4-Day Himalayan Wellness Retreat with Yoga, Ayurveda & Sound Healing in Nepal

Himalayan Yoga Academy has been running retreats since 2007 and was one of the first centres in Nepal set up specifically for yoga tourism. The property overlooks the Nagarjun forest, with views of jungle, monastery rooftops, and the Kathmandu valley. Rooms are simple but comfortable — shared or private, both with attached bathrooms and hot water — and the terrace and garden areas give you space to read or journal between sessions.

The daily routine is built around two main practice blocks. The morning session (7:00–8:45 am) covers warm-ups, Surya Namaskar, standing and seated asanas, bandhas (body locks), pranayama, and closes with a peace mantra. The evening session (5:15–6:45 pm) is gentler: spinal work, yoga nidra (guided relaxation), mudras, and seated meditation. Both blocks include bhakti yoga — chanting and prayers — which gives the day a devotional flavour without requiring any particular belief system.

Ayurvedic therapies are a central part of the experience. Each guest receives a one-hour treatment, typically an Abhyanga (full-body herbal oil massage) or Shirodhara, depending on your constitution (dosha). Steam baths and detox routines are also available. These aren't spa add-ons; they're integrated into the schedule and administered by trained practitioners.

Meals are vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and cooked according to Ayurvedic principles — meaning sattvic (pure, light) ingredients, no onion or garlic, and dishes designed to support digestion rather than burden it. Herbal tea is served throughout the day. Reviews single out the food as a highlight: homemade, comforting, and consistently good.

Sound healing and Reiki sessions round out the programme. These are quieter, less physical practices intended to restore energetic balance — you lie down, close your eyes, and let the singing bowls or energy work do their thing. Optional afternoon activities include guided nature walks into the jungle or visits to nearby temples and monasteries.

The academy's lead instructors have been teaching since 2010 and run classes with an emphasis on creating a safe, non-judgmental environment. They're registered yoga teachers with years of experience guiding beginners through to advanced practitioners. The overall vibe is warm and familial — guests often remark that they felt looked after rather than processed.

What's included

- Airport pickup from Kathmandu airport - 3 nights accommodation (shared or private room with attached bathroom) - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus herbal tea throughout the day - Daily meditation classes - Daily yoga classes (Hatha and Ashtanga) - Daily pranayama (breathwork) classes - 1 hour Ayurvedic therapy treatment (massage, Shirodhara, or steam bath) - Sound healing session - Group excursions and activities (nature walks, village or monastery visits) - Transportation during the retreat - Free wifi - Yoga mats and props

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Nepal visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Extra Ayurvedic treatments beyond the included 1-hour session - Personal expenses