Inside Nepal – Life Beneath the Mountains (Video)

My partner and I went on a life-changing backpacking adventure around Nepal in March 2015, and it was unforgettable for many reasons. For me, as a yogi, tribal belly dancer and avid lover of Hinduism, I wanted to soak up the culture as much as possible. I marveled at the hand-carved temples depicting gods and goddesses, tantric symbols, I bought a sari to dress like a local, and I practiced yoga by the Trishuli river.
 
For my partner Jon, who is primarily a commercial sports photographer, this adventure was the beginning of his travel photography path – being in Nepal gave him the confidence to manifest this path. It was the first time he became enthusiastic about creating a video to coincide with his photography. Needless to say, Nepal had an incredibly powerful effect on both of us and just by watching this short and enchanting video created by my partner, you can understand why.
 

 
For the seasoned traveling yogis who have been on retreats in India or Bali and fancy visiting somewhere different; or for the novice traveler who may find staying in an ashram in India a bit daunting, Nepal may be for you. Nepalese culture has a beautiful fusion between Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetan beliefs and lifestyle.
 
Nepal is a reasonably small country in comparison to India, so you have more of an opportunity to explore many destinations during your stay, and if you are a retreat or ashram lover, Nepal houses yoga studios, yoga teacher trainings and retreat centers too.
 

 
I have created a small list of respectable retreat centers in Nepal for readers who may be interested. For further information, do not hesitate to reach out in the comments below and I’ll be happy to provide extra tips and advice. ☺
 
Himalayan Yoga Academy
A reputed yoga, meditation, Reiki, nature cure and Ayurvedic retreat center run by very qualified and experienced Naturopathy doctors and yoga masters in Kathmandu, Nepal. They also offer yoga teacher trainings and massage therapy courses. This is great for yogis who want to take the plunge to become yoga teachers and fancy doing an intensive training away from daily life.
 
Sadhana Yoga Retreat
This retreat center offers meditation and yoga courses, detox courses, short stays and long stays, yogic cleansing, yoga with hiking tours, Sadhana cooking courses and much more. If you like variety, this is the retreat for you.
 
Nepal Vipassana Mediation Center
We visited this place during our time in Lumbini. It is beautiful and calming, and they offer ten-day Vipassana retreats and courses to both adults and children.
 
Yoga Trek
For the yogis who love trekking and fancy an eco friendly-cultural yoga infused-Annapurna trek, Yoga Trek is for you.
 
The video was created by Jon Roberts Photography: jonroberts.co.uk