Ancient wisdom · Sacred reciprocity · Shared intention
The Aegis
A living shield of protection and alignment.
The Aegis is envisioned as a living field of protection held by the masters of the Andes and the Himalayas, in partnership with all who carry it into their lives, families, vocations, and service to the world.
The story of the Aegis began with a Solstice ceremony in the holy mountains in Peru. The shamans’ mesas gather ancestral wisdom; the Andes and Himalayas stand as guardians of a shared intention. Launched in the year 2000 for the healing of the Earth. Relaunched in 2026 to protect the healers.
The masters meet in nature temples at each full moon. Members are invited to join in three minutes of meditation every full moon.
Belonging
A relationship, held with care.
I
Prepare
Membership is limited. A mesa or the rites received through Four Winds are recommended in the Aegis tradition for full participation.
II
Receive
Once enrolled, members receive two polished stainless steel spheres and a solid bronze staff engraved with nine grooves.
III
Participate
The Aegis practice includes enrollment in its register and activation at the next solstice, with continued full-moon and solstice ceremony.
What you receive
The Spheres
Two polished stainless steel spheres, connected through ceremony to the shamans’ mesas, the Holy Mountain, and the prayers of the Himalayan lamas. Within the tradition, they represent feminine and masculine balance and sacred reciprocity, or ayni.
The Staff
A solid bronze staff with nine grooves marking the Nine Rites of the Munay-Ki. Inspired by the staff of the first Inka, it serves as a symbol of sovereignty and of walking in balance between the visible and invisible worlds.
Choose the field that meets your life
Four levels of participation.
Confirm current pricing, availability, and membership terms with the office before enrolling.
SHS members only
Expeditions & Courses
Enter sacred landscapes. Learn from living traditions.
Expeditions
Three paths into the sacred
Expedition 01 · Peru
Holy Mountain of Ausangate
April 14–23 Year to be confirmed
A rigorous journey into the Andes, with three days of hiking and time in the company of medicine men and women.
From Kathmandu to Lo Manthang through Mustang’s wind-carved landscapes. Mountain flights, private vehicles, short optional walks, and two full spa days in Dhulikhel.
Discover the monasteries of the Indus and Sham valleys, with Nubra Valley when conditions allow. Private vehicles, short optional hikes, and two quiet spa days in Leh.
An expedition to the legendary birthplace of the Inka, the places of origin, and the Holy Mountain of Ausangate. Journey through the high Andes in the company of medicine men and women, with time for ceremony, offerings, and the transmission of the high Karpays—the rites of passage.
After acclimating in the Sacred Valley, we visit ancient citadels and explore the mythic practices of origin and originality. We then travel toward Ocongate and the hot springs at the foot of Ausangate, where the shamans meet us for our mountain pilgrimage.
Our path leads toward Azul Cocha, the Blue Lagoon, accompanied by our full kitchen crew. Amid snow-covered Apus, we bring our offerings and receive the gifts of the mountain. The final mountain day includes an optional journey to the Rainbow Lagoon with “the caretaker of the rainbow,” before returning to the Sacred Valley.
This is a very rigorous and challenging expedition. Participants must be fit and prepared for three days of mountain hiking, as well as the site walks earlier in the program. The mountain journey is planned at approximately 11,000–17,000 feet; the final campsite and elevations will be confirmed by the expedition team.
Maukallaqta · Memory of the first ancestorsKillarumiyok · The carved Moon Stone
April 14–23, 2027
The journey, day by day.
Our Sacred Valley hotel base is near the Urubamba River, at approximately 2,857 meters / 9,373 feet. Allow time to rest, hydrate, and acclimate.
DAY01
April 14, 2027
Arrive in Cusco · Sacred Valley
Welcome to Peru and the lush Sacred Valley, cradle of the Inka and home to ancient wisdom keepers. Transfer to our hotel and settle in.
DAY02
April 15, 2027
Puma Orqo · Womb of the Earth
The legendary emergence place of the Ayar ancestors, Puma Orqo is a threshold between darkness and daylight. Here, the origin story becomes an invitation to emerge from the depths and begin our own sacred journey.
DAY03
April 16, 2027
Maukallaqta · Memory of the First Ancestors
In the quiet hills of Pacaritambo, Maukallaqta holds the memory of the Inka beginnings. Its silent plazas invite us to imagine the ancestors setting out toward Cusco, carrying the promise of a world still waiting to be born.
