[Held in the Majestic Himalayas]

April 10-22, 2017

 

After our hugely successful Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat early this year in the Himalayan country of Nepal, we are delighted to present another very special Ayurveda Yoga Detox (Panchakarma) Retreat in April next year. At this retreat, you will experience a unique blend of authentic Ayurvedic detox rejuvenation treatments along with classical yoga and meditation practice every day. The retreat, lasting one week, will be held in Pokhara, a Nepalese city renowned for its natural beauty.

 

Prior to the retreat, you will have a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural, cultural and historic beauty of Kathmandu, the fascinating capital city of Nepal. After visiting ancient artistic pagoda temples and interesting places in Kathmandu, we will take you to the world’s most famous national park in Chitwan for Jungle safari activities. Here you will see many of the sixty eight species of mammals, including Tigers and Rhinoceroses, protected in the Heritage Listed park. You will also enjoy a wonderful elephant ride. After this, you will explore the village life in a country town close to Himalayas where you will be heartily welcomed with a traditional cultural music and dance program held by the local villagers and school students. We will then head to Pokhara for the week long personalised Ayurvedic treatment and detox programme, which will be individually tailored to your needs by our team of experienced doctors prior to your departure from Australia.

 

Attractions of the Retreat

• Detox, rejuvenate and relax in one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world, Pokhara, with a team of expert Ayurvedic doctors and therapists.
• Journey through the breath-taking beauty of the highest mountain ranges in the world
• Explore the diversity of culture and tradition.
• Join local sadhus [holy men] and take a pilgrimage to ancient temples and sacred spiritual sites.
• Energise with yoga and pranayama each morning in harmony with the natural beauty.
• Learn how to prepare healthy and balanced Ayurvedic meals using locally grown vegetables and grains.
• Most evenings after our fun-filled day of activities you will have the opportunity to stretch and relax with more yoga and meditation.

 

The Program Schedule

 

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

On the first day of the itinerary, you will be received at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by our representatives and then be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu. You will be briefed about the travel itinerary at the hotel.

 

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

On day two, the trek will start formally with sightseeing in Kathmandu. On this day, you will explore different places of religious and historical significance that are situated in Kathmandu Valley. You will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines across the world, Bouddhanath Stupa and finally Swayambhu Stupa if time permits. [Stupas are Buddhist monumental shrines containing relics of historical and spiritual importance.] All these historic and religious sites are listed in a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the evening we will organize a welcome dinner in one of the most authentic restaurant in the city. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

 

Day 03: Drive to Chitwan

On the third day you will drive to Chitwan National Park for safari activities. The park is 180 km [5-6 hrs] drive towards Nepal’s southern plain. The journey trails alongside the mighty Trisuli River. Upon your arrival at the resort in Chitwan, you will have lunch before checking into your room. After refreshing, you will then start your safari activities. Our nature guide will brief you all about the activities for that day and the following day. Accommodation that night is in the resort.

 

Day 4: Full day safari activities

You will experience a wonderful day of safari activities, including the elephant safari, elephant bath, visit to the breeding centre and elephant feeding. Other activities include a canoe ride, ox cart ride and village tour. There will be a beautiful sunset view and cultural program in the evening. Accommodation that night is in the resort.

 

Day 5: Drive to Bandipur

After breakfast we will drive 170 km [3-4 hrs] to Bandipur. Bandipur is a famous hill town in the Mahabharat Range [known as the Lesser Himalayas.] Situated at the top of a mountain, from Bandipur you will see a breathtaking view of several mountain ranges, river valleys and settlements. You will be welcomed by smiling friendly children on a visit to a typical Nepalese school, where you will have small reception. Accommodation that night is in the resort.

 

Day 6: Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast we will drive 60 km [2 hrs] to Pokhara. Accommodation is in a hotel near Pokhara.

 

Day 6-12: Ayurvedic healing therapy

You will stay for a week in the hotel near Pokhara, where you will be treated with a special Ayurvedic detox program designed by our Ayurvedic doctors in Brisbane. There will be a team of experienced Ayurvedic specialist doctors and therapists from Rishikalpa Ayurveda Wellness Centre (http://www.rishikalpa.com) who will take care of your health and detox program during this period. You will be provided with Ayurvedic organic meals according to your personalised detox plan while you are in the hotel. Each morning will start with classical yoga taught by a local experienced professional yoga teacher.

In addition to the detox retreat, you will celebrate a Nepalese festival with your Nepali friends and family while in Pokhara.

 

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu

You will drive back 200 km [5-6 hrs] to Kathmandu. You will have a free afternoon in Kathmandu for exploring and shopping. This is the last day of the package. Accommodation is in the hotel.

 

Day 14: Departure

We will drop you off at the airport. If you are staying longer in Kathmandu, let us know your departure dates and we will arrange your transfer to the airport.

 

Cost

Early Bird Price: $2500 (till 31st October 2016)

Full Price: $2800

(Single supplement available for additional $300)

 

Payment Policy

We take a small non refundable deposit of $500 to confirm your bookings and the balance can be paid 3 months prior to the event. You may call us with your credit card details or come to our center for the payment. Alternatively, you may transfer the funds electronically into our account:

BSB: 014274  Ac: 289194431
Ac Name: Vibrant Ayurveda

(Please email us your details and receipt of the payment if you prefer to choose this payment method.)

 

Cancellation Policy

We understand that unexpected things may happen and if you need to cancel the retreat, we will do the full refund except for the deposit before 3 months of the retreat start date. No refunds will be made for less than 3 months notice for cancellation as everything will be booked for you by then for the retreat.

