There’s a quote in the Geeta that says, “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” And there couldn’t be a place better than Nepal when it comes to yoga retreat tours.
This small Himalayan country doesn’t just add serene natural environments to your travel diaries, it also offers unique and authentic yoga experiences guided by professional Yog Gurus.
Your Nepal tour kicks off with yoga sessions right inside the hotel premises. But it’s not limited to yoga and meditation alone. You’re in a country that’s beloved by travelers from around the world. So, naturally, we’ll take you sightseeing across some of the top destinations in Nepal.
While we can’t promise to take you to the top of Everest, we can guarantee that your experience will go far beyond the heights of it. From exploring the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to vibing in the tranquil natural beauty of Pokhara, this 11-day Nepal tour showcases the very best the country has to offer.
On top of that, the services included at the mentioned cost are all luxury amenities. From staying at some of the finest hotels in Nepal to stepping inside ancient monasteries, your yoga cum travel experience is something you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Allow us to explain what our package offers in detail below:
Yoga in Scenic Locations
The flexible fitness practice of yoga has been increasingly popular among people all over the world. While it may seem like a recent trend, its roots date back over 5,000 years to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Although yoga might appear similar across the globe, it’s actually quite different here in Nepal. Yes, you heard that right! It’s even slightly distinct from the practices followed in India.
In Nepal, professional yoga instructors (referred to as ‘yog guru’) guide you through various forms of yoga, including Gyan Yog, Bhakti Yog, Karma Yog, Raj Yog, and Hatha Yog.
Interestingly, there’s even an option to obtain a teaching certificate by completing a certain number of training hours. While we haven’t included extensive certification classes in our package, we’ve made sure that yoga lovers get to experience the best forms of yoga along with a natural and cultural tour of Nepal. Essentially, you’ll be learning and exploring in two of Nepal’s most iconic tourist destinations: Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Explore Major Cities and Towns
This tour isn’t limited to yoga alone. Since you’ve come so far to experience a country that’s often described as the yam between two big boulders (India and China), you’ll definitely want to explore its major tourist destinations.
And when it comes to Nepal, you’ve probably already heard about its breathtaking natural beauty, iconic mountain views, and rich cultural heritage. That’s why our team at Altitude Himalaya ensures that you experience the very best Nepal has to offer by visiting at least the key destinations most loved by travelers:
Kathmandu Highlights
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, where you’ll land and begin your yoga plus sightseeing journey. There are plenty of spiritual and religious sites that you’ll visit, and what’s fascinating is that all of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: You’ll visit the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, followed by glimpses of Kasthamandap, Taleju, Jagannath, and Kal Bhairav temples. If everything goes well, we make sure you get a chance to meet the living Goddess Kumari as well, in the Kumari Ghar, which is also located in the Durbar Square area.
- Swayambhunath Stupa: Widely recognized by its nickname Monkey Temple for the presence of monkeys throughout the stupa premises. But Swayambhunath isn’t limited to just that! You’ll see Buddhist pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and immersing themselves in prayers. Moreover, the hilltop where the mahachaitya stands also serves as a stunning viewpoint of the Kathmandu Valley and the visible surrounding mountain ranges.
- Pashupatinath Temple: Before visiting Nepal, one fact you must know is that Hinduism is the most widely practiced religion here. And among the more than 3,000 temples in Kathmandu alone, Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred to Hindus. Visiting this holy site brings you closer to Lord Shiva devotees, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. The sight is truly worth savoring!
- Boudhanath Stupa: The highlight of this world heritage site is the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, visible the moment you enter the gate. One of the best experiences here is witnessing Buddhist pilgrims circumambulate the magnificent spherical stupa, which is one of the largest in the world.
Bhaktapur Exploration
Until now, you’ve only explored the Kathmandu district. But there are two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley (out of the total seven) that are located in the Bhaktapur district, and we’ll take you there during this 11-day Nepal tour:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The largest of the three durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley, this historic site features multiple attractions, including Taumadhi Square, Dattatraya Square, Pottery Square, Chaar Dham Temples, Chyasalin Mandap, and more.
- Changunarayan Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its origins date back to the 4th century AD, and what draws visitors is the stunning ancient craftsmanship in stone, wood, and metal. Since it’s located close to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, it’s a site we don’t want you to miss!
- Nagarkot: Although not a World Heritage Site, Nagarkot is one of the most popular hill stations in the Kathmandu Valley. Located within the Bhaktapur district itself, we ensure you spend the night here to fully appreciate the breathtaking mountain views and enjoy a luxurious staycation experience.
Namobuddha and Dhulikhel Escape
Just about 40 km on the outskirts of Kathmandu lies Namobuddha. The name itself reflects Buddha, offering a glimpse into how peaceful and serene this location truly is.
Looking back in time, Namobuddha was named after the self-sacrifice made by an incarnation of Shakyamuni Buddha. He is believed to have offered his own body to a starving tigress and her cubs to save the villagers.
