LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN…
Day 1: KATHMANDU
When you touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal, you will be greeted by your driver who will transfer you to the Hotel Vajra. At this authentic Nepali-style hotel, tucked away from the chaos of Kathmandu, you can unwind and begin to soak up the atmosphere. Once everyone has arrived, we come together for the official welcome, brief orientation and a rejuvenating yoga practice to support you after your long journey. You will enjoy an early dinner, followed by a deep relaxation, Yoga Nidra, before retiring for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: KATHMANDU – Swayambhunath…
After an early breakfast, we head off on foot to the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, known as the Monkey Temple. Here you are welcomed by the sleepy, all- seeing Buddha eyes which tower above 365 steps. How fitting and symbolic of the great journey which lies ahead!! Accompanied by our own knowledgeable guide, we’ll join local pilgrims and circumambulate the holy site, be enthralled by the Buddhist legend on how Swayambhunath came to be and learn about the rich Buddhist symbolism which lies within the Stupa’s architecture. And let’s not forget the fantastic views to be enjoyed of the Kathmandu Valley.
On returning to Hotel Vajra we indulge in a rejuvenating yoga practice and delicious lunch.
In the afternoon you have time to relax or explore on foot the fascinating streets of Thamel.
In the evening we enjoy a sumptuous meal of local Newari cuisine at a century-old heritage building.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
A GLIMPSE OF MONASTIC LIFE…
Day 3: Patan Durbar Square and Boudhanath
After an early-morning yoga class and breakfast we depart in our private vehicle (approximately 1/2 hour) to explore 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.
Having had our fill of architectural beauty and local cuisine, we depart by vehicle for our next destination of Boudhanath, staying at Siddhi Manakamana Hotel, which will be our home for the next two nights.
Boudhanath is the epicentre of Tibetan culture and is full of charm and monastic living. After checking into the hotel, you have time to relax or head out to explore the maze of alleyways surrounding the mighty Stupa. Here you’ll be enchanted by monasteries, workshops producing butter lamps, ceremonial horns, Tibetan drums, monks’ headgear and the other paraphernalia essential for Tibetan Buddhist life – along with textiles and local handicrafts.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Boudhanath
We start our day with a morning rooftop yoga class surrounded by prayer flags, monks chanting and the smell of incense carried on the breeze.
Following breakfast you’ll then receive the teachings, a dharma talk with a Tibetan Lama before lunch and then off exploring a couple of the Buddhist monasteries, along with the great Boudha Stupa (Buddhist Shrine) which is one of the largest in Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At dusk Boudhanath Stupa becomes a spiritual rush hour with monks, nuns, ageing grandparents and teenage girls in heels and leather jackets doing their evening Kora, or circumambulation of the stupa. Join the pilgrims or simply absorb the passing parade from one of the many rooftops restaurants. It’s a sight to behold. Either way it’s easy to get caught on the tide of jostling pilgrims softly chanting mantras whilst swinging their hand-held prayer wheels.
Tonight dinner can be enjoyed at your leisure…
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
HEADING FOR THE HILLS…
Day 5: Boudhanath – Pashupatinath – Namo Buddha
You will have an early breakfast before heading to Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu Temples in Nepal situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. There is no lack of atmosphere as the early morning worshippers arrive to perform their daily Pujas (ceremonies), the colourful Saddhus (holy men) emerge and the open air cremation pyres become engaged in the spiritual rituals of sending loved ones off.
After our exploration of Pashupatinath we depart for the valley’s edge, to the peaceful and scenic Namo Buddha Resort. You will spend two nights in simple, yet charming, traditional Nepali style houses with breathtaking and sweeping views of the Himalayas.
After a hearty and delectable lunch, picked straight from the organic garden, you can immerse yourself in the surroundings, go for a walk, indulge in a sauna or sit back and enjoy the views…. Later in the day you will have a yoga class, followed by dinner, then an evening meditation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Namo Buddha
After a morning yoga practice and healthy breakfast we head off on a 3 hour trek through villages and terraced fields to a local Tamang Village and Monastery. Lunch and some free time to be had before regrouping later in the day for an afternoon yoga class.
Tonight after dinner you have time to relax, star gaze and time to catch up with like minded travel companions. Or some quiet time to assimilate the journey so far.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MOUNTAINS & LAKES…
Day 7: Namo Buddha to Pokhara
On completion of your early morning practice and breakfast, we depart for Kathmandu Airport to take the flight to Pokhara. It’s more like a scenic flight often providing spectacular views of the great Himalayas.
