yoga in Nepal
Rejuvenate yourself with the Himalayan Yoga

Yoga in Nepal

Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.

Deepak Raj Bhatta
Author | Deepak Raj Bhatta Date Published:
Yoga in nepal

The Himalayan region in Nepal is a hub for renowned spiritual retreats, historic religious sites and stunning mountain views. Yoga retreats are also an increasingly popular option for travellers to the country.

Nepal is a landlocked country in the Himalayas. To reach this landlocked country, you must have some knowledge of Nepalese history and geography. Though Nepal's climate varies according to elevation, it is generally classified as a tropical and subtropical highland country. Most of the population is concentrated in river valleys that lie between 100 meters to 5,500 meters above sea level on the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India around 5000 years ago. Today it is practiced in almost every country on Earth, with practitioners of varying backgrounds, including people of all ages, abilities and lifestyles. Yoga's universal principles have been proven to be effective for healing, personal development and physical health.

Originating as a practice for spiritual and mental development for Hindu Monks, Yoga is now used by people of all ages and all walks of life. 

Table Of Content

Table Of Content

    Yoga in Nepal

    As one of the most popular workout routines in the world, it's no surprise that many people have never even heard of it. Yoga is a flexible fitness practice that involves physical Asanas, or poses, together with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation.  Yoga has a number of benefits for both mind and body, including increased strength and flexibility.

    If you’re searching for the most relaxing and rejuvenating yoga vacation in the world, you’ve come to the right place! Join us for a Yoga Retreat in beautiful Nepal. We provide the finest yoga tours, accommodations, guided tours, food and drink options and of course our amazing team of instructors who will help make your vacation one to remember.

    Yoga in nepalNepal is an incredible destination- with its immersive culture, friendly people, breathtaking scenery and rich history it offers something for everyone. The location is perfect for a yoga vacation as the country has been home to the practice of yoga for over 1000 years. The retreat itself is located in the Himalayan territories from where you can witness the stunning Himalayan peaks and temples. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help make your day-to-day yoga practice as smooth as can be. And you can be sure to get everything you need from Yoga Retreats of Nepal - our dedicated team are happy to help you arrange your trip with nothing but the best in mind.

    Would you like to book an activity or a trip with us?

    Get in touch with our experts right away and finalize an experience!

    About Us

    What is Yoga?

    Yoga is an ancient form of exercise with many different styles. It is an old physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It involves stretching, breathing and introspective exercise. Yoga is practiced for many reasons but can be mostly broken up into two types: Hatha yoga, which stresses postures and the flow of breath; and Raja yoga, which concentrates on meditation.

    YogaThe purpose of the poses in Hatha is to stimulate the circulation of blood around the body while calming the mind through deep breathing. And the Raja Yoga focuses on devotion, self-control, dutifulness and knowledge. 

    Meaning of Yoga

    Yoga is not just a piece of exercise equipment or even just a form of meditation. It is an entire philosophy, and practices within it can improve your health and well-being in practical ways. For example, yoga can help you relieve anxiety, increase flexibility and strength (and thus improve your running times), and may also boost self-esteem.

    But the most important thing to know about the meaning of yoga is that it's more than just physical activity - it's a lifestyle choice with benefits you'll enjoy now and forever.

    How Many People Do Yoga?

    As more people become aware of its benefits, yoga will continue to grow in popularity. Currently only a small percentage of the population does yoga, but many more are considering it as an option due to its benefits and availability. When one out of every five adults is a yoga practitioner, you can see a real demand for it.

    Yoga nepal

    The benefits of yoga can be enjoyed by almost anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort. Yoga can be practiced by anyone, from small children to 88-year-old men, and it has a place in every individual's life. Regardless of age or physical condition, people feel better after doing yoga. Yoga is an excellent exercise, and in addition to improving physical conditions, it also improves mental strength and self-esteem.

    How Yoga benefits You?

    The benefits of yoga vary widely - some people experience major improvements in their health while others feel a little impact on their quality of life.