The retreat requires registration of a minimum number of participants. The retreat team reserves the right to cancel the retreat no later than 2 months prior and full refund of all paid monies if the minimum number of registrations is not met.

 

Services Included in the Cost

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle.
• Welcome dinner of authentic cuisine in Kathmandu.
• Six nights hotel stay with twin sharing room (3 stars hotel) in Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB plan.
• Two nights stay in resort with twin sharing room in Chitwan with all meals included.
• All jungle activities in Chitwan National Park
• Camping accommodation in two-person sharing tent with mattress and sleeping bag in trek. Offer home-stay where and if available.
• Vegetarian Meals (local fresh fruits, organic vegetables and local and/or continental meal) on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
• An experienced English speaking guide in Kathmandu and Pokhara city tour
• Authorized guide, cook, sherpas, porters and helpers during the trek along with their food, insurance, equipments, transportation, local tax and salary.
• Medical supplies (first aid kit).
• All road transportation (city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Kathmandu-Bhachchek-Pokhara-Chitwan-Kathmandu drive) by bus.
• All entrance fees, fees for TIMS (trekker’s information management system) and entry fees for conservation areas and National Park.
• Unique souvenir.

Services Excluded in the Cost  

• Your travel insurance and emergency evacuation (in case).
• International airfare and airport departure tax.
• Nepal entry visa fee.
• Tips for trekking staff and driver.
• Personal shopping and laundry etc.
• Personal trekking equipment (walking poles, boots, jackets etc).
• Extra cost for single room/tent occupancy.
• Any extra cost not mentioned above.

Review of last retreat in Nepal: “The Retreat in the Himalayas”

We recently completed an exciting and adventurous retreat in Nepal from 24th of March to 4th of April 2016. The retreat involved visiting the historic UNESCO heritage listed sites, as well as many places with immense natural beauty. The participants all agreed that this was the best and most memorable experience of their lives, and appreciated experiences and sights that could never be duplicated anywhere else in the world. Below we have reproduced some of the enthusiastic comments received by participants of the Nepal Retreat:

 

“The hotels for our accommodation in three different cities were great. The rooms were nice, the food was good and the staff very helpful. In Kathmandu, it was a pleasant oasis in the busy city.”

 

“The Kathmandu tour was very memorable. The school help program before the trekking retreat was amazing. We had the best experience of our lives while meeting with locals and school students. Some participants felt like they will continue to provide support to the schools.”

 

“The hosts and guides were great, and very helpful. The trek was a little tough, but the sherpas were warm, friendly and welcoming. We never felt in danger or without help. Meals were delicious. The tents and sleeping bags were great, perfect for the conditions.”

 

“Every morning’s yoga/stretching and evening’s meditation classes made the trip very relaxing.”

 

“Mixing up with villagers and being able to see the how they live their lives was very fascinating.” 

 

“Pokhara is a beautiful city. The tour was very good.”

 

“Chitwan was great. All the activities were really good fun. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and the days were well-planned and ran to schedule. A great part of the trip.”

 

“I can’t effuse enough about my recent Nepal Trek with Vibrant Ayurveda and Review Nepal. Every aspect of the trip felt personally crafted for us and the incredible warmth and care of our Nepalese hosts was ever-present. Our 3 city stays saw us taking in the very best of each destination and our Kathmandu accommodation felt like an oasis in a sometimes overwhelming metropolis. Traffic in Nepal is something else! However, our drivers and vehicles were incredibly professional and safe.

 

My personal highlights were the food, the trekking and our visit to a small rural school to offer support after the earthquake. The food was delicious, nutritious and on our trek, our head Sherpa, Krishna, created amazing feasts, once in pelting hail and a thunderous storm! The trekking was incredibly beautiful and powerful as we walked to one of Nepal’s most holy lakes and the grand vista of the Himalayas opened up for us on the morning of our pilgrimage there. Our every need was taken care of by our Sherpas, porters and hosts. Finally, our visit to the school was one of the greatest heart opening experiences of my life. The joy, gratitude and hospitality of the children and their families is imprinted on me forever. I have fallen in love with Nepal and would not hesitate to return.”

Churaig Mac Niall

 

 

“It was wonderful to be greeted by Nanda and Babu’s smiling faces at the airport. I felt they cared for us and about us deeply. It was clear that our happiness was top of their list of priorities. I know they found it hard when they saw us struggling at times but did what they could to help. I felt safe at all times.

 

Babu’s stories and encouragement while we were trekking made me smile and he generously shared tales of the spiritual meanings of places we visited. I do not think we would have been fortunate enough to have seen/done/experienced many of the things we had if we had gone with a typical tourist company. This was really a ‘ Review Nepal ‘.

 

When we arrived in Pokhara Nanda rearranged the tour program which allowed us to have some free time. I hope he didn’t think we weren’t interested in all he had organised. It was wonderful, but I believe we just needed some down time/free time. He was a caring and charming host and a friend to us all.

 

It was quite overwhelming going to the school and something that I will never forget. These Nepalese people were amazing and I have complete admiration for what Babu and Nanda are doing to help these remote villages.

 

I note that on both of their cards is Trek and Expeditions!! We have so much here and it was humbling to give so little for it to have had such a huge impact.

 

It is unbelievable that we fitted so much into such a short trip; Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, the trek, visit to the private hospital, ayurvedic hospital, a couple of massages , historical sites, nepalese restaurants and so much more. 

 

It was a great trip for me, tiring, yes, at times. But I have a sense of achievement and happiness which is still lasting. Life is not always easy!

 

Thank you so much for putting such a huge amount of time and effort into organising this trip.”

 Nina