Nepal Nature Retreat
- 29 March - 7 April 2025
- 9 Nights / 10 Days
- Weather 18 - 25 C
- Price Range - $$
This tour starts and ends in Kathmandu. Arrival and departure will be at Kathmandu.
Kathmandu
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu has a history that spans 2,000 years. Apart from being rich in culture and spirituality, the city offers myriad of temples that lies in the magical realm of the Himalayas, definitely a scenic place that is perfectly picturesque.
Nepal’s capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square’s monuments, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District. Explore shops for exquisite work by local artisans—carpets and paper prints are specialties.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the ‘Tourist Capital of Nepal’. Many writers enjoy Pokhara’s relaxing beauty due to its pristine air, snowy peaks of mountain ranges and surrounding greenery. Pokhara is also famous for ancient lakes, waterfalls and gorges, and, of course, majestic views of the Himalayan Mountains. *Please note often there is low cloud due to the Himalayas so you cannot be guaranteed a view of the mountains.
Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha area is home to an ancient and famous Buddhist monastery in Nepal situation at 1750 meters. The monastery is surrounded by Tamang settlements and our Yoga Retreat Centre Vishuddhi Alaya. Namo Budhha is also famous for rice, mustard and millet; so you can also experience the beautiful hillside terraced farms throughout the walk. You’ll also be surprised by the number of temples, variations in landscapes and diversity of people living in harmony.
The place is very quiet and the natural air is so fresh & cool at all times of year. It is also the right place for yoga and meditation and practice. In the morning when you wake up, you can see a beautiful sunrise. In the evening you can see a wonderful sunset. You can enjoy being cocooned in this environment as it is often shrouded in mist. From the Buddhist point of view, Namo Buddha is one of the most important religious sites in Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- Kathmandu City Tour
- 3 Days hiking the Mountain Villages of Nepal
- 4 Day Yoga & Relaxation Retreat
- Workshop on the use of Ayurvedic medicine for Women's Health
- 75 minutes signature massage at Vishuddhi Alaya
- Visit the sweet town of Pokhara for 2 nights
- See the historic site of Bhaktapur
- Take a shopping trip and lunch to Baber Mahal Revisited
- Enjoy the healing power and magnificence of the Annapurna Mountain Range
Not feeling the 3-day Pokhara trekking experience? No worries!
Join our Nepal Nature Retreat and enjoy the serene beauty of Pokhara at your own leisure!
During your 3-day stay in Pokhara, enjoy a complimentary 2.5 hour spa session including 60 minute massage, 30 minute exfoliation and a 60 minute green tea facial. You can also enjoy some retail therapy, treat yourself to lunch in a local cafe, relax by the pool with a book or simply soak in the breathtaking views of Phewa Lake.
Book your Nepal Nature Retreat
Only 10 Spots available: 4 x standard twinshare spots (1 queen and 1 single day bed) 6 x Standard single rooms
- Twinshare Standard Room – $3975 AUD PP
- Single Standard Room - $4435 AUD
*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED
This tour has a $500 deposit and the remainder is due 75 prior to departure.
Experience the finest in guided travel with our Escorted Tours, fully led by a certified, English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the destination.
For groups of eight or more, a Vibrant Women Travel Host will join the tour to provide additional support and ensure a seamless travel experience.
Inclusions
- Vibrant Women Host Fully Escorted throughout trip & Hiking Guide for Trek
- Domestic flight to and from Pokhara
- Private vehicle and domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- All meals when trekking and Breakfast and Dinner whilst at Retreat Centre - Breakfast only other days
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- 2 nights basic tea house accommodation whilst trekking
- 1 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in Namo Buddha
- 60 Minute Ayurvedic Massage
- Temple and monastery entry permit fees.
- All entry fees as per the itinerary
- All government taxes 13% VAT, tourist service charges and official expenses.
What is not included
- International airfare to/from Nepal.
- Travel Insurance (which is compulsory) is not included.
- Entry Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 day. US$50 for a 30 day visa on entry into Nepal.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Extra night's accommodation at KGH for early arrivals on the 28th March. Single = $250AUD / Twin Share is $150AUD each. Includes breakfast and transfers.
- Lunch in Namo Buddha Retreat however we feel breakfast and dinner is substantial enough during this retreat. However you can purchase lunch or snacks.
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff. We recommend $20AUD per day = $140.
Fitness Requirements:
The 3 day hike included in this trip requires a Medium to High level of fitness, good cardio vascular capacity and good knees. There are no altitude issues however Nepal can be dusty and smokey. There are 3 days of hiking approx. 4 hours per day approx. 4 km per day and mostly uphill with some graduation and winding bits. The last hour of the trek is downhill.
Please be match fit for this trip!
Itinerary
From airport, transfer to Kathmandu Guest House.
