Nepal Wellness Tour

Itinerary of Nepal Wellness Tour

Includes/Excludes

Tour Difficulty

The Nepal Wellness Tour is appropriate for travellers of all ages and fitness levels. There is no trekking or adventurous outdoor activity involved and it is a great option for anyone who wants to unwind while enjoying Nepal’s cultural and spiritual attractions. The majority of activities consist of short walks around temples, gardens, lakes and wellness centres.

A few steps are needed in some places like Swayambhunath and World Peace Pagoda. Walking is usually fairly slow and relaxed, giving you adequate time to rest and appreciate the scenery. The peak reached during the tour is Sarangkot (1,600 m / 5,249 ft), low enough for most travellers to avoid altitude-related problems.

It’s a trip of comfort, mindful travel and wellbeing, not endurance – perfect for families, couples, solo and senior travellers.

Weather and Best Season

This Nepal Wellness Tour can be done in all seasons, but the best time is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The weather in these months is quite clear with nice temperatures and mountain views are great.

The monsoon season is during the summer (June – August). Rains can occur in the afternoon and evening, but the landscape is green and fresh. The winter season (December to February) is cooler, especially in the morning and evening, but still considered quite pleasant for sightseeing and wellness during the day.

The outdoor yoga sessions, meditation and relaxation can be done in all seasons with appropriate clothing. Every season has its own ambiance and each one makes traveling a delightful and tranquil experience.

Accommodation During the Tour

A key aspect of each of the Wellness Tours in Nepal is the comfortable place to stay. You will be staying in hotels which are carefully chosen for their clean rooms, modern facilities and peaceful surroundings, during this journey. Most are very close to a lot of attractions or quiet areas to rest after the day of sightseeing.

Hotels in Kathmandu are typically located close to cultural attractions and wellness facilities. The hotels in Pokhara are located close to Phewa Lake and during your leisure time, you will have pleasant strolls and beautiful views of the lake. Generally, rooms have private bathrooms, comfortable beds, a hot shower and WiFi.

If you’re traveling with Above the Himalaya, lodging is arranged to ensure that you’re comfortable and convenient so you can relax, embrace wellness and enjoy your holiday.

Foods and Drinks

The Nepal Wellness Tour offers you a chance to try out some delicious and healthy food along the way. Food can be easily found in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as both Nepali and international cuisine is offered in the hotels and restaurants.

Rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables and curry are common ingredients of traditional Nepali meals. There is also a good selection of fresh fruits, herbal teas, natural fruit juices and locally grown vegetables. Enjoy the wellness activities where some centres provide healthy snacks and healthy meals using local produce.

During the tour, the use of bottled and/or filtered drinking water is recommended. Please tell your guide if you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, so arrangements can be made as far as possible.

Daily Yoga, Meditation and Wellness Activities

The Nepal Wellness Tour is centered around daily wellness sessions. Gentle yoga is typically done each morning and is about stretching, breathing and increasing flexibility. Both beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome to attend these sessions and all will be able to work at their own level.

Meditation sessions are held at quiet places such as temples, monasteries and natural places. The peaceful settings promote relaxation, focus and balance, cultivating a sense of calm and tranquility. Each session is led by trained instructors, encouraging relaxation, not physical exertion.

The Kathmandu Pokhara Wellness Tour also provides for a period of tranquility and introspection, a walk in nature, a time to rest by Phewa Lake and a time to rest at spiritual locations. The daily program is thoughtfully designed to allow for physical health and mental relaxation, while not being rushed.

Spa, Ayurvedic Massage and Sound Healing

One of the main elements of each Wellness Tour in Nepal is a relaxing spa experience. You’ll be able to experience the stress-relieving, all-round wellness treatments that have been carefully selected for the trip. Wellness centers offer traditional and natural treatments from professional therapists in a serene and calm setting.

In Ayurvedic massage, warm herbal oils are used to relax the muscles, improve blood circulation and relax deeply. It is a treatment that is based on the principles of the Ayurvedic system of natural healing, which has been in use for centuries in South Asia.

Tibetan singing bowls and other ancient instruments are used during sound healing sessions to produce soothing vibrations that promote relaxation and mental clarity. All these experiences of wellness are meant to go with your yoga and meditation, so that you feel refreshed and balanced throughout the tour.

Transportation During the Tour

Your journey to Nepal Wellness Tour will be comfortable and convenient with transportation planned. A short domestic flight or a beautiful drive that passes through river valleys, hillside villages and beautiful countryside is arranged, depending on the itinerary, between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

For airport transfers, sightseeing and transport between wellness centres and cultural attractions, private vehicles are provided. With highly trained local drivers, a safe and comfortable trip and you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you travel.

With Above the Himalaya, transport arrangements are made prior to booking to allow you to relax and enjoy your holiday. From start to finish, these routes will offer a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of you and your family is important during the Kathmandu Pokhara Wellness Tour. This is an easy-paced tour with comfortable accommodation, private transportation and activities for most travellers. Altitude-related health issues are generally not a concern, since the highest point reached is Sarangkot (600 m / 5,249 ft).

Yoga classes, meditation and healing practices are held in safe and peaceful environments. It is always important to take adequate water, wear comfortable clothing and listen to the instructions given by the teachers for each activity. If you have any medical conditions or physical limitations, it is helpful to let your guide know prior to the tour.

It is advisable to opt for travel insurance which will cover the medical expenses and any unplanned changes to your travels in Nepal for extra peace of mind during your stay.

