Yoga in the Mountains – A Photostory
5 mins readYoga was born within the countries that hold the enchanting Himalayas. But where is one of the best places to practice yoga? Well, one of the most leading places if the country of Nepal. Nepal is home to some of its incredible mountain ranges such as Everest, Kangchenjunga, Manasalu, Ama Dablam and many others. Not only this but the nation has a beautiful culture, rich traditions, tasty food and exceedingly kind locals.
During Easter 2017, we carried out a yoga trip in Nepal on a community trail up to Mohare Danda. We combined the natural ingredient of yoga alongside the trekking experience. Making it a magical trip for all doing yoga in the mountains.
Yoga in the mountain | Festival 2017
The first ever yoga festival in Kathmandu was conducted by Ethical Travel Portal, socialtours and Pranamaya the weekend before Easter. This made it a great lead up for the yoga in the mountains trek. During this festival weekend, a serene sunset walk was held at Soyambhunath. Which was proceeded by a welcome dinner, various yoga classes, talks about Ayurveda, mindfulness, meditation, organic food market, healthy lunch options and Karma Yoga for abused minors that are under the care of Antardristi.
Brief Summary of the Yoga Trek
The following day after the festival, we drove to the picturesque city of Pokhara for an overnight stay. After a long drive, this made it the most perfect and rewarding stopover (due to its scenery). Early next morning we were back on the road and drove to our starting point for the trek. Throughout the next week, we were up in the mountains surrounding ourselves to yoga, the community and alluring nature.
We trekked for three days up till Mohare Danda where we slept for two nights. Once at the top, we had the day at our disposal which allowed us to explore the famous Poon Hill. There, from Mohare Danda we spent the next couple of days trekking down to a lower altitude and finally to Tatopani. On our way back, we paused for a day at the beautiful River Summit Retreat to relax and enjoy the pool. Following this, we drove the last stretch to Kathmandu the next day and ended our wonderful experience with a tasteful farewell dinner.
Scroll down through the photos for a glimpse of what this trip has to offer. Are you interested in joining a future version of these trips? Let us know here!
Outdoor yoga provides you with a lot more than doing yoga in a studio with four walls and a ceiling. Listen to the sounds of nature while you try to reach to the sky…
Our yoga was led by Camilla Nicoline Vik from HiYoga in Norway.
We meet as strangers. We engage and learn from each other. We depart as friends. You dont have to have the same language to open up and trek with an open mind.
You can´t avoid the up hills. But the reward of relaxing in places like this makes you forget the struggle. Breathe. Count. One step. Two steps. One step. Two steps. Just over that last hill and you can relax. Put your feet high and surrender.
Who would believe that after a few hours of trekking you will find a shack and a lovely family that are very happy to prepare your lunch! This is the best noodle-soup during the trek! If you have any energy left you can join and learn to cook like a local.
You have to adapt. Yoga is not dependent of the sun being out. The sun is always there. Just sometimes it is behind the clouds. You have to adjust, take the challenge and practice the kind of yoga that is suitable at the moment. Be mindful. Be present. Yoga in a cloud is also possible! Here at Mohave Danda 3300 meters.
Let´s salute the sun and be grateful for experiencing the variety of weather!
Togetherness. Yoga in the mountains creates a special bond between the people in the group where yoga is the central point. The meals are special. It is a time to talk about your day -ups and downs, the yoga practice and how to build it into our everyday life. OR just sit and enjoy the very good food you are served!
The mountains are definitely calling. Yoga with a view like this cannot be explained. It needs to be experienced. You want to reach higher and stretch longer. You do not want the practice to end.
Communities. Mountains. People. It´s all connected.
The last leg of the trek does not fail to impress. Walking in what is the deepest gorge in the world with walls of 7000 – 8000 metres makes you feel the power of nature close up. Let go of everything that you may have on your mind, and be present.
Memories are what you will bring with you back home.
Thank you so much to everyone that was a part of the Yoga in the Mountains trekking in amazing Nepal. From the participants, guide, assistant guides, porters and yoga instructor. You made the trip complete.
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