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Would you like to deepen your yoga practice while discovering Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty? Join celebrated international yoga teacher Joan Hyman and award-winning Kamala Yoga Nepal for this trip of a lifetime! Joan Hyman, international yoga teacher with 20 years of teaching experience, and award-winning Kamala Yoga Nepal have partnered up to offer you a magical journey to Nepal. This yoga retreat and trek will introduce you to Nepal’s captivating cultures and the spectacular natural beauty of the Himalayas and offer a balance of cultural exploration, physical challenge, and leisurely relaxation.
Your accommodation includes
Single accommodation is only available for the hotel in Kathmandu and the two hotels in Pokhara. On the trek, you will sleep in a shared room with two single beds.
An oasis of calm in the heart of Thamel, one of Kathmandu's liveliest districts.
During the trek, you will stay in various simple teahouse accommodations. Teahouse accommodations and facilities are simple. Beds are very simple with thin foam mattresses.
Two trekking guests will usually share a room (even if single accommodation is booked), and bathroom facilities are shared with several people. In some locations, only squatting toilets are available. Depending on electricity/hot water supply, hot showers may or may not be available.
Luxurious Pavilions Himalayas is located in the hills near Pokhara. A beautiful pool invites you to relax and recharge among the foothills of the Himalayas.
As your yoga trek concludes, you head to the five-star eco-luxury resort The Pavilions Himalayas for your last night where a timeless blend of ancient design touches and modern-day luxury awaits. Relaxing by the serene infinity pool and taking part in a gentle yoga class with Joan help you unwind and rest.
Amidst sleepy villages, touches of Nepal’s unique spiritual heritage, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills and mountains, you reflect on this inner and outer journey you just spent in the embrace of the Himalayas. A memorable final dinner concludes your trip.
You will start in Kathmandu before heading to a four-day retreat lakeside in Pokhara where you will practice yoga twice per day, enjoy sound baths and yoga Nidra in the evenings. You will rest and relax and enjoy the surrounding views of the Himalayas. You will then begin your journey to Poon Hill with a hand-crafted itinerary by Kamala Yoga Nepal helping you to explore and feel comfortable at the same time.
You may be pushing your comfort zone physically at times, particularly during some of the steeper ascents and descents, but your experienced guides are here to support you throughout, and breaks are taken anytime as needed.
The accommodation on the trek is basic, which is often an adjustment for guests. You will be living alongside and interacting with local Nepali people and will have the opportunity to learn about their culture and customs, and the responsibility to be respectful.
Having said this, a yoga trek in Nepal is an experience for body, mind, and soul. The spectacular views, glimpses into a culture different from your own, immersion in a stunning landscape and fresh mountain air, a body and mind supported by yoga and meditation, and the feeling of achievement at the end of the trek make for a very rewarding trip.
The itinerary and its timings are approximate. Adjustments may be made as necessary and/or appropriate.
Morning and early afternoon: guests will fly into Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International airport by early afternoon of 20 March at the latest. You will be picked up from the airport, and taken straight to Mulberry Hotel, which is an oasis of calm in the heart of Thamel, one of Kathmandu's liveliest districts.
Mid-afternoon and evening: you might wish to unwind in your room or refresh your senses with a dip in the rooftop infinity pool. There will be time to settle, then you meet for introductions, briefing, and a yoga class on the rooftop, with the stunning backdrop of the Kathmandu Skyline (weather permitting).
Dinner will be enjoyed together at the hotel’s restaurant, and the group will retire to their rooms early, at about 9:00 pm, to get a good rest.
Early morning: yoga class on the rooftop with Joan (weather permitting), with Kathmandu’s early morning hustle and bustle happening down below.
Morning: the group meets for breakfast in the quiet terraced backyard of the hotel. Even if Mulberry’s backyard is secluded and serene, Kathmandu's sights and sounds are still present, permeating from the busy alleys nearby.
