Kindness Meditation & Yoga Retreat Nepal
Join us to Nepal for an 8-day rejuvenating meditation & yoga retreat in Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Pokhara. Revitalize your mind, body and spirit.
This sacred journey is brought to you by Support Kindness, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its mission is to spread kindness around the world through storytelling, and to train people to cultivate kindness and compassion through meditation. In addition to its educational initiatives, Support Kindness provides humanitarian aid worldwide.
8-Day Kindness Meditation & Yoga Retreat Nepal
September 24 to October 1, 2022
This retreat is limited to 12 participants
The following are included in your retreat package:
The following are NOT included in your retreat package:
RETREAT ROGRAM
Day 1 (Saturday September 24) Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal. Namaste!
Nepal is one of the most enchanting travel destinations in the world, a heady mixture of unique culture proudly preserved, mind boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty.
Located between India and Tibet, Nepal offers a fantastic array of attractions for tourists. It is best known as the home of the Mt. Everest but there is much more to the country than just one mountain. Nepal is a fascinating land of ancient history, vibrant cultures and people and scenic grandeur. It is also one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and latitudinal variation.
Nepal has a rich and a most diverse culture because of its unique location between the world’s two largest and ancient civilizations.
Nepal is the holy land of Lord Pashupatinath and Gautam Buddha, where the Hindus and Buddhists have coexisted for centuries in total harmony. Lord Buddha, the ‘light of Asia’, was born in Lumbini in Nepal’s southern plains, which makes Nepal a sacred pilgrimage destination for all Buddhists as well. The temple of Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the four most important sites in the world for Shiva worshippers.
Kathmandu is the largest city, the capital and heart of Nepal. Once thought to be the fabled and inaccessible Shangri-La, Kathmandu is a hub for independent travelers as well as a growing vacation spot catering to all budgets. In the distant dawn of unrecorded time, so legend tells us, the valley of Kathmandu was a turquoise lake with a wondrous lotus flower resting on it. Manjushree (Padmasambav), a patriarch saint from China sliced the valley wall with his flaming sword of wisdom at Chovar and let the dry land appear. The lotus flower settled on the valley floor over which Manjushree built the great stupa of Swoyambhunath. The Kathmandu valley comprises the three ancient Royal cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu having their own palaces and ornate palace squares each listed as World Heritage sites. There are cobbled lanes of the palace squares with a fascinating maze of temples, shrines, market places and life revolving around it.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the luxurious 5-star hotel, Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu.
Relax and enjoy the spa and refreshments at Yak & Yeti until dinner time.
Join us for a welcome Dinner & Traditional Nepalese Performances
Day 2 (Sunday September 25) Activities in Kathmandu
Start your morning with a one hour YOGA session with a local certified yoga master, followed by a 20 minutes meditation on the inner light and sound current.
Yoga, an ancient meditation system for purification of mind and body has its own significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. The combination of yoga cultural tour & walking tours in the lap of Himalaya is a lifetime experience.
The session includes Chanting, Meditation, and Karma Yoga. Besides yoga stretching and breathing, you can gain profound spiritual insights during the session.
After yoga, enjoy breakfast and prepare for a day of exploration.
Later, full day visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath stupa and Patan Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of old city Kathmandu. The founding of the Durbar (Royal Palace) dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was accomplished progressively over many centuries. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. Visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Parvati temple, great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, Taleju Temple and array of temples grouped around it. A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, where the clients may catch a glimpse of the Kumari at one of the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard. All around the splendorof historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the market place. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, and street shop selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces.
Atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu stands the great stupa of Swoyambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake. Swoyambhunath offers a bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu city. This huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu. The faithful circumambulate of the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length are done in reverence.
Patan is also known as Lalitpur or the "city of fine arts" and is the oldest city in the valley. This Buddhist City is said to have been founded by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC.
Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts & crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these are the Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar besides other temples.
Enjoy Lunch at an authentic Nepalese restaurant.
Dinner and overnight at hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu.
Day 3 (Monday September 26) Activities in Kathmandu & Lumbini
Start your morning with a one hour YOGA session with a local certified yoga master, followed by a 20 minutes meditation on the inner light and sound current.
Enjoy breakfast and get ready for a short flight to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha
Take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa/Gautam Buddha International Airport, Lumbini.
Lumbini is located in the south-central Terai of Nepal, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. For millions of Buddhists the world over, it evokes the kind of holy sentiment akin to the significance of Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha - the apostle of peace, and the Light of Asia - was born in 623 B.C. In historical terms, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian era.
You are welcomed at the luxurious 5-Star hotel, Tiger Palace Resort. Unpack, go relax at the spa or enjoy other amenities this beautiful hotel has to offer. Then get ready to explore the holy land of Lumbini.
