Yoga, Wilderness, and Wonder:
Nepal & Himalayas Retreat and Trek
with Joan Hyman & Kamala Yoga Nepal
March 20 - April 01 2025
Nepal & Himalayas Retreat and Trek, March 20 to April 01, 2025
Would you like to deepen your yoga practice while discovering Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty? Join celebrated international yoga teacher Joan Hyman and award-winning Kamala Yoga Nepal for this trip of a lifetime!
Joan Hyman, international yoga teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience, and award-winning Kamala Yoga Nepal have partnered up to offer you a magical journey to Nepal. This yoga retreat and trek will introduce you to Nepal’s captivating cultures and the spectacular natural beauty of the Himalayas, and offer a balance of cultural exploration, yogic immersion, and physical challenge.
Join us for an unforgettable experience in Nepal.
Kathmandu
We start out in bustling Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. Our comfortable and central four-star accommodation allows us to access the city while offering a retreat from the liveliness and intensity that surrounds us. We spend our first day touring Kathmandu’s most captivating sites of cultural and spiritual significance in a comfortable van and on foot. Joan’s yoga classes take place next to the rooftop infinity pool with the spectacular backdrop of Kathmandu’s skyline (weather permitting).
Pokhara
On the second day, a short domestic flight takes us to calmer surroundings at the Purna Yoga Retreat in Bhakunde, Pokhara. Nestled among the rolling foothills of the Annapurna, it is a comfortable sanctuary of wellness dedicated to the practice of yoga. Here, we settle into a calm routine for a few days. Joan’s inspired morning and evening yoga classes provide the structure for our time here. A tranquil shala with stunning views, nourishing meals sourced from their organic gardens, a large swimming pool, and spa treatment options add to the experience (a 60 minute spa treatment is included for each guest). Singing bowl immersion sessions, excursions, and other activities add variety. There is enough time to explore, read, and relax. A sunrise yoga excursion (weather permitting), and visit to Sarangkot and the Peace Pagoda overlooking Pokhara and its hills and mountains allow us to connect with the spiritual aspects of our environment.
5-day yoga trek
The next part of our journey sees us packing up and heading into the mountains: With a team of experienced guides and porters, we begin our 5-day yoga trek past terraced slopes, paddy fields, and through rhododendron forests. Joan’s morning and evening yoga classes accompany and support us throughout the trek. The authentic villages we experience along the trek, including the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, offer a taste of the culture and lifestyle of ethnic people like Gurungs and Magars. The destination and highest point of this trek is Poon Hill (3,210m), which we climb before sunrise to experience spectacular panoramic views of the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas.
Eco-luxury resort The Pavilions Himalayas
As our yoga trek concludes, we head to the five-star eco-luxury resort The Pavilions Himalayas for our last night where a timeless blend of ancient design touches and modern-day luxury awaits. Relaxing by the serene infinity pool and taking part in a gentle yoga class with Joan help us unwind and rest. Amidst sleepy villages, touches of Nepal’s unique spiritual heritage, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills and mountains, we reflect on this inner and outer journey we just spent in the embrace of the Himalayas. A memorable final dinner concludes our trip.
This retreat is for you if:
✔ You would like to deepen your yoga practice with Joan Hyman in an immersive local environment with spiritual aspects.
✔ You would like to experience the culture and stunning nature of Nepal.
✔ You would like to challenge yourself physically and mentally and are not afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
✔ You have good cardiovascular fitness (for at least 3 months before the trek, you engage in moderate to strenuous cardiovascular exercise 2-3x per week).
✔ You accept that the comfort level of accommodation will vary, and in particular that the accommodation on the trek will be very basic (the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara will range from comfortable to luxurious).
✔ You understand that when traveling in Nepal, and particularly in the mountains, there may be unforeseen circumstances, which your organizers and guides are trained to respond to. They will need your cooperation to ensure the safety of the group.
