DAY 1: Arrival > Boudhanath Stupa > Kathmandu

As soon as your plane touches the ground, you’ll start soaking in the views of the multi-colored collage that is the Kathmandu against the backdrop of Himalaya mountains. Ground transportation takes you through the city to our lovely Newari-style hotel. Very close to the historical Swyambhunath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the Himalayas, Hotel Vajra is conveniently located in the heart of the city. A labyrinth of backstreets and alleys leading from one bazaar to another offers a pulsating theater of color and sound! After some rest, we will kick off our journey by summoning the presence of the extraordinary Boudhanath Stupa, a pilgrimage site for all Tibetans through high Himalayan passes.

DAY 2: Kopan Monastery > Pashupatinath Temple

Morning yoga practice will help you overcome jet lag, take away any fatigue, and prepare you for the day’s adventure. Our Nepal adventure continues with a visit to Kopan Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Mahayana lineage. Next destination: Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest of Hindu sites on the bank of Bagmati River. Step off the beaten tourist path with Raj to visit the meditation caves of Tilopa (988AD) and Naropa, founders of Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism lineages. On our return to the hotel, we’ll witness one of the most spectacular pujas and aarti (worship with fire and oil-lamps) inside the main temple.

DAY 3: Bhaktapur > Drive to Namobuddha

After a morning practice, lecture, and breakfast, we’ll travel to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an ancient citadel inhabited but untouched since 1400 A.D. Inside, see incredible sculptures, temples, king’s palace, and life as it was centuries ago. Today is not the day to forget your camera!

That afternoon, we’ll depart the bustle of Kathmandu and drive to Namobuddha Resort, an eco-lodge where the craftsmanship of your personal tiny-house experience will simply wow you! Enjoy organic, farm-to-table chef’s dining while you look out the majestic Himalayan range at your doorstep, listening to exotic birds.

Evening meditation, lectures, and internal practices will help you leave the normalcy of life behind and focus on the cultivation of freeing your mind.

DAY 4: Namobuddha > Hike and Tour of Panauti via Balthali

By now, most of you may contemplate moving into Namobuddha Resort permanently and savoring the sweetness of life with simple opulence. Nothing smells like a fresh breeze kissed by the warmth of the snow-reflected sun. A meditative state of being seems to come effortlessly.

After an early breakfast, we set off on a drive through scenic farmlands, terrace cultivations, and small villages to the revered Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha and the impressive Thrangu Tashi Monastery to stroll the village on foot.

Today, we also go on short hikes to the local towns of Balthali and Panauti and witness Maha Kala Puja at the famous and opulent Namobuddha Monastery. Prepare to be amazed by the artwork, deities, and the many Tibetan Buddha sculptures draped in the most elaborate Thanka fabric.

DAY 5: Dhulikhel > Karma Lekshiling Monastery > Drive to Kathmandu

Dhulikhel is one of the more popular places from which to observe the high Himalayas. From the edge of the ridge, a stunning panorama of peaks unfolds, from Langtang Lirung (23,710ft/7227m) in the west, through Dorje Lakpa (22,854ft/6966m) to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar (23,405ft/7134m) and nearby Melungtse (23,560ft/7181m), and as far as Numbur (19,505ft/5945m) in the east.

Later that day, we return to Kathmandu and visit Karma Lekshiling Monastery, the spiritual home of Dorje Andrey Lappa, founder of Universal Yoga. In this monastery, we get to the heart of the living quarters of monks, Lamas, Rimpoche, and the inner workings of how a monastery is run. If we get the timing right, we may even get to see a puja celebration.

DAY 6: Swayambhunath Stupa > City of Patan

A Universal Yoga class brings in the new day! Then, today is your day to hunt, bargain, and shop now that you are somewhat familiar with the Nepali culture. Patan (The City of Living Art) is the epicenter of Nepali and Tibetan art, crafts, textiles, and sculptures. We visit shops where singing bowls have been made traditionally for generations. Then, after a quick session on how to bargain, we visit Tibetan Refugee Camp where women hand-weave wool carpets with tens of thousands of knots at blazing speed. The buzzing markets, the artistry of age-old temples and palaces, and the medieval feel bestow a definitive experience of shopping that you will remember years after your return home! We finish the day with a deep stretching and meditation class.

Day 7: Last Day in Kathmandu (Part 1 Conclusion)

Today marks the last day in our past 1 (Kathmandu) segment as we prepare to set off for trekking. It is always tough to say goodbyes to the smiling faces of the staff, cooks, and caretakers at Hotel Vajra, as the purity in their smiles and love in their Namaste have connected hearts every year of our retreat.

PART 2

Exploration of Northern India

Born in Kolkata, India in a spiritual family, Raj was soaked in Hinduism and yoga traditions at a very young age. Practiced in Swami Yogananda lineage, his current teacher is the father of Universal Yoga lineage, Dorje Andre Lappa, a Vajrayana Buddhist. Raj has traveled to Nepal many times and is deeply knowledgable about eastern practices, mythology, and spiritual traditions. Find out more about Raj.

Kelly Suttell

Kelly has traveled to India and Nepal regularly since 2007. Not only is she familiar with the eastern spiritual ways of life, she has experienced the impact of such life firsthand through her relatives, extended family, and friends there.

Trained in Universal Yoga, she is also an integrative healing facilitator and wellness coach, and has more modalities of knowledge under her belt than her unassuming smile would care to admit. Find out more about Kelly.