A guided retreat to slow down, listen deeply, and turn ancient insight and modern practices into choices that support you on your path.
There is a moment in every real transition where I think, “Maybe I made a mistake.” The old world is gone. The new one hasn’t quite arrived. And I am floating in that strange in-between where everything feels uncertain – including myself. I used to panic here. Now I am learning to treat it as sacred space. Not comfortable. But deeply alive. Sometimes becoming looks like not knowing who you are – but showing up anyway, tea in hand, heart ajar.
Are you ready to embrace what is now and what is emerging for you next?
Something in your life might shifting. Maybe a chapter is ending, or a new one is quietly whispering your name. You can feel the change stirring beneath the surface – an invitation to pause, to listen, to realign with what truly matters. You may be craving clarity, space, or direction. Or longing for a deeper connection with yourself, with others, with something ancient and wise, or with what is waiting just beyond the familiar.
This journey is for you if…
You sense that change is already unfolding, be a transition in work, relationships, purpose, or identity.
You are drawn to spaces that blend inner reflection with shared connection.
You are curious about ancient wisdom and embodied practice as guidance for modern life.
You are ready to shed an old identity that you have outgrown, and open up to what is emerging for you next.
You feel ready – or almost ready – to step toward what might be next for your life with curiousity, openness, courage, and heart.
Why We Created This Program
We have both walked this path – professionally, personally, and spiritually. Between us, we have navigated seasons of loss, change, illnesses, personal and professional reinventions, and profound awakening experiences. We know what it is like to stand at a crossroads, sensing that something deeper is calling, even when the way forward isn’t yet clear.
Sacred Transitions was born from that knowing. It is a space where inner work meets outer exploration – where the stillness of reflection and the vitality of adventure come together. Rooted in ancient Nepalese wisdom and shaped by our own facilitation approach, this journey invites you to reconnect with your essence, listen deeply to your life, and step forward with clarity and courage.
Program Description
Sacred Transitions is a 13-day immersive facilitated retreat and journey through the sacred landscapes of Nepal designed for people in flux – navigating career shifts, relationship changes, identity questions, or simply attuned to new music emerging in life. This is more than a journey. It is an intentional pause in a sacred land, offering you space to let go of what no longer fits, honour what was, and welcome what is to come while experiencing the magnificence of Nepal.
What You Will Experience
What Is Included (and What is Not)
Why Now?
Logistics and Process
Program Requirements
Invest In Your Becoming
Local immersion + time to breathe, integrate and explore. Time for silence, meaningful conversations, and being.
A 13-day experiential retreat through Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the Himalayan foothills.
Guided time with monks, healers, sages, and visits to sacred temples and monasteries.
A small, conscious group of fellow travelers (max 12).
Our unique 4-Direction Compass Model for navigating life transitions.
Personal & group facilitation activities, daily reflections, guided movement, and mindfulness practices.
13 days, full board in carefully selected 4-star accommodations (except a couple of lunches or dinners on your own).
2 personal coaching sessions with Karni or Simon.
Pre-retreat virtual group sessions and post-retreat integration.
All local transportation from arrival to departure (2 internal flights and private bus transportation inland).
Mountain hikes, village walks, sacred visits, cultural encounters, entry fees to local attractions.
Daily facilitation, personal reflection tools, and guided practices.
Time to rest, reflect, and explore the magnificence of Nepal.
Expert certified local guides.
BONUS:
Pre-retreat reflection guide to support your inner preparation.
Post-retreat webinar to deepen your use of the 4-Direction Compass Model.
A curated personal reflection toolkit for during and after the retreat.
What is NOT Included
Travel costs to and from Nepal.
Visa for Nepal ($30 USD paid upon arrival).
Travel and medical insurance.
A couple of lunches and dinners on your own.
Tips, drinks, and shopping.
eSIM/phone package options.
✧ Space is limited – only 12 spots.
✧ Early application ensures personal preparation.
✧ Your future self is ready. Are you?
“Transitions ask us to sit in the not-knowing, and trust that something essential is unfolding – even when we can’t name it.”
Introduction to the Program: a 90-min Zoom call on March 4, 2026 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time.
Orientation and Preparation for the Journey: a 90-min Zoom call on March 24 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time.
The Journey in Nepal: April 15 – 27, 2026.
Completion and Integration: a 90-min Zoom call on May 13 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time.
To embark on this journey with us, you need to say YES to the following:
I am ready to commit to this deep, evoking, and transformative journey.
I am willing and “hungry” to dive into a rich and diverse process that will bring up both beauty and challenges.
I am ready to engage fully, without holding back, into my own inquiry and also be a supporter to my cohort members.
I have a contemplative/reflective practice (journalling, meditation), or, at the very least, I am ready to start exploring one that would resonate. Having one as you go through the program is a mandatory requirement. We are more than happy to share our experience and resources that can be of help for you here.
