Annapurna Yoga & Luxury Trek - 11 Days

Day 2: Yoga and Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Start the day with yoga, after which you are free to explore the bustling neighborhood of Thamel or the nearby Garden of Dreams. Or just decompress in the garden of the Kathmandu Guest House. Mid-morning, you will be taken to Boudhanath Stupa, the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. Walk the Buddhist kora (a pilgrimage or meditation) with local monks and nuns. In the afternoon, Hayley will lead another yoga session. 

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara and Trek to Birethanti

Today you will fly west to Pokhara (2,723 feet elevation) to start your trek. Travel by private vehicle to Lumle, from where you will trek to Ker & Downey's beautiful Sanctuary Lodge. The lodge is located on a promontory that juts into the Modi River and boasts half a mile of riverfront with views of the sacred Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) in the background. Travel to the nearby village of Birethanti (3,363 feet) to visit the local school and watch mule trains cross the suspension bridge. 

Yoga practice times on the trek will be set daily by Hayley and will include a morning and evening hour of yoga instruction, as well as meditation in the form of a silent walk for 30 minutes daily. The morning yoga will be energizing Hatha or Vinyasa Flow, and the evening yoga will be restorative Yin Yoga or slow yoga.

Trekking Time: 1.5 hours

Day 4: Trek to the Gurung Village of Gandruk 

After breakfast, trek through outlying farms before climbing out of the valley and up towards the Himalayan peaks. The trail passes through terraced rice fields, small hamlets, and forests with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding valley before ascending to Gandruk (6,365 feet). Spend the afternoon exploring this bustling village, with its narrow alleyways, slate-roofed, white-washed houses, and traditionally carved windows. Overnight at Ker & Downey's Himalayan Lodge.

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours

Day 5: Trek to Landruk

From Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply through green, textured fields to the Modi River. Find yourself at the base of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb to collect honey. Cross a suspension bridge, then ascend switchbacks and steps to reach the village of Landruk (5,135 feet), where you will stay in Ker & Downey’s Bee Lodge. 

Trekking Time: 4 hours

Day 6: Trek to Majgaun  

Wake to a misty morning, with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre rising majestically out of the valley. Today’s trek follows the side of the hill, with small uphills and downhills, passing through villages and farmland. You will reach Ker & Downey's Gurung Lodge in time for lunch with the option of an afternoon hike to nearby villages. The lodge is comprised of tribal-style houses and manicured gardens on the edge of the village of Majgaun (4,590 feet). 

Trekking Time: 4 hours

Day 7: Trek to Dhampus 

This morning trek through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. The trail will take you through sub-tropical forests with tree orchids, magnolias, and rhododendrons. Along the way, visit the village of Pothana, where Tibetan traders live and sell their wares, and then continue on to the village of Deurali. Soon you will reach Dhampus (5,000 feet) and Ker & Downey’s Basanta Lodge, from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch, take an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus. 

Trekking Time: 3.5 hours

Day 8: Drive to Sarangkot

After breakfast, you will set off on a 1.5-hour walk to Ghattehola, from you will drive for one hour to reach the Himalayan Front Resort in Sarangkot (2,723 feet). The resort features landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 9: Explore Pokhara and Lake Phewa

Today, continue your morning and afternoon yoga and breathing practices. The rest of the day you are free to explore Pokhara. Options include renting a bicycle, paragliding over Phewa Lake, hiking up to Shanti Stupa, a boat trip on the lake, massage or some great shopping along Lakeside. Overnight at Himalayan Front Resort, Sarangkot.

Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu 

After breakfast, board the morning flight back to Kathmandu. Wind down from your trek with an afternoon yoga session on the lawn of the Kathmandu Guest House. Do some last minute shopping in Thamel before your farewell dinner with the group.

Day 11: Departure

Start the morning with a walking meditation and yoga. Today you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport and depart Kathmandu.

Optional 3-Day Yoga Spirit Kathmandu Retreat in Shivapura: Extend your trip by adding on our Yoga Spirit Kathmandu Retreat in Shivapura on the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Enjoy silent meditation walks, meditate with Buddhist monks, and learn Buddhist philosophy from a Buddhist Lama. Rejuvenate yourself with Ayurvedic treatments and Swedish massage. 

About Your Yoga Instructor: Hayley Mia came to yoga from a holistic background having worked as a massage therapist. Having practiced many different styles, she relates to the core strengthening elements of the Ashtanga Vinyasa style. She has a very hands-on approach to yoga, concentrating on alignment while encouraging you to find your own path. She traveled to India to train in Ashtanga, Rocket, Vinyasa Flow, and Yin Yoga and is now a 700-hour certified Yoga Alliance teacher. Hayley has been teaching for six years and practicing for over 10.