During the adventure, you will explore the two prominent local religions:

• Buddhism
• Shamanism

Bringing the ancient, mystical traditions of Tibetan Buddhism to life in the surroundings they were first practised, is key to the experience and better understanding of these peaceful people. A Buddhist monk will join your group for the duration of the adventure and bring the religion to life. He will give a short talk each day while in the village, introduce you to different meditation techniques and explain many of the local rituals carried out in the monastery. This is by no means an intense Buddhist retreat and focuses on only an introduction and educational understanding of the subject. However, your monk is there for you should you wish to discuss topics in more length or spend more time individually studying the subject.

Dolma has formed an alliance with the Kopan Monastery , one of the leading monasteries in Nepal with unparalleled experience in teaching and leading retreats for Westerners. They provide the monk who will accompany your adventure. He will not only speak English, but perhaps more importantly will understand the Western mind in order to appropriately convey these Eastern concepts to a Western audience.

On the first day's tour of Kathmandu, you will visit the Kopan Monastery, and subject to availability, will be granted an audience with Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel, the head of the Kopan Monastery. You will also be shown the workings of the monastery and marvellous work done there in educating children from poor backgrounds.

As the groups are small, and the Kopan Monastery can teach at all levels and intensity, groups can arrange in advance to structure a more in-depth course.

Bridim has two gompas (temples) which are used to show certain rituals and deities of Tibetan Buddhism. You will be invited to observe or even participate in the many religious festivals that take place throughout the year, including Lhosar (Tibetan New Year) and the Full Moon festival every month. However, most meditation practice will be conducted in natural surroundings – with the Himalaya providing the ultimate backdrop for a transforming experience.

Shamanism is far older than Buddhism and is still very much alive in the Bridim region. Shamans allow spirits to enter their bodies and harness their power to cure people and give guidance and blessings. The Bridim Shaman lives in an isolated house about a two hour walk from Bridim. His visits to the village are greeted with great excitement by the villagers. You will witness his powers as he tries to cure villagers of ailments dressed in his colourful robes, feathered hat, bells and hand drum. As the spirit enters him, he shakes violently, completely mesmerised and claims not to remember the period while under the control of the spirit. You will be able to ask him questions directly, through our translators, and come to your own conclusions about this ancient and fascinating practice.