Himalayan Wellness Escape: Yoga, Meditation & Cultural Discovery in Nepal

The Himalayan Yoga Academy opened in 2007 as one of Nepal's first centres dedicated to yoga tourism. It sits in a quiet residential area above a valley, surrounded by jungle on three sides — specifically the Raniban ('Queen Jungle') section of Shivapuri National Park. Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries are within walking distance, and guests sometimes join local puja ceremonies in the evenings.

The daily schedule is traditional: wake-up tea, Jala Neti nasal cleansing for those who want it, then a 90-minute Hatha Yoga session with pranayama. Breakfast is freshly prepared and vegetarian. Evenings follow a similar pattern — meditation before dinner, then Vajrasana (a seated digestive posture), self-study time, and lights-out at 10pm. The idea is to give you a taste of ashram-style living without the austerity.

Day two is the sightseeing day. A private car and English-speaking guide take you to Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (Nepal's most sacred Hindu site), and Boudhanath (a centre of Tibetan Buddhism). The guide weaves in yogic context — explaining mantra chanting at Boudhanath, for example — so the visits feel like part of the practice rather than separate tourist stops.

Day three is the healing day: a full Ayurvedic massage in the morning, a Himalayan singing bowl session in the afternoon, and an evening of Bhakti Yoga — chanting, prayers, and optional Tratak (candle-gazing meditation). Past guests single out this day as the highlight, noting that the combination of bodywork and sound therapy leaves them feeling deeply rested.

The instructors, Prapti and Yogi, both trained at the academy and have taught there for over a decade. Prapti's background includes Nada Chikitsa (sound healing), Ashtanga, Hatha, and Vinyasa Yoga, plus aerial yoga. Yogi began practising in 2010 and focuses on guiding students from everyday mental chatter toward gratitude and meditation. Classes are adjusted to the group's level, so complete beginners and more experienced practitioners can attend the same session.

The retreat is small — a maximum of ten guests — and review scores average 4.81 out of 5 across 176 reviews, with particular praise for the food ('delicious and homemade'), the calm atmosphere, and the helpfulness of staff members Suyog, Krishna, and Raj.

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off - 3 nights accommodation (shared or private room) - Full-day sightseeing tour with private car and English-speaking spiritual guide - Visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Ayurvedic massage (1 session) - Himalayan singing bowl therapy (1 session) - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Herbal teas throughout the day - Daily Hatha Yoga classes - Daily pranayama sessions - Daily meditation sessions - Cooking class - 1-hour treatment - Pre and post retreat support - Transportation during the retreat - Jalaneti pot (welcome gift)

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Nepal visa fee - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Optional upgrades (extra massage, extra night)