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• Morning & early afternoon: Guests will fly into Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International airport by early afternoon of 20 March at the latest. You will be picked up from the airport, and taken straight to Mulberry Hotel, which is an oasis of calm in the heart of Thamel, one of Kathmandu's liveliest districts.
• Mid-afternoon and Evening: You might wish to unwind in your room, or refresh your senses with a dip in the rooftop infinity pool. There will be time to settle, then we meet for introductions, briefing, and a yoga class on the rooftop, with the stunning backdrop of the Kathmandu Skyline (weather permitting).
We enjoy dinner together at the hotel’s restaurant, and retire to our rooms early, at about 9.00 pm, to get a good rest.
• Overnight: Mulberry Hotel****, Kathmandu
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• Early morning: Yoga class on the rooftop with Joan (weather permitting), with Kathmandu’s early morning hustle and bustle happening down below.
• Morning: We meet for breakfast, in the quiet terraced backyard of the hotel. Even if Mulberry’s backyard is secluded and serene, Kathmandu's sights and sounds are still present, permeating from the busy alleys nearby.
• Daytime: We then climb aboard a comfortable air-conditioned van with our tour guide, and go exploring. We will see several important sights in Kathmandu and its surrounding areas, including Pashupatinath, one of Hinduism's most important temples. We stop for a delicious lunch.
• Early Evening: Restorative yoga class on the rooftop with Joan (weather permitting).
• Evening: We meet in the lobby, and walk to a nearby restaurant for a local set dinner.
• Overnight: Mulberry Hotel****, Kathmandu
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• Early Morning and Morning: Morning yoga class on the rooftop with Joan (weather permitting), followed by breakfast and check-out. (Any extra luggage or shopping can be left at the hotel until your return to Kathmandu.) We take a van to the airport, where we will board a domestic flight to Pokhara.
• Early Afternoon: We arrive in Pokhara, which will be our base for the next few days. We are picked up at the airport, and taken directly to Purna Yoga Retreat, Bhakunde. The accommodations are clean and comfortable, nestled among the rolling foothills of the Annapurna. We meet for a light lunch.
• Mid-afternoon: Yoga class with Joan, in Purna Yoga Retreat’s tranquil shala with stunning views.
• Early Evening: You have the option to relax in your room or by the pool, or explore the grounds.
• Evening: Dinner at Purna Yoga Retreat.
• Overnight: Purna Yoga Retreat, Bhakunde, Pokhara
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• Early Morning
You may have a cup of tea, or a light snack provided by Purna Yoga Retreat, before we head to the shala.
(One morning, weather permitting, we will undertake a sunrise yoga hike: we gather at the Purna yoga retreat dining hall, wearing our yoga gear, one or two warm layers, and our hiking boots. We climb into waiting jeeps and drive to a nearby hill, where we start our sunrise yoga hike. We reach the Sarangkot or Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) around sunrise, lay out our mats, and enjoy a sunrise yoga session with Joan. Following this, we will visit the Peace Pagoda and sit in stillness. We enjoy a light picnic breakfast. The van will pick us up and take us back to the Purna Yoga Retreat, where we may freshen up (arrival about 11.00 am). At 04.00 pm, we gather back at the yoga studio for afternoon practice with Joan and resume our usual schedule.)
• 8:00-10:00 am
Morning yoga class with Joan.
• 10:30 am
Gather for a healthy, wholesome, nourishing brunch based on Purna Yoga Retreat’s organic garden ingredients.
• 12:30-4:00 pm
Some afternoons will be free for you to enjoy the retreat surroundings, and on other afternoons you will have the option to join hikes, excursions, or singing bowl sound immersions.
For those who wish to unwind, various wellness activities are available and included:
Pool Time: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, soaking up the tranquility of the retreat.
Massage Therapy: Book a relaxing massage session to relieve tension and stress (one 60 minute massage per guest is included)
Steam and Sauna: Indulge in a detoxifying steam or sauna session to relax your muscles.