    Yoga

    Yoga improves flexibility, and the more it is practiced, the stronger muscles are. Yoga can make your muscles stronger, faster and more flexible. Yoga can improve muscle tone and reduce soreness following strenuous exercise. For example, runners experience increased flexibility, strength and stamina after doing yoga.

    Yoga also improves respiratory systems because it reduces stress on muscles used during breathing. The result of this is that you feel less tired after a run or workout — let alone when you're done for the day.

    History of Yoga in Nepal

    The history of yoga is a vast and rich subject. There are many different schools of thought about how it developed over the centuries, but most scholars agree that it originated in India between 500 BC and 300 BC. It might have been a practice or ritual that was used in ancient ceremonies, or it might have been a way for Indian philosophers to understand themselves. In Nepal's context, Yoga's emergence in the country is still vast and very unknown. The spiritual saints and monks used to travel to the Himalayas to meditate and do Yoga in the quest for spiritual awakening. But now, it has emerged as a way of lifestyle, more than a path that is deviated towards becoming otherworldly. 

    The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit "yuj," which means ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’. It was used in ancient India to describe the merging of the mind and body into one unified whole. The word was first used by the philosopher Patanjali, who wrote a treatise called "Yoga Sutra," which means “The Yoga of Patanjali” or “The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.” However, this is not the oldest text in India about yoga or about how to achieve the oneness of mind, body and spirit.

    There are many different reasons why people practice yoga today. Some are interested in achieving a more healthy and balanced life through the practice of asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing techniques). Others are interested in achieving spiritual awakening by learning from and following a guru (teacher). Still others are concerned about reaching higher levels of consciousness through the various breathing techniques used in yoga.

    Doctors now believe that yoga does have some health benefits that can help with chronic diseases and improve quality of life. There is also quite a bit of scientific research conducted in India today which shows that yoga may be able to help some people achieve a state of deep relaxation and calmness, which can lead to an improved state of health.

    Philosophy of Yoga

    Most people in our society are looking for quick-fix solutions, with instant gratification as the ultimate goal. When they see that Yoga is a practice with no immediate results or easy-to-grasp concepts, they often turn away. Yoga is not a magic eight ball; do not expect to be told an answer to all of your questions using the same handful of words that have been recycled from “gurus” across the world.

    In order to truly understand and have an appreciation for the practice of Yoga, one must delve into the history of its development. The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the earliest civilizations on Earth, predating ancient Egypt and Babylon by over a thousand years. The people of this civilization were non-Indo-European and are believed to have been Dravidian in origin. Yoga is thought to be the precursor to much of Eastern mysticism.

    According to some beliefs, the term " Yoga " is derived from Avestan (the language of the ancient Persians), which means "union", or "reconciliation". The great teacher Patanjali during the early centuries came up with a set of philosophical postulates that were meant to be eventually acceptable to all Indian religions. Together these postulates form the Yoga Sutras. These ideas have become the philosophical backdrop and source of inspiration for many techniques of Yoga, including Raja and Hatha Yoga.

    Patanjali begins his text by writing about "ashtanga" or "eight-limbed" Yoga. The way Patanjali defines it, ashtanga (and therefore Yoga) is about "artha" or purposefulness.

    Yoga and Meditation

    Are you feeling a little stressed out? Perhaps it's time to take some time and check in with your mind, body, and spirit with yoga. Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation or deep relaxation. It's common for people today to add meditation to their yoga routine because it can enhance the benefits of both practices. 

    Yoga's roots can be traced back more than 5,000 years to India. It's a set of exercises and disciplines that improve strength, flexibility and overall health. Yoga practice can help relieve stress by slowing the body and quieting the mind. There are many different styles of yoga that people practice today, however, most are designed to calm both body and mind.

    meditation

    Meditation may sound too touchy-feely for you, but it is one of the most practical practices you can do to improve your health. Meditation has been shown to have many benefits, from improving mood and decreasing stress levels to lowering blood pressure and just being a good old-fashioned form of self-care.

    Meditation is a practice where you can calm your mind and de-stress. The object of the practice is to clear your mind of all thoughts so that you can reach into your subconscious and access information and wisdom that has been stored there in the past. It sounds simple, but it's not as easy as it sounds. In meditation, you must focus on one particular object or thought - nothing else.

