From December 1, 2025 to Dezember 20. The costs include domestic transportation, meals, and accommodation. Please note that flight tickets, as well as donations/offerings/DANA for temple facilities, Sangha members, Dharma teachers, and/or charity projects are not included in the stated costs.

Instruction, retreats, and exchanges will be conducted in German and English. We will mainly practice the Silent Illumination method from the Chan tradition.

Mardi Himal Base Camp is located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters above sea level in the Annapurna region of Nepal. For participants in the trek who have health conditions such as asthma or are sensitive to high altitudes, it is planned that they will remain at the High Camp, situated at around 3,580 meters. This altitude already provides impressive views while reducing the risk of altitude-related complications.

Modul 3: India 8 Days

Total cost (143€ Modul 1 + 410€ Modul 2 + 125€ transportation cost + 496€ Modul 3) for participation from December 1, 2025, to December 20, 2025: €1.204 (excluding flight ticket, offerings, and donations)

Estimated additional costs and recommended voluntary donations:

• Round-trip flight ticket: €600-850
• International health insurance: dependent on the plan
• Recommended donation per temple facility: €50
• Donation to charity projects: €50
• Donation to charity base camp: €50-100
• Any additional donations: on a voluntary basis
• Donation to the Vien Lac community and/or Dharma teacher: On a voluntary basis
• Personal needs: €200-300

Travel/Departure and Visa

On December 1, 2025, and December 10, 2025, a shuttle bus will take you to and from the airport. Those who are participating in one or more modules will arrange their own travel to the retreat location and the airport.

A Visa On Arrival can be applied for upon landing at the airport in Nepal.
https://www.immigration.gov.np/en/page/visa-on-arrival

15 days: $30

30 days: $50

90 days: $125

For more information about the visa:
https://de.nepalembassy.gov.np/visa/

Current information from the Foreign Office in Nepal:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/laender/nepal-node/nepalsicherheit-221216

The Vien Lac community organizes this pilgrimage in collaboration with the charity organization WeVolunteerNepal.

Rules for Pilgrimage

1. Walk lightly

Reduce your luggage to the essentials. We all travel with backpacks only. Pack comfortable clothing for all weather conditions; long trousers, long-sleeved shirts that cover the back, chest, and stomach well—even when sleeping, thermal underwear, trekking shoes, thick winter jacket. Avoid using perfumed personal care products.

2. Walk mindfully

When you walk consciously, you learn to accept the path as it is. Entertainment through television, radio, magazines, newspapers, music, the internet, smartphones, etc. is prohibited. Try to limit all activities that distract you and others from practice. Avoid any discussions on topics not related to practice and teachings. During the practice times/retreats we practice noble silence.

3. Walk pure

Consumption of meat and fish, smoking, consumption of alcohol or any drugs is prohibited during the entire pilgrimage.

4. Walk with good friends

During the pilgrimage, we stay with good Dharma friends. Do not separate from the group or go alone.

5. Walk long

Experiences from mental training take time. The longer you can participate continuously in a retreat or the pilgrimage, the better. Try to limit interruptions to the practices and methods provided by the Dharma teachers.

6. Walk committed

Attend all activities during the day, whether practice, learning, eating, or working, always on time. Eat only during the main meals.

7. Walk gratefully

Be aware of the merits and offerings that allow us to organize this pilgrimage. We will spend most of our time in temple facilities. Practice gratitude and generosity.

*DISCLAIMER
The pilgrimage is not a therapy for psychological disorders and is not a substitute for it. We are not responsible for the emergence and treatment of psychological problems. We do not take responsibility for valuables and for issues arising from the consumption of the food provided. Participants’ insurance is responsible for illnesses and accidents.

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Registration:
By registering, I accept the rules for the pilgrimage. If I must cancel at short notice and cannot find anyone to take my place for the pilgrimage, I will pay the costs.