Booking a retreat is easy. The weeks before it are when the questions arrive: What do I pack? Will I manage the schedule? What if I can't sit still? We have welcomed guests from more than eleven countries, and these are the questions they ask most. Here is what helps you prepare.
The practical part
- Visa: Most nationalities receive a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). Bring cash in USD and a passport photo.
- Getting here: Airport pickup and drop to your hotel are included. Send your flight details a week ahead and look for your name at arrivals.
- Money: Nepal is a cash economy. ATMs work in the city; withdraw before coming to the center.
- Weather: October–April mornings are cold in Kathmandu. Bring warm layers; the days are usually mild and sunny.
- Health: No special vaccinations are required for the Kathmandu valley. Bring personal medication and basic travel insurance.
What to pack
- 5–7 changes of comfortable, loose practice clothing
- A warm layer and shawl for early mornings
- Slip-on shoes for moving between rooms
- Reusable water bottle, notebook, and pen
- Eye mask and earplugs for deep-rest days
- One set of white or light clothing for ceremonies
We provide yoga mats, cushions, blankets, and props, you do not need to carry equipment across the world.
What the days feel like
Retreat days start early, the wake-up bell rings at 5:30, and follow a steady rhythm of practice, meals, rest, and satsang. The schedule can feel demanding for the first two days. Most guests settle into it after that.
What to let go of
The single best preparation is lowering your expectations of yourself. You do not need to be flexible. You do not need to meditate well. You do not need to have read the Bhagavad Gita. Days two and three can feel restless. Stay with the schedule, and it usually gets easier after that.
