Yoga and Hiking in Nepal

ARRIVE KATHMANDU

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The emotions conjured up by the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A RAW Travel representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel and brief you about your upcoming daily activities.

Meals: None

KATHMANDU TO POKHARA

We take a short but scenic 30 minute flight to Pokhara, enjoying the views of Ganesh, Manaslu and the Annapurnas along the way. With majestic sights of snow-capped mountain peaks and tranquil lakes, Pokhara’s beauty is sure to have you mesmerized. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Meals: B

POKHARA – ULLERI – BANTHALI (3 HOUR DRIVE: 2 HOUR HIKE)

We start our trek today after a 3 hour drive by private vehicle from Pokhara. We begin our journey with a steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large Magar village and sits at 2,070m. We have to tackle a steep, stone stair climb but we take our time and pace ourselves. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendron towards Banthanti (2,250m), where we spend the night. Today’s walk offers a short and relatively easy day to help us acclimatize to the experience of trekking in Nepal.

Meals: B L D

GHOREPANI – POON HILL – TADAPANI / CHUILE 2600M (7 HOUR HIKE)

It’s a very early wake-up call this morning as we set off to make it to the top of Poon Hill (3,210m) before sunrise. If the weather is clear we can expect a brilliant spectacle as this vantage point provides superb views of the sun rising over the Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Fish Tail (Machhapuchhare) mountain ranges. We spend about 2 – 3 hours in and around Poon Hill before returning to Ghorepani where we have a hot breakfast and continue our trek to Tadapani village. From this destination, we can also get amazing views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail among others.

Meals: B L D

GHOREPANI – POON HILL – TADAPANI / CHUILE 2600M (7 HOUR HIKE)

It’s a very early wake-up call this morning as we set off to make it to the top of Poon Hill (3,210m) before sunrise. If the weather is clear we can expect a brilliant spectacle as this vantage point provides superb views of the sun rising over the Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Fish Tail (Machhapuchhare) mountain ranges. We spend about 2 – 3 hours in and around Poon Hill before returning to Ghorepani where we have a hot breakfast and continue our trek to Tadapani village. From this destination, we can also get amazing views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail among others.

Meals: B L D

TADAPANI – KUMRONG DADHA 2200M (4 HOUR HIKE)

Today offers a gentle trek through beautiful lush green scenery. We climb along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests, admiring beautiful mountain views along the way. We may be lucky enough to catch glimpses of some of the abundant wildlife in the area, such as deer, monkeys and many species of birdlife.

Meals: B L D

KUMRONG DADHA – SHYAULI BAZAAR – POKHARA (3-4 HOUR HIKE: 1.5 HOUR DRIVE)

Today we walk down to the level of the river at Shyauli Bazaar. The trail leads through an open area with terraced fields, followed by a section of stone steps and passing by small villages along the way. From Shyauli Bazaar, we have a short stretch to Nayapul and from there we meet our transport for our drive back to Pokhara (1.5hr drive). We overnight at the Purna Yoga retreat, in preparation for our yoga retreat commencing tomorrow.

Meals: B L D

POKHARA YOGA RETREAT

Surrounded by a tranquil sanctuary of rolling, green hills and superb lake views, our daily practice aims to grow a deeper sense of inner health, providing you with techniques to help you balance your mind and body. Led by an experienced, certified yoga teacher, we invite you to escape the chaotic schedules of life and find rejuvenation through these spiritually engaging sessions.

Yoga Retreat Daily Schedule (example only)

• 6.15 am – Meditation (will vary between Japa, Inner sound, Antar Mouna, Mantra meditation, Breath, Silent)
• 7 am – Herbal tea
• 7.30 am – Jala Neti (nasal cleansing)
• 8 am – Yoga (Pranayama, Dynamic Hatha, Static Asanas)
• 9.45 am – Yogic breakfast
• 11 am – Wellness activities (see above ‘inclusions’)
• 12.30 pm – Sound bath (sound immersion with gong, ancient singing bowls, bells and ocean drum)
• 1 pm – Yogic lunch
• 2 pm – Leisure time (relax, read, nap, swim in nearby pool, explore, meditate)
• 4 pm – Herbal tea and snacks
• 4.30 pm – Bhakti Yoga (chanting of mantras and Kirtan)
• 5.30 pm – Yoga (Dynamic hatha with elements of flow, power, Ashtanga and Vinyasa)
• 6.30 pm – Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation and visualisation)
• 7 pm – Yogic Dinner
• 8 pm – Silent meditation
• 9 pm – Retire for the night

Meals: B L D

POKHARA TO KATHMANDU

Today you will fly back to Kathmandu and be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore Nepal’s lively capital.

Meals: B

DEPART KATHMANDU

Today you will be collected from your hotel for a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu with your English-speaking guide. You will visit Patan Durbar Sqaure, Boudha nath Stupa, Pasupatinath and the Monkey temple (Swyambhunath). In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your connecting flight.

Meals: B