This area of Kathmandu was the epicenter during the Hippie trail from the early 1960s to late 1970s. During that time the main attraction drawing tourists was Freak Street and the government-run hashish shops. They may not longer be here but there are still lots of lively spots to go and plenty of new friends to be made. A hippie vibe certainly lives on.
*There are no activities planned for this day you can arrive anytime. There is no need to arrive a day early. Some flights are arriving late so that is no problem.
Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House Ward: 16
Street name: Saatghumti
Area: Thamel
District: Bagmati
City: Kathmandu
Zone: Bagmati
Meals: None
8am Breakfast
9am – Depart for Swayambhu. Dating from centuries back, Swayambhu is an ancient temple that is often called the “Monkey Temple”. Once here, you’ll see the three hundred plus rock-hewn steps that lead to the temple, but once you get up there you’ll get the very best panorama of Kathmandu Valley. It’s totally incredible.
After exploring this area stop for a snack at the Garden of Dreams Cafe before heading to the domestic airport to fly to Pokhara.
Overnight stay in Pokhara Temple Tree or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Ascent/Descent : 618m Ascent Kms : 15km drive 5 km walk Duration : 20 Min Drive 4hrs walk. Twenty five minutes drive takes us to the town of Milan Chowk. From here we begin our gradual uphill trek through the chestnut forest with views across the Hemja and Mardi valleys, before we arrive at the village of Jijharka where we stop for refreshments at the local store.
From here we continue walking for another hour on to Astam. Astam offers 360 degree views of the entire Pokhara, Hemja, and Mardi valley with backdrop majestic views of the Annapurna Range offering one of the most spectacular places to view a sunset and sunrise in the Himalayas. It also provides a great insight into rural village life of Adhikari, Brahimins dwelling in these mid-hills for generations. This day hike is very relaxing and rejuvenating.
Overnight stay at a local Tea House enroute.
*Please note Tea Houses are rustic but do have flushing toilets and at least cold water for washing after the days trek.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast we take a gradual walk to Dhampus, passing through small villages and terraced farms. Dampus is inhabited by various ethnic groups including Gurungs, Brahmin’s, Chhetri’s and Dalits. The village of Dhampus offers spectacular mountain views of the Annapurna Range. You can enjoy a cup of masala tea, meditate and be inspired by the snow capped Himalayas. Dhampus is also famous for spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Approximately 5 hours of walking.
Overnight stay at a local Tea House enroute. Please note Tea Houses are basic and may not have hot water.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking hours: 5
Ascent/Descent : 1100m Desent Kms : 10 kms walk 15 kms drive Duration : 4/5hrs walk 1hr drive
After breakfast, we will continue trekking for 2 hours hours gradually uphill through lush mid-Himalayan forests until we reach Australian Camp. Australian Camp offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna’s, Machhapuchhare and the Lamjung Himal and surprisingly good coffee and Angels Guesthouse. Approximately 2 hours of walking. After a snack and coffee we will make a descent walk to Kande (1700m). From Kande, we will drive via Naudanda road towards Sarangkot. Along the way, we will see panoramic views of the Himalayas, terraced farming, rural villages, and views of the Pokhara valley, Phewa lake and the Peace Pagoda. Walking approx. 2 hours downhill to road and car.
Hiking hours: 4
Overnight stay in Pokhara Temple Tree or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After having breakfast, Free time until our flight. We will Fly back to Kathmandu. Flight takes about 25 minutes.
Arrive in Kathmandu.
Visit Bhaktapur. Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, Bhaktapur is a city that exudes timeless charm and rich cultural heritage. This ancient city, known as the “City of Devotees,” is a treasure trove of historical, architectural, and artistic wonders.
Then head to Baba Mahal Revisited a converted stables with boutique shops and a little French courtyard restaurant called “Chez Caroline” the salads are divine.
Proceed to Vishuddha Allaya Yoga retreat. This is a bumpy dusty 2 hour drive, be warned.
Vishuddhi Alaya Resort is a place where we experience the silence of nature and, along with that, peacefulness and spaciousness within ourselves. The resort is located in a serene, natural environment that promotes tranquility and relaxation of our entire being. With its relaxing seclusion and facilities, this retreat is an ideal location to withdraw from our stressful daily lives and reconnect to nature and ourselves. Being located in the neighboring area of the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, the place is steeped in spiritual energy, which enhances the feeling of peacefulness and oneness.
THE RETREAT PLACE is constructed using modern rammed earth technology and latest green technology in water conservation and usage. Sustainable building practices, water saving and conservation techniques and organic farming promote our goal of sustainable living and blend in the philosophy of Vishuddhi Alaya, bringing together thoughtful techniques with respect for nature and its beauty.
Each room has lovely views, hot showers, warm donnas, kettle & heater.