Early Bird Rate: $2,547 USD if you sign up by December 31, 2025.
Early Bird Payment Plan:
Registration Deposit: $250 USD at registration.
Installment 1: $1,148 USD by January 31, 2026.
Installment 2: $1,149 USD by February 10, 2026.
Full Cost: $2,947 USD. Registration deadline is February 15, 2026.
Payment Plan:
Registration Deposit: $250 USD at registration.
Installment 1: $1,348 USD by January 31, 2026.
Installment 2: $1,349 USD by February 10, 2026.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel:
Before Jan 1, 2026: a full refund of payments made (not including Registration Deposit).
Between Jan 1 – Jan 30, 2026: 75 % refund of any payments you made (not including Registration Deposit).
Between Jan 31 – Feb 14, 2026: 50% of payments you made (not including Registration Deposit).
After Feb 15, 2026: no refunds as hotels and partnerships are confirmed and secured.
Force majeure / organizer cancel: full refund of all retreat payments.
Medical or family emergency: partial refund (up to 50 %) at organizer’s discretion based on date of cancellation and number of participants (with supporting documentation of emergency reasons).
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel and health insurance when you register.
“I thought the transition would be like crossing a bridge – decisive, directional, maybe even scenic. Instead, it has felt more like wandering through fog with a flashlight that only shows the next two feet. Some days I try to speed it up. Other days I sit in the not-knowing and realize: something essential is unfolding, even when I can’t name it. Turns out, growth doesn’t always announce itself – it sometimes just asks you to keep showing up, one slightly bewildered breath at a time.”
Registration Process
Once you said YES to the Program Requirements and are ready to commit, please fill in the Registration Form here (new window).
Next, to finalize your registration, please submit the Registration Fee of $250 USD here (new window).
Once we have received your Registration Form submission and the Registration Fee payment, we will reach out to schedule an introductory call with you.
Itinerary
April 15, 2026
Day 1 - Arrival to Kathmandu, Beginning the Program
Airport pickup at Kathmandu International Airport and transportation to the hotel.
Hotel check-in, welcome meal/snack (depending on arrival time), settling in.
An opportunity to explore the area, meet and greet the guides, other participants and facilitators.
Evening gathering: welcome, opening circle, Introductions, overview of the program.
Meals included: arrival snacks, dinner.
April 16, 2026
Day 2 - Kathmandu to Pokhara
Morning walking tour of the magnificent Patan Durbar Square, a central attraction of Kathmandu and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Program session.
Afternoon flight to Pokhara.
After arrival and settling in, boat ride in Phewa Lake, introduction to Nepali culture, religion and history.
Evening program session.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch. Independent dinner in Pokhara.
April 17, 2026
Day 3 - Pokhara
Early rise to see the sunrise from Sarangkot. Morning silent walk/sitting meditation/journaling. Packed picnic breakfast.
Visit to Jangchub Choeling Monastery for a meeting with a Tibetan Monk and Tibetan refugee community. Learning about Tibetan wisdom and principles of Tibetan Buddhist practice.
Afternoon visit to World Peace Stupa, built by Japanese Buddhist monks as part of a global movement to promote peace after the devastation of World War II.
Experience the stunning views of Phewa lake and Annapurna range.
Drive to Dhampus - a village in the mountains with Himalayan view.
Gurung Cultural Immersion, village visit, monastery visit.
Cultural immersion with the Gurung people, who have lived in the hills of central Nepal for centuries, deeply connected to the land, each other, and the rhythms of the seasons. Lunch.
Evening Program Session.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
April 19, 2026
Day 5 - Australian Camp and Himalayas
Breakfast at the hotel.
Hike to Australian Camp through forest trails with stunning views of Annapurna range.
Afternoon and Evening Program Sessions.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
April 20, 2026
Day 6 - At the Australian Camp and Himalayas
Sunrise meditation and yoga/qigong practice.
Breakfast.
Nature immersion.
Afternoon and Evening Program Sessions.
Fire Ceremony and dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
April 21, 2026
Day 7 - Astam Village
Breakfast.
Hike to Astam Village, meeting local villagers, participate in local cooking & lunch.
Afternoon and Evening Program Sessions.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
April 22, 2025
Day 8 - Astam Village
Breakfast.
Astam Village forest walk.
Afternoon and Evening Program Sessions.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
April 23, 2026
Day 9 - Astam Village to Pokhara
Breakfast.
Morning walk/yoga/qigong/meditation in the mountains.
Drive back to Pokhara.
Independent lunch (or dinner) in Pokhara.
Free afternoon time to explore Pokhara.
Evening Program session or individual sessions with Karni or Simon.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch or dinner.
April 24, 2026
Day 10 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
Breakfast.
Flight to Kathmandu.
Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon Program Session.
Individual time to explore Kathmandu.
