# Wellness and Spiritual Retreats ## Wellness and spiritual retreats in Nepal Nepal has drawn spiritual seekers for centuries. Practise **yoga** by Phewa Lake in Pokhara, learn **meditation** in the Kathmandu Valley, spend a night at the hilltop monastery of **Namo Buddha**, and follow the footsteps of the Buddha to **Lumbini**, or make the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage to **Muktinath**. Our retreats and pilgrimages are calm, unhurried and guided by people who know these traditions well. - **Yoga and meditation** retreats - **Monastery stays** and Buddhist heritage - **Pilgrimages** to Lumbini and Muktinath ## Regions - [Pilgrimage Tours in Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/category/pilgrimage-tours-in-nepal.md) - [Meditation in Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/category/meditation-in-nepal.md) - [Ayurveda in Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/category/ayurveda-in-nepal.md) - [Faith Healing in Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/category/faith-healing-in-nepal.md) - [Panchakarma Treatment in Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/category/panchakarma-treatment-in-nepal.md) - [Sound Meditation in Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/category/sound-meditation-in-nepal.md) - [Natural Hot Water Springs in Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/category/hot-springs-in-nepal.md) ## Trips - [Annapurna Base Camp Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-base-camp-trek.md): 12 days, Moderate, max 4,130 m / 13,550 ft, from US$890. The Annapurna Base Camp trek (ABC trek) is a 12-day guided trek from Kathmandu into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheatre of glaciers ringed by Annapu... - [Ayurveda Wellness Retreat](https://himalayanhiking.com/ayurveda-wellness-retreat-nepal.md): 7 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,590 ft, from US$790. The Ayurveda wellness retreat is a restful week at an established Ayurveda centre. It begins with a consultation with a qualified practitioner, who plans your d... - [Panchakarma Programme](https://himalayanhiking.com/panchakarma-programme-nepal.md): 14 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,590 ft, from US$1,590. The Panchakarma programme is Ayurveda's traditional cleansing programme, run over two weeks under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It moves through... - [Shamanic Traditions Cultural Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/shamanic-traditions-cultural-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,500–2,000 m, from US$70. The shamanic traditions cultural day tour introduces Nepal's living dhami-jhankri (shaman and faith healer) traditions. With a local guide, visit a hill village... - [Singing Bowl Sound Meditation](https://himalayanhiking.com/singing-bowl-sound-meditation.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,350 m / 4,430 ft, from US$45. The singing bowl sound meditation is a calm half-day in Kathmandu. Lie back and relax as a practitioner plays singing bowls around you in a guided sound meditat... - [Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/muktinath-pilgrimage-tour.md): 5 days, Easy, max About 3,800 m / 12,470 ft (Muktinath Temple), from US$690. The Muktinath pilgrimage tour is a 5-day Muktinath yatra from Kathmandu by flight to one of the holiest temples in Nepal. Fly to Pokhara and on to Jomsom betwee... - [Lumbini Tour: Birthplace of Buddha](https://himalayanhiking.com/lumbini-buddhist-pilgrimage-tour.md): 4 days, Easy, max 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Kathmandu), from US$490. The Lumbini tour takes you to the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. Visit the Maya Devi Temple with... - [Tamang Heritage Trail Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/tamang-heritage-trail-trek.md): 9 days, Easy to moderate, max 3,165 m / 10,384 ft (Nagthali), from US$690. The Tamang Heritage Trail trek is a 9-day cultural and homestay trek in the Langtang region, close to the Tibet border. Stay with families in traditional Tamang... - [Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/poon-hill-annapurna-base-camp-trek.md): 14 days, Moderate, max 4,130 m / 13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp), from US$1,090. The Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp trek combines the two most popular treks in the Annapurna region into one 14-day journey. Climb through rhododendron fores... - [Panauti and Namo Buddha Cultural Hike](https://himalayanhiking.com/panauti-namo-buddha-hike.md): 2 days, Easy, max About 1,750 m / 5,741 ft (Namo Buddha), from US$140. The Panauti and Namo Buddha hike is an easy 2-day cultural trip from Kathmandu. Explore the medieval Newar town of Panauti, with its temples and quiet brick lan... - [Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/annapurna-base-camp-short-trek.md): 7 days, Moderate, max 4,130 m / 13,550 ft (Annapurna Base Camp), from US$590. The Annapurna Base Camp short trek takes you from Pokhara into the Annapurna Sanctuary and back in just 7 days. Drive to the road head below Jhinu Danda, climb... - [Buddhist Heritage Tour of Nepal](https://himalayanhiking.com/buddhist-heritage-tour-nepal.md): 7 days, Easy, max About 1,750 m / 5,741 ft (Namo Buddha), from US$790. The Buddhist heritage tour of Nepal is a 7-day journey to the most important Buddhist sites in the country. Visit the great stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhana... - [Pokhara Yoga Retreat](https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-yoga-retreat.md): 7 days, Easy, max About 1,600 m / 5,250 ft (Sarangkot), from US$690. The Pokhara yoga retreat is a