Free evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
7am – Gentle Morning Yoga & Meditation class
8.30am – Breakfast
10.30 am Workshop – Attunement – Connecting to Radiance in Your life (1 hour)
12.30pm Lunch
Get ready for some heavenly massages to soothe your weary muscles after your trek. Massages scheduled throughout free time. Much needed after your trek.
7pm Dinner
Overnight stay at Vishuddhi Yoga Retreat Center
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast take a walk just around 2 hour to The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse (‘Namobuddha’) Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and one of Nepal’s holiest pilgrimage sites.
12.30pm Lunch
5pm – Afternoon restorative Yoga class
7pm – Dinner
Overnight stay at Vishuddhi Yoga Retreat Center
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
7am – Gentle Morning Yoga & Meditation class
8.30am – Breakfast
10.30 am Workshop – Attunement – Integrate the virtue of Radiance for
yourself, others, and the world. (1 hour)
12.30pm Lunch
Free afternoon for Sauna and Relaxation
7pm Dinner
Overnight stay at Vishuddhi Yoga Retreat Center
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Departure Day.
An airport transfer will depart for Kathmandu Airport from the Retreat Centre at 11am if you need to travel at a time outside of this time the cost is $75AUD for a one way transfer to the International Airport in a local taxi. *Checkout is 12pm from the Retreat Centre.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Kathmandu
Kathmandu Guest House
Established 1968, KGH Group of Hotels and Resorts is Nepal’s leading hotel chain with 7 eco-friendly hotels under its flagship. Kathmandu Guest House is a comfortable hotel set in a prime location in the centre of Thamel. Guests of the hotel will have easy access to Garden of Dreams, City Centre Kathmandu and Taleju Temple. King’s Palace, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Chabahil are also not far away.
Pokhara
Temple Tree Resort
The resort is a stylish boutique hotel designed in a Himalayan style featuring wooden pillars and stone walls. It is an ideal location within walking distance of the popular Lakeside area of Pokhara, enjoying a full view of the lake as well as the Himalayas.
Each cottage design reflects the rustic style of the Western Himalayan architecture featuring stone niches and traditional interiors with modern comforts.
Pokhara Trek Accommodation
Pokhara Local Tea Houses
Pokhara is strategically located close enough to the mountains and it is the beginning or/and the ending point of many trekking trips in Nepal.
Tea House (Lodge Trek) Also known as lodge trekking is a relatively cheap way of trekking in where meals and accommodation are provided in a teahouse.
Pokhara Trekking Experience
The Sunrise Village Teahouse Trek (Astam-Dhampus)
During the trekking part of our trip we visit Astam and Dhampus, traditional mountain villages offering a taste of Nepali Village life and excellent mountain views of the Annapurna Range as well as amazing sunsets and sunrises over the Himalayas.
Expect:
*Eco villages and overnights in Tea House accommodation
*Panoramic Mountain views
*Sensational Sunrise and Sunsets
*quiet and reflective hiking time within the safety of a group
Not feeling the 3-day Pokhara trekking experience? No worries!
Join our Nepal Nature Retreat and enjoy the serene beauty of Pokhara at your own leisure!
During your 3-day stay in Pokhara, indulge in some retail therapy, treat yourself to a relaxing massage, or simply soak in the breathtaking views of Phewa Lake.
Vishuddhi Alaya Retreat Centre
“An ideal place to slow down and enjoy the stillness of nature “
Vishuddhi Alaya Resort is a place where we experience the silence of nature and, along with that, peacefulness and spaciousness within ourselves. The resort is located in a serene, natural environment that promotes tranquility and relaxation of our entire being. With its paradise-like seclusion and facilities, the retreat is an ideal location to withdraw from our stressful daily lives and reconnect to nature and ourselves. Being located in the neighbouring area of the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha, the place is steeped in spiritual energy, which enhances the feeling of peacefulness and oneness. Rooms are constructed using modern rammed earth technology and latest green technology in water conservation and usage. Meals are vegetarian and organic from the retreat centres gardens.
Please note that there is hot water, but low water pressure and sometimes power cuts.
Your Vibrant Women Host - Sandy Hadley
Sandy Hadley
Sandy loves to travel, especially to the far away and exotic, discovering new and old cultures, sunshine, walking in nature be it amongst snow-capped mountains or a coastal beach walk, reading a good book and watching a great movie, rice paddies green, jumping into freshly washed sheets, textiles, Asian food and her beautiful kids.
Your Yoga Retreat Leader - Tammie Day
Tammie Day
Tammie is an Australian retreat leader, tour organiser, yoga and nia teacher, world traveller and founder of Vibrant Women Travel. Tammie is constantly sourcing the most enchanting places to run her Inspirational Journeys, places that truly capture your heart and imagination.
