Located in the faraway hills from the Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel in Central Nepal offers an awesome experience of one of Nepal’s most interesting cultural-cum spiritual worlds. An exotic world inhabited by divinities, ghosts and spirits. We are talking here about the esoteric landscape of shamanism, presided over by the local jhakri or religious practitioner, who plays a pivotal role in not only the spiritual concerns of the villagers but also their physical and mental matters.
By tradition Nepal’s shamans hail from its ethnic communities such as the Tamang, Gurung, Rai, Magar and Limbu, who have for centuries been associated with these otherworldly practices. The shamans also known as dhamis are held in awe and veneration for their unique connection with the paranormal world as oracles/spirit mediums by Nepalese across the board regardless of their social status in urban or rural Nepal.
A curated tour to Dhulikhel offers a rare chance to explore this world and mingle with the villagers during an authentic animistic ceremony presided over by the jhakri with time-worn rituals and mantra chanting. Back in the day, when this remote spot was too far away from modern medical facilities it was the shaman who would play healer with medicinal herbs and plants etc drawn from Mother Nature
But there’s another side of Dhulikhel, away from the world of religious ceremonies for spirit possession, soul flight, ventriloquism, that you must experience. With its modern luxury trappings Dwarika’s Resort is a unique retreat which has taken some of the best aspects of rural living and woven them into a staycation offering of the finest standards of travel and cultural experiences.
The contemplative environs offer a perfect base for relaxing and recouping your physical wellbeing and spirits. It offers compelling inspirations to set forth to explore and immerse yourself in the cultural and community riches of these rural expanses.
The resort itself has been built on the auspicious guidelines of the Vedic traditions of architecture with materials sourced directly from Nature…wood, stone, earth. It leans heavily towards sustainable living practices such as water re-harvesting, mindful waste management, greywater treatment and recycling and the like.
The rooms themselves are lovely with Himalayan views and starry skies. The Royal Suite which opens up gorgeous vistas, accommodates a private kitchen, a chef (on request) and a private hot tub. The Executive Suites with Terrace offer cozy outdoor living areas inspired by nature and feature super luxurious bathrooms. You can, alternately, plump for an Executive Suite with a private garden.
Guests can also avail of the free services like the in-house Himalayan Salt Room, the Crystal House, the Chakra Sound Therapy Chamber, the Garden of Nine Planets, a group Pottery Session as well as the group Cine Therapy Session or the Art and Painting Session. You can also visit a farm and sign up for a free consultation with the Ayurvedic Doctor.
Dwarika's food principles are rooted in 5 core elements - Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Less Travelled, which are wedded together to provide guests an authentic experience of natural and wholesome food. Ingredients are sourced locally from its own eco-organic farms. A unique culinary experience to share is at the Mako’s Zen Restaurant where you can sample meals inspired by Japanese Zen Buddhist cuisine in a manner that appeases your appetite in a disciplined and nutritious way.
On your next visit to Nepal do plan travelling to Dhulikhel where you will find inspirational experiences to load up on stories and memories for another day.