calm, restorative week by Phewa Lake, with the Annapurnas on the horizon. Each day includes morning and evening yoga, guided medit... - [Chitwan and Lumbini Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/chitwan-lumbini-tour.md): 5 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Kathmandu), from US$590. The Chitwan and Lumbini tour combines Nepal's most popular wildlife park with the birthplace of the Buddha in five days. Spend two nights in a jungle lodge at C... - [Pashupatinath Evening Aarati and Boudhanath Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/pashupatinath-evening-aarati-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 1,400 m / 4,593 ft, from US$45. The Pashupatinath evening aarati and Boudhanath tour shows Kathmandu at its most atmospheric. Walk the evening kora around Boudhanath stupa as the butter lamps... - [Lumbini Day Tour](https://himalayanhiking.com/lumbini-day-tour.md): 1 days, Easy, max About 150 m / 490 ft, from US$70. The Lumbini day tour explores the birthplace of the Buddha with an expert guide: the Maya Devi Temple with its marker stone, the Ashoka Pillar, the sacred pool,... ## Wellness in Nepal: the complete guide For centuries, pilgrims, monks and seekers have come to the Himalaya to find peace. Today Nepal is one of the most rewarding places in the world for a **wellness or spiritual journey**: meditation courses in Buddhist monasteries, yoga by the lake in Pokhara, traditional Ayurvedic treatments, singing bowl sessions, natural hot springs on the trekking trails and pilgrimages to sacred sites such as Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. This guide introduces the main kinds of wellness travel in Nepal and how to plan a restorative trip. ## Why Nepal for wellness? Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha and home to some of the holiest Hindu temples. Its monasteries, ashrams and retreat centres have long welcomed visitors, and the mountains themselves seem to slow people down. A wellness trip here can be as simple as a week of yoga with Himalayan views or as deep as a month-long meditation course, and combines naturally with gentle trekking and cultural visits. ## Meditation Learn meditation at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery such as [Kopan](/places/kopan-monastery) above Kathmandu, or sit a silent 10-day Vipassana course near Budhanilkantha. In [Lumbini](/places/lumbini), several international monasteries offer meditation in the place where the Buddha was born. See [meditation in Nepal](/category/meditation-in-nepal). ## Yoga Pokhara is Nepal's yoga capital, with retreat centres by Phewa Lake and on the hills above it. Our [Pokhara yoga retreat](/pokhara-yoga-retreat) includes twice-daily yoga, meditation, healthy vegetarian meals and gentle excursions. Read our [yoga and meditation retreats guide](/blog/yoga-meditation-retreats-nepal). ## Ayurveda and traditional healing Ayurveda, the traditional South Asian system of health, has deep roots in Nepal. At wellness centres you can enjoy a consultation, warm oil massage and herbal treatments, or a full [Panchakarma](/category/panchakarma-treatment-in-nepal) programme. In the hills, the traditions of the [dhami and jhankri](/category/faith-healing-in-nepal) (shamans) are part of Nepal's living heritage. These are traditional practices and not a substitute for medical care. ## Sound meditation The deep, lingering tones of Himalayan singing bowls are used in relaxing [sound meditation](/category/sound-meditation-in-nepal) sessions in Kathmandu, Boudhanath and Pokhara. ## Natural hot springs After days on the trail, soak your muscles in a natural hot spring, such as [Tatopani](/places/tatopani-myagdi) in Myagdi or the riverside pools at Jhinu Danda on the Annapurna Base Camp trek. See [hot springs in Nepal](/category/hot-springs-in-nepal). ## Pilgrimage Join Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims at [Pashupatinath](/places/pashupatinath-temple), [Muktinath](/places/muktinath), [Lumbini](/places/lumbini), [Janakpur](/places/janakpur) and [Halesi](/places/halesi-mahadev). See our [pilgrimage tours](/category/pilgrimage-tours-in-nepal), including the [Muktinath pilgrimage tour](/muktinath-pilgrimage-tour) and [Lumbini pilgrimage tour](/lumbini-buddhist-pilgrimage-tour). ## Combining wellness with trekking A retreat is a perfect way to prepare for a trek or to recover afterwards. Many guests spend a few days of yoga in Pokhara before an Annapurna trek, or finish their trip with massage and meditation in Kathmandu. ## Best time Retreats run all year. October–May has the best mountain views; the monsoon months are quiet, green and good for indoor practice. ## Practical tips - Book monastery courses and Vipassana places well in advance. - Bring modest, comfortable clothing for practice and temple visits. - Tell teachers and practitioners about injuries or health conditions. - Many monasteries ask you to follow simple rules, such as silence or no alcohol, during courses. ## Book a wellness trip with Himalayan Hiking Tell us what you are looking for, from a weekend of rest to a month of practice, and we will match you with the right retreat or programme. [Contact us](/contact-us) to begin. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I do a yoga retreat in Nepal? Yes, our Pokhara yoga retreat suits all levels. ### Can I stay in a monastery? Yes, at Namo Buddha and on some Buddhist tours. ### What are the main pilgrimage sites? Lumbini, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Muktinath. ### Are retreats suitable for beginners? Yes. ### Can I combine a retreat with a trek? Yes, many guests do. Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/category/wellness-and-spiritual-retreats