Cold Plunge: Invigorate your senses with a cold plunge experience.
Mud Bath: Treat your skin to a nourishing mud bath.
Activities that may be proposed depending on the weather, schedule, and wishes of the group:
Short Hike or Excursion (on select days): On days when the weather and schedule permit, head out for a short hike or little excursion to explore the natural surroundings and take in the beauty of the local area. This could include a hike down to Pokhara and boat ride on Phewa Lake.
Singing Bowls Sound Immersion: Begin your afternoon with a peaceful sound immersion session. The soothing tones of the singing bowls promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
Kirtan, or bhakti yoga: Devotional practice that involves singing sacred chants and mantras. This heart-centered experience fosters a sense of unity and spiritual connection through music and meditation.
• 4:00-5:30 pm
Yoga class with Joan
• 6:00 pm
Dinner at Purna Yoga Retreat
(On the last day of the retreat: We will have the trekking briefing. Everyone will receive a trekking sack, into which to pack their belongings for the trek. If anyone still needs any gear, we will have taken time to go rent/shop those items. Retire early, so that we can start the trek tomorrow fresh and rested.)
• Overnight: Purna Yoga Retreat, Bhakunde, Pokhara
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• 8:15 am: Bring your packed trekking sack to the agreed drop-off location within the Purna Yoga Retreat, where your Kamala Yoga Nepal team will pack them into backpacks for the porters. The rest of your luggage can also be dropped off at the Big Pillow Inn reception, they will safekeep it until our return.
• 8:30 am: Breakfast at Purna Yoga Retreat
• 9:15 am: We climb into waiting jeeps and set off. The drive to Nayapul is a wonderful introduction to the beauty of the region and sets the tone for the trekking experience ahead. The journey typically takes around 1.5 hours
• Daytime: From Nayapul, we take a bumpy but scenic 1 hour drive to Ulleri, passing alongside the Modi River, charming villages, and encountering trekkers, as well as mule and donkey trains along the way. Our route winds through farm areas, villages, and picturesque waterfalls until we reach Ulleri, a picturesque with slated roof houses in the traditional Nepalese style, where we have lunch.
From here, we set off on our trek. The trail climbs gradually into an enchanting cool rhododendron and pine forested area until we reach Ghorepani village, located on a ridge surrounded with beautiful rhododendron trees. This village is inhabited mostly by Poon people of Magar tribe. From here, Poon Hill view top is only an hour's climb away.
• Early evening: Restorative yoga class with Joan
• Early evening: Evening Dinner
• Overnight: Simple Teahouse accommodation
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• Early morning: Very early in the morning, around 4:30 am, we start our one hour hike to reach Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210m. Weather permitting, we experience a spectacular sunrise over the high Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Fish Tail (Machhapuchhre) mountain ranges. We have tea and snacks while we enjoy the view.
• Morning: After taking in the stunning views of Poon Hill, we return to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast.
• Daytime: We continue our trek to the Tadapani village, which also offers beautiful views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Fishtail and other mountains. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Early evening: Restorative yoga class with Joan
• Evening: Dinner
• Overnight: Simple Teahouse accommodation
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• Early morning: Morning yoga class with Joan (approx. 1 hour)
• Morning: Breakfast
• Daytime: Today’s trek takes us through beautiful green scenery, up to the tea house Little Paradise – a true secluded paradise among the mountainous scenery where you can relax and enjoy peace and quiet. This local family owned teahouse has a large and beautiful open garden area with flowers and trees, where chickens and friendly dogs roam free. They have rabbits and cows too and most vegetables are grown in their own organic garden. This beautiful property is located on a ridge between two mountains, offering great mountain views on one side and a stunning view over the valley on another side. Facilities are simple but the surroundings are superb. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Early evening: Restorative yoga class with Joan
• Evening: Dinner
• Overnight: Simple Teahouse accommodation
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• 8:00-10:00 am: Yoga class with Joan
• 10:30 am: Brunch at Little Paradise
• Daytime: Today is a rest day, during which we stay at Little Paradise and enjoy the food, surroundings, and views, alongside yoga classes with Joan.