It’s even believed that his bones are still preserved inside the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery. Just hearing that story makes you want to visit the monument at least once, doesn’t it?
But you won’t be limited to the main monastery alone. Since this is a yoga retreat, you’ll also get the opportunity to learn more about meditation from the same professional guide (who accompanies you in the entire trip), right within the monastery premises.
In fact, if you wish to immerse yourself even further, interacting with the monks here would be a perfect choice. We’ve even arranged a staycation inside the monastery itself (when possible). So, get ready for an experience of a lifetime when visiting Namobuddha.
On the way back, we can also include an optional trip to explore Dhulikhel’s major attractions.
Pokhara Sightseeing
Not just the Kathmandu Valley and its outskirts. This Nepal tour also takes you to the adventure and tourism capital of the country: Pokhara. It’s a favorite destination hub for travelers, offering a completely different vibe with Phewa Lake, majestic mountains, and vibrant streets.
Since our tour is primarily focused on yoga, we’ve included a full-day tour of Pokhara, which still manages to cover all the major tourist attractions in the area:
- Sarangkot: You’ll spend your first two nights here, with the mountains incredibly close to you. From watching the sunrise to experiencing Pokhara’s adventures, this is the place to be. And without a doubt, it’s one of the best spots in Pokhara for yoga and meditation!
- Devi’s Falls: A dramatic waterfall in the heart of Pokhara, whose water originates from Phewa Lake and merges with the Seti River. Locally known as Patale Chango, meaning “Waterfall from the Underworld,” its powerful flow does justice to its name.
- Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: Devi’s Falls flows directly into this 2,057-meter-long cave. As the name suggests, inside lies the sacred shrine of Gupteshwor Mahadev, a revered form of Lord Shiva. Visiting the deeper sections of the cave can be challenging during the monsoon, and you may not always be able to glimpse the waterfall from within. But if you're visiting Pokhara in the right season, don’t hesitate to explore deeper. It’s a truly mesmerizing sight!
- Pumdikot Shiva Statue: About 12 km uphill from Pokhara lies Pumdikot, where a new and massive statue of Lord Shiva was constructed in late 2021. Since then, it has drawn crowds of Hindu devotees and become a must-visit destination. From here, you can enjoy close-up views of the Himalayan ranges and a panoramic view of Pokhara city.
- World Peace Pagoda: Built under the guidance of Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, the World Peace Pagoda was constructed by the Nipponzan-Myohoji organization in 1973. It has long been a go-to spot for tourists, not just for yoga and meditation, but also for taking in breathtaking views of Pokhara city from Anadu Hill.
- Phewa Lake: Whether you’re spending a peaceful moment by the water, watching the reflection of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna, or enjoying boating or kayaking, Phewa Lake has long been the heart of Pokhara. It’s the first thing that comes to mind, even for those of us who visit often. And if it’s your first time in Nepal, we’re pretty sure you’ll fall in love with the second-largest lake in the country.
Adventure Activities Included
Yoga is one of the activities that increases your body’s flexibility, strength, and balance, along with improving posture and enhancing cardiovascular health. It’s a mood booster, and when practiced in Nepal, the experience becomes even more fulfilling!
But one thing it doesn’t do is push the limits of your adrenaline. We're talking about adventures that go beyond just regular exercise. These are the kinds of experiences that make your heart pound, and despite the thrill, it’s the fun that matters the most!
While Nepal offers a wide range of adventure activities, we have included two essential ones in this package:
Hike to Dhampus Village
Coming to Nepal and not experiencing treks that lead to some of the most beautiful destinations in the country would be a big miss. While it’s not possible to include a long trek within this 11-day Nepal package, we’ve made sure you still get to experience hiking in the heart of the Himalayas.
We’re talking about the beautiful Gurung village of Dhampus, located just about 26 km from Pokhara. To get there, we’ll take a short yet rewarding hike starting from Phedi. It usually takes no more than two to three hours to reach the destination.
The total distance is less than 5 miles, but it’s the stunning scenery and the cultural immersion along the way that make Dhampus Village a truly unique place to visit. The mountain ranges visible from here include Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.
Mt. Everest Flight
Your final day in Nepal surely calls for something extraordinary. So, how about a scenic flight over the Himalayas, where you can clearly see the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest?
Our team at Altitude Himalaya carefully monitors the weather and confirms the flight only when visibility and conditions are ideal. We don’t want you to miss out on the views after paying extra, so we avoid taking any risks!
Optional Activities in Pokhara
Remember, this package isn’t limited to hiking and the Everest Mountain Flight. We can also help customize your Nepal tour by including more adrenaline-pumping adventures that fit perfectly within your schedule and budget.
Pokhara, where you’ll be spending three full days, offers plenty of thrilling activities that tourists love to indulge in. Some of the recommended options that can be included on your leisure day are paragliding, zip-flying, bungee jumping, kayaking, ultra-light flight, and more!