Yoga Above the Clouds:

Yes. A variety of local and international food options are available in most locations where we have lunch or stay overnight. A vegetarian diet is our standard during this trek, and vegan, gluten-free, and other similar preferences can usually be accommodated.

You may be pushing your comfort zone physically at times, particularly during some of the steeper ascents and descents, but your experienced guides are here to support you throughout, and breaks are taken anytime as needed.

The accommodation on the trek is basic, which is often an adjustment for our guests. Beds are very simple with thin foam mattresses. Two trekking guests will usually share a room, and bathroom facilities are shared with several people. In some locations, only squatting toilets are available. Depending on electricity/hot water supply, hot showers may or may not be available.

You will be living alongside and interacting with local Nepali people and will have the opportunity to learn about their culture and customs, and the responsibility to be respectful.

Having said this, a yoga trek in Nepal is an experience for body, mind, and soul. The spectacular views, glimpses into a culture different from your own, immersion in a stunning landscape and fresh mountain air, a body and mind supported by yoga and meditation, and the feeling of achievement at the end of the trek make for a very rewarding trip.

Will I be carrying my own belongings during the trek? No, your Kamala Yoga Nepal team includes porters who will carry the things you need on the trek, you will only be carrying your daypack.

First, doing regular cardiovascular exercise and increasing one’s capacity before the trek allows the body to better cope with higher altitudes. Depending on the trek difficulty and altitude, moderate to strenuous cardiovascular training 2-3 times per week is ideal.

Second, we recommend eating 2 pieces of raw garlic per day, starting 1,5 months before the trek. One way to do this is to mince/press it and add to salad dressing. Why? In the mountainous regions of Asia, garlic is considered an effective antidote for altitude sickness. The garlic compounds assist in relaxation of the vascular smooth muscles. They help in reducing vasoconstriction of the pulmonary blood vessels. Hence, breathing problems at higher altitudes become less severe by chewing garlic. Garlic helps thin the blood and enhances its flow.

No, your Kamala Yoga Nepal team includes porters who will carry the things you need on the trek, you will only be carrying your daypack. 

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It is your responsibility to ensure adequate insurance for both yourself and your belongings before you travel to Nepal. The coverage must include high altitude helicopter rescue (up to 3210 meters above sea level, which is the altitude of Poon Hill), medical treatment cost and air ambulance. Joan Hyman or Kamala Yoga & Adventures Pvt. Ltd. cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can we be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness.

Bring several changes of yoga clothes, and comfortable clothes for warm weather (not too revealing, for your comfort within the local culture). Bring cheap and comfortable sandals and/or trainers to walk around Kathmandu and Pokhara, since the pavements are dusty and your shoes may show signs of dust and use more quickly than at home. You should bring toiletries and any medication you may need, since finding the same item in Nepal might be challenging. For the trek, the packing list is here. Please follow it carefully, and contact us if you have any questions. As for trekking poles and a sleeping bag, you have the option of renting those prior to the trek if needed, your Kamala Yoga Nepal team will assist with this.

It is important that you have shoes that fit well, and you may want to purchase the most important parts of your equipment in your home country. There are plenty of shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara which sell trekking equipment, and we can help with this, but the quality is generally a bit lower than in Western countries. Certain specialized items such as down jackets can easily be rented while you are on the trip. Your Kamala Yoga Nepal team knows the ins and outs of this and can advise you before and during the trip.

Internet is generally available, but much slower than what you may be used to at home. On the trek, many of the teahouses have WiFi and most have electricity, however, this is not guaranteed and depends on many factors, including power supply. WiFi and phone/camera charging, where available, are included in your package.

We will provide our mobile contact number, which you may pass on to your families. The reality is that there isn’t mobile coverage everywhere in the mountains but it improves a little bit every year. An excellent way of reaching us is also through the email address info@kamalayoganepal.com. Incoming emails are continuously monitored by several colleagues.