    Yoga benefits good health. Some of the major benefits of Yoga are Stand More Efficiently, Balance Better, Reduce Back Pain, Breathe Better, Feel Happier, Increase Flexibility, Improve Sleep, Reduce Stress, Improve Mood, and Reduce Pain. Most people who practice yoga enjoy experiencing all these benefits. Typically, you don't have to be flexible or very athletic in order to do yoga and it's a good activity for men and women of all ages and body types.

    Health benefits of Yoga

    Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise for those wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But what are the benefits of yoga? And what does it do that other types of exercise don't?

    Yoga is one of the best ways to stay healthy, reduce stress, and build power. There are many different forms of yoga that can suit you. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years throughout the world. It's believed to have originated in ancient India as a physical exercise that also aimed to prepare one's mind for meditation. These days people do yoga for varied reasons: some find it challenging or crave a sense of accomplishment; others want to maintain their flexibility or try new classes that suit their needs. 

    Yoga is an inherently beneficial exercise that can satisfy these needs—but it's the way you approach classes, practice at home, and make time for yourself that can determine how it benefits you.

    Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, here are some top benefits of doing yoga. Yoga strengthens your muscles and improves circulation. Yoga tones the body by helping you build muscle while relaxing muscles at the same time by increasing blood flow around your body which in turn helps with healing and injury rehabilitation. Yoga also helps with reducing stress.

    If one is suffering from an injury or has a chronic condition, they can do yoga to help reduce the effects of this. Yoga-like exercise has also been found to help those with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and heart disease.

    Yoga can also reduce the symptoms of joint pain in the legs and feet, and general swelling. Yoga also helps with boosting your immune system. When your immune system is strong, you will be less prone to respiratory diseases like colds and infections. It will also help reduce stress as well as depression.

    Yoga also helps to strengthen your body's ability to resist infection and help fight existing infections. Some types of yoga can actually kill harmful bacteria that live inside our bodies.

    Yoga as a tool for Stress Management

    We all experience a certain amount of stress every day. Stress can take many forms, including anxiety, anger and sadness. However, these types of stress can be managed by using Yoga as a tool for Stress Management. 

    Calm the mind, reduce stress and tension in the body, support digestive system functions and encourage healthy cell growth. The benefits of yoga extend to all aspects of one's well-being. Yoga is an exercise which focuses on breathing exercises, stretching for flexibility and relaxation, and mindful postures that help invigorate a person’s spiritual life and make them more grounded in their surroundings. Yoga develops posture, tones muscles and improves overall body awareness. It also helps people who are suffering from chronic pain or ailments such as arthritis or back problems.

    Yoga in nepal

    Yoga is an ancient art that was originally practiced in India. One of the main purposes was to maintain health and prevent disease by balancing the body. The yoga poses were designed to lengthen, strengthen and stretch muscles and improve circulation. Through these series of asanas or poses, a state of deep relaxation is achieved. This process releases endorphins. Endorphins are a natural painkiller produced by the pituitary gland which helps to alleviate stress-related problems of the body and mind. 

    Stress management is an important aspect of both preventive and therapeutic healthcare. Stress reduction through natural therapies can also aid in the prevention of disease. Yoga has been proven to be one such natural therapy that can help prevent a number of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and even cancer. In addition, there are many other things that yoga does for the body. 

    Yoga is not just about physical exercise. The practice of Yoga is used as a way to train the mind to achieve self-awareness and relaxation. With the help of a Yoga teacher, an individual can learn to calm his or her mind and body. This is often done through meditation. A meditation session will start with a brief instruction and then the individual will practice a few minutes of yoga exercises such as Chanting Meditation or Breathing Meditation. These exercises help to clear your mind and bring you into a meditative state. Some people repeat these exercises on their own, while others are guided by their instructor through this process over the course of several weeks.