Afternoon: Visit the Lumbini sacred garden and enjoy breathtaking views of Nepal's natural beauty.
The site (Lumbini Grove) was described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha's time and still retains its legendary charm and beauty. Both the Shakyas and Kolias Clans owned the garden and its tranquil environs at the time of Lord Buddha's birth.
Free time to meditate
Enjoy Lunch at a traditional Nepalese restaurant
More exploration of beautiful temples and monasteries.
Return to Tiger Palace Resort
Enjoy dinner
Day 4 (Tuesday September 27) Activities in Lumbini
Start your morning with a 90-minute Kindness Storytelling & Meditation session with Dr. Zeal Okogeri, who will guide you to meditate on the inner light and sound current.
After meditation and breakfast, visit and contemplate on the grounds of the Kapilvastu site, palace of Gautam Buddha.
Tilaurakot has been identified by archaeologists as the actual capital of ancient Kapilvastu Kingdom, the home of king Suddhodhana, father of Prince Siddhartha who later went on to become the Buddha. This is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha spent the first 29 years of his Princely life. Chinese travelers who visited Tilaurakot more than 2500 years ago reported seeing numerous stupas, monasteries and palaces. The Chinese pilgrims Fa-Hien and Hiuen- Tsang noted that they saw Kapilavastu in complete ruins and counted 10 deserted cities within Kapilavastu. King Virudhaka, who massacred the Shakyas during the last days of Lord Buddha, is said to have destroyed the cities.
Located about 27 kms west of Lumbini and 42 kms from Lumbini Gautam Buddha Airport, a joint effort by Nepali and Japanese archeologists recovered the Royal town of Tilaurakot, the elaborate gateway in the western side, the twin stupa of the Buddha’s parents, and King Suddhodhan’s palace in and around the Tilaurakot mound.
Historically, Kapilavastu was named after Saint Kapil. The Buddha visited Kapilavastu several times during his life. The first nunnery in Buddhist history was also established in Kapilavastu.
Enjoy Traditional Nepalese Lunch
Return to Tiger Palace Resort for dinner and relaxation at the spa
Conclude the day with a 30 minute evening Meditation session with Dr. Zeal Okogeri, who will guide you to meditate on the inner light and sound current.
Day 5 (Wednesday September 28) Activities in Lumbini & Pokhara
After breakfast, pack your bags. It's time to say goodbye to the Holy land of Lumbini and head to the airport. We're flying to Pokhara (25 minutes flight).
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the luxurious 4-star luxury accommodation, Mount Kalish Resort Pokhara
Later, visit Pokhara including Davi’s fall, the old Bazaar and Bindhyabasini Temple and boat ride on Phewa Lake. Locally known as Patale Chhahgo, Davi’s fall is an awesome waterfall lying about 2km south-west of the center on the highway to Tansen. In July 1961, Swiss couples were bathing in the stream Pardi Khola, just above the fall. A sudden flood from the Fewa Dam swept away Mrs. Davis and mysteriously disappeared down in to an underground passage beneath the fall. Since, fall has been called Davi’s fall. Pokhara’s traditional old bazaar is colorful and is ethnically diverse. Newar architecture and craftsmanship is expressed in its temple and windows. The past richness is expressed in its art and craftsmanship. Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious activities in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess, Bhagawati, and another manifestation of Shakti. On Tuesdays and Saturdays people sacrifice animals and believe that she will help them fulfill their desires and wishes.
Enjoy lunch and dinner
Enjoy some free time: Go for a walk, socialize, enjoy the spa or fitness facilities. Then join us for evening meditation.
Evening meditation session with Dr. Zeal Okogeri, who will guide you to meditate on the inner light and sound current.
Day 6 (Thursday September 29) Activities in Pokhara
Start your morning with a one hour YOGA session with a local certified yoga master, followed by a 20 minutes meditation on the inner light and sound current at the garden of Mount Kalish Resort Pokhara
After yoga, meditation and breakfast, we'll take a hiking tour to the World Peace stupa. We'll drive for about 20 minutes to Kalimati and commence an uphill walk to the World Peace Stupa. World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist stupa is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being a impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers the spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara city. We Climb the Raniban forest. After approx 1 hour of walk you reach stupa and enjoy the spiritual and scenic beauty.
Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara town.
Climbing down from Pagoda is more enjoyable with the view of Phewa Lake and the mountains. We cross the Phewa lake after 20 minutes of boating to visit Tal Barahi island temple, in the middle of lake.
Walking through the villages and hills of Nepal is the best way to experience village life with cultural diversity and to see snowcapped mountains. One need not be a mountaineer to trek through the hills of Nepal.
Phewa Lake is the largest lake in Pokhara valley, measuring 1.5 by 4km. Lake is best situated for boating and Bird watching and especially photographing the scenic mountains. The excellent settings of the lake and the reflections of the Annapurna Mountains is something no visitors would like to miss during a boating trip. Annapurna rises directly from the valley floor and seems close enough to touch.
