Inclusions

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 form Kathmandu 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. 

Meals: Breakfast