    Yoga and the Himalayas

    If you have never heard of the Himalayas, then you must live under a rock. Perhaps one that is perched on top of a mountain. The Himalayas cover much more than mountains and includes snow-capped peaks and Himalayan vegetation. They are more than just mountains though. They are an inspiration for many people and have even inspired movements such as Yoga.

    The Yogic saints, babas and gurus are believed to be the outcome of Himalayan meditation. The Himalayas radiate beautiful energy and along with that, Yoga practices are believed to make a surreal impact on the human mind. So, Yoga and the Himalayas are intricate and originate to form a more natural way to exercise. 

    Yoga has become the most popular physical fitness program in the Himalayas today. Many people trek in the mountains of Nepal while exploring the majestic mountain views and doing Yogas. While the first ray of sun hits the mountains, the dawn through the snow-capped peaks and alongside the most beautiful human fitness invention would probably make the most amazing experience. 

    Yoga has the power to harmonize and strengthen the body, mind and spirit, making it one of the most diversely practiced disciplines in the world. It is a form of physical exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, increase energy levels, and decrease the risk of chronic illnesses.

    Hatha Yoga

    Hatha yoga is a gentle, yet powerful form of yoga for people of all levels and ages. Utilizing movements from slow and gentle to more challenging poses, Hatha Yoga helps cultivate your strength, flexibility, and balance. If you’ve never done anything like it before you might think that Hatha Yoga is just another silly fitness trend. But in reality it has been around for centuries!

    This ancient practice is not only beneficial to beginners but also excellent for those looking to improve themselves physically as well as mentally. People who practice Hatha Yoga regularly often report a sense of well-being, completion, and mindfulness. When you experience Hatha Yoga it has a powerful effect on your body and mind.

    Hatha Yoga gives you the physical tools to improve your health and well-being in many ways. One of the best parts of this practice is that it is non-competitive and non-judgmental so no matter what level you are at or what you look like, you will have the opportunity to succeed and grow stronger with time.

    Yoga Poses

    Yoga can change your life in so many ways. It has channeled the power of countless ancient spiritual practices into modern-day living, and it is one of the most popular forms of exercise in America. Yoga not only exercises muscles and expands health, but also brings peace, calmness and serenity to your nerves. It's a great way to relieve stress, be mindful of your body's position during poses, and clear the mind when feeling tense or chaotic. Yoga poses are great for strength, flexibility and calmness.

    In yoga, there are many different poses that will make your life more productive and meaningful. This form of yoga has been practiced by millions of people making it one of the most widely practiced forms today. Hatha Yoga poses are also known as Asanas. These poses contain postures that can be taken from standing up to a full lotus position.

    Yoga for beginners: Tips

    If you're a beginner who wants to learn yoga, it's natural that you might be apprehensive. Yoga has garnered some negative associations through the years, and misconceptions about its spiritual associations or physical challenges can make it seem intimidating. But there's no need to worry: yoga offers tons of benefits and is accessible to anyone! 

    One of the many benefits of yoga is a heightened sense of body awareness. Yoga encourages you to move more mindfully: in a yoga class, you're encouraged to pay attention to your body and how it feels in every position. By really feeling your body as you move through positions, you're taking the first step towards developing this awareness--and towards making better choices about how to move throughout the day.

    yoga in nepal

    Yoga also improves your body awareness by changing your posture. Posture is a huge component of physical awareness, and a better posture will help you to feel more confident and centered in yourself. Doing the Downward-Facing Dog several times a week will help your back, shoulders, and legs feel more limber while giving you an overall sense of calmness and balance.

    Additionally, yoga requires you to focus on your breathing. When you're holding a challenging pose, it's easy to forget to breathe. By practicing yoga regularly, you'll begin to develop the ability to always keep breathing-  and will also have a better understanding of how your body feels when you're breathing properly.

    Yoga and Meditation Tours

    If you're looking for a way to escape from the stress and hecticness of daily life, then look no further than these yoga and meditation tours in Nepal. There are many beautiful locations throughout this country that offer the perfect combination of natural beauty and serenity.

    Yoga and meditation are more than just an alternative to a relaxing vacation in Nepal. It's a way of life that can help you live in the moment and find peace within yourself.

