8 Days Holiday Yoga, Meditation, Tour & Hiking Retreat in Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is the unusual star of this retreat. You are not tucked away in a silent mountain lodge for a week. Instead, you pair morning yoga and evening meditation with Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, old cities, a hill hike, and a cable-car ride above the valley. It is a practical way to add a wellness routine to a first visit to Nepal.

I especially like the steady daily rhythm and the fact that meals, lodging, classes, and scheduled sightseeing are bundled into one price. I also like the mix of inward work and outdoor activity. The main catch is that this is a structured program, not a lazy spa break. Early classes, fixed meal times, and a full day devoted to yoga may feel demanding if you prefer a free-form holiday.

Key points before you book

• Seven nights in one organized retreat: The schedule gives you a settled base instead of changing hotels each day.
• Two daily practices on most days: Morning yoga is followed by evening breathing and meditation.
• Kathmandu’s major sights are built in: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Budhanilkantha, Bhaktapur, and Patan are included.
• One full day for yoga study: Day four covers asana, breathing, meditation, and yoga philosophy in four classes.
• Outdoor time without a Himalayan trek: Nagarkot provides the hiking day, while Chandragiri adds a high viewpoint by cable car.
• Meals are simple and covered: Seven breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners, water, and three cups of tea are included.

What this eight-day Kathmandu retreat is really like

This program is best understood as a guided introduction to yoga and Kathmandu rather than a silent retreat. Your day usually begins with a one-hour yoga class, moves into breakfast and a short rest, then heads out for sightseeing or hiking. The day closes with breathing and meditation before dinner.

That pattern matters. You get enough repetition to build a habit, but the city keeps the week from feeling sealed off from ordinary Nepal. You may spend the morning working on posture and breath, then see pilgrims circling a Buddhist stupa or worshippers gathering at a Hindu temple later in the day.

The advertised group limit is 20 people. That is small enough for a shared retreat atmosphere, though not so small that you should expect one-to-one instruction throughout every class. The provider is The Trek Nepal, and the program is presented as a fully organized package with a guide, yoga instruction, transport for the planned outings, accommodation, and food.

The schedule is firm. Most active days start at 7:30 a.m., and lights-out is listed for 8 p.m. That early finish may suit you if you want quiet evenings and a healthy routine. It may feel restrictive if you hope to explore Kathmandu’s nightlife or eat independently each night.

Day one: arrive, settle in, and breathe

The first day is deliberately light. Check-in is set for noon, followed by a 5 p.m. breathing and meditation session, dinner at 7 p.m., and bed at 8 p.m.

That is sensible after an international flight. Rather than pushing you straight into temples or a long class, the program gives you time to arrive and reset. The opening session should also help you understand the tone of the week: this is not only a sightseeing package with a yoga class added at the edges.

The schedule does not describe the accommodation by name or specify room type. Seven nights are included, but you should confirm the property, bathroom arrangements, and room-sharing policy before paying if those details matter to you.

Days two and three: yoga followed by Kathmandu’s sacred places

Day two starts with yoga from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., breakfast, and a short rest. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, then return for another rest period, evening breathing and meditation, dinner, and bed.

Pashupatinath is one of Kathmandu’s most important Hindu sites, while Boudhanath centers on a huge Buddhist stupa and its surrounding religious community. Putting both into one day gives you a useful introduction to two major spiritual traditions in Nepal. It also makes the yoga theme feel connected to the place, rather than imported as a generic hotel activity.

You should expect this sightseeing block to be more than a quick photo stop. Religious sites can be busy, visually intense, and culturally unfamiliar. Dress respectfully and follow your guide’s instructions. The schedule allows five hours for the outing, but it does not specify how much time is spent at each site or how much driving is involved.

Day three uses the same basic timetable. The sightseeing runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and visits Swayambhunath and Budhanilkantha.

Swayambhunath is associated with the familiar hilltop stupa and broad views over Kathmandu. Budhanilkantha is known for its large reclining Vishnu image. Together, these sites provide a different look at the valley’s religious life, with one stop high above the city and another focused on a striking sacred statue.