Daytime: climb aboard a comfortable air-conditioned van with the tour guide and go exploring. You will see several important sights in Kathmandu and its surrounding areas, including Pashupatinath, one of Hinduism's most important temples. The group will stop for a delicious lunch.
Early evening: Restorative yoga class on the rooftop with Joan (weather permitting). In the evening: meet in the lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for a local set dinner.
Early morning and morning: morning yoga class on the rooftop with Joan (weather permitting), followed by breakfast and check-out. Any extra luggage or shopping can be left at the hotel until return to Kathmandu. The group will take a van to the airport for a domestic flight to Pokhara.
Early afternoon: arrival in Pokhara, which will be the base for the next few days. The group is picked up at the airport and taken directly to Purna Yoga Retreat, Bhakunde. The accommodations are clean and comfortable, nestled among the rolling foothills of the Annapurna. You meet for a light lunch.
Mid-afternoon: Yoga class with Joan, in Purna Yoga Retreat’s tranquil shala with stunning views. In the early evening: you have the option to relax in your room or by the pool, or explore the grounds. In the evening, have a dinner at Purna Yoga Retreat.
Early morning: you may have a cup of tea, or a light snack provided by Purna Yoga Retreat, before you head to the shala.
One morning, weather permitting, you will undertake a sunrise yoga hike. You gather at the Purna Yoga Retreat dining hall, wearing your yoga gear, one or two warm layers, and your hiking boots. You climb into waiting jeeps and drive to a nearby hill, where you start your sunrise yoga hike.
You reach the Sarangkot or Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) around sunrise, lay out your mats, and enjoy a sunrise yoga session with Joan. Following this, you will visit the Peace Pagoda and sit in stillness. You enjoy a light picnic breakfast. The van will pick you up and take you back to the Purna Yoga Retreat, where you may freshen up (arrival about 11:00 am). At 04:00 pm, you gather back at the yoga studio for afternoon practice with Joan and resume your usual schedule.
On the last day of the retreat, you will have the trekking briefing. Everyone will receive a trekking sack, into which to pack their belongings for the trek. If anyone still needs any gear, you will have taken time to go rent/shop those items. Retire early, so that you can start the trek tomorrow fresh and rested.
Some afternoons will be free for you to enjoy the retreat surroundings, and on other afternoons, you will have the option to join hikes, excursions, or singing bowl sound immersions. For those who wish to unwind, various wellness activities are available and included:
Activities that may be proposed depending on the weather, schedule, and wishes of the group:
Daytime: From Nayapul, you take a bumpy but scenic 1 hour drive to Ulleri, passing alongside the Modi River, charming villages, and encountering trekkers, as well as mule and donkey trains along the way. Your route winds through farm areas, villages, and picturesque waterfalls until you reach Ulleri, a picturesque with slated roof houses in the traditional Nepalese style, where you have lunch.
From here, you set off on your trek. The trail climbs gradually into an enchanting cool rhododendron and pine forested area until you reach Ghorepani village, located on a ridge surrounded with beautiful rhododendron trees. This village is inhabited mostly by Poon people of Magar tribe. From here, Poon Hill view top is only an hour's climb away.
Early evening: Restorative yoga class with Joan and then dinner.
Early morning: Very early in the morning, around 4:30 am, you start your one hour hike to reach Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210 meters. Weather permitting, you experience a spectacular sunrise over the high Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Fish Tail (Machhapuchhre) mountain ranges. You have tea and snacks while you enjoy the view.
Morning: After taking in the stunning views of Poon Hill, you return to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast. You continue your trek to Tadapani village, which also offers beautiful views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail and other mountains. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
Early evening: Restorative yoga class with Joan and evening dinner.
Early morning: morning yoga class with Joan (approximately 1 hour), then have breakfast.
