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Image by Karoly Buzas

 10 - 24 November  2024 

THE MYSTICAL HIMALAYAS - NEPAL  
ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP
YOGA & MINDFULNESS TREK 

 

START: Kathmandu, Nepal

FINISH: Kathmandu, Nepal 

DATE: 15 DAYS

10 - 24th November 2024

INVESTMENT:

From $3,200 AUD

Discover the Himalayas

Encounter the essence of Nepal's Himalayans with new friends who will become family. YAMA is about bringing like-minded people together to share, connect and grow. Together on this epic journey to Annapurna base camp, you will discover; mystical lush green fertile forests that make you feel like you are in a fairy tale land, with cascading waterfalls and vast wide open spaces decorated with snow-cap mountains.

 

Image by Sanjay Hona

IMAGINE THIS: The mystical Himalayan mountains provide nature's natural high and elevated state of being. Now add yoga and meditation and you will literally be feeling on top of the world.

The trek to Annapurna base camp has got it all! We bring this experience to life with our cool, young and fun team of experts, good vibes only, and of course you! You know who you are, yes! This trip is for you. 

A bucket list must! Let's tick this one together. 

Itinerary

  • Overview
    8/05 - Arrival and settle into your hotel in Labuan Bajo (Theory of freediving) 9/05 - Early start for a full-day exploration of Cunca waterfall, mirror cave house & Ranko Caves. Back to hotel dinner and early night sleep 10/05 - Transfer to boat Labouan to Sebayur Besar 11/05 - Sebayur besar - Gili Lawa Darat 12/05 - Gili Lawa Darat - Makassar Reef - Pink beach - komodo village 13/05 - Komodo Island - Long Beach - Padar Island 14/05 - Padar - Rinca island - Kalong Rinca 15/05 - Kalong rinca - Manjerite - Kelor Island - Labuan Bajo 16/05 - Breakfast and checkout ( airport transfer)
  • DAY 1
    Arrival & Introduction to Freediving Location: Settle in at the Hotel room, Labuan Bajo after your airport transfer. Activity: Engage in a thorough freediving theory session. Dining: Enjoy a communal dinner and gear up for the following day's exploration. Upon landing at Labuan Bajo Airport, a transfer will escort you to the Hotel. Use this day to unwind. At 3 pm, we'll convene ( WhatsApp group will highlight the meetup point) for an introductory free diving theory lesson. This is followed by a group dinner out in the town and an early bedtime in preparation for tomorrow’s escapades.
  • DAY 2
    Immersing in Nature's Beauty & Captivating Sunsets Morning: Delve into the pristine waters of Cunca Wulang Waterfall after a scenic trek. Mid-Day: Admire the radiant interplay of light at the Mirror Cave House and relish a meal at a local restaurant. Afternoon: Experience the serene Rangko Cave with its enchanting natural pool. Evening: End the day at Sylvia Hill, capturing the mesmerizing golden sunset. We leave the hotel at 8:30 am for Cunca Wulang Waterfall, a picturesque 45-minute trek from Wersawe village. The vivid blue waters set amidst majestic rocks are a sight to behold. Dive in, or even jump! Next, we head to Mirror Cave House, where sunlight bounces around like a dream. Lunch is at a local eatery. Rangko Cave, accessed via a 1-hour drive and a boat ride, boasts a serene natural cave pool. Lastly, Sylvia Hill promises a breathtaking sunset - a perfect finale.
  • DAY 3
    Beginning the Sebayur Besar Adventure Onboard Experience: Make the traditional Phinisi boat, Natural 001, your home for the coming days. Sebayur Besar: Dive into its calming waters and, later, witness a panoramic sunset after a short trek. Relaxation: Wind down with a rejuvenating Yin yoga class beneath the vast expanse of the starry sky. Our new abode awaits! Named Natural 001, this traditional Phinisi boat will be our home for six days. Our journey starts with Sebayur Besar, showcasing Komodo's pristine waters. Its shallow reefs and gentle currents offer a soothing introduction. A hike reveals Sebayur Besar’s unmatched sunset panoramas. After descending, relax with Yin yoga on the boat, and savor the view.
  • DAY 4
    Encounters with Turtles & Breathtaking Landscapes Siaba Besar: Engage with the resident green turtles in the waters of the "Turtle City." Evening Trek: Head to Gili Lawa Darat and immerse yourself in the bay's panoramic vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes. ​ Kickstart the day with yoga and breakfast. We then sail to Siaba Besar, also known as "Turtle City", home to many green turtles. The crystalline waters are perfect for honing our freediving techniques. By afternoon, we're anchored at Gili Lawa Darat, near Komodo Island, with a trek that promises magnificent bay views. ​
  • DAY 5
    Manta Rays, Unique Beaches & Local Culture Taka Makasar Reef: Dive and possibly swim alongside the graceful manta rays. Pink Beach: Relax on the world-renowned Pink Beach of Komodo Island, known for its unique hue. Komodo Village Visit: Immerse yourself in local culture, home to both fishermen and the iconic Komodo dragons. ​ We set course for Makassar Reef, famous as Manta Point. The sands of Gili Makasar beckon before we venture to Komodo Island's unique Pink Beach. We anchor for the night at Komodo Village, a mix of local life and dragon lore.
  • DAY 6
    Exploring the Legendary Komodo & Mesmerizing Landscapes Komodo Island: Kick start your day with a morning yoga session, followed by an encounter with the legendary Komodo dragons. A team of rangers will ensure your safety. Long Beach: Bask in the sun on a pristine white sandy beach. Padar Island: Often referred to as the 'Jurassic Park', this island is a visual treat. Don't miss the trek that offers a panoramic view of one of the most breathtaking landscapes. After yoga and breakfast, we meet the fabled Komodo dragons. The day continues at Long Beach’s untouched sands. Later, Padar Island awaits, evoking visions of Jurassic Park. A trek here unveils a surreal panorama. Sunset, dinner, and rest cap off the day.
  • DAY 7
    Wildlife Adventures & Sunset Delights Morning Yoga: Start with a refreshing yoga session and a hearty breakfast. Rinca Island: A short boat ride will take you to the ranger station on Rinca, followed by a trek to witness more of the famed Komodo dragons. Kalong: Named after the Indonesian word for 'bat', experience the magic as thousands of flying foxes take to the sky at dusk. ​ Following our yoga routine and breakfast, we set sail for Rinca, home to more Komodo dragons. A ranger-led trek offers three duration options. Later, we cruise to Kalong, hoping to catch the spectacle of flying foxes emerging at dusk.
  • DAY 8
    Final Freediving & Farewell to Natural 001 Morning Routine: Engage in your daily yoga session and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Manjerite: Dive into crystal-clear waters, marveling at the vibrant coral reefs. Kelor Island: Your last freediving destination and viewpoint trek. Labuan Bajo: Bid farewell to the Natural 001 and transfer back to Kalton Hotel for one last evening of shared memories. The day begins with yoga and breakfast. At Majerite, immerse in the last of our freediving experiences amidst vibrant corals. We then proceed to Kelor Island for diving and a scenic hike. As evening falls, we bid farewell to Natural 001 and return to our Hotel.
  • DAY 9
    Day 09 - Labuan Bajo (Breakfast) Congratulations! You are now a certified freediver. This moring, we will have our last yoga class together followed by breakfast. Hotel checkout & airport transfer are provided. Our journey concludes here - Safe travels! ​
  • More info
    About this retreat: FREEDIVING CERTIFICATION / YOGA / MEDITATION / BREATHWORK / TREKKING This transformational experience helps