What happened after dark in the mountains

Happy Wednesday,

One evening at Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Dhulikhel, just after dark, I walked barefoot through a meditation maze in the grass.

A Hindu shrine glowed by candlelight. Incense drifted through the air. A spiritual teacher guided the way. Somewhere beyond the ridge, hidden in the darkness, stood the Himalayas.

The feeling of being in a sacred place was so present it felt almost tangible.

I found myself thinking about that evening long after I returned home.

I still do.

That is one of the reasons I wanted to share this place with others.

From December 8 to 14, 2026, I will be leading a small group of sixteen guests through Kathmandu and the mountains above it. We will stay at Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu and Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Dhulikhel.

Along the way, we will visit sacred sites, spend time in places that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries, and create space to slow down and reflect.

You can read the full itinerary here.

Your trip also includes my online course Take a Shot at Happiness: A Happiness Explorer's Journey, valued at $997.

If you find yourself wondering whether this journey is right for you, I would love to have a conversation. I am happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether it feels like the right fit.

Your fellow Sojourner,

Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA

Maria Baltazzi

Founder of Sojourn Explorers
Happiness Explorer · Wellbeing Teacher
Emmy-Winning Producer · Award-Winning Author,
Take a Shot at Happiness


Partners

Ted Turner's Vermejo Nat Geo Expeditions Dwarika's Collection
Ponant Insight Timer Great Plains

Affiliations

Explorers Club TTC LTI Pure Life Connections Leader

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