DAY04
April 17, 2027
Killarumiyok · Moon Stone
In the high plains of Anta, we do our practice beside a carved moon associated with Mama Killa, the lunar mother. This sanctuary invites us to listen to the rhythms of darkness and renewal—and remember that when the light disappears, it is gathering strength for its return.
DAY05
April 18, 2027
Ancasmarca · Above Calca
A challenging hike to ancient stone circles. The region’s flood legend tells of a mountain rising with the waters to shelter a shepherd and his children—a teaching of the earth protecting the seeds of a new humanity.
DAY06
April 19, 2027
Sacred Valley · Preparing the offering
A despacho ceremony to prepare for our journey to the Holy Mountain. The day’s final arrangements will be shared by the expedition team.
DAY07
April 20, 2027
Mt Ausangate · The Blue Lagoon
Depart very early by vehicle for Ocongate, then continue toward Pachanta Pampa at the foot of the Holy Mountain. Journey to our Blue Lagoon camp for lunch and ceremony. Our kitchen crew prepares the mountain meals. First night camping.
DAY08
April 21, 2027
Mt Ausangate · Ceremony & the high Karpays
A day of ceremony and the transmission of the rites of passage in the presence of the Holy Mountain. Second night camping.
DAY09
April 22, 2027
Rainbow Lagoon · Return to the Sacred Valley
Some of us hike to Alca Cocha, the Rainbow Lagoon, described in the expedition plan as nearly 17,000 feet. We remain long enough for a blessing ceremony and the rites of the Holy Mountain. Horses are available for those unable to hike this section; arrangements should be confirmed with the team. Return to our Sacred Valley hotel in the afternoon, with evening arrival.
DAY10
April 23, 2027
Rest & departure
A free morning to rest. The program ends after lunch. Depart for the airport or spend an additional day relaxing at the hotel. Extra hotel nights are not included and must be booked separately, directly through Expedia.
Participation
A demanding mountain pilgrimage.
Open only to graduates or students who have a personal altar or mesa.
This rugged expedition includes two nights of high-altitude camping and extensive hiking. Tents are provided; bring your own sleeping bag, air mat, and personal camping gear.
Emergency med-evac vehicle available in the mountains
Oxygen and first aid on hand throughout the expedition
Full kitchen crew and all mountain meals
Confirm the campsite elevation and evacuation access with the team before booking. Vehicle evacuation depends on reaching an accessible road.
Mt Ausangate · Conditions
Reserve your place.
Double occupancy$3,450
Single occupancy$3,950
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to secure your spot.
What’s included
Tents for the two mountain camping nights
Hotel accommodations in first-class hotels
Hotel taxes and service charges
Airport transfers and luggage handling
Daily full buffet breakfast
Picnic lunches at archaeological sites
All meals during the mountain portion
Bring your own sleeping bag, air mat, and personal camping gear.
Roommate requests
If you would like a roommate, please let us know and we will make an effort to match you with one. If a suitable roommate is unavailable, you will be responsible for the single-occupancy supplement.
A journey through Ladakh’s monasteries, desert valleys, and living traditions. Short walks, private vehicles, and time to meet the mystery of the mountains.
In Ladakh, monasteries rise from bare mountain ridges, prayer wheels turn beside village paths, and the Indus winds through a landscape of extraordinary stillness.
Travel from Leh through the Sham Valley to Alchi and Lamayuru, then cross into Nubra if conditions allow. Explore on short, optional walks, with private vehicles for the longer distances. Every night is in a hotel or lodge—no camping or horseback riding.
The journey begins with 48 hours of rest at altitude and ends with two full days to unwind in Leh.
01 / Lamayuru · Monastery & moonscape02 / Alchi · A living tradition03 / Nubra · The mountain desert
October 6–17 · The proposed journey
Twelve days. Space to wonder.
Walking is optional. Driving times are planning estimates and exclude sightseeing stops. The year remains to be confirmed.
DAY01
October 6 · Delhi → Leh
Arrive among the mountains
Fly to Leh and transfer directly to your hotel. At approximately 3,500 meters, the journey begins with rest. There is no sightseeing or hiking today.
THE PACEFlight approximately 1½ hr · Airport transfer · RestOVERNIGHTLeh · The Grand Dragon proposed
DAY02
October 7 · Leh
A quiet day to acclimatize
Remain at the hotel and complete the initial 48-hour acclimatization period. Read, enjoy the mountain views, and meet your guide for a gentle briefing. No excursions are scheduled.
