This retreat is perfect for:

• International travelers and backpackers seeking an authentic, immersive experience.
• Individuals interested in deepening their yoga and meditation practice.
• Adventure enthusiasts eager for an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan trekking experience.
• Those looking for a profound mind, body, and spirit transformation.

Participants must be physically fit and comfortable with long walks and high altitudes.  During the first few days of the retreat we will be doing short 2-3 hour hikes in the nearby mountains.  However, once we begin the trekking part of the retreat we will be walking for up to 8 hours a day and reaching heights of 4260 meters.  

If you have any doubts, concerns, or physical difficulties that you are concerned out, please let us know before booking so that we can help you decide if the trek is right for you.

No, We welcome any level of experience at our yoga center.  Yogi Rajan and Teresa are happy to adjust the class format and poses to meet everybody’s level of yoga practice.  We just love to help everyone deepen their practice to the next level before they return home and give practical skills they can use every day.

Your journey will be guided by an experienced and caring team:

• Yogi Rajan – our lead guide, a certified trekking license holder with deep knowledge of the local terrain and traditions.

• Teresa Prendes-Walls – a licensed therapist and sport psychology expert, ensuring smooth coordination and mental/emotional support throughout the trek.

• Arjun, from Bhotang village – our indispensable cook/helper, who not only prepares delightful meals but also arranges accommodations and lends a helping hand whenever it’s needed.

Together, this team ensures a safe, well-supported, and authentic trekking experience.

Our retreat can accomodate up to 12 people for this retreat.  Group sizes for these trips vary, though.  We hope to have between 5-10 people for the best experience.

Clothing – Layering is Key

Weather in November: Dry but cold; temps can drop to -10°C at night above 3,000 m.

Base Layers (Moisture-Wicking):

• 2 synthetic or merino wool T-shirts (long sleeve recommended)
• 1–2 base layer tops (thermal/merino)
• 2 pairs of thermal leggings (base layer)

Insulation:

• 1 fleece jacket or pullover
• 1 lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket (must-have for evenings/mornings)
• 1 extra warm layer (optional: fleece vest or light puffy)

Outer Layer (Water/Wind Protection):

• Waterproof breathable shell jacket (e.g., Gore-Tex or equivalent)
• Rain pants or windproof trekking trousers

Trekking Pants:

• 2 pairs of trekking trousers (convertible pants optional)

Underwear & Socks:

• 4–5 pairs of wool or synthetic trekking socks (not cotton)
• 2–3 pairs of quick-dry underwear

Sleepwear:

• 1 warm base layer (dedicated for sleeping)
• Wool hat/beanie for night

Accessories

• Wool or fleece hat
• Lightweight gloves (liner gloves)
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sunglasses (UV protection, high altitude = high UV!)
• Sun hat or cap

Footwear

• Well-broken-in hiking boots or shoes with good grip
• Lightweight camp shoes (sandals or Crocs for evening)

Sleeping

• Tea Houses will provide thick warm blankets
• Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth & hygiene)

Backpack & Gear

• Backpack (35–45L) with rain cover
• Trekking poles (highly recommended for descents)

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap/shampoo
• Small towel or quick-dry towel
• Wet wipes or baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper or tissue
• Deodorant

 First Aid & Medicine

• Diamox (we will be going above 3000 meters – consult your doctor)
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol
• You personal daily medications
• Band-aids, blister plasters (Compeed)
• Water purification tablets or filter (e.g. Sawyer Mini or Lifestraw)

Water & Snacks

• 1 water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3 L total)
• Trail mix, nuts, energy bars, chocolate

Optional But Useful

• Power bank (cold drains batteries quickly)
• Headlamp + extra batteries (essential)
• Notebook and pen
• Camera
• Ziplock bags or dry bags (to protect electronics & clothes)
• Phone chargers

Documents & Money

• Photocopy of passport & visa
• Trekking permits (Provided by trekking guide)
• Cash in small denominations (for teahouses & snacks)
• Travel insurance details

We’re heading into the heart of the Langtang region to explore one of Nepal’s hidden gems: Panch Pokhari, a sacred alpine lake system surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes.

The trek begins in the quiet village of Bhotang, nestled in the hills northeast of Kathmandu. But before we lace up our boots, we’ll take a scenic drive through the Helambu region, stopping in Melamche Bazaar, a small riverside town where the rhythms of daily life still echo tradition. It’s a great place to stretch, grab a bite, and dip your toes into the flow of the Indrawati River before the adventure begins.

From Bhotang, we ascend gradually through lush forests, alpine meadows, and remote Tamang and Sherpa settlements. The trail is rich in natural beauty and cultural authenticity—less crowded than popular routes like Annapurna or Everest, yet just as rewarding.

Our destination is Panch Pokhari (literally “Five Lakes”), sitting at an altitude of about 4,100 meters. These lakes are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and are surrounded by pristine mountain scenery, including views of Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and even glimpses of Langtang Lirung on clear days. The area is also rich in biodiversity, with chances to see Himalayan monals, musk deer, and rhododendrons in bloom (especially in spring).

This trek is a chance to disconnect from the chaos of city life and immerse yourself in raw Himalayan wilderness, spiritual tradition, and remote mountain culture.

No transportation to and from the airport is not included.  We will have guests arriving at different times on different flights throughout the day making it difficult to coordinate group transportation.

However, we are happy to arrange for one of our drivers to come pick you up or take you to the airport.  The cost is approximately $20 each way.  Once we know every guest’s flight schedule we can try to help connect you to each other so you can save costs.  

If you need help arranging transportation, please let us know at least 1-2 weeks before you arrive.  

Niru Yoga Homestay is a yoga, meditation, and hiking retreat located in the Kathmandu Valley.  We are unique in that we are a homestay retreat which means you will get to know our family and be welcome into our home.  

Please check out the other pages on this site and you will see all we have to offer.

This retreat is a collaboration between Yoga Pathshala and Move Your Mind, LLC.  We are two friends (Teresa and Yogi Rajan) who love yoga, hiking, nature, and above all helping people from all over the world to transform their lives.  See both of our websites for more information.

www.moveyourmindLLC.com

We need at least 5 people to run the retreat.  We will have a deadline of September 1, 2025 for us to meet that goal.  We encourage you to wait until that date if possible or be sure to purchase a fully refundable ticket.

Please feel free to contact either of us at any point and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Yogi Rajan – Niru Yoga Homestay

WhatsApp: +977 985 110 6408

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @yoganepal

Teresa – Move Your Mind LLC

WhatsAPP: +1 917 710 4955

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @teresaprendes

Please contact us if you are interested in joining this retreat and let us answer any questions to help you make your decision. You can email us at [email protected]

When you are ready to book please go to our retreat booking form by clicking here

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