authentic nepal
a 12-day cultural immersion and yoga retreat in the shadows of the himalayas
with duffy perkins and cathy shaw
april 7 - 18, 2027
hard to find, impossible to leave.
the kingdom of nepal is one of the most beloved destinations for world travelers. duffy perkins and cathy shaw have curated an experience that highlights the spiritual depth and natural beauty of this incredible region. expect delicious meals, heart-stopping landscapes, quiet mornings in the temple, and the kindest people you will ever encounter.
this is the adventure of a lifetime.
days 1-3:
kathmandu calling
after a warm welcome at the airport, we’ll make our home at a beautiful five-star heritage hotel (and former palace) in durbar square. spend your first days recuperating from jet lag in luxury, then explore bustling bazaars selling traditional goods, spices, and handicrafts from all over asia. we’ll converse with primates at the iconic monkey temple and meditate with the monks during a private session at boudhanath, one of the largest buddhist stupas in the world.
during our time in kathmandu, an optional early-morning flight to see mount everest will be included in your package. flights will only take off if a view is guaranteed.
days 4-8:
pokhara & the annapurnas
a short, scenic flight brings us to pokhara in the west, where we’ll visit tibetans and experience buddhist life firsthand. the serene beauty will have you spending the next three days in quiet contemplation, deepening your yoga and meditation practice by the lake with seasoned guides.
travelers who would prefer to join us for a 3-day, 2 night hike can instead join us for a 9-mile trek through the lush forests, small villages, and rhododendron groves at the base of the annapurna mountain range. we’ll spend two nights at historic mountain lodges where delicious food, stunning vistas, and cozy beds await. sherpas carry all your necessary gear.
days 9-10:
chitwan animal adventure
a drive into the jungle brings us to chitwan national park, where we’ll be welcomed by the tharu people, the area's indigenous forest dwellers known for their distinct culture and traditions (and resistance to malaria). a jeep safari and canoe adventure takes us deep into the tropical forest, where we’ll seek out rhinos, tigers, elephants, and much more. naturalists and animal lovers will be amazed and inspired by the flora and fauna of this incredible region.
we’ll return to kathmandu by flight for a cooking class, artistic demonstrations, and free time to tie up any loose ends before our final send-off dinner.
what to expect:
who is this trip for?
what's included?
pricing:
• adventure seekers who love clean, crisp mountain air and landscapes that steal attention.
• yogis who seek spiritual connection from authentic sources.
• travelers who enjoy finding themselves in kitchens, craft rooms, meditation halls, and art studios of local magic-makers.
• anyone seeking a complete escape from the daily routines of everyday american living.
• all accommodations: 4- and 5-star hotels in cities, alpine lodges, and luxury safari resort
• all meals (alcohol not included)
• in-country air travel
• all entrance fees to UNESCO heritage sites, national parks, museums, temples, and more
• everest viewing flight from kathmandu airport (optional)
• service tips
• excursions and immersions (cooking classes, daily yoga and meditation, jungle safari, temple visits, cultural demonstrations, and more).
$4950 for double occupancy
$5950 for single occupancy
secure your spot with a non-refundable $500 deposit due at the time of booking.
what about altitude sickness?
you do not need to worry about altitude sickness during this trip unless you choose to stay on and hike in the himalayan region. the altitude of kathmandu is 4,593 feet above sea level. pokhara is 2,696 feet. denver, colorado is 5,280 feet.
what can expect food-wise?
nepal has a great combination of indian, chinese, and tibetan cuisine. maybe you'll eat momos (steamed dumplings) and thukpa (delicious noodle soup), or enjoy vegetables jalfrezi with some fresh roti. all of the food is flavorful and nutritious, and will please the palates of vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
what if I don't want to go trekking?
if you are not interested in trekking, stay back at the lodge and deepen your yoga and meditation practice. we'll be taking opportunities for day hikes during the sunny afternoons, but you can always opt for a spa treatment or time for yourself, as well.
