Chumik Changchup Day Tour - 8 hrs

I travelled alone and for the first time to Nepal in the second half of August 2025 for 14 days. The theme of the trip was to visit the most important places from the spiritual and mystical point of view of the capital Kathmandu and the surrounding valleys, with particular regard to the places related to the arrival and spread of Vajrayana Buddhism. 

One of these was to arrive in Halesi, over 200km east of Kathmandu, to visit and meditate in the caves of Maratika and Manjushree. In the search for an agency to organize this part of the trip, I arrived at Nepal Kameleon of Mr. Khatiwada. Of the various contacts, she was the only one to respond clearly and quickly. We agreed easily within a few hours for the Namo Buddha, Yarinak, and Halesi (Maratika) itinerary to be done in 4 days and three nights with a jeep and driver. On the day of my arrival in Kathmandu, I met Mr. Kathiwada, with whom I had a very pleasant and long chat on the main theme of this trip, addressed with much competence on the historical and religious aspects of the great Indo-Tibetan traditions. Departure the next day, and although it was not provided for in the agreements, Mr. Kathiwada, however, accompanied me as a guide for the first day at the stops of Namo Buddha and Yarinak. Excellent experience and perfectly successful throughout its duration. 

I thank and strongly recommend this agency in general, but especially for the specific qualification in the enormous spiritual heritage present in Nepal. Before returning, I met again Mr. Kathiwada for a final greeting during which, together with her little daughter, we went to the Teej festival in Thamel Durbar Square on August 26. Again, he was helpful, open, and witty on every subject. A heartfelt thank you and goodbye.

First of all, I would like to thank Nepal Kameleon Holidays for organizing our tour through different Guru Rinpoche meditation caves. I didn't have a specific idea about these caves. Initially, I only knew Maratika Cave. Thank God, we communicated a lot and found out about these impressive caves. Our program went like this: 

First we did Namobuddha and Yarinak Cave and stayed overnight somewhere on the way to Maratika Cave. Second day, we visited Maratika Cave, Lower Cave, Manjushree Cave, Naga Cave, and the surroundings. Meditating in these caves filled with wonderful energy us. 

Then we came back to Kathmandu on the 4th day. The next day, we did Pharping Asura Cave, Yangleshoed Cave and explored the surroundings. As we wanted rest, it was the best choice for us. 

After that, we went to Chumik Changchup. This is an amazing place, located out of nowhere. The pristine nature is out of imagination. 

Our another part of the trip is equally magnificent. We drove to Lower Mustang, where we visited some monasteries in Marpha, Kagbeni and nearby. The newly built Bon Monastery near Kagbeni is the most delightful. We got to chance to explore the Bon Po culture, which existed before Tibetan Buddhism. Another monastery is near the Dhumba Lake. 

We four adults wnjoyed this trip beyond our imagination. Of course we had some difficulties due to the heavy traffic on the way, but everything was in the hand of the God. We were provided amazing service from the company. Bhanu, who has an abundant knowledge about the trip, culture and history guided us ans we are so glad about that. We are planning for Upper Mustang next time as we were out of budget and time for this time. 

Saverine and Team