The Art of Awakening – A spiritual and artistic retreat in Nepal

The Art of Awakening – A spiritual and artistic retreat in Nepal

What will you see on this journey?

Date: November 2nd to 11th, 2026

Location: Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur – Nepal

Experience 9 days of immersion in a village near Kathmandu, opposite the Temple of Vishnu (Changu Narayan Temple).

A Thangka art course with local masters, daily meditation, and cultural excursions.

We're going with a group to Nepal to experience the sacred art of Thangka firsthand. For 9 days, you'll learn from local artists how to paint on cotton fabric using mineral pigments like gold, lapis lazuli, and malachite, exactly as this practice has been passed down for centuries.

Thangka is not just painting: it's a form of visual meditation that trains the mind in concentration, awakens inner clarity, and connects with subtle states of presence. Each stroke is a practice, each color carries a symbol, and the entire process becomes a path of mindfulness and silence.

Learning this art is like opening a portal between spiritual practice, beauty, and ancestral wisdom. Ideal for those seeking self-knowledge, creative expression, depth, and connection with living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Place

Kathmandu Valley

One of the most spiritually rich regions in the world, where Hindu and Buddhist traditions have coexisted for over two thousand years.

Ancient temples, monasteries, and stupas are part of daily life, creating an environment where spirituality is lived out every day.

Bhaktapur

A preserved medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Known for its temples, artisans, and devotional atmosphere, Bhaktapur offers an ideal environment for contemplation, art, and inner work.

Bhaktapur, the cultural jewel of Nepal, is a place full of history, art, and charm. This city is a treasure trove of beauty, brimming with majestic temples, stunning palaces, and impressive sculptures that transport you to another era.

Accompanied by a specialized guide, we will discover the deepest secrets of this architectural marvel, learning about its history and the cultural legacies that shaped its unique identity. We will stroll through its cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful craftsmanship the city has to offer.

Thangka's school is located opposite Changu Narayan Temple.

Changu Narayan Temple is a Hindu temple situated on a hilltop, also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple is surrounded by a champaca forest and the small village of Changu, in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal. It is located 20 km east of Kathmandu and 7 km north of Bhaktapur.

The Manahara River runs alongside the temple hill, which is a sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and especially revered by Hindus. It is considered the oldest temple in Nepal and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forming part of the Kathmandu Valley site.

The Art of Thangka

Thangka is a traditional sacred painting technique from Tibet and Nepal, practiced for centuries in Buddhist monasteries.

More than an artistic technique, it is a form of meditation in action . Each line, symbol, and color follows spiritual proportions and traditional iconography.

During the painting process, the practitioner cultivates:

• presence
• -patience
• -humility
• -devotion

This practice allows the mind to calm down and awareness to deepen.

Benefits of the practice

The artistic and contemplative experience of Thangka fosters:

- deep concentration and mental clarity

- nervous system regulation

- strengthening intuition

- symbolic and spiritual understanding

- creative discipline and presence

- a feeling of inner harmony

Retreat Program

November 2nd: Arrival and integration of the group.

November 3rd: Thangka Course – Day 1

November 4th: Thangka Course – Day 2

November 5th: Thangka Course – Day 3

November 6th: Excursion to Bhaktapur and outdoor painting.

November 7th: Thangka Course – Day 4

November 8th: Thangka Course – Day 5

November 9th: Thangka Course – Day 6

November 10th: Exploring the village and integrating the group.

November 11: Departure

Teachers and Masters

Participants learn directly from masters of Thangka painting , some with over 30 to 50 years of experience in this artistic tradition.

The course is held in partnership with the Thangka Sunapati School of Painting , founded in 1998 in the temple village of Changu Narayan , near Bhaktapur.

The school also contributes to the preservation of cultural tradition and to the livelihood of local artists and families.

Facilitators

Ju Varella @juvarella

Artist with degrees in Advertising from ESPM and Fine Arts from the University of the Arts London.

Creator of the Watercolor & Creative Unblocking method , which uses painting as a tool for emotional transformation and authentic expression.He has already conducted workshops for thousands of students and various companies in Europe and Brazil.

Ciza Sátia @3inbalance

A facilitator whose career is marked by cultural and spiritual experiences around the world. Their approach invites participants to look beyond appearances and connect with deeper dimensions of the human experience.

Accommodation

Participants stay in a space surrounded by nature.

Accommodation features:

- shared double rooms

- simple and welcoming environment

- spaces for rest and reflection

- peaceful and safe atmosphere

The environment fosters connection, integration, and interaction among participants.

Retreat experience

The journey combines art, meditation, and cultural immersion in sacred spaces.

- Thangka painting course with materials (6 days)

- 9 nights' accommodation in a double room

- Guided tour and entrance to Bhaktapur

- PDF study guides (English)

- Support during your stay

- Transfer to the location

- Simultaneous translation

- Support and group on WhatsApp

Optional activities

- Traditional incense making

- Nepalese cooking workshop (Momo)

more info:

• Pdf
• email: info@3inbalance.com
• whatsapp: https://wa.me/31643260420/

What's included

- Thangka painting course (6 days)

- all art and study materials

- 9 nights accommodation

- daily meditations

- Watercolor class and creative unlocking.

- Transfer from Kathmandu to the retreat location.

guided tour of Bhaktapur

- Support and guidance during the retreat.

visit to Boudhanath Stupa and Monkey Temple

guided tour of Changu Narayan village

- Translations in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Not included

- International flight: Depends on the departure location. We will be available to help you find the best flight to Nepal.

- Meals: On-site meals cost approximately €8.50 to €9 per person per day , including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

- Visa ( 15 days: USD 30)

- additional local transport

- personal donations