THE PACEFull rest day · No hiking or altitude gainOVERNIGHTSame Leh hotel
DAY03
October 8 · Leh → Thiksey → Hemis → Leh
Monasteries of the Indus Valley
After at least 48 hours at altitude, and only if feeling well, visit Thiksey and Hemis. Discover their art and living traditions with your guide. Attend prayers only if locally permitted and scheduled.
THE PACEDrive approximately 2½–3½ hr total · Optional 30–60 min walking, split across visitsOVERNIGHTSame Leh hotel
DAY04
October 9 · Leh → Alchi / Uleytokpo
The painted world of Alchi
Follow the Indus west, stopping at viewpoints before exploring Alchi’s temple complex and village. Allow time for the paintings and stories, respecting local photography restrictions. Continue to your lodge in the Sham Valley.
THE PACEDrive approximately 2–3 hr, plus visits · Optional 30–45 min village walkOVERNIGHTHeated lodge in Alchi / Uleytokpo · approximately 3,000–3,200 m
DAY05
October 10 · Sham Valley → Lamayuru → Sham Valley
The monastery above the moonscape
Travel to Lamayuru, where pale eroded hills surround an extraordinary monastic settlement. Explore accessible courtyards, hear local traditions, and take a short viewpoint walk before returning to the same lodge.
THE PACEDrive approximately 3–4 hr return · Optional 45–60 min walkingOVERNIGHTSame Sham Valley lodge
DAY06
October 11 · Sham Valley → Likir → Leh
Village paths and mountain silence
Visit Likir Monastery and enjoy a locally selected village or field walk in the Sham Valley. Choose a manageable section with vehicle pickup, then return to Leh for the night.
THE PACEDrive approximately 2–3 hr, plus stops · Optional 60–90 min guided hikeOVERNIGHTLeh · The Grand Dragon proposed
DAY07
October 12 · Leh → Khardung La → Nubra
Beyond the mountain pass
Travel by private 4WD across Khardung La toward Nubra, subject to road and weather clearance. Keep any stop at the high pass brief. Descend to the valley and settle into a heated lodge near Hunder or Diskit.
THE PACEDrive approximately 5–6 hr, possibly longer · No hiking at the passOVERNIGHTNubra Valley · approximately 3,100 m
DAY08
October 13 · Diskit & Hunder
A valley of dunes and devotion
Visit Diskit’s monastery and Maitreya viewpoint, using vehicle access where possible. Later, enjoy a gentle walk beside Hunder’s dunes or through village lanes. The afternoon remains flexible for rest.
THE PACELocal drives approximately 1–2 hr total · Optional 45–60 min walkingOVERNIGHTSame Nubra lodge
DAY09
October 14 · Nubra → Leh
Return through the high country
Return to Leh as road conditions permit. Arrive with time to settle back into your hotel. Avoid adding another major excursion to this travel day.
THE PACEDrive approximately 5–6 hr, possibly longer · Short comfort stopsOVERNIGHTLeh · The Grand Dragon proposed
DAY10
October 15 · Leh
A full day of restoration
The first of two quiet days at the hotel. Arrange an individually selected spa treatment, rest, or spend time reflecting on the journey. No scheduled driving or hiking.
THE PACEOptional spa appointment · Rest dayOVERNIGHTSame Leh hotel
DAY11
October 16 · Leh
Let the journey settle
A second full day for rest and optional spa treatments. Leave the schedule open, then gather for a closing dinner before tomorrow’s departure.
THE PACEOptional spa appointment · No scheduled travelOVERNIGHTSame Leh hotel
DAY12
October 17 · Leh → Delhi
Carry the mountains with you
Transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Allow a buffer before any separate international connection; mountain flights can be delayed by weather.
THE PACEAirport transfer · Flight approximately 1½ hrOVERNIGHTDeparture day · Delhi onward arrangements separate
October 15 & 16 · Rest in Leh
Return to stillness.
Two full days without scheduled travel allow the experience to settle before departure on October 17.
Our proposed Leh base is The Grand Dragon Ladakh, whose Hammam Wellness & Spa by L’OCCITANE is available to resident guests. Treatments and appointments will be arranged separately unless included in the final package.
Two quiet days at the same hotel
Individually selected spa appointments
Mountain views and time to reflect
A closing dinner together
Comfort and a manageable pace
Stay in a comfortable Leh hotel and heated lodges in the Sham and Nubra valleys. Village stays are simpler; October operation, room heating, private bathrooms, and hot water must be confirmed before booking. No tented camps are planned.