how do i pack for this sort of trip?
we recommend packing in one large, sturdy suitcase and bringing a regular-sized backpack. bring clothes that you won't mind leaving to allow for room for souvenirs. nights will be chilly, so bring a down coat and hat. for footwear, find comfortable hiking shoes that you'll wear the whole time.
itinerary specifics
our journey starts and ends in kathmandu, where we'll be staying at a 5-star luxury hotel on the grounds of a former palace. you can comfortably recover from jet lag by the pool or in one of their two award-winning restaurants, or perhaps take a spa treatment.
together, we'll practice yoga each morning for 75-90 minutes before enjoying a large breakfast of the freshest fruits, vegetables, and regional delicacies. nepal has three durbar squares, which were once the marketplaces in front of royal residences. each square is a fascinating study in nepalese architecture, religion, and craftsmanship, and we'll get lost in the history and vibrant culture. and there's always the fun neighborhood of thamel, a haven for backpackers before heading to everest since the 1960s.
we'll visit the two main temples in kathmandu: swayambunath and boudhanath. swayambunath, or "the monkey temple," is an ancient religious site that dates back to the fifth century. venerated by buddhists and hindus alike, swayambu's hilltop has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. in northeast kathmandu, boudhnath is deeply connected to the birth of tibetan buddhism, and the stupa is said to house the relics of the historical buddha. today, a thriving community of tibetans surrounds the stupa, making this an enchanting place full of history and philosophical intrigue.
from kathmandu, we'll take a short flight to pokhara in central nepal where the annapurna mountain range awaits. our home for three nights is a luxury hotel and villa resort that is accessed only by boat. in quiet peace, we'll practice yoga and meditation, eat delicious food, and let our nervous systems relax. the pema tsal monastery and tibetan refugee camp will bring us deeper into our meditation practices, and closer to this vibrant community.
in pokhara, we have the opportunity to trek into the annapurnas with the assistance of sherpas. two days of beginner-appropriate trekking will bring us to the villages of dhampus and landruk, which both boast gorgeous mountain views and lush landscapes. we'll stay in traditional mountain teahouse lodges where we'll find good food, warm beds, and the nicest people.
this trek is optional, and recommended for those who are confident walking nine miles over two days. if you aren't interested in trekking, stay at the resort with yoga, meditation, day hikes, and good food to keep you occupied.
the final leg of our adventure takes us to the UNESCO heritage site chitwan national park, where we'll stay in a luxury jungle lodge on the banks of the rapti river. with nights dark as pitch, we'll see more stars than ever before; but it's the animal life we're truly here for.
chitwan national park is a recognized animal sanctuary, and by jeep we'll explore the jungles to see if we can find rhinos, elephants, and maybe a bengal tiger print (if we're lucky). from the safety of our jeep, we'll look for animals in their natural habitats. bird watchers, get ready for an explosion of sound.
our evening in the lodge will feature a welcome ceremony by the tharu people, who moved to the area over 800 years ago, and have maintained their cultural practices through the changing of times. their genetic tolerance to malaria allowed them to flourish, and today they are farmers and fishermen who live deep in the jungle.
after two days in the jungle, we'll take a 30-minute flight back to kathmandu where our hotel will welcome us once again. take a mandala painting class, explore the markets for last-minute gifts, or spend one afternoon meditating with your new sangha. we'll have a delicious send-off dinner before heading home the next morning.
about our guides
for this retreat, we're pairing with mystik mountains adventure and holidays, a nepali tour operator with decades of experience leading tours in nepal, tibet, india, and bhutan.
we chose mystic mountains because of their commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, their dedication to working with local guides and providers, and their philanthropic work within the region. whether volunteering in refugee communities or mountaineering in the himalayas, mystik mountains provides cultural experiences that are life-changing for local communities and travelers alike.
read more about their work here.
