7-Day Yoga, Hiking & Culture Retreat in the Chandragiri Hills, Nepal

This seven-day retreat is run by Mandala Yoga Retreat, a family-owned yoga school and wellness center in the hills above Kathmandu. Your hosts are Kriti Karki, a yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience, and her husband Biren, who manages the retreat and also leads sound healing sessions. The combination of traditional yoga, healing therapies, and adventure makes this retreat feel less like a strict program and more like a week of being looked after by people who genuinely care about their guests.

Each morning starts with a yoga and pranayama session, followed by breakfast and then a healing therapy—Reiki, sound healing, or a massage. The afternoons are often free for rest, walks, or meditation, and the evenings finish with another yoga or meditation practice. The retreat is structured but not rigid, with plenty of space to relax and soak in the mountain air.

The real highlight is the hiking. One full day is spent climbing Chandragiri Hill, a four-hour ascent that takes you through forest and open scenery to the 2,500-meter summit. On a clear day, you're rewarded with views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. After the hike, a 90-minute massage helps you recover. Another day is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu's cultural treasures: Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and the lively streets of Thamel.

The retreat is suitable for all levels—whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner—and the flexible schedule means you can take it at your own pace. With a maximum group size of 10, you'll get personal attention and plenty of quiet.

What's included

- Airport pickup - 6 nights accommodation in private or shared room with ensuite bathroom - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - 1 hour treatment (massage, steam/sauna, Reiki, or sound healing) - Wi-Fi connection - Hiking trip to Chandragiri Hill - Cultural sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (transportation included)

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Meals during sightseeing day (lunch at own cost) - Entrance fees during sightseeing - Cable car return from Chandragiri - Airport drop-off