    It's no secret that nature is a great place to relax and take a break from life's stressors. Spending time outdoors is not only good for our physical health, but it's also good for our mental state. Yoga and meditation are ways to achieve both. Not only will you be able to release deeply held tension in your muscles, but you'll also have the chance to relax your mind, connect with yourself and reconnect with nature.

    Nepal has some of the most beautiful places in the world for people seeking peace and healing through meditation. Since the primary goal of yoga and meditation is to find a connection with the self, it's best to take the time to get away from your normal surroundings. The beautiful scenery of Nepal will not only invigorate your body but will also refuel your soul. You'll have the chance to clear your mind from all of the noise and distractions of life, leaving you feeling peaceful and rejuvenated.

    There are many areas in Nepal that offer magnificent views as well as spiritual experiences. Some of the popular mountain areas are Ghandruk, Poonhill, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, and trekking stops such as Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Gokyo Lakes etc. 

    Popular Yoga Destinations

    The beauty of Nepal is unmatched. The country's varied landscapes and spiritual energy are a real wonder for travelers to behold. If you're visiting the country for the first time or another occasion, be sure to stop by one of these top destinations in Nepal that offer yoga and meditation tours.

    Kathmandu

    Named the 'City of Temples' by UNESCO, Kathmandu is a premier destination for travelers interested in combining their vacations with spiritual practices. This blend of culture, nature and physical and mental rejuvenation is perfectly described by the term 'holistic tourism'. Nestled at the base of the Himalayan mountain range, Kathmandu offers visitors a variety of activities and excursions. From the spectacular natural beauty in Bhaktapur to the serene Durbar Square and the cultural heritage of Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu has something for everyone. 

    Also Read: World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley

    Pokhara

    Nepal's second-largest city is also its recreational capital. Pokhara is located in the foothills of the Annapurna Mountain range and most travellers come here for the natural beauty and adventure sports that surround it.

    Nestled amidst scenic mountain beauty, Pokhara offers a tranquil environment for travellers looking to experience a bit of 'me' time. The meditation and yoga activities in Pokhara are widely admired for being the most astonishing experiences due to its proximity to the Himalayas. 

    Also Read: Things to do in Pokhara

    Ghorepani Poonhill

    If you're thinking of going on a hike in Nepal, a popular place to visit is Ghorepani Poonhill. Trekking in the Himalayas is unlike any other experience in the world. Adding Yoga to the plan would make the experience otherworldly. The scenery from Poonhill is unmatched and the mountains of Nepal are some of the most spectacular in the world.

    The views from Ghorepani Poonhill are some of the most stunning in all of Nepal. If you've been dreaming of experiencing the Himalayas, a trip to Ghorepani Poonhill should be your first stop. This trek offers a chance to see some breathtaking sights, such as Annapurna I & II, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, etc. 

    Everest Base Camp

    Everest Base Camp is a quaint, yet bustling mountain town that sits on the Khumbu Glacier. Everest Base Camp is one of the most sought destinations in all of Nepal. Once a journey only for seasoned adventurers, this place now has become a dream destination for many and people of diverse age groups can access this incredible mountain. The yoga and meditation in the Khumbu region with the sight of the amazing Khumbu mountains is perhaps an experience to endure in a lifetime. 

    Also Read: Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek

    Nagarkot

    Adventurers are known for being athletic and independent travellers, constantly on the move to explore as much of the world as possible. Travelling is also generally considered a solitary experience by such travellers; they leave their friends and home behind to live out their dream of seeing new places. Despite this notion that travelling can often be difficult on its own, many communities are popping up all over the world that allows travellers to make new friends with shared interests or a common destination.

    This is one of the reasons why so many travelers head to Nepal. Now, the emerging concept of Yoga and Meditation has made this country a popular choice for people who wish to perform yoga and meditation in the land of Gautam Buddha. Nagarkot, as such, offers a stunning mountain experience while providing a serene space for Yoga enthusiasts. 

    There are many other places that are known for the Yogic and spiritual experiences in Nepal. Every mountain trek has its beauty, but adding Yoga to the plan would make the experience even more enhanced.

