There are so many delights planned for this retreat that I’d need to write a book to tell you about all of them — and it’s nice to have a few lovely surprises when you’re dedicating time to working on you, isn’t it?!
The journey will take you from the laid back cultural bustle of Kathmandu — experiencing the external world in full colour — to the peaceful stillness of the mountainous valleys where you’ll be gradually guided closer and closer to the subtleties of your internal world.
Magical First Moments
KATHMANDU
On Day 1, you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and your driver takes you straight to Hotel Vajra.
Here, snuggled comfortably away from the action of Kathmandu, you can unwind and enjoy your first experience of Nepal’s hospitality.
Later, we all gather for the official welcome, brief orientation and a rejuvenating yoga practice to restore you after your long journey. You’re offered an early dinner, before heading off to drift into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Stepping Into A Spiritual Life
KATHMANDU – SWAYAMBHUNATH
On Day 2, you awake for a nourishing early breakfast before we head off on foot to the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (known as the Monkey Temple!).
The all-seeing Buddha eyes watch over you from their vantage point at the top of 365 steps — and you know that these eyes see an incredible journey ahead for you.
Our guide, Suryadeep, invites us all to join local pilgrims and circumambulate the holy site which he tells the enchanting Buddhist legend of how Swayambhunath came to be. And Suryadeep gives us time to take in the fantastic views over the Kathmandu valley.
Back at the hotel, you enjoy a tasty and healthy lunch.
Then the afternoon is yours — to relax, to explore, to meditate, to breathe, or to just be.
Late afternoon you unwind with a restorative yoga practice, then, we come together again for a sumptuous meal of local Newari cuisine at a century-old heritage building.
A Glimpse Of Monastic Life
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE AND BOUDHANATH
As Day 3 dawns, you wake up and stretch out your sleep-cosy body with an early morning yoga class.
Breakfast replenishes your energy stores so that you’re ready to climb aboard our private vehicle for the journey to Patan Durbar Square.
On foot, we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site – the ornately carved architecture consisting of an enchanting mix of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. We’re guided by Sham, whose local knowledge brings the place to life.
For lunch we go to the Mala Layeku Kitchen — a traditional Nepalese restaurant where you’ll enjoy one of the best Dal Bhat in the world, with a view of the square.
And we spend some time with a respected master sound bowl craftsman — you enjoy the stunning sounds on site, or you decide to buy one to take home with you forever.
Having had our fill of architectural beauty and local cuisine, we depart for our next destination: Boudhanath. Siddhi Manakamana Hotel becomes our home for the next two nights.
Once we’ve checked into the hotel, you choose between staying in for some self-care and relaxation or heading out to explore the labyrinth of Boudhanath. You’ll discover its secrets and its charm — from monasteries to artisanal workshops famous for producing spiritual tools and textiles.
On Day 4, your morning yoga class takes place on the rooftop with the sight of prayer flags, the sound of monks chanting, and the scent of incense adding layer upon spiritual layer to your experience.
A delicious breakfast carries you on to a dharma talk with a Tibetan Lama.
And then you enjoy a scrumptious lunch before setting off to explore Buddhist monasteries and the Boudha Stupa — a great Buddhist shrine which has earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At dusk Boudhanath Stupa becomes a spiritual rush hour with monks, nuns, and locals gathering for their evening Kora, or circumambulation of the stupa.
You decide whether to join them or to settle yourself in one of the many rooftop restaurants to take in the sight from afar while you enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Heading For The Hills
BOUDHANATH – PASHUPATINATH – NAMO BUDDHA
Day 5 finds you full of excitement for more incredible experiences and self-discovery. You share breakfast with your fellow spiritual travellers before heading to Pashupatinath — one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal, situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River.
The atmosphere is electric as the early morning worshippers arrive to perform their daily Pujas (ceremonies).
Holy men emerge and open air cremation pyres are alight with the rituals of sending loved ones from this life to the next.
You take it all in.
At the valley’s edge, we find the Namo Buddha Resort. We check in and settle for three nights of simplicity and inspiration, looking out at the landscape of the Himalayas.
After a hearty and delectable lunch, picked straight from the organic garden, you immerse yourself in the surroundings, go for a walk, indulge in a sauna or sit back and enjoy the view.
And then before bed, we come together for a peaceful early evening yoga/meditation class followed by a delicious dinner.
On Day 6, we visit the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. Here we sit as hundreds of monks chant ancient scriptures.
Tibetan horns sound. Bells ring. Incense burns. The power of the earth and human experience ignites your soul.
On Day 7, we walk together. After yoga and breakfast, we embark on a 3 hour trek through beautiful villages and terraced fields with unexpected delights always presenting themselves.
On returning to Namobuddha you relish in another delicious lunch before having the afternoon free to explore, rest or meditate as you wish.
Later, we realign our energies by practising yoga and meditation together before dinner.
And then there is time for you look up at the stars and share quiet words in confidence with the friends you’ve made amongst the group — who you begin to realise may well be friends for life.
The Reflections Of Snowy Mountain Peaks Glisten On The Surface Of The Lake
NAMO BUDDHA TO POKHARA
As you move your body gently through your yoga practice on the morning of Day 8, you feel a sense of openness and ease that tells you all is well.
You’re ready to fly — so we make our way to Kathmandu Airport to catch our flight to Pokhara.
From there, we travel by road to Astam. As the road glides by outside, you feel yourself moving inwards. Your internal world is becoming clearer.
We settle in at the Mystique Highland Resort, and then you are free. You go for a walk or explore a local tea plantation. Or you relax with the incredible vistas ahead of you.
Yoga today helps you to connect even more deeply with yourself. You find that your practice is building, every day. Your knowledge is growing. You feel steady.
On Day 9, your body is ready to trek again — and your heart is open to anything that comes your way. Yoga today takes place outside, with the Annapurna mountain ranges towering overhead.
Day 10 is just for you. With no plans and no schedule, you are free to explore or relax in whatever way feels right for you.
Oh, you do have to schedule in your well-deserved 90-minute spa treatment though!
Dine Under The
Himalayan Skyline
POKHARA – BANDIPUR
On Day 11, a short morning walk along the shore of Lake Phewa brings us to where we will practice yoga this morning.
As the lake reflects the mountains there’s an incredible moment when you look across the water and see, in the sparkling light, a reflection of the bright strength and deep peace you’ve gained over the trip so far.
You walk on with anticipation of what still is to come.
After breakfast, we set off by road to Bandipur.
At the beautifully renovated Old Inn Bandipur we eat, rest, and then restore with afternoon meditation.
This day of movement and reflection closes with a delicious dinner on the balcony. The mountain skyline turns pink and orange before the stars light up Nepal.
Following breakfast on Day 12, we walk out into the countryside of Bandipur. You may choose to explore alone, or with a few people from the group. You can walk through the local village, or put on your hiking boots for a 4-6 hour trek to the village of Ramkot and back.
When you arrive back at Old Inn Bandipur, dinner is at your leisure.
Returning Home
BANDIPUR TO KATHMANDU TO HOME
Day 13 begins with breakfast, before we leave Bandipur and drive to Pokhara to catch a flight right back to where this journey began: Kathmandu, and Hotel Vajra.
In the afternoon we savour the final yoga class of the retreat together. It’s a beautiful practice, and you feel a deep sense of belonging.
Together, we celebrate the journey we’ve been on over a last, mouth-watering dinner.
On Day 14 you rise late after a long, well-deserved sleep. You take your time over breakfast before you depart for the airport, or for wherever you’re going next.
