Exploring the very ancient tradition of shamanism in Nepal proves to be an enriching experienceof its cultural heritage. The magic and mystique of shamanism spills into many areas of thelifestyle of the people and continues to represent some of the most elusive aspects of thisHimalayan kingdom.
This tour is not merely a visit to a village in Dhulikhel, it is an insight into the world of theshamans (jhakris), the religious practitioners (who are said to contact with the supernatural world)and are called upon to cure various diseases and sickness. Nepal’s Shamans belong to the ethnicgroups of the Tamang, Magar, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung people. At a time when there were nodoctors, hospitals in ancient times, it was the shamans who were called in to treat patients in thevillages. These practitioners were believed, by the village community, to be empowered to healby the connections with the supernatural. The healing process was thus translated throughrituals, the chanting of mantras, spiritual insights sent by the gods and herbal medicines acquiredfrom Mother Nature.
You will a village in Dhulikhel where people still call a shaman to cure the diseases. Theshamanism tour is all about visiting the shamans, the religious practitioners, who said to be intouch with the supernatural world. The shamans in many parts of Nepal play important role intreating those who are sick. Shamans do not only cure sick people but also perform a lot ofreligious ceremonies such as spirit possession, soul flight, ventriloquism and movement of objects.Animistic ceremonies are traditionally performed anywhere in Nepal, be it at a modern homey insuburban Kathmandu, a high mountain pass or a glade in a sacred forest.