Wellness & Hiking Yoga Retreat on the Kathmandu Valley Rim

The retreat is run by Himalaya Yoga Academy, which opened in 2007 as the first yoga center in Nepal focused on spiritual and yoga tourism. It sits on the edge of Nagarjun Jungle, close enough to Kathmandu for easy access but far enough to feel calm. Each day starts with a morning yoga session and breakfast before you head out to explore. You'll walk between four and seven hours on most days, passing farmland, forests, and small settlements with views of the snow-capped Himalayas when the sky is clear.

Highlights include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a medieval city of temples and brick-paved streets, and Nagarkot, a hill station famous for its sunrise panorama. You'll also visit Namo Buddha, one of Nepal's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and Panauti, an old Newari trading town. In the evenings, back at your lodging, there's a meditation class before dinner. The retreat includes a sound healing session and a massage, and you'll have a guided tour of Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) on the return to Kathmandu.

The pace is moderate — the walking is not technical and doesn't require mountain experience. The hosts include experienced, government-licensed guides and yoga teachers. The group is small, often just a handful of guests, so you get personal attention. Meals are home-cooked, vegetarian or vegan, and served three times a day. This retreat suits solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want a structured but unhurried week of gentle activity, culture, and rest.

What's included

- Airport pickup - 6 nights accommodation (shared or private room) - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama classes - Daily meditation classes - Yoga classes throughout the trek - Government license holder experienced yoga tour guide - Guide's food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance - Professional event photos - Transportation during the retreat - Wi-Fi connection - One massage at the yoga center - Sound healing session

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments