves where the great master Guru Padmasambhava. We learned about three mediaeval kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur as well as the sacred site of Pharping. On the occasion we have hoisted 7000 prayer flags (lungtas) for all the people who ordered them from around the world in occasion of the beginning of the Tibetan new lunar year of the wood snake.
Places we visited
FULL ITINERARY
Itinerary
(The tour will be led by Jamyang Oliphant, Jacobella Gaetani and a local guide)
DAY 1 - 25th Feb
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Tokyi Guest House in Boudhanath.
Small tour, exploration of Boudhanath Stupa, monasteries, temples, shopping.
Optional massage.
Welcome dinner and a brief presentation of the trip.
DAY 2 - 26th Feb
Day Visit to Pharping (about 20km from Kathmandu).
Padmasambhava Cave and Vajra Yogini Temple.
Back to Kathmandu.
DAY 3 -27th Feb
Triten Norbutse Bön monastery, admire masked dance ceremony.
Swayambhu stupa and hill.
DAY 4 - 28th Feb
Tour of Kathmandu, Durbar square, Bijesvari Vajra Yogini temple, lunch in Thamel, shopping at Asan Thole traditional market.
DAY 5 -1st March
Early departure to Maratika (Haleshi) East Nepal – whole day drive crossing two Himalayan rivers.
Evening arrival at Haleshi, transfer to the Padma Hotel.
Please note: all meals in Maratika are included in the price (vegetarian, simple yet healthy).
DAY 6 (2nd March) until Day 13 (9th March)
Group meditation practice, exploring the various caves, hoisting lungta flags, practicing yoga and breathing exercises.
DAY 14- 10th March
Return to Kathmandu.
DAY 15 -11th March
Bhaktapur, Unesco site, famous for its architecture.
Pathan-Pathan museum, artists atelier, Mahabodhi temple.
Optional morning flight to see mount Everest.
Last minute shopping.
DAY 16 -12th March
Departure.
Shang Shung Institute UK, a non profit institute, connects people for the support of Tibetan and Himalayan culture in person & online.
Shang Shung UK Ltd.
Lekdanling, Unit B
14 Collent Street
London, E9 6SG