Enjoy an evening stroll around the lakeside of Pokhara, on your own. Contemplate on the spectacular views, take photos.
Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Mount Kalish Resort Pokhara
Day 7 (Friday September 30) Activities in Pokhara & Kathmandu
Start your morning with a 90-minute guided Kindness meditation and storytelling session with Dr. Zeal to cultivate kindness, compassion, and gratitude.
After meditation and breakfast, pack your bags. It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu, about 25 minutes flight.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the luxurious 5-star accommodation, Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu. Take a break and enjoy spa facilities at Yak & Yeti, then get ready for lunch at a Nepalese restaurant, and a visit to Boudhanath, the biggest Stupa in Nepal.
Boudhanath, the biggest Stupa in Nepal, is located on flat land and encircled by houses & monasteries, where Rinpoches reside. Boudhanath is also known as `little Tibet’ because of its unique atmosphere resembling old Barkhor marketplace in Lhasa. Many Tibetans visit here as a place of pilgrimage and trading. Visit nearby monasteries and mediate for some time with monks and possibility to get blessings.
Return to the hotel and relax. Then get ready for our Sendoff Dinner and Traditional Nepalese Performances
Enjoy authentic Nepali dinner which is usually served together with `rakshi’, the Nepali rice-wine. They will also present dances performed by different communities of Nepal like Newars, Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Tharus etc; using traditional music instruments and dances mimicking animals and birds. This will be a wonderful experience for visitors to experience authentic Nepalese food and dances from different communities in Nepal. Enjoy your evening!
Day 8 (Saturday October 1) Departure from Kathmandu
Bon Voyage!!
Thank you for visiting Nepal. We hope you will come back again!
This beautiful journey has been realized and it's time to return home or continue your journey to another destination. We hope your life has been enriched by this sacred journey.
With Blessings!!
CANCELLATION POLICY
This international tour/retreat is booked through a Resorts & Tour Agency in Nepal. Payments are made in advance to the Resorts & Tour Agency to secure hotel accommodations and local transportation, hire professional yoga instructors, and arrange for every facet of our journey. Total cost of retreat is US$3,495. The retreat starts on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
1) If you cancel your booking 60 days before September 24th: You'll receive a full refund. No penalty.
2) If you cancel your booking between 59 to 30 days before September 24th: You'll be charged a 10 percent penalty, which is US$349.50.
3) If you cancel your booking between 29 - 8 days before September 24th: You'll be charged a 25 percent penalty, which is US$1,223.25.
4) If you cancel your booking between 7 - 2 days before September 24th: You'll be charged a 50 percent penalty, which is US$1,747.50
5) If you cancel your booking one day before September 24th or if you didn't give notice of cancellation and didn't show up for the retreat: You'll forfeit 100 percent of your payment (US$3,495). In other words, there will be zero refund.
If you have any questions, contact us at info@supportkindness.org
OTHER CONDITIONS
1) Now that you have reviewed the Kindness Meditation and Yoga Retreat, if you are excited and ready to be a part of it, you can proceed and book your reservation, subject to our suitability interview via ZOOM. Before your booking is final, we would like to get to know you, and give you a chance to get to know us. We'll evaluate if this retreat is a good fit for you.
2) There will be a meet & greet session via ZOOM, 30 days before the start of retreat, to give all participants an opportunity to get acquainted before the retreat.
3) The total cost of retreat is $3,495. You can make 3 installment payments of $1,165 each, or pay in full $3,495. Full payment must be received 30 days before the start date of retreat, otherwise your reservation will be cancelled and refund penalty applies.
4) This retreat is limited to only 12 participants and each participant is subject to a suitability interview via ZOOM before they are invited to be a part of this journey. Without suitability interview, your reservation will be cancelled.
5) All participants are required to purchase a travel/medical insurance that also covers COVID. Click here for a list of Travel Insurance options.
6) You'll be required to pay Nepal visa fee, payable directly to officials US$30
7) If COVID PCR test is required, you will be required to pay the fee, approximately US$15 directly to officials
8) If for any reason our group cannot be accommodated by any of the hotels listed on this itinerary, that hotel will be replaced by another hotel of the same standard/class.
9) We have been informed by the Resort & Tour Agency in Nepal that all spa facilities are available and functional at all the hotels per itinerary. However, if for any reason the spa becomes restricted (maybe due to COVID) or not functional, we are not to be held responsible.
10) Please be aware that we are going to engage in yoga exercises suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners, sitting meditation, and hiking uphill for about one hour to a monastery, per itinerary. All participants must be physically able to take care of themselves and walk on their own without assistance, otherwise, they must arrange privately for any mobility assistance they require.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@supportkindness.org