    Yoga retreat packages

    There's no better way to reach your health and wellness goals than by spending some time in nature, with the help of someone who can show you the way. And a yoga retreat provides just what you need. Join our yoga retreat packages that take you to amazing destinations in different parts of Nepal. 

    There are plenty of options available when it comes to yoga retreats. There are individual retreats and courses, yoga retreats for the entire family, and even yoga health packages. So how do you decide what will work best for you? Well, first of all, decide at what level of experience you want your retreat to be. If it’s your first time or if it’s a completely new experience for you, then an individual vacation might be a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking to take your practice to the next level with a group retreat, an adventure or health package might be a better fit.

    For those who have already completed their yoga teacher training or have some other teaching experience, then an individual retreat is probably going to be a better choice for you. There are also certain benefits when it comes to individual yoga retreats that make them more enjoyable for many people.

    An enquiry will be facilitated by our professional Yoga informed correspondent and the due process will be entertained by the Yoga instructor. 

    Yoga Trekking in Nepal

    If you are ready for a new adventure, but still want to stay close to home, yoga trekking in Nepal may be the perfect fit for you. Many people around the world have never heard of yoga trekking, but it is an incredibly unique form of ecotourism that has taken the world by storm. 

    Yoga trekking leaves no trace on the environment, requires far less cost than any other typical ecotourism activity (which can sometimes be expensive just for transportation), and provides invaluable practice in mindfulness and appreciation for nature. Nepal is one of the most beautiful places on earth, with a rich cultural heritage and many spiritual centres that take biodiversity very seriously. Combine these wonderful traits with the incredible practice of yoga trekking and you have the perfect combination for an unforgettable vacation.

    Yoga trekking has become more and more popular each year, especially since it was added to the official program for the International Ecotourism Society. Yoga trekking is so different from other forms of ecotourism that it invites unique questions. Is it ethical to cut down trees during yoga trekking? What are some of the benefits of yoga trekking and how can you get them? At what point does ecotourism become unethical? We may all have different opinions on these questions, but let's try to highlight the importance it radiates to human life and nature itself. 

    Yoga may be a spiritual practice, but that does not mean it has to be self-centred. Many people believe that eco-friendly yoga means that practitioners should “go green” recycle their plastic water bottles and bring their own utensils to restaurants. While these are admirable practices, they are not really a part of yoga. The idea of going green is not about saving the environment for nature itself. It is about saving the environment so we can continue to live on it ourselves.

    Those who practice yoga do not usually need to save nature for themselves but save nature for other species. It is also an incredible way to explore the natural beauty while saving it and also taking a peek into yourself while healing it.

    Yoga Essentials

    Yoga is one of the most popular fitness routines around, but what are actually essential to your practice? Yoga mats, blocks and straps can be a huge help to beginners. But we want you to know the essentials beyond just mats and blocks. Some of the must-haves for yoga are: clothes, water bottle, towel and food! And don't forget about your camera phone! You won't want to miss these pictures from someone else's practice or class. You may also want to study about Yoga, so some books and spiritual guides may be a good pick. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Is yoga practiced in Nepal?

      Yoga is one of the early origins of Yoga and is a beautiful Himalayan country. There are many Yogis in Nepal who teach Yoga to the disciples and to answer the question, yes, Yoga is practiced in Nepal. 

    • Why is Yoga popular in Nepal?

      Nepal boasts the beautiful Himalayas. The Yogic and spiritual practices are best done in the Himalayan land and the experience of such activity is very surreal. It not only provides fascinating mountain views, but also an amazing aura of the mountains that is radiated with the early dawn. What better option would there be than Yoga with the Himalayas!

    • What are some popular Yoga destinations in Nepal?

      Nepal is a mountainous country with tremendous natural attractions. The vantage points around the valleys and trek stops provide amazing views of the Himalayas. Mostly the mountain area is suitable for Yoga. Some popular Yoga destinations are Ghandruk, Pokhara, Kathmandu, Kavrepalachowk, Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Poonhill, Everest region, Annapurna region, Langtang region etc. 

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