What to Expect on a Wellness Retreat in Nepal

Most of our retreats run at low to moderate altitude (Kathmandu and Pokhara both sit under 1,500m), so altitude generally isn't a concern unless your itinerary includes the Everest foothills. If it does, expect a slower daily pace with built-in acclimatization days, and go into it with realistic expectations about walking distances rather than treating it as a fitness challenge. A typical retreat day starts early — often with an optional gentle session before breakfast — followed by the main guided activity of the day (a workshop, a walk, a consultation), a long unstructured block in the afternoon, and sometimes a shorter session in the evening. Days are intentionally not packed; the space between activities is part of the point. For packing, bring layers rather than heavy items: Kathmandu and Pokhara can be warm at midday and cool in the evening, and mountain regions swing further between day and night. A reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered) will cover most of what you need. Bottled or filtered water is recommended over tap water throughout the trip. Finally, build in a buffer day if you can, either at the start or end of your trip. Domestic flights in Nepal — particularly to mountain airstrips like Lukla — are sometimes delayed by weather, and an itinerary with zero slack can turn a minor delay into a missed international connection.