From July 29 to August 4, 2026, Zuhal from Germany travelled to Nepal for a 7-days yoga retreat with Maya Trips, combining traditional yoga practices, Buddhist culture, monastery life, mindfulness, sound healing and interaction with the local communities in Pharping.
What drew Zuhal to the retreat was the option of experiencing it as a private journey. Rather than joining a fixed group programme, she could have the retreat arranged around her own pace and interests, with dedicated guidance throughout her time in Nepal. This personalised approach gave her the flexibility to experience the practices, cultural visits and monastery stay in a more intimate setting.
Guided by Ms. Asha, the retreat gradually moved from the energy of Kathmandu into the quieter surroundings of Pharping. Each day followed a different rhythm, from early morning puja and Hatha Yoga to visits to sacred sites, village walks, philosophy sessions and evening meditation.
A Quiet Arrival in Kathmandu
Zuhal arrived in Kathmandu on July 29, where a representative from Maya Trips welcomed her at the airport and accompanied her to the hotel. And she spent her first day resting and settling in.
With the retreat beginning the following morning, the first day was intentionally simple, a chance to recover from the journey and prepare for the experience ahead.
The next morning, the retreat began early.
From Boudhanath to Pharping
The retreat began the following morning with Hatha Yoga and Satnam Meditation, guided by Ms. Asha, whom Zuhal met for the first time that morning. She would continue to guide her through the retreat in the days that followed.
After breakfast, Zuhal visited Boudhanath Stupa, one of Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist landmarks. The large white dome, prayer wheels, pilgrims and surrounding monasteries offered an introduction to the Buddhist traditions that would become a central part of her time in Pharping.
After the stupa visit, she travelled south towards Pharping. The change in surroundings was noticeable as the busy streets of Kathmandu gradually gave way to quieter roads and green hills. After lunch and settling into the monastery’s guesthouse, the afternoon continued with Gentle Yoga and Pranayama.
In the evening, Zuhal attended the monastery’s puja, beginning to experience the daily rhythm of monastic life.
Life Before Sunrise
The following morning began at 5:00 AM with puja at the monastery. The early start gave Zuhal a first-hand experience of the rhythm of the monastery, where the day begins long before the usual morning routine. After the puja came Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation, followed by breakfast.
The morning then moved beyond the monastery as Zuhal explored some of Pharping’s important spiritual sites, including Asura Cave, Vajra Yogini and Shesh Narayan. These visits added another dimension to the retreat. Rather than simply observing the landscape around Pharping, Zuhal was able to learn about the spiritual significance attached to the area.
After lunch and a period of rest, the evening practice focused on Mandala Meditation, bringing the day back to a quieter and more reflective close.
Monasteries, Mindfulness and Sound
As the retreat progressed, the early morning routine became familiar. Another morning began with puja, followed by Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation.
Later, Zuhal visited several monasteries around Pharping, discovering more of the Buddhist environment surrounding the retreat.
The afternoon offered a different kind of practice through a Mindfulness and Philosophy session. Instead of physical movement, the focus shifted towards awareness, reflection and understanding.
The day ended with Singing Bowl Sound Healing. The sound of the bowls created a slower atmosphere after a day of exploration and practice, offering Zuhal another way to experience stillness without following the same form of meditation each day.
A Walk Beyond the Retreat
The following morning started with puja, followed by Ashtanga Yoga and Pranayama.
After breakfast, the retreat moved outside the monastery surroundings with a walk through Dollu Village.
The village experience offered a different perspective on Pharping. Instead of focusing on its monasteries and spiritual traditions, Zuhal had the opportunity to observe everyday life and interact with people in the local community.
Later in the afternoon, Zuhal joined a silent walk, taking time to move through the surroundings at a slower and more mindful pace. The quiet of the walk offered a chance to observe the landscape and take in the atmosphere of Pharping.
The evening brought another Sound Healing session, followed by Candlelight Meditation.
By this stage, the retreat had brought together very different experiences, physical practices, Buddhist traditions, local interaction and periods of quiet reflection.
When the Final Day Took an Unexpected Turn
August 3 was planned as the final day of the retreat. The morning began with the final Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation session, followed by breakfast and a Reflection and Closing session. The retreat was then scheduled to conclude with a return to Kathmandu.
However, after completing the planned retreat activities, Zuhal decided that she would like to stay a little longer in Pharping. The day then took an unexpected turn.
While spending time around the area and petting a dog, Zuhal was bitten. Ms. Asha immediately took her to a local health post, where the wound was cleaned, and she received initial medical attention. For further medical assessment and vaccination, Ms. Asha then accompanied her to Kathmandu. After receiving the necessary treatment, Zuhal returned to Pharping later that evening.
It was an unforeseen change to the final day, but the necessary medical care was arranged, and the situation was brought under control.
A Final Morning in Kathmandu
The following morning, Ms. Asha helped Zuhal organise and pack her belongings before they traveled back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, Zuhal completed her medical follow-up and vaccination and made the necessary arrangements for her journey home.
With everything taken care of, Zuhal prepared for her departure and returned to Germany the following day.
Thankfully, the necessary medical care had been completed, allowing her to continue her journey home.
Guidance Along the Way
Ms. Asha accompanied Zuhal throughout the retreat, guiding her through the practices, cultural experiences and daily rhythm of life in Pharping. Her attentive and caring approach became especially meaningful when the journey took an unexpected turn, as she stayed close and took care of Zuhal beyond the planned itinerary.
Her flexibility, calm presence and genuine care added a personal touch to the retreat and helped Zuhal feel supported throughout her time in Nepal.
More Than a Yoga Retreat
Looking back at the week, the retreat brought together many different experiences, from traditional wellness practices and monastery rituals to sacred-site visits, local encounters and quiet moments of reflection. Each offered a different way to experience Pharping and its spiritual and cultural character.
For Zuhal, these experiences came together as more than a scheduled programme. They offered an opportunity to slow down, connect with the surroundings and discover a different side of Nepal. Even with an unexpected change towards the end, the retreat remained a meaningful week of exploration, reflection, and mindful living.
Key Details
Trip Name: Pharping Yoga Retreat, Nepal
Guest: Zuhal
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destination: Pharping, Nepal
Nationality: Germany
Yoga Instructor: Ms. Asha
Focus: Yoga, Buddhist Culture, Mindfulness, Meditation, Sound Healing and Local Culture
Style: Wellness and Spiritual Retreat
Offered By: Maya Trips
Experience Pharping Through Yoga and Mindfulness
Pharping offers a different way to experience Nepal, one that combines wellness with Buddhist traditions, local culture and time for reflection.
Begin your mornings with traditional practices and monastery puja, explore sacred caves and monasteries, walk through local villages, experience sound healing and allow time to simply slow down.
For travellers looking for a retreat that goes beyond a conventional wellness programme, Pharping offers an opportunity to experience Nepal through practice, culture and everyday life.
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