Travel to Nepal
10 DAYS YOGA JOURNEY IN NEPAL 2026
For yoga lovers who want to explore the genuine roots of yoga. Ashtanga Yoga Retreat and Pilgrimage with Ellen Johannesen
September 30-October 9th, 2026
Overview
Journey with us into Kathmandu Valley and discover the holy landscape that cradles the origins of the practice of Yoga. This retreat brings together the traditional daily practice of Ashtanga Yoga, with Buddhist and Hindu teachings, and spectacular cultural sites. The Kathmandu Valley natives have practiced Yoga and Tantra for hundreds of years, integrating these practices into their daily lives, and the valley itself is a mandala of sacred sites: monasteries, meditation caves, temples and stupas. Several of these are on UNESCO’s world heritage list and being present in these spaces is transformative and deeply moving.
If you feel called, then join us for what will be a deeply transformative journey. We will experience life and practice Yoga in a Tibetan monastery and visit the medieval city of Patan. We will trek through otherworldly landscapes at the foot of the Himalaya, and visit the holiest Buddhist and Hindu sites including Boudhanath, Namo Buddha and Pashupatinath.
You will also be able to deepen your Yoga practice with Ellen Johannesen who has become a local in Nepal, has over 30 years of experience teaching and practicing Ashtanga Yoga and has a Master’s Degree in Buddhist studies.
Nepal has a lot to offer whether you want to go trekking or visit its many world-heritage sites. I have therefore, with much love for Nepal, put together a Yoga journey that takes you to my favourite places around the Kathmandu valley and brings you into its spiritual heart: Just imagine living in a stunning Tibetan Buddhist monastery, waking up in the medieval city of Patan or the lively Tibetan area, Boudhanath. All the while, you will have daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and philosophical talks which will provide insight into the vibrant culture of the valley. All together, this gives you an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of Yoga and to enhance your Ashtanga practice!
Highlights
- 8 Yoga classes with Level 2 Authorized KPJAYI teacher Ellen Johanessen
- Daily meditation and philosophy/Ashtanga technique classes (alternating)
- Daily meals: full board at Neydo and Namo Buddha Resort, or as described below
- Visits to Kathmandu’s heritage sites including Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square
- Stay in a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
- Introduction into the study and practice of Buddhism
Dates: September 30-October 9th 2026
Day 1: Arrival. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu; Walk of Boudha stupa and welcome dinner
Arrival in Kathmandu. We pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Boudhanath, The “Tibetan” part of Kathmandu. Here you have time to acclimatize and relax, take a stroll around the largest stupa in Nepal and soak up the lively atmosphere of neighborhood. In the late afternoon we´ll meet up for a welcome dinner overlooking the lively Boudhanath Stupa. Overnight at Hotel in, Boudha; meals inclusion: dinner.
Day 2: Exploring the spirituals hub Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
After our morning yoga class and breakfast, it is time to walk the back streets and visit some the sacred cremation Ghats and Hindu temples of Pashupatinath. This powerful place is also home of the local sadhus and Nath-yogis. After Lunch we transfer to Namo Buddha about 1-2hours drive depending on traffic. We check into our beautiful resort and have a srestorative yoga class before dinner.
Overnight Vishuddhialaya resort in Namo Buddha ; meals inclusion: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Yoga retreat at Vidhuddhialaya retreat
After morning yoga and breakfast, we walk to the nearby sacred site where the Buddha in his previous life offered his body to a hungry tigress and her cubs! Afternoon Yoga workshop. Dinner and evening meditation. Overnight at Namo buddha Resort. Meals inclusion: breakfast/lunch/dinner
Day 4: Yoga retreat at Vidhuddhialaya retreat
Morning yoga and breakfast. After breakfast you have some free time to go for a walk or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings. Afternoon Yoga Philosophy workshop, dinner and evening meditation. Overnight at Namo Buddha Resort. Meals inclusion: breakfast/lunch/dinner
Day 5: Patan museum and Golden Temple
Morning yoga and breakfast. We transfer back to Kathmandu and check into our heritage hotel in Old Patan. Here you will experience a different part of the city and the Newari culture prominent in this area. The Newars are the original inhabitants of Nepal, famous for their skills in arts, handicraft and architecture. Patan was one of three royal cities, which is today Kathmandu, each one with their city square, temples and palaces. We visit the Golden Temple and Patan museum, which stores some of the finest sculptures of the valley. Overnight at Traditional Homes / Zyu Swotha, Patan Meals inclusion: breakfast/lunch.
Day 6: Patan, the Royal City
Today we get up early to attend a Yoga class at a modern Yoga studio near Patan. We return to have breakfast at our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the many streets and temples of Patan. We meet up for dinner in a local reataurant. Overnight at Traditional Homes / Zyu Swotha. Meals inclusion: breakfast/dinner.
Day 7: Yoga retreat at Neydo Monastery
Breakfast and departure to continue our yoga retreat at the beautiful Neydo Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on a hillside near the village Pharping. We have lunch and meet up in the temple for an introduction to Buddhist thought and a tour of the spectacular shrine room. At 4.30 PM we meet for a meditation and lecture on Buddhism. Overnight at Neydo Hotel; meals inclusion: breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 8: Yoga retreat at Neydo Monastery
After yoga and brunch, we take a walk through the pleasant rice field to one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the valley. The meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche, the Asura cave. We climb further up to hang colorful prayer flag to ensure the success of our journey! Tea, and late afternoon meditation, dinner. Overnight Neydo Hotel; meals inclusion: brunch/dinner.
Day 9: Yoga retreat at Neydo Monastery
After morning yoga and brunch, we take a valk to one of the very long suspension bridges in Nepal crossing an entire valley. Back at the monastery we continue with an Introduction to Buddhist philosophy and practice. . Overnight Neydo Hotel; meals inclusion: brunch/dinner
Day 10: Kathmandu
Yoga and brunch. We transfer to Kathmandu and settle-in at Dalai La Hotel, Thamel, a quiet spot in the more touristic part of Kathmandu. Free time to relax or visit the busy hub of travelers’ shops and restaurants nearby. You may choose to see an astrologer, have a massage, take a singing bowl workshop, or just chill in one of the many cafes. We meet up for our farewell dinner.
Overnight Dalai La Boutique Hotel: meals inclusion: brunch. Overnight at Dalai La Hotel, Meals inclusion: breakfast, lunch
Day 11: Last day shopping and sightseeing – home
Morning Yoga and the closing of the retreat. After Breakfast you may have some free time for sightseeing, shopping etc. We drop to the airport for evening departure. Meals inclusion: breakfast.
Packages
Twin room: $ 2300 /NOK 23.000
Single room supplement $290 / NOK 2900*
(*single accommodation may not be available at Namo Buddha. If there are an uneven number of guests, you may be asked to pay the single room supplement)
Payment details will be sent to you upon registration.
The fee includes:
- Transfer from Kathmandu airport to central Kathmandu (in shared vehicle)
- Transfer to the monastery and other sites and hotels.
- Accommodation, all vegetarian meals as described in the program above
- Daily yoga programme, and all trips during the retreat.
The fee does not include:
Transfer to Kathmandu airport after the journey (easily arranged by your hotel).
Meals not mentioned in the program.
- Extra drinks and speciality coffees at monastery and resort/hotel.
- Flight to Nepal, Visa and Travel insurance (required)
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