Himalayan Wellness Trek: Yoga & Meditation in the Annapurnas, Nepal

The trek begins in Pokhara, where you'll spend the first night at Green Hills Yoga Retreat, a family-run property with a yoga shala and views of the surrounding hills. From there, the trail takes you up through forest and traditional villages, with overnight stops at Deurali, Forest Camp, and High Camp. The walking is steady rather than technical—no mountaineering experience is needed—but you'll be at altitude by the fourth day, so a basic level of fitness helps.

Each morning starts with meditation and light stretching before breakfast, then you set off for the day's walk. In the evenings there's a restorative yoga session or sound healing, designed to ease tired legs and help you sleep. On Day 5 you get up early for the hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) to watch the sunrise over Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South—this is the moment most people remember. The descent is gentler, finishing with a drive back to Pokhara for a farewell dinner and a final sound healing session.

One thing that makes this trek different from a plain hiking trip is the consistency of the yoga. You're not just doing a token class at the end—there are sessions every day, led by the same teachers who run the retreat's regular classes. Rajesh Poudel, who grew up in the Himalayas and has been practising yoga since he was ten, leads many of the sessions. He teaches Ashtanga, Hatha, and pranayama, and has a calm, straightforward style that works well for mixed-level groups.

The tea houses are basic but comfortable, and the hosts are genuinely welcoming—one review mentions that the family's own farm supplies much of the food, including honey. It's a low-impact way to see the Annapurna range, and because the trail is less busy than some of the bigger circuits, you get a sense of remoteness that's hard to find elsewhere at this altitude.

What's included

- Airport Pickup & Drop-off - 6 nights accommodation - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Daily yoga classes - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Group excursions/activities - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage

What's not included

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