Visa Requirements for Nepal

Most international travellers need a visa to enter Nepal. A tourist visa is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu or at some land border crossings of the country for many nationalities. You need to book a visa and have a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry and provide one blank page.

Always check the latest visa requirements for your nationality prior to travelling as the Immigration Rules and visa fees can change. It is also advisable to bring a passport-size photo and have sufficient cash for the visa application fee.

Before you travel to Nepal, our staff can give you some general advice on the Nepal visa procedure if you book your trip through Above the Himalaya’s website. But it is each traveller’s responsibility to obtain a visa.

Packing List

There are no technical outdoor activities and the tour is not a trek, so packing for the Nepal Wellness Tour very easy. Most of the daily requirements for comfortable clothing for yoga, meditation and sightseeing will be covered. Lightweight layers are advised as temperatures are likely to change from morning to evening.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, light jacket, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, sun cream, hat and personal toiletries. A small backpack will come in handy for carrying around your daily necessities while sightseeing and enjoying wellness time. Respectfully, when visiting temples, a garment that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended.

Bring a warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and evenings in the winter. A small umbrella or rain jacket is helpful if you are travelling during the monsoon season.

Money, ATMs and Personal Expenses

There are many essential services included in the Nepal Wellness Tour, but it is still advisable to bring some extra cash with you for your personal needs. Cash can be handy for purchasing snacks and beverages, souvenirs, tipping at restaurants and/or visiting cafés when you have time. The currency is Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

ATM’s are available in Kathmandu as well as Pokhara and most international debit and credit cards are accepted by the main banks. Credit cards are also accepted by many retail outlets, larger restaurants and hotels, though there may be a small transaction fee. Cash payments are usually preferred by smaller businesses and local markets.

Take a combination of cash and cards on your trip. It’s easy to carry around small denominations for shopping at local markets or paying for small purchases.

Language and Communication

The Nepal Wellness Tour is an opportunity to communicate with ease in most tourist areas. The language of Nepal is Nepali, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and wellness centres, as well as by guides in the tourism industry.

To make life with locals more fun when you are in Nepal, you will need to learn some of the basic greetings in Nepali. Saying “Namaste” and “Dhanyabad” are common phrases used that mean “hello” and “thank you,” respectively and are welcome and often understood.

Your guide will help you communicate if necessary, allowing you to appreciate the culture, wellness activities and daily travel. The language is not a problem during the tour since most of the tourists do not experience any difficulties in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as the tourism services are well developed there.

Mobile Network, Internet and Charging Facilities

It’s simple to stay connected in Kathmandu and Pokhara during the Nepal Wellness Tour. You can find free WiFi in most hotels, cafés and wellness centres, but the speed might be slow depending on which area and how many users are using the internet. WiFi is fairly good in the main tourist districts.

For mobile data during the journey, it is possible to buy local SIM cards from Nepalese mobile telecom service providers like Nepal Telecom or Ncell on arrival in Nepal. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport and various shops in the cities. A passport is required for registration.

All hotels have charging facilities available and normal electrical sockets are 230 volts. It is helpful to have a universal travel adapter and a power bank to use on full days of sightseeing.

Photography and Drone Rules

In Nepal Wellness Tour is filled with beautiful locations for photographing, such as ancient temples, serene monasteries, lakes, mountain viewpoints and colourful local streets. Most of the sites are outdoors and visitors are free to take photos here, but they should be aware of local customs and privacy.

Certain areas of some meditation halls, monasteries, museums and temples prohibit photography. Please always pay attention to signs and ask your guide before taking photos. For local people, the suggestion of asking permission before taking their pictures is the polite and respectful thing to do.

There are regulations governing the use of drones in Nepal. Permission to fly a drone might be needed from the relevant authorities in the vicinity of heritage sites, religious sites, airports and protected locations. Before using a drone, it’s important to always abide by the rules in force.

Cultural Etiquette and Temple Guidelines

Learn and respect their customs; this will make your Nepal Wellness Tour more enjoyable and meaningful. Nepal is a multicultural nation with a strong association of Hinduism and Buddhism with daily life. Visitors are encouraged to act with respect when visiting temples, monasteries and other sacred sites.

Modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees when entering religious places. Take off your shoes before entering temples or prayer areas and do not touch statues, prayer objects or any religious objects unless invited to do so. The custom is to walk clockwise around the Buddhist stupas and prayer wheels.

Use a quiet voice, turn off your mobile phone and listen to your guide to keep the scene calm at spiritual places. Respect for local customs creates positive experiences for visitors and for local communities.

Major Festivals You May Experience

In addition to the numerous colourful festivals celebrated throughout the year, the Kathmandu Pokhara Wellness Tour can also be held during these events. Visiting Nepal during these festivals offers a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in the culture, traditions and spiritual life of Nepal, as well as explore the country’s temples, monasteries and communities.

The festival of Dashain is the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal, which is celebrated with gatherings, blessings and traditional ceremonies, featuring family. Another important festival is Tihar, which is also referred to as the Festival of Lights and is when houses are lit with oil lamps and garlands of coloured flowers. Buddha Jayanti is celebrated extensively with prayers, butter lamps and peaceful activities at Buddhist temples like Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

The dates of the festivals move according to the lunar calendar, so each year they are different. When visiting during one of these festivals, your guide will be able to explain the customs and help you enjoy it in a respectful manner.