• 4:00-5:50 pm: Yoga class with Joan
• Evening: Dinner
• Overnight: Simple Teahouse accommodation
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• Early morning: Morning yoga class with Joan (approx. 1 hour)
• Morning: Breakfast
• Daytime: From Little Paradise, we descend to Ghandruk in 1 hour, have some lunch in the village, admire the mountain views and continue one hour further and get a jeep to Pokhara from the lower part of Ghandruk village (1.5 hr drive). to Nayapul and a 1.5 hr drive to Pokhara. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• 3:00 pm (approx.): We arrive at the secluded, luxurious Pavilions Himalayas in the hills near Pokhara and rest. A beautiful pool invites us to relax and recharge among the foothills of the Himalayas.
• 7:00 pm (approx.): Farewell Dinner - Local set dinner in the magical surroundings of the Pavilions Himalayas. We celebrate our achievement and reminisce about all the memories made on this trip.
• Overnight: Pavilions Himalayas*****, Pokhara
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• 8:00-9:00 am (approx.): Morning yoga class with Joan
• 9:15 am (approx.): Breakfast
• 10:15 -12 am (approx.): Check-out*
*We conclude our itinerary at The Pavilions, but if anyone wishes to extend their stay in Pokhara for further exploration, your Kamala Yoga Nepal is onsite to assist with arrangements. For those who would like to fly to Kathmandu and catch a flight back home, we can help organize those details as well.
The Itinerary
Note: The itinerary and its timings are approximate. Adjustments may be made as necessary and/or appropriate.
Package Includes
Daily yoga classes with Joan
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
All accommodation (single accommodation only available for Kathmandu and Pokhara, twin sharing is the standard on the trek)
All meals on vegetarian basis and water, soft drinks, tea, coffee during meals (vegan, gluten-free, and other similar preferences can usually be accommodated, please let us know in advance)
Singing bowl immersion and kirtan sessions
Yoga mats and props
All necessary domestic transportation
Healthy snacks on the trek
Filtered water on the trek
WiFi and hot showers on the trek (where available)
All necessary paperwork, conservation fees and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS), and local taxes
First Aid supplies on the trek
60 minute massage at the Purna Yoga Resort, Bhakunde
Not included
International travel
Personal travel and health insurance
Personal travel equipment
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, souvenirs etc.)
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag for trek
Any expenses related to emergency evacuation
Any cost arising due to circumstances outside of our control such as natural disasters, strikes and political disturbances, guest sickness, etc.
Tips for local guides & porters
FAQs
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Yes. A variety of local and international food options are available in most locations where we have lunch or stay overnight. A vegetarian diet is our standard during this trek, and vegan, gluten-free, and other similar preferences can usually be accommodated.
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You may be pushing your comfort zone physically at times, particularly during some of the steeper ascents and descents, but your experienced guides are here to support you throughout, and breaks are taken anytime as needed.
The accommodation on the trek is basic, which is often an adjustment for our guests. Beds are very simple with thin foam mattresses. Two trekking guests will usually share a room, and bathroom facilities are shared with several people. In some locations, only squatting toilets are available. Depending on electricity/hot water supply, hot showers may or may not be available.
You will be living alongside and interacting with local Nepali people and will have the opportunity to learn about their culture and customs, and the responsibility to be respectful.
Having said this, a yoga trek in Nepal is an experience for body, mind, and soul. The spectacular views, glimpses into a culture different from your own, immersion in a stunning landscape and fresh mountain air, a body and mind supported by yoga and meditation, and the feeling of achievement at the end of the trek make for a very rewarding trip.
Will I be carrying my own belongings during the trek? No, your Kamala Yoga Nepal team includes porters who will carry the things you need on the trek, you will only be carrying your daypack.