Independent dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
April 25, 2026
Day 11 - Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early rise to the Shivapuri Park hike. Magnificent viewpoints through forest trails with monkeys and birds. Introduction to Hindu traditions.
Local independent lunch.
Preparation for the visit to the Cremation Ceremony at Pashupatinath.
Afternoon Program Session.
Visiting the Cremation Ceremony which takes place at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the holiest temple in Nepal dedicated to Lord Shiva, specifically in his form as Pashupati, the “Lord of Animals.” It is one of the four most important sites in Asia for Shiva worship, alongside Varanasi (India), Kedarnath (India), and Gaya (India).
Dinner at the hotel.
Evening Program Session.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
April 26, 2026
Day 12 - Kathmandu
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day retreat at Kopan (or similar) Monastery, meeting with a Senior Monk. Kopan is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery which belongs to the Gelug tradition and is part of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.
Independent lunch.
Afternoon individual sessions and free time.
Evening Program Session.
Farewell celebration and dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner.
April 27, 2026
Day 13 - Kathmandu and Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
Final Integration Program Session.
Depending on departure times - free time to visit the city, gardens, or markets.
Karni Segal and Simon Goland are International facilitators, coaches, and lifelong seekers. We bring decades of experience and the warmth of deep presence. We have been friends and colleagues since 1988. During these decades, we have navigated many transitions, individually and together - marriages and divorces, small and drastic changes in our professional careers, cancer and other health challenges, losses of family members and friends, moves across countries and continents, losses of four-legged companions, and losses of personal identities that gave birth to new challenges, loves, identities and deep meaning to life. These days, we support people in their diverse transition processes in both personal and group processes. We look forward to meeting you wherever you are on your journey.
Sacred Transitions Trip FAQ
Who will lead the retreat?
The retreat will be lead and facilitated by Karni Segal and Simon Goland. We are both senior coaches, facilitators, and retreat leaders with decades of experience guiding workshops, transition processes, courses and retreats. Additionally, we are working with the Himalayan Circuit, a high level experienced Nepali tour leader who provides us with certified experienced local guides.
What additional expenses do I have to consider?
All your expenses in Nepal will be covered for the duration of the retreat. You should prepare to cover your international flight tickets, health insurance, phone package or e-sim, Nepal Visa entry fee ($30 USD) and any shopping or purchasing of additional drinks or snacks at local venues and markets. Additionally, when you look through the the itinerary, you will see that there are a few lunches or dinners that you will be having on your own, and/or with other participants.
Can I come alone?
Of course ! The retreat is designed for solo participants. We also welcome couples or friends who wish to participate together.
Will I have free time during the retreat?
There will be free time for reflection, journaling, and processing as well as some free time to explore Kathmandu and Pokhara independently. If you are interested in staying longer in Nepal, please let us know in advance so we can adjust the visa requirements as needed.
What fitness level is required for the retreat?
The retreat includes walking on nature paths for up to 2 hours at a leisurely pace so you don’t need to be in a serious athletic shape to participate, but should feel comfortable walking in nature including some mild inclines.
Is there WIFI and cellular reception in Nepal?
Yes, hotels and attractions have WIFI and there is usually good cellular reception in Nepal (we have a personal preference for Saily). However, we invite you to disconnect from the outside world as much as possible. Forget about having a world-wide audience for your experience - leave it to the group (news, social media, etc). Obviously, there are aspects where we need to stay connected to our world and you will have the ability and time to connect to family, loved ones, etc, but we will discourage you from being online during activities so you can participate fully. We strongly recommend notifying your clients, colleagues, family and friends that you will not be fully available during the retreat.
Disclaimer
Please understand that there are times when life does not go according to plans, and it also might be the case here. Thus, we may adjust the itinerary, routes, accommodations, or activities at any time due to weather, safety considerations, government advisories, transportation or venue issues, group pace, or other local conditions. Equivalent or better alternatives will be made where possible.
Legally Speaking: The published itinerary is an outline only. Organizers reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to modify, re-order, substitute, or omit any part of the itinerary, accommodations, transportation, or activities at any time before or during the retreat due to factors outside its reasonable control (including but not limited to weather and natural conditions, health or safety concerns, border or permit restrictions, strikes, closures, delays, changes by service providers, or governmental/advisory actions) or to enhance participant experience and safety. Where practicable, comparable alternatives will be provided; any additional costs or savings resulting from such changes will be handled fairly and transparently. Such changes do not constitute a material breach. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Force majeure: Organizers are not liable for changes caused by events beyond its control (force majeure).
Participant responsibilities: Participants must disclose relevant health conditions, carry required medications/documents/insurance, and assess their own fitness for activities.
Resources for this Program
When Things Fall Apart
A beautiful book by Pema Chödrön - you can find it by clicking the "Book on Amazon" link below or at most local book stores!
