Adventure and Spirituality: Yoga & Hiking Holidays in Nepal

Nepal is known as “the roof of the world” as it is home to the Himalayan ranges and the highest peak on Earth: Mount Everest. Can you imagine a better destination to do yoga outdoors, breathing clean air and contemplating the Nepali magnificent landscapes?

This makes for a perfect location to go trekking in the mountains and add some adventure to your next vacation. That’s why a yoga and hiking retreat in Nepal is the best way to embrace its mystical atmosphere.

Benefits of combining yoga with hiking

Yoga and hiking go so well together just like honey and lemon! They both benefit a lot from each other. Just like yoga isn’t about performing the toughest asana, but about learning to let go, hiking is not about getting to the top of the mountain, but about enjoying every step on your way up.

Perhaps you think that, as a yogi, you don’t have what it takes to go on a long hike, but you’ll be surprised by how much your practice on the mat has been preparing you for it. Since yoga teaches you breathing techniques, provides you with a good balance and helps you be more aware of your body, you’re more than ready to start hiking!

Plus, most yoga and hiking retreats are designed for beginners. This means that the organizer will make sure you can hike at your own pace while enjoying the fascinating views, clear rivers and lush vegetation of Nepal.

In return, you’ll get many benefits for your yoga practice, because hiking improves the cardiovascular system, strengthens your muscles, reduces stress and helps you to live in the moment. After all, yogis and hikers share a similar lifestyle!

Check out this guide to yoga retreats in Nepal to get a better understanding of what makes this country so special for yoga.

History of yoga in Nepal

It's said that it all started here when Gautama Buddha –the founder of Buddhism– was born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal. Since then, yogis and Rishis have meditated and practiced yoga in this peaceful territory. Yogis of India used to come to Nepal to fill themselves with powerful spiritual energies.

The legendary author of the Mahabharata, Vedas and Puranas, Vyas Rishi, was born in Nepal.

Although Indian yogis where the ones who spread yoga and meditation to the world, it’s said that Tantra, Yoga and Meditation actually have its origins in Nepal.

Therefore, yoga is a deep-rooted practice in this country, and it’s considered an important part of their culture. Since Sanskrit was the language used in the ancient Himalayas, Nepalis even use some yoga words in their daily conversations. All of it combined with the perfect blend of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, there’s no place in the world with a more authentic yogic atmosphere.

Want to know why Nepal is considered the ultimate yoga destination? Read this interview with Yogi Panchavedi.

Nepal Himalayas quick facts

The Himalayan territory of Nepal is known as the home of the Himavat, father of goddesses Parvati and Ganga. It has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains and more than 200 mountains that are over 6,000-meter high (20,000 ft).

The name Himalaya comes from the Sanskrit Himālaya (abode of the snow). Therefore, many people associate the Himalayas with cold and snow. However, these ranges actually have a diverse ecosystem with different forest types; from subtropical pine forests, to subtropical broadleaf forests and subalpine conifer forests.

Also, the Himalayas is one of the purest and unspoiled regions on Earth, making it the perfect place to find peace and serenity. Here you’ll have astonishing locations to do your asanas, fresh air for your Pranayama and plenty of hiking and yoga retreats that will bring another dimension to your practice.

Hiking and yoga retreats in Nepal

Are you ready to have the experience of a lifetime? To encourage you to embark on this adventure, here’s some inspiration from Dr. Seuss: “You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”

Convinced? Here are a few recommendations for your next yoga and hiking vacation in Nepal.

Yoga and Hiking Retreat

Image credit: Goniyore Yog ashram Nepal

• Duration: 4 Days
• Cost: from US$750
• Location: Kathmandu 

On this retreat, you’ll have access to yoga classes, meditation sessions, healthy vegetarian meals, and detox juices. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the authentic Nepali culture during hiking excursions to monasteries and UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples.

Some of the places you'll visit are the Monkey Temple, the Pashupatinath Temple, and the Boudha Stupa, all of them located in Kathmandu. You’ll also visit Patan Durbar Square, where you can witness the living Goddess Kumari.

The program includes all entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary, ground transportation, and a professional and friendly guide for the excursions.

Hiking, Yoga, Meditation, Breathing, and Self-Realization Holiday in Kathmandu

Image credit: Nepal Yoga Home

• Duration: 8 Days
• Cost: from US$999
• Location: Kathmandu

If you prefer to have a base for your adventure, this holiday might be exactly what you are looking for! The tour is focused on visiting different heritage sites around Kathmandu Valley, along with exploring and energizing your inner being through yoga and meditation.

You’ll stay at Nepal Yoga Home, located at the lap of the Nagarjun Jungle. Surrounded by mountains and jungles, you’ll enjoy astonishing views of Kathmandu.

Each day starts with a yoga session (at 7:30 a.m.) and breakfast. At 10 a.m. you’ll depart on the daily trip, visiting various temples or enjoying hikes. Once back at the accommodation, after a well-deserved rest, you’ll join a breathing and meditation session, followed by dinner.

Three daily meals are included in the price.

The closest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and the transfer is available for an additional fee. 

Everest Base Camp Trekking and Yoga Holiday

Image credit: Trekking Planner

• Duration: 15 Days
• Cost: from US$1,499
• Location: Bagmati Zone

Trekking through the Himalayas is a spiritual experience that any yogi is invited to have at least once in their lifetime. So, here’s another option for your adventurous yogic spirit, a real chance to take hiking to the next level. Just to give you a glimpse, on the eleventh day of this retreat, you’ll trek to Pheriche, situated at an altitude of 4,280 meters (14,042 feet).

But don’t worry, the itinerary also includes entire days of rest, every-morning yoga sessions, and daily delicious healthy meals. Besides, the routes are filled with exciting things to see, like the trek to Phakidng, which goes through the route used by some communities to trade with Tibet, or the exciting experience of crossing a suspension bridge.

The trekking routes of this retreat are ideal for photographers. You’ll get great views of Mount Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Changtse Peaks, the majestic Khumbu Glacier, and the Southeast face of Everest.