Caer ~ Sidi

Itinerary for "Tibetan Chod Shamanic Healing and Divination"

Week One

Day On the agenda

1. Fly from Europe or USA to KTM (Nepal).
2. Transfert TIA airport to the Bouddhanath Guesthouse: HOTEL PADMA (direct view on Stupa).
3. (morning) Introduction to the site of Bouddhanath Stupa, its Tibetan monasteries, and to the Kathmandu Valley power places, presentation of the program facilitators. Briefing on the agenda, trekking permits, visas and logistics.
   (afternoon) Visit of Bouddhanath sites of interest.
   (evening) First meeting with the Chod Tibetan gNakpa Lama (Dudjom, Jadral, Khyentse lineages), or Ayurvedic and Shaman healers.
4. (morning) Downtown visit to Immigration Office (passport ready) for getting TREKKING PERMIT (process), also identification of major banks, airlline office and consulat/embassy.
   (afternoon) Presentation of the Boddhanath PHC Clinic (Dr. Tsering / MBBS), and Amchi Jampa
   Tibetan Clinic, including the Tibetan Medicines factory.
   (evening) Introduction talk on ethno- medecine and anthropology research with Dr. R. P. Gartoulla (RECID NGO - Tribhuvan University / Institute of Medicine : TU/IOM), briefing on the Chinese Visa for Tibet (5 days min. process).
5. Early morning drive\out of the valley to Pharping and to Dashinkhali, introduction to the legend of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava), visit to Pharping Gompas (monasteries) and interview with a high lama, introduction on the relations between Tibetan Buddhism and Traditional Medicines.
6. Breakfast in Thamel/Kathmandu, visit to Kunphen Tibetan Medical Center in Chettrapatti. Discussions with Amchi Kunsang Dorje, Amchi Kunsang, Amchi Kelsang, Gynendra Shrestha or Karma Dolma, depending on staff avalability.
7. Morning drive around Kathmandu valley historical places: Swayambunath Stupa and the surrounding monasteries, Thamel, the heart of ancient Kathmandu, the old Royal Palace,
   the Kumari Chowk, Patan Durbar Square.
   Late afternoon meeting with Banstolla, Chettri Shama Healer and walk down to Pashupatinath, rituals and healing practices.

Week Two

Day On the agenda

8. Morning drive to Bhaktapur, sightseeing to Namo Bouddha and Sanghu Narayan. Visit to Badgaon Thangka painters and handicraft artists.
9. (morning) Tibetan Healing Paradigm.
   (afternoon) Shamanistic Healing Practices.
10. (morning) Tibetan Materia Medica herbs documents.
    (afternoon) Ayurvedic Medicines.
11. (morning) Diagnosis methods in Tibetan Medicine: concept of rLung, Tripa ,Bad-Kan.
    (afternoon) Debriefing for the preparation/departure next day (6 days TREK).
12. Tamang Shaman Village Trek (1):
    departure by bus to Kalinchok (4Hours), Lunch in Barabise, ascending Trek (3Hours1/2) to Karthali, camp overnight. Meeting local Shamans.
13. Tamang Shaman Village Trek (2):
    trek from Karthali to Ghortali Village. On the way sightseeing forest, beautiful landscape. Evening Camp at Ghortali and practice with Drum, introduction to the Rituals of the Shamans Altar.
14. Tamang Shaman Village Trek (3):
    trek from Ghortali to Kalinchokthan, the most important Village for Tamang Shamans: most Shamans of Nepal meet there during the August Full Moon. Great view of the Himalayan Range. Discussions with Shamans on Rituals and Sacrifices.

Week Three

Day On the agenda

15. Tamang Shaman Village Trek (4):
    shamanism and casestudies in Kalinchok.
16. Tamang Shaman Village Trek (5):
    trek (descending) from Kalinchok to Deurali.
17. Tamang Shaman Village Trek (6):
    return by bus from Deurali to Bouddhanath.
18. (morning) Free.
    (afternoon) Workshop on Shaman Village experiential, debate on concepts: Shamans healing practrices and comparative efficacy with Tibetan, Ayurvedic and Allopathic systems, with Dr. Gartoulla, Amchi Jampa,
    Dr. Tsering, Banstolla and Ch. Subba.
19. (morning) Presentation of some Medicinal Samples.
    (afternoon) Free.
20. (morning) Workshop.
    (afternoon) Free.
21. Workshop/Preparation fly to Tibet, next day or fly back to Europe or USA.