I like the repeated rhythm here. You are not asked to absorb every sight in one exhausting city tour. The morning class, a proper breakfast, a rest period, sightseeing, another rest, and evening meditation leave some breathing room.

Still, the five-hour sightseeing window can make these days feel full. Kathmandu traffic can affect any city outing, and the program does not promise private touring time after the formal schedule ends. If you want long café stops, shopping, or independent museum visits, you will need to arrange those outside the included plan.

Day four: four classes and a closer look at yoga

The fourth day is the retreat’s most concentrated teaching day. Four yoga classes cover asana, breathing, meditation, and the philosophical side of yoga.

This is where the program moves beyond stretching. Asana addresses physical postures, breathing focuses on controlled breath work, meditation turns attention inward, and philosophy gives context to the tradition. The order and exact times are not provided, so you should ask how the day is divided and how long the breaks are.

I like the inclusion of philosophy because it can help you understand why the practices are taught, not simply copy a set of movements. At the same time, four classes in one day is a lot. You do not need to be an advanced practitioner to participate, since the information says most people can take part, but you should be ready for a full day of instruction.

The program does not state whether mats or other equipment are supplied. Ask before arrival, especially if you prefer to use your own mat or have physical limitations that require modifications.

Day five: Bhaktapur and Patan, two old cities

After the usual morning class and breakfast, day five takes you to Bhaktapur and Patan from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening meditation and dinner follow the regular pattern.

These are not interchangeable stops. Bhaktapur is known for its preserved old-city character and traditional squares, while Patan, also called Lalitpur, is celebrated for its artistic and religious architecture. Seeing both in one afternoon gives you a strong sense of the Kathmandu Valley’s urban heritage.

This is likely one of the best days for connecting the retreat’s cultural and spiritual themes. You begin with yoga, walk through historic city spaces, and finish with meditation. The program calls the visits sightseeing, but it does not list entrance fees or identify which monuments are included, so check whether any ticket costs fall under extra expenses.

There is also a practical issue: two major destinations in a five-hour block can mean a brisk visit. If you care about detailed museum time or slow photography, ask the guide how much time is planned at each location.

Day six: Nagarkot hiking near Kathmandu

Day six replaces the usual sightseeing outing with a Nagarkot hike, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Morning yoga comes first, and breathing and meditation return in the evening.

This is not a multi-day Himalayan trek. It is a day of walking near Kathmandu, designed to add fresh air and movement without requiring you to carry trekking gear or leave the valley for several nights. That makes it a good middle ground for someone who wants outdoor activity but is not ready for a demanding mountain route.

The itinerary does not provide the trail length, elevation gain, difficulty rating, or transport details. Those are important questions. Ask about the expected walking time, footwear, weather conditions, and what happens if the trail is wet. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a changed date or a full refund if the activity is canceled.

Do not assume that a yoga retreat makes the hike effortless. A morning class followed by several hours outdoors can be tiring, especially soon after arriving in Nepal. Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and a light rain layer are sensible choices.

Day seven: Chandragiri by cable car

The last full day includes the morning yoga session, breakfast, and a Chandragiri cable-car tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening meditation and the final dinner complete the regular schedule.

Chandragiri adds a change of pace after the walking day. Instead of spending the whole outing on foot, you reach a high viewpoint by cable car and have time for a different view of the Kathmandu area. The activity description calls it a tour, not a hike, so it should suit you if you want scenery without another demanding walk.

The exact cable-car ticket arrangements are not spelled out. Confirm that the ride is included and ask how much free time you get at the top. The package says sightseeing beyond the included course costs extra, so clarity here is useful.

This is also your last full chance to raise questions with the guide or instructor. The program ends early the next day, with a final yoga session before checkout.

Day eight: one last class and checkout

The final morning repeats the familiar 7:30 to 8:30 yoga class. Breakfast follows, and checkout is scheduled for noon.

That gives you a calm finish rather than a rushed departure. If your flight leaves later, you should confirm whether luggage storage or time at the accommodation is available, since those details are not provided.

