Yoga and Meditation Retreats in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu and the Himalaya

Nepal is where many travellers first meet Buddhist meditation, often on the way to or from a Himalayan trek. The country offers lakeside yoga retreats in Pokhara, meditation courses in monasteries around Kathmandu, and pilgrimage to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Prices are among the most affordable in the world, and the mountains do half the teaching.

Pokhara: yoga by the lake

Nepal's second city sits on Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna range rising behind it on clear days. The lakeside area is calm and walkable, with yoga schools, cafés and boats for hire, and the World Peace Pagoda on the hill above. Pokhara is also the gateway to the Annapurna treks, so it's easy to combine a retreat with a few days of hiking.

Kathmandu Valley: Buddhist study

Around Kathmandu, several monasteries and centres teach Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation to visitors, from introductory courses of a few days to month-long retreats. Visit the great stupa at Boudhanath and the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the quieter hills of the valley rim.

Lumbini

In the southern lowlands, Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with monasteries built by Buddhist communities from many countries. Some offer meditation courses and quiet places to practise.

When to go

• October and November: the best season, with clear skies after the monsoon and the clearest mountain views. Also peak trekking season.
• March to May: warm days and rhododendrons in bloom; views can be hazy later in spring.
• June to September: monsoon, with rain, leeches on trails and clouds over the peaks, but green and quiet.
• December to February: cold nights, especially in the hills, but crisp, clear days.

What a retreat costs

As a rough guide, a week-long yoga retreat in Pokhara costs around USD 300 to 1,200 including a room and meals. Monastery courses are often modest in price or donation-based. Teacher trainings in Nepal usually cost USD 1,500 to 3,000 for 200 hours.

Practical tips

• Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu's airport; check the rules for your passport.
• Pack warm layers for mornings and evenings, even outside winter.
• If you trek, go slowly at altitude and take advice about acute mountain sickness seriously.
• Dress modestly and walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.

Combining a retreat with a trek

Many visitors pair a week of yoga or meditation with a trek. A retreat before the trek helps you arrive rested and flexible; one after it helps the body recover. Popular options from Pokhara include short treks to viewpoints such as Poon Hill and longer routes in the Annapurna region. Go with a licensed guide, acclimatise slowly and build rest days into your plan.

Monastery etiquette

• Walk clockwise around stupas, temples and prayer wheels.
• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats where asked.
• Ask before photographing monks or rituals, and never during ceremonies.
• Don't point your feet at altars or teachers, and sit lower than the teacher during talks.
• Keep silence during practice, and arrive on time: the schedule is part of the teaching.

Kathmandu tips

Kathmandu is lively, dusty and full of history. Stay near Boudhanath or in the quieter neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre if you want calm, and give yourself a day to adjust after a long flight. Domestic flights and buses connect Kathmandu with Pokhara; the flight is short, and the bus is slow but scenic.

Food and water

Nepali food is warming and simple: dal bhat (lentils, rice and vegetables), momos and Tibetan noodle soups. Vegetarian food is easy to find everywhere. Drink only boiled, filtered or treated water, and carry a refillable bottle: many guesthouses and retreats offer safe refills.

Getting there

International flights arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Pokhara is a short domestic flight or a long but scenic bus ride away. Most retreats arrange pick-ups.

Find a retreat in Nepal

Search everything on Nestinga in Nepal, or browse meditation retreats, yoga retreats and pilgrimages. For silence and discipline, read our guide to silent meditation retreats.