Spiritual Himalaya

Authentic pilgrimage through the sacred landscapes and spiritual traditions of the Himalayas.

Snow-capped mountain with rugged slopes, partly cloudy sky, and a decorative golden religious statue in the foreground.

Why We Exist?

Spiritual Himalaya was born from a lifelong search for deeper meaning and meeting the right people along the way.

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A man with a beard, wearing sunglasses, a cap, a gray jacket, and camouflage shorts, leaning against a stone building with a view of lake Monasarovar and mountains in the background. The building has colorful textiles hanging from the roof.
A man with a beard, wearing sunglasses, a cap, a gray jacket, and camouflage shorts, leaning against a stone building with a view of lake Monasarovar and mountains in the background. The building has colorful textiles hanging from the roof.

Meet the Team

  • Michael standing in front of large golden religious sculptures of lotus flowers and a wheel with a Mount Kailash in the background.

    Michael J. Leben

    Founder & Pilgrimage Host

    As the founder of Spiritual Himalaya, Michael’s intention is to create opportunities for meaningful pilgrimage and spiritual exploration in the sacred landscapes of the Himalayas.

    During the pilgrimage, Michael oversees the journey as a whole, supporting participants both as a host and as a fellow pilgrim.

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  • A man with glasses, short hair, wearing a red t-shirt with a beaded necklace, is sitting on a beige rug on a wooden floor, holding a book open in his lap. Beside him is a small keyboard and a colorful drum. The background features an unfinished brick wall.

    Janne Kontala

    Spiritual Guide & Teacher


    Janne is a yoga teacher, teacher trainer, academic researcher, and author.

    With decades of experience in yoga, prāṇāyāma, meditation, yoga philosophy, and bhakti-yoga, he offers teachings and spiritual guidance that help participants engage more deeply with both the outer pilgrimage and the inner journey.

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  • People hiking in a rocky mountain landscape with a Mount Kailash in the background.

    Sanjaya Devkota

    Founder of Spiritual Expeditions & Kailash Pilgrimage Leader

    Sanjaya Devkota is one of Nepal’s most experienced Mount Kailash expedition leaders, with more than two decades of experience guiding pilgrims in Tibet and the Himalayas.

    Throughout the pilgrimage, he leads the local expedition team and oversees the complex logistics required for this journey.

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  • A woman sitting cross-legged on the floor reading a book titled 'Yoga Supta' in a cozy living room filled with green plants, a gold velvet sofa, and a lace pillow, with a yellow wall and a floor lamp in the background.

    Lotta-Leena Leben

    Pilgrimage Coordinator & Participant Support

    Throughout the pilgrimage, Lotta supports participants through communication, preparation, and care.

    She is known for her kindness, sincerity, and ability to make others feel welcome and at ease.

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  • Group of hikers posing in a mountainous desert landscape with Mount Kailash in the background.

    Spiritual Expeditions Team

    Support Team

    Our pilgrimage is supported by a highly experienced local team of Tibetan and Nepali guides, drivers, cooks, yak handlers, support crews, and coordinators.

    Their experience, dedication, and local knowledge help ensure a safe, smooth, and well-organized pilgrimage.

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Our Approach

Authentic Pilgrimage

We believe pilgrimage is about far more than reaching a destination. It is an opportunity to step away from the routines of everyday life, enter sacred spaces with humility, and engage more deeply with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Our intention is to create journeys that honor the spiritual traditions, cultures, and landscapes of the Himalayas while offering participants a genuine and deeply enriching experience.

Two elderly women in traditional colorful clothing standing by lake Monasarovar with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.
Two elderly women in traditional colorful clothing standing by lake Monasarovar with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

Spiritual Practices

Throughout the pilgrimage, we offer opportunities to engage in yoga, prāṇāyāma, meditation, mantra meditation, kīrtana, and other spiritual practices and teachings. Participation is always optional. We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and encourage each participant to engage with the journey in a way that feels natural and meaningful to them.

A woman practicing yoga in a dimly lit room decorated with potted plants, string lights, and candles. She is standing on a yoga mat, in a warrior pose with arms extended and legs bent.
A woman practicing yoga in a dimly lit room decorated with potted plants, string lights, and candles. She is standing on a yoga mat, in a warrior pose with arms extended and legs bent.

Community, Reflection & Growth

Some of the most meaningful aspects of pilgrimage arise not only from the places we visit, but also from the people we travel with and the experiences we share. We strive to create an environment that supports genuine connection and reflection, personal growth, and lasting friendships.

A group of people wearing outdoor jackets poses on a wooden deck by a body of water, with mountains and clouds in the background.

Small Groups, Real Connections

We intentionally limit the size of our groups to create a more personal, supportive, and immersive pilgrimage experience. Smaller groups allow for greater flexibility, deeper conversations, and stronger connections between participants, guides, and local communities along the way.

People standing in front of a structure with colorful decorations, including a large banner with traditional symbols and golden statues on top, against a clear blue sky.
People standing in front of a structure with colorful decorations, including a large banner with traditional symbols and golden statues on top, against a clear blue sky.

Experienced Local Partnerships

A successful pilgrimage depends on knowledgeable and trustworthy local support. We work with experienced partners who have spent decades organizing journeys throughout Nepal and Tibet, combining deep local knowledge with a strong commitment to participant well-being, safety, and exceptional care.

A large group of diverse people posing on outdoor steps at a scenic, mountainous location, wearing outdoor clothing and sunglasses, with a cloudy sky above.

A Journey Beyond Tourism

Spiritual Himalaya was created to offer an alternative to commercialized travel and mass-market spirituality. Our aim is not simply to visit extraordinary places, but to create space for authentic encounters, contemplation, and transformation.

A foggy mountain trail winding up a steep hillside with dry grass and scattered rocks.

An Invitation

Some journeys begin with a decision.

Others begin with a calling.

For thousands of years, Mount Kailash has drawn pilgrims, seekers, and spiritual practitioners from around the world. For many, the journey begins long before arriving in the Himalayas — with a sense of curiosity, a longing for something deeper, or a quiet feeling of being called. 

Whether you come seeking answers, inspiration, connection, adventure, or the opportunity to experience one of the world's most sacred places, we invite you to explore what this pilgrimage may offer.

We would be honored to walk this path together.

Reserve Your Place
Reserve Your Place