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First, doing regular cardiovascular exercise and increasing one’s capacity before the trek allows the body to better cope with higher altitudes. Depending on the trek difficulty and altitude, moderate to strenuous cardiovascular training 2-3 times per week is ideal.
Second, we recommend eating 2 pieces of raw garlic per day, starting 1,5 months before the trek. One way to do this is to mince/press it and add to salad dressing. Why? In the mountainous regions of Asia, garlic is considered an effective antidote for altitude sickness. The garlic compounds assist in relaxation of the vascular smooth muscles. They help in reducing vasoconstriction of the pulmonary blood vessels. Hence, breathing problems at higher altitudes become less severe by chewing garlic. Garlic helps thin the blood and enhances its flow.
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Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate insurance for both yourself and your belongings before you travel to Nepal. The coverage must include high altitude helicopter rescue (up to 3210 meters above sea level, which is the altitude of Poon Hill), medical treatment cost and air ambulance. Joan Hyman or Kamala Yoga & Adventures Pvt. Ltd. cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can we be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness.
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Bring several changes of yoga clothes, and comfortable clothes for warm weather (not too revealing, for your comfort within the local culture). Bring cheap and comfortable sandals and/or trainers to walk around Kathmandu and Pokhara, since the pavements are dusty and your shoes may show signs of dust and use more quickly than at home. You should bring toiletries and any medication you may need, since finding the same item in Nepal might be challenging. For the trek, the packing list is here. Please follow it carefully, and contact us if you have any questions. As for trekking poles and a sleeping bag, you have the option of renting those prior to the trek if needed, your Kamala Yoga Nepal team will assist with this.
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It is important that you have shoes that fit well, and you may want to purchase the most important parts of your equipment in your home country. There are plenty of shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara which sell trekking equipment, and we can help with this, but the quality is generally a bit lower than in Western countries. Certain specialized items such as down jackets can easily be rented while you are on the trip. Your Kamala Yoga Nepal team knows the ins and outs of this and can advise you before and during the trip.
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Internet is generally available, but much slower than what you may be used to at home. On the trek, many of the teahouses have WiFi and most have electricity, however, this is not guaranteed and depends on many factors, including power supply. WiFi and phone/camera charging, where available, are included in your package.
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We will provide our mobile contact number, which you may pass on to your families. The reality is that there isn’t mobile coverage everywhere in the mountains but it improves a little bit every year. An excellent way of reaching us is also through the email address info@kamalayoganepal.com. Incoming emails are continuously monitored by several colleagues.
The accommodations
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Kathmandu
2 Nights at Mulberry Hotel****
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Bhakunde, Pokhara
5 Nights at Purna Yoga Retreat
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Poon Hill Yoga Trek
4 Nights in a simple Tea House Accommodation
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Pavilions, Pokhara
1 Night at Pavilions Himalayas*****
Book now
Single Room*
*Single accommodation is only available for the hotel in Kathmandu and the two hotels in Pokhara. On the trek, you will sleep in a shared room with two single beds.
Early Bird
USD 3,495p.p.
A 500 USD NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due at registration. Early bird ends Sep 30, 2024. Price increases 200 USD after.
Shared Room
Shared room with two single beds in all accommodations.
Early Bird
USD 2,960p.p.
A 500 USD NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due at registration. Early bird ends Sep 30, 2024. Price increases 200 USD after.
We are pleased to offer financial assistance where possible, reach out to Joan to discuss your possibilities.
Terms and conditions
To book and secure your place, we request a non-refundable 500 USD deposit.
Once the payment is made, your place will be reserved (you will receive a confirmation email)
The balance should be paid before December 20. If you book your place after that date, the full payment for the retreat will be requested.
You must accept the booking conditions at the moment of registration.
Cancellation Policy
The deposit won’t be refunded under any circumstances.
If you cancel at any moment before December 20, we will refund the 50 % amount of the full retreat price.
If your cancellation takes place after December 20, your payment won’t be refunded.
At any moment, you could hand your booking over to some other person who would like to join the retreat.
In the unlikely event that the retreat has to be canceled, we will refund the full amount.
‘Cancel for any reason’ Travel insurance is highly recommended
Risks and unforeseen circumstances
Trekking risks
It is understood that by its nature, trekking entails certain risks including but not limited to the hazards of traveling across mountainous terrain, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, and forces of nature. By booking with us, you agree to assume all risks associated with the journey, so that no liability will be attached to the company, employees, agents or to any member of the tour group in respect to death, personal injury, illness or delay of travelers, or for any loss or damage to your property during the course of the trip.
Travel insurance
We strongly advise that you take out travel insurance which covers cancellation, accidents, health, emergency evacuation, and damage to baggage and personal effects. Please note that in Nepal, any costs for emergency evacuation must be paid in cash unless an insurance company has agreed to pay the costs on your behalf. It is important that any insurance policy issued to cover emergency evacuation for a trek does not exclude alpinism or mountaineering.
Liability
Joan Hyman or Kamala Yoga & Adventures Pvt. Ltd. are not liable for any cost arising due to circumstances outside of our control, such as landslides, road blockages, political disturbances, strikes, guest sickness, natural disasters, flight cancellations, pandemics etc. It is understood that the routes, highlights and excursions as set out in the itinerary will be adhered to as far as possible, but that the company may make omissions or alterations to the itinerary, highlights, and excursions as required, depending on circumstances including but not limited to weather and accessibility of terrain.
Meet the team
About Joan Hyman
Joan Hyman’s grounded teaching style seamlessly supports her students as they emerge from their practice with the rich and bright energy that yoga has to offer.
Joan’s teachings come from an organic and intuitive place, as she draws upon the combined studies of Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga as well as Ayurveda and meditation. An authentic modern-day yogi, Joan’s love and devotion show up in her practice and throughout her teaching. You will leave her class feeling transformed and deeply aligned.
Joan spent fifteen years as a distinguished YogaWorks Senior Teacher before bringing her expertise to Wanderlust as the Director of Teacher Trainings in 2016. Now, with over twenty years experience leading retreats, trainings, and international workshops, Joan continues to travel the globe leading her own signature trainings.
Joan created The Schoolof.Yoga, which is a professional program that offers continuing education, including a team of teachers who are experts in their field of study. She continues to partner with yoga schools worldwide to help develop high quality teacher training programs and make the practice of yoga accessible to everyone!
As a leader in the yoga and wellness community, Joan also contributes to popular blogs such as International Yoga, Yoga Journal, and Wanderlust. She has been featured in conferences and festivals around the world, and offers her teaching online and live in person helping to accommodate an international community of yogis.
Joan’s open-hearted approach to teaching yoga keeps both her inner spirit and her students continuously evolving.
About Kamal Yoga
Kamala Yoga Nepal was founded by Karnesh and Rebecca in 2017, with a vision to allow travelers to immerse themselves in the Himalayan beauty while embracing the timeless principles of yoga. Initially, they offered yoga treks along Nepal’s standard trekking routes, attracting guests from around the globe. Their dedication and exceptional service earned them straight five-star ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor and Facebook. In 2019, their contributions were recognized with the prestigious Travel & Hospitality Award, conferring on them the status of Nepal Mountaineering Company of the Year.
In 2020, Kamala Yoga Nepal pivoted their operations, focusing exclusively on customized services for yoga groups visiting Nepal. They now proudly serve as local partners for international yoga teachers, and meticulously craft trips which seamlessly blend trekking, retreats, and cultural immersion experiences. Kamala Yoga & Adventures Pvt. Ltd. is a member of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal.
Committed to excellence, Kamala Yoga Nepal will be supporting this trip through a dedicated team led by Karnesh. He is preparing all local arrangements for this trip and together with Rebecca, he is at your disposal for any questions you might have.