Nepal Reviews
Vibrant Women with a heart ♥
Please know that $25 of your booking goes towards supporting our charity Little Bells Promiseland Children’s Home Nepal and the amazing work they do to provide shelter and education for children and adults who are orphans, displaced due to civil unrest, abused or are victims of human trafficking in Nepal , so THANK YOU!
If you want to make the most of your adventure you can join our “Northern India Tour” before this trip.
From the spiritual heart of Amritsar to the tranquil heights of Dharamshala and the colonial charm of Shimla, immerse yourself in an experience that transcends ordinary travel.
See you in Northern India!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy – Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% will be forfeited in addition to the non refundable, non-transferable deposit. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
On Arrival Visa (Can be completed online in advance but paid for on arrival) It sounds confusing I know that it is an on-arrival visa, but you can complete the paperwork up to 15 days before travel. Yes, you don’t have to, but it does save you time at the airport if you have already filled in the paperwork and then you get a barcode that can be scanned. You can view instructions to purchase the visa on arrival HERE.
You can complete your predeparture online visa form HERE if you don’t do it in advance there is a paper copy on arrival. You just pay for your visa when you get there though. It is approx. $30USD for a 15-day visa. Otherwise there are kiosks on arrival that you can input your information into and then you get a slip to take to the payments counter, this option is also easy.
This tour has two components, trekking for 3 days and yoga for 3 days. for the trek moderate fitness required, for the yoga beginner is fine as its a gentle class. The trekking has over 3 days 12 hours walking, uphill 10 hours and walking downhill 2 hours approx. Your respiratory system and knees need to be able to accommodate this.
The yoga coming after the trek is geared towards relaxation and more gentle in nature that vigorous.
You require a moderate level of fitness to join this trip.
1. During the trek. Stay hydrated. …
2. Stay hydrated. …
3. Have snacks to keep your energy levels consistent. …
4. Climb slowly to prevent burn out. …
5. Remain aware of your physical condition. …
6. Focus on deep, even breathing. …
7. Stop to take in the view
There will be a guide and assistants to carry your bakcpack for the trek.
You will be transport to and from the trailhead.
You will be supplied a 75/80 liters backpack for the main trekking stuff, (see list below) you will also be supplied with walking poles. You will receive the backpack the night before so you have time to pack it. All other items can be left in your locked suitcase at the hotel.
Nepal is a mountainous tropical country, which means it experiences climatic extremes. Night and day temperature differences can vary between 8°C and 30°C (50°F to 86°F) so you need to be prepared with a variety of clothing. The key to staying comfortable on a trek is layering. Suggested items to bring include:
- Boots or Joggers – the single most important item to pack – comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
- Socks – 2 to 3 pairs, one pair liner socks and one pair for night time
- Loose cotton trousers/calf length skirt
- Bring warm clothes as it is cool morning and evening. T-shirts/long sleeved shirt and Cozy shirt for the evenings.
- Sun Hat and scarf
- Lightweight wind jacket (optional)
- Rain gear – a simple plastic poncho is adequate for most seasons
- Wind blocker
- Day pack
- Sleeping sheet/liner (if you are worried about clean sheets but the tea houses we stay in are usually clean.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, chap stick, moisturizer
- Adopter for electrical outlets
- Water bottle
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Tissues
- hair dryer (in Vishuddhi Alaya) if necessary
1. Begin training well in advance
2. Train your body to hike uphill and on stairs
3. Cycling/Biking and swimming helps to improve your cardiovascular endurance
4. Running/jogging helps in improving cardiovascular fitness
5. Climbing stairs helps in strengthening leg muscles and lungs
6. Exercise and yoga help in body flexibility
*Note we are not at an altitude that causes altitude sickness we are below that.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate complex dietary issues on our tours. If it is something you can manage yourself that is fine. But we cannot be responsible for peoples health and wellbeing in regards to food in foreign countries as sometimes things get lost in translation. We hope you understand. We don’t ever want our guests to become unwell whilst travelling with us. Meals in teahouses are simple and at the retreat centre are vegetarian. Food is generally very good and tasty.
Also, when at yoga centre all food is vegetarian and includes two meals per day Breakfast and dinner.
Domestic airlines in Nepal allow 20 kilos of checked baggage. We suggest if guests are travelling with more than 20 kilos that they bring a second small foldable bag that they can leave some items in Kathmandu to be collected at the end.
Also for trekking you can leave your main suitcase in Pokhara and place items to take hiking in the backpack provided and leave suitcase at Pokhara Hotel.
Our Nepalese Charity for this Retreat is ASHA NEPAL
ASHA NEPAL is a small organisation in Kathmandu devoted to preventing the trafficking and abuse of girls and caring for survivors, with the aim of their safe reintegration into the community. Vibrant Women Travel donates $25 AUD from each booking to go towards rescuing girls from sex-trafficking, forced labour and abuse. To provide trauma counselling, health care, educational support, and emergency and long-term residential care.