Lakeside Pokhara is where the mountains meet the lake and it is here we check into Hotel Lakefront. You will then have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy the laid-back ambience and fine restaurants at which to dine.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Day 8: Pokhara – Astam Trek
After breakfast we head off on the trek through the Astam region. Although its an easily graded trek offering stunning mountain vistas, being Nepal there will always be an incline and decline involved:)
On arrival at the Mystique Highland Resort (one of the more comfortable trekking teahouses) you’ll be greeted by Radha our lovely host for the night, here you’ll experience traditional Nepalese home cooking – dhal bhart and simple teahouse living.
You can enjoy and soak in the panoramic views of the Annapurna Ranges while you move through an afternoon yoga practice before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Astam – Dumpus – Pokhara
Embrace the day with a sunrise yoga class – how magical! Followed by breakfast.
We then bid farewell to our host and family and head out through the village trails in the direction of Dumpus.
We break for lunch then continue our walk down the steep stairs to meet our driver to be taken to the the largest Tibetan settlement in the area, Tashi Palkhel. Here we will join the monks for their afternoon puja- a truly unique and meditative experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Pokhara – Free Day
A day to relax and explore Lakeside Pokhara – relax, drink chai in one of the many lakeside restaurants, take a paddle on Lake Fewa or walk up to the Peace Pagoda and absorb the majestic views.
If shopping is the aim of the day Pokhara is lined with shops full of trinkets, clothing and handicraft stores – there is something for everyone. If Tibetan jewellery is more to your liking take a stroll along the lakeside and purchase directly from one of the Tibetan ladies.
Today you also need to factor in your well earned massage at the amazing Jiva Cafe.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Pokhara – Bandipur
An early departure for your sunrise yoga class, graced by the majestic views of Machhapuchhre – Mt. Fishtail. This will be at Sarankot or the Peace Pagoda… either way you are in for a treat…
After breakfast we will head to Bandipur which is a 3 hour scenic drive along the winding river.
We arrive at the quaint Old Inn Bandipur, have lunch, relax, then gather for an afternoon Yoga Class. Tonight on the balcony with breathtaking views of the pink-tinged Himalayan skyline of twilight you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and an evening to relax underneath the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Bandipur
Breakfast and then off on a walk through the local country side. Bandipur is the kind of place you can hang out in for days, – I have.
Here you can wander around the local village, or venture further afield to the village of Ramkot, taking around 4 – 6 hours return – choice is yours.
Dinner at Old Inn Bandipur at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinners
RETURNING HOME…
Day 13: Bandipur to Kathmandu
Yoga, breakfast then we bid goodbye to the quaint village of Bandipur and head for Pokhara to fly back to where this yoga journey began – Hotel Vajra, Kathmandu. Early evening we enjoy our final yoga class of the trip before celebrating a wonderful journey with a memorable dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14: Homebound
Today you enjoy a well-deserved sleep-in, a delicious breakfast before heading homebound or onto further travels.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
• Accommodation
• Airport Transfers from Kathmandu airport to Hotel
• Yoga & meditation classes
• Yoga Teachings
• Dharma Talk
• Professional Guides
• Listed pilgrimage sites & entry fee
• One Massage
• 90% of Gratuities
• Yoga Trek including professional guides & porters
• Vegetarian meals
• Transportation within Nepal as indicated in the itinerary
Not Included:
• Air flights, taxes and baggage fees to/from Kathmandu Nepal
• Visas & Travel Insurance
• Beverages including tea, coffee and water
• Unscheduled activities and excursions
• Shopping, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses
• Single Supplement – US$550
• Additional nights accommodation: If you require additional nights’ accommodation pre or post Retreat we can place a reservation on your behalf – room fee would apply.
Nepal Yoga Retreat Pricing
Early Bird by 30 July or first 8 registrants
Twin US$3597 twin share (SAVE $500)
Single US$500 for single supplement
Payment needs to be finalised by 30 July..
Full payment within 2 months of departure is required at the time of booking – entire payment is non-refundable.
Regular Price
Twin US$4097 twin share
Single US$500 for single supplement
Late bookings will be accepted after 30 July if places are available.
Late registrations are required to make full payment at the time of booking – entire payment is non-refundable.
Please take the time to read the Terms and Conditions.
“Yoga Nepal Retreat...
”Yoga for the Soul Retreats experience was joyful, exhilarating and at times deeply moving.
I feel gratitude to Chetana for the attention to detail in the planning of such a balanced itinerary.
Her understanding, love and respect for the Nepali people was evident in
the way in which the program was then able to evolve and unfold.
I adored the daily yoga sessions accompanied by harmonium and tanpura
(classical Indian instruments) in amazing and usually out of the way venues.
Although I hadn’t met Chetana or any of the group members I felt supported
and at ease with every stage of the journey”.
Kayleen Deaves, Nundle, Australia – April 2016”