8 Day Budget Yoga and Meditation Wellness Retreat in Pokhara, Nepal

Mukti Yoga Retreat sits hidden between nature in a quiet pocket of Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside city that travellers often call the Jewel of the Himalaya. The daily schedule is simple but full: an energizing one-hour yoga flow after sunrise, a short nature hike, pranayama and meditation, then breakfast. Later there's karma yoga, kirtan chanting, a restorative evening asana class, and candlelight meditation before bed. In between there's time for steam baths, games, tea and popcorn, and just being outside.

What makes this retreat different is the family atmosphere. The owner, Yam, greets guests personally and within minutes of arriving you're told “we are all family here, there are no secrets” — and guests say it actually becomes true by the end of the week. His wife and children are part of daily life, and the small group size (1–5 people) means you get real attention rather than being one of fifty. It's a genuine, low-key, home-stay energy rather than a polished resort experience.

The yoga teaching blends traditional Hatha with meditation. The lead teachers are Prakti, a Yoga Alliance certified instructor known for her warm, engaging classes, and Bipin, who has been teaching internationally since 2011. Classes are suitable for complete beginners through to advanced practitioners, with modifications given as needed. There's also a detox angle — several guests come specifically for the cleansing program, combining the yoga, steam baths, and simple vegetarian food to reset their bodies.

Location is a big part of the appeal. Pokhara is famous for its pristine air, the snowy peaks of the Annapurna range, and the calm waters of Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa Lake. The retreat centre is away from the main tourist strip, so most of what you hear is birdsong and the wind. Yet you're close enough to town to walk in for supplies or a lakeside stroll when you want it.

If you like the idea of a retreat that feels less like a product and more like being welcomed into someone's home — with good daily yoga, simple food, and a proper break from screens and schedules — this is worth a serious look.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in shared triple room - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga classes (morning and evening) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Daily nature hike - Nasal cleansing (neti) sessions - Steam bath sessions - Karma yoga experience (incl. cooking) - Kirtan chanting sessions - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Welcome drink - Luggage storage - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments (e.g. Ayurvedic massage)