Walks follow village lanes, fields, and short viewpoints. Monasteries can have uneven steps and steep stairs; visits can be shortened, with vehicle access used where available. The guide will select manageable trails with agreed pickup points.
Traveling in October
Expect cold mornings and nights. Leh is approximately 3,500 meters above sea level; the Khardung La crossing briefly reaches above 5,000 meters. Short hikes do not remove the demands of altitude. Complete the initial 48-hour rest period and proceed only when well.
Nubra depends on open roads, suitable weather, operating lodges, and applicable permits. If access is unsuitable, substitute lower-valley cultural outings and additional rest near Leh and the Sham Valley. Flight delays or road disruption may shorten planned spa time.
The departure year, price, inclusions, hotels, permits, and flights remain to be confirmed. International travel and any required Delhi overnight stays sit outside this October 6–17 programme.
An invitation to journey
Does Ladakh call to you?
Join the interest list for October 6–17 and receive pricing and booking details when available. Joining the waitlist is not a reservation.
Nepal · September 19–October 2
Into the Kingdom of Lo.
From Kathmandu to the walled city of Lo Manthang. Ancient monasteries, Himalayan landscapes, and space to rediscover wonder.
Follow the Kali Gandaki valley into Mustang, where wind-carved cliffs surround earthen villages and Tibetan Buddhist traditions remain woven into daily life.
We travel by private vehicle, pausing for short walks, monastery visits, and time to simply be here. Two nights in Kagbeni provide a slower approach to the higher country. Every night is in a hotel or lodge.
01 / Kagbeni · The gateway02 / Tangbe · The high desert03 / Lo Manthang · The walled city
The proposed journey
Fourteen days. A different rhythm.
All walks are optional. Travel times are approximate and exclude sightseeing stops unless noted.
DAY01
September 19 · Kathmandu
Arrive & enter the journey
Meet your expedition guide and settle into Nepal. If arrival time permits, walk around Boudhanath, where prayer wheels and monastery courtyards offer a quiet beginning.
THE PACEOptional 30–45-minute walkOVERNIGHTKathmandu
DAY02
September 20 · Kathmandu → Pokhara
Toward the Annapurnas
Fly west to Pokhara. Rest beside Phewa Lake, meet your fellow travelers, and prepare for the mountain journey ahead.
THE PACEFlight 25–30 min · Optional lakeside strollOVERNIGHTPokhara
DAY03
September 21 · Pokhara → Jomsom → Kagbeni
The gateway to Mustang
Take an early mountain flight into the Kali Gandaki valley. Meet your private 4WD vehicles and continue to Kagbeni. Keep the afternoon gentle as you settle into the altitude.
THE PACEFlight 20–25 min · Drive 45–60 min · Walk 20–30 minOVERNIGHTKagbeni · approximately 2,800 m
DAY04
September 22 · Kagbeni
A day to find your mountain rhythm
Stay a second night at the same elevation. Explore the monastery and narrow village lanes, with an optional guided walk through surrounding fields and quiet paths.
THE PACEOptional walking 45–90 min, in short sectionsOVERNIGHTKagbeni · approximately 2,800 m
DAY05
September 23 · Kagbeni → Tangbe → Chhusang
Into the Kingdom of Lo
Travel north into Upper Mustang. Pause among Tangbe’s whitewashed houses and orchards before continuing through wind-carved cliffs to Chhusang.
THE PACEDrive 1½–2½ hr, plus stops · Walk 45–60 minOVERNIGHTChhusang · approximately 3,000 m
DAY06
September 24 · Chhusang → Ghami
Across the high desert
Follow the mountain road through remote villages and expansive desert scenery. In Ghami, take an unhurried walk among prayer walls and cultivated fields.
THE PACEDrive 3–4 hr, plus stops · Walk 30–45 minOVERNIGHTGhami · approximately 3,500–3,600 m
DAY07
September 25 · Ghami
A day to pause in the high country
Remain in Ghami for another night, with time to rest, explore the village, or enjoy a short guided walk if you feel well. The guide will adjust activities to the group’s comfort and acclimatization.
THE PACERest day · Optional 30–45-minute walkOVERNIGHTGhami · approximately 3,500–3,600 m
DAY08
September 26 · Ghami → Tsarang → Lo Manthang
Arrival at the walled city
Visit Tsarang’s monastery, subject to local access, then continue to Lo Manthang. Enter the old town on foot to discover courtyards, earthen walls, and lanes shaped by centuries of Tibetan culture.
THE PACEDrive 2–3 hr, plus visits · Walk 45–60 minOVERNIGHTLo Manthang · approximately 3,810 m
DAY09
September 27 · Lo Manthang & Chhoser
Living traditions, ancient caves
Explore Lo Manthang’s monasteries with a knowledgeable local guide. Travel by vehicle toward Chhoser’s cave landscape and surrounding settlements, returning to the same hotel.
THE PACEShort vehicle excursions · Walk 30–60 minOVERNIGHTLo Manthang · approximately 3,810 m
DAY10
September 28 · Lo Manthang → Jomsom
Through the valley, homeward
Descend through Mustang’s changing landscapes with lunch and photographic stops. This is the longest road day, with no substantial hiking planned.
THE PACEDrive 6–8 hr; road delays may extend thisOVERNIGHTJomsom · approximately 2,700 m
DAY11
September 29 · Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu → Dhulikhel
From expedition to sanctuary
Fly to Pokhara and onward to Kathmandu with a generous connection. Continue by road to Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Dhulikhel and settle into the retreat.
THE PACETwo flights · Road transfer approximately 1½–2½ hrOVERNIGHTDwarika’s Sanctuary · proposed
DAY12
September 30 · Dhulikhel
A full day of restoration
An unhurried day of individually selected spa treatments, gentle yoga or meditation, nourishing meals, and time in the gardens.
Enjoy a second full spa day, allowing the journey to settle. Gather for a closing dinner before departure on October 2.
THE PACENo scheduled travel · Departure on October 2OVERNIGHTDwarika’s Sanctuary · proposed
DAY14
October 2 · Dhulikhel → Kathmandu
Carry the journey home
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight, allowing generous time for traffic and airport formalities.
THE PACERoad transfer approximately 1½–2½ hr · Onward departureOVERNIGHTDeparture day
September 30 & October 1 · Dhulikhel
Let the journey settle within you.
Our proposed finish is a three-night stay at Dwarika’s Sanctuary, arriving on September 29 and preserving two full days for rest.
Overlooking the hills of Dhulikhel, the retreat offers time for individually selected spa treatments, quiet reflection, and gentle practice.
Two days with no scheduled travel
Optional yoga and meditation
Time for gardens, treatments, and rest
A closing dinner together
Comfort along the way
Comfortable city hotels, the best available village lodges, and a proposed two-night stay at Royal Mustang Resort in Lo Manthang. Village accommodation is simpler than the city and spa stays. Room facilities and final properties will be confirmed before booking.
A thoughtful mountain pace
Lo Manthang sits at approximately 3,810 meters. Altitude and rough roads remain meaningful demands, even with short walks. Cave interiors are optional and may involve steep steps or ladders.
Flights and roads are weather-dependent. The route may need adjustment, and a return-flight delay could shorten the spa stay. The departure year, pricing, inclusions, and final arrangements are to be confirmed.
An invitation to journey
Does Mustang call to you?
Join the interest list for September 19–October 2 and receive pricing and booking details when available. Joining the waitlist is not a reservation.
Ancestral wisdom · Living guidance
Personal Consultations
Private coaching sessions with senior graduates and teachers.
A personal conversation can create room to reflect on your path, revisit your practice, and explore what you would like to deepen.
Who are the guides? −
The circle brings together senior graduates and teachers. Individual profiles, specialties, and booking availability will be shared when confirmed.
How can I arrange a session? +
Contact the team to ask about current availability and the right person for your interests. Session length, format, and fees will be confirmed by the team.
What kind of support is this? +
These are personal coaching and spiritual-practice conversations. They do not replace medical or psychological care.
Meet your guides
Different paths. A shared purpose.
Guide profiles are being prepared. You can contact the team now to ask about personal support.
Read · Reflect · Return
The Library
Wisdom to accompany the continuing journey.
The collection
A home for the teachings.
Explore a growing collection of teachings, practices, ceremonies, and journeys created to support and deepen your path.
Shaman–Healer–Sage is a private circle for Four Winds graduates and expedition members: a place for mature seekers to continue learning, gather in sacred places, and deepen a living practice.
Explore the Aegis, curated expeditions and courses, private conversations with teachers, and a growing home for the teachings.
Course 01
Course 02
Course 03
