Spiritual Yoga and Meditation Monastery Retreat in Nepal

The retreat is run by Himalayan Yoga Academy, a school that's been teaching yoga in Nepal since 2007. You start in Kathmandu at their base on the edge of the Nagarjun jungle, where you'll have a day of yoga, an evening of chanting and discussion, and a day of sightseeing around the city's three major attractions—think Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath, and the like. Then you're driven to Pharping, about 23 kilometers from Kathmandu, and hike up to the monastery where you'll spend the next four nights.

Life at the monastery follows the monks' own schedule. The day starts before dawn with the puja ceremony, then tea, nasal cleansing (jala neti), and a traditional Hatha and Ashtanga yoga class. After breakfast there's a Dhamma talk—teachings from the Buddhist tradition—followed by lunch and a period of silence. The afternoons are for exploring the monastery, sitting in meditation, and just being still. Evenings end with more meditation and an early bedtime. It's a simple, structured life, and that structure is exactly what helps you let go of the noise you brought with you.

The retreat includes one day of complete silence, which you can use to walk to the Asura Cave or just sit and watch the clouds move over the hills. There's also a relaxation therapy—either steam, massage, or shirodhara (warm oil poured on the forehead)—back at the academy on the way home. You return to Kathmandu for one last night, with a final session to wrap up what you've learned and a farewell dinner with the group.

What makes this retreat different is that you're not just practicing yoga in a pretty location—you're actually living alongside monks, sharing their space, and being invited into their way of life. Guests consistently mention the warmth of the teachers (Suyog, Krishna, and Raj get named in reviews) and how taken care of they feel. The group sizes are small, and the environment is safe for solo travelers, especially women, who can practice without any hassle. It's not about luxury or comfort—it's about the experience, and it tends to stay with people long after they leave.

What's included

- Airport pickup - 7 nights accommodation (2 at academy, 4 at monastery, 1 at academy) - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the retreat - Daily yoga and meditation classes - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Kathmandu sightseeing tour (3 major attractions) - Hike to the monastery with a guide - Transportation between academy and monastery - One relaxation therapy (steam, massage, or shirodhara) - Use of yoga mats

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments - International flights - Personal expenses