Daytime: today’s trek takes you through beautiful green scenery, up to the tea house Little Paradise – a true secluded paradise among the mountainous scenery where you can relax and enjoy peace and quiet. This local family owned teahouse has a large and beautiful open garden area with flowers and trees, where chickens and friendly dogs roam free. They have rabbits and cows too and most vegetables are grown in their own organic garden.
This beautiful property is located on a ridge between two mountains, offering great mountain views on one side and a stunning view over the valley on another side. Facilities are simple but the surroundings are superb. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
Early evening: Restorative yoga class with Joan (approximately 1 hour) and evening dinner.
Early morning: morning yoga class with Joan (approximately 1 hour), then breakfast.
Daytime: From Little Paradise, you descend to Ghandruk in 1 hour, have some lunch in the village, admire the mountain views and continue one hour further and get a jeep to Pokhara from the lower part of Ghandruk village (1.5-hour drive) to Nayapul and a 1.5-hour drive to Pokhara. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
You conclude your itinerary at The Pavilions, but if anyone wishes to extend their stay in Pokhara for further exploration, your Kamala Yoga Nepal is onsite to assist with arrangements. For those who would like to fly to Kathmandu and catch a flight back home, they can help organize those details as well.
Included excursions and activities:
Joan Hyman’s grounded teaching style seamlessly supports her students as they emerge from their practice with the rich and bright energy that yoga offers. Joan’s teachings come from an organic and intuitive place, as she draws upon the combination studies of Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga as well as Ayurveda and meditation. An authentic modern-day yogi, Joan’s love and devotion show up in her practice and through her teachings. She has over 20 years of experience leading retreats, trainings, and workshops worldwide.
During this tour, you will visit various cities and villages like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nayapul, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk.
You start out in bustling Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. Your comfortable and central four-star accommodation allows you to access the city while offering a retreat from the liveliness and intensity that surrounds you.
You spend your first day touring Kathmandu’s most captivating sites of cultural and spiritual significance in a comfortable van and on foot. Joan’s yoga classes take place next to the rooftop infinity pool with the spectacular backdrop of Kathmandu’s skyline (weather permitting).
On the second day, a short domestic flight takes you to calmer surroundings at the Purna Yoga Retreat in Bhakunde, Pokhara. Nestled among the rolling foothills of the Annapurna, it is a comfortable sanctuary of wellness dedicated to the practice of yoga. Here, you settle into a calm routine for a few days.
Joan’s inspired morning and evening yoga classes provide the structure for your time here. A tranquil shala with stunning views, nourishing meals sourced from their organic gardens, a large swimming pool, and spa treatment options add to the experience (a 60-minute spa treatment is included for each guest).
Singing bowl immersion sessions, excursions, and other activities add variety. There is enough time to explore, read, and relax. A sunrise yoga excursion (weather permitting), and visit to Sarangkot and the Peace Pagoda overlooking Pokhara and its hills and mountains allow you to connect with the spiritual aspects of your environment.
The next part of your journey sees you packing up and heading into the mountains. With a team of experienced guides and porters, you begin your 5-day yoga trek past terraced slopes, paddy fields, and through rhododendron forests. Joan’s morning and evening yoga classes accompany and support you throughout the trek.
The authentic villages you experience along the trek, including the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, offer a taste of the culture and lifestyle of ethnic people like Gurungs and Magars. The destination and highest point of this trek is Poon Hill (3,210 meters), which you climb before sunrise to experience spectacular panoramic views of the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas.
Click to see more vegetarian-friendly Yoga Retreats
A variety of local and international food options are available in most locations where you have lunch or stay overnight. A vegetarian diet is the standard during this trek, and vegan, gluten-free, and other similar preferences can usually be accommodated, but please let them know in advance.
All meals and water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee during meals are included. Healthy snacks and filtered water are provided on the trek.
60-minute massage at the Purna Yoga Resort, Bhakunde.
Tribhuvan International Airport
4 km
Transfer included
You will fly into Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International airport by early afternoon of the 20 March at the latest. You will be picked up from the airport.
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