It all started with a personal search for truth…

The Leap of Faith

For more than twenty years, my life was shaped by deep exploration and spiritual practice: meditation, yoga, philosophy, and the study of wisdom traditions. Yet the fundamental questions of life — Who am I? What is the nature of reality? What is the ultimate purpose of human life? — remained unanswered.

In 2019 I sold and gave away most of my possessions, closed my businesses, and purchased a one-way ticket to India. After living in New York City for more than twenty years, I knew it was time to leave behind the life I had built and seek answers directly.

I was searching for genuine teachers, authentic spiritual traditions, and a deeper understanding of world-transcending goals: self-realization and liberation. 

The Call of Kailash

My search led me throughout India and Nepal, but one destination stood above all others: Mount Kailash.

The first time I heard about Kailash was in 2016 while in the Peruvian jungle. The moment I saw an image of the mountain, something stirred within me. It felt strangely familiar. I placed a picture of Kailash on my wall and continued forward carrying the feeling it had awakened within me. The pull toward this sacred mountain was unlike anything I had experienced.

When I arrived in Kathmandu in 2019, I was introduced to Sanjay Devkota through a fellow spiritual seeker whom I deeply respected. Together with his team, he guided me on the Kailash parikramā.

What followed remains one of the most profound experiences of my life. Standing before Mount Kailash and the sacred waters of Lake Manasarovar, I felt both infinitely small and deeply connected to something far greater than myself. The experience brought a sense of peace, humility, sacredness, and mystery that is difficult to put into words. It deepened my spiritual path, strengthened my connection to the Divine, and left a lasting impression that continues to influence my life today.

What also greatly impressed me was Sanjaya and his team. Their professionalism, care for participants, attention to detail, and ability to organize such a complex pilgrimage safely and smoothly exceeded every expectation I had.

The Teacher Who Clarified the Path

Following my return from Kailash, life took me in unexpected directions. The years that followed included intensive yoga practice, significant personal growth, and eventually a move to Finland. It was there that I met Janne Kontala, who would become one of the most influential teachers on my spiritual path. 

I found in Janne a rare combination of authenticity, humility, wisdom, and practical understanding. His ability to illuminate profound spiritual teachings while remaining deeply grounded in everyday life resonated with me immediately. 

His knowledge of yoga philosophy, bhakti traditions, contemplative practices, and spiritual development continues to inspire me, and I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.

Sharing the Journey

For years after my Kailash parikramā, I carried a simple thought: more people should have the opportunity to experience the same transformative journey. 

Not as tourists. Not as consumers of spirituality. But as sincere seekers undertaking a meaningful pilgrimage.

Spiritual Himalaya was created to help make that possible.

As the idea began to take shape, it felt natural to invite Janne as an essential part of the journey. Having him serve as a spiritual guide and teacher is both a privilege and an opportunity to share the wisdom and perspectives that have enriched my own path and understanding.

Our Vision

Our intention is to offer carefully guided pilgrimages for those who feel genuinely called to the sacred landscapes and spiritual traditions of the Himalayas. 

We welcome people from all backgrounds who feel drawn toward something higher — whether they are spiritual seekers, yoga practitioners, devotees, or simply individuals searching for deeper meaning and connection.

We believe some places have the power to change us in ways that cannot be fully explained.

For me, Mount Kailash is one of those places.

It is an honor to now help others undertake that same journey.

With warm regards, 

Michael

Founder, Spiritual Himalaya