21-Day Yoga Teacher Training in the Himalayan Foothills of Nepal

Nepal Yoga Home sits about 10 kilometres from Kathmandu airport, at the edge of Nagarjun National Park. The house is a big white building set back from the road, with jungle on one side and views of the Himalayan foothills on the other. The neighbourhood is quiet — guests walk into the national park for hikes and see monkeys on the trails — but the city is close enough for day trips to Thamel, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), or Boudhanath Stupa.

The training runs six days a week, with Sundays off. A typical day starts early with pranayama and meditation, followed by asana practice (Hatha, Ashtanga, or Kundalini depending on the day), then breakfast. Mornings continue with philosophy or anatomy lectures, lunch, and a rest period. Afternoons bring more asana or teaching practicum, chanting, and evening meditation. The schedule is full but not frantic — there's time to journal, walk, or just sit on the terrace.

The curriculum covers 75 hours of asana, 25 hours of meditation, 25 hours of pranayama and bandha, 25 hours of mantra chanting and relaxation, 25 hours of philosophy, anatomy and lifestyle, and 25 hours of yogic detoxification and teaching practice. You study the classical texts, learn adjustment techniques, and practise teaching each other in supervised sessions. By the end of three weeks, you've taught full classes to your cohort and received feedback.

Dr. Prakash Acharya leads the training. He holds a Bachelor of Science and an MSc in Yogic Science and Human Consciousness, and spent years studying with sadhus in ashrams, jungles, and caves across Nepal and India. He developed a meditation technique he calls 'soul meditation' during a retreat on the banks of the Ganges at Haridwar. Outside of teaching, he runs educational programmes for children in remote Nepali villages.

The food is all vegetarian, prepared fresh by the family. Expect Nepali staples — dal bhat, vegetable curries, roti, seasonal fruit — plus porridge and eggs at breakfast. Dietary requirements are accommodated if you mention them in advance. Guests consistently single out the food as a highlight.

Group sizes vary by season but can reach 20 students. Past participants have come from all over the world, and the mix of backgrounds and experience levels is part of the appeal. You'll share classes with total beginners and seasoned practitioners, and the teaching adapts to meet everyone where they are.

What's included

- 20 nights accommodation - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified teacher training - Daily yoga and meditation classes - Pranayama and breathing practice sessions - Yoga philosophy and anatomy lectures - Mantra chanting sessions - Yogic detoxification practices - Teaching methodology and practicum - Certificate upon completion - Wi-Fi throughout the property - Hot water - All taxes

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Airport transfers (5 USD if requested) - Laundry service (available for extra payment) - Personal expenses - Sightseeing trips and excursions - Additional food outside scheduled meals - Hiking, trekking, rafting, or mountain flights - Travel insurance