The activity returns to the original meeting point, and pickup is offered. The exact pickup area, airport transfer arrangements, and meeting instructions should be confirmed after booking.

What the $1,066.67 price covers

At $1,066.67 per person, the package costs about $133 per day before allowing for airfare and personal spending. That figure includes seven nights of accommodation, 21 vegetarian meals, yoga classes, three cups of tea, water, planned sightseeing, the hiking day, and the Chandragiri outing.

That is a fair value if you want a set schedule and would otherwise pay separately for lodging, meals, a yoga teacher, and several day tours. The package also saves you the work of arranging transport between several Kathmandu Valley sites.

The value is less clear if you already have a place to stay or prefer to choose your own restaurants and tours. Airfare, laundry, extra expenses, and sightseeing outside the course are not included. Entrance fees are not clearly detailed, so ask about them before booking.

The vegetarian meal plan is another important part of the price. You receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, which keeps the schedule simple but gives you less choice than a room-only stay. If you have allergies or dietary needs, contact The Trek Nepal before arrival and ask what substitutions are possible.

Who should choose this retreat?

I would point this program toward a first-time visitor to Nepal who wants structure, cultural sightseeing, and a gentle introduction to yoga and meditation. It also suits someone who likes meeting a small group, prefers an organized week, and wants meals and lodging handled in advance.

It may work well for families or mixed-interest companions too. One person can focus on yoga and meditation, while the group outings provide temples, old cities, hiking, and views. The schedule is also accessible to most people according to the supplied information, though the hiking day and four-class yoga day deserve an honest look at your fitness level.

I would be more cautious if you want a serious silent retreat, advanced yoga certification, or a challenging trek in the Himalayas. This program includes sightseeing every other day and a maximum group size of 20, so it is social and active rather than secluded or highly specialized.

The published feedback is consistently positive, with a five-star rating, 100 percent recommendation, and 15 listed ratings. The strongest themes are organization, friendly staff, skilled instruction, feeling safe and comfortable, and the effective combination of yoga with Kathmandu sightseeing. Treat those as useful signals, but confirm the practical details that are not stated, especially accommodation, class level, transport, trail difficulty, and admission fees.

Booking and cancellation advice

You can cancel at least six full days before the start time for a full refund. Cancellation two to six full days before the start time allows a 50 percent refund, while cancellation less than two full days before departure is nonrefundable.

The activity depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or insufficient enrollment causes cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Confirmation is normally issued at booking, though bookings made within one day of departure are subject to availability.

Should you book it?

Book this retreat if you want a ready-made Kathmandu week with yoga before breakfast, meditation before dinner, vegetarian food, and a clear set of cultural outings. The combination is more varied than a standard wellness stay and less demanding than a Himalayan trekking holiday.

Skip it if you want complete independence, nightlife, luxury accommodation, or a serious mountain expedition. Before paying, get written details on the lodging, airport pickup, yoga equipment, entrance fees, meal substitutions, and Nagarkot route. If those answers suit you, $1,066.67 buys a well-organized introduction to Kathmandu with plenty of time to work on both your practice and your sense of place.

FAQ

How long is the Kathmandu yoga retreat?

The program lasts eight days and includes seven nights of accommodation.

What meals are included?

Seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners are included. The meals are vegetarian. Water and three cups of tea are also included.

Are yoga and meditation included every day?

Yoga is scheduled on the evening of day one, every morning from days two through eight, and in four classes on day four. Breathing and meditation are scheduled on the evenings of days one, two, three, five, six, and seven.

Which Kathmandu Valley sights are included?

The scheduled visits include Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Budhanilkantha, Bhaktapur, and Patan.

Is hiking included?

Yes. A full-day outing to Nagarkot is scheduled for day six, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exact route and difficulty are not provided.

Is the Chandragiri cable car included?

A Chandragiri cable-car tour is included in the schedule for day seven. Ask the provider to confirm ticket arrangements and any costs connected with the ride.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What is not included in the price?

Airfare, laundry, personal extra expenses, and sightseeing outside the included course are not included. The supplied details do not clearly state whether all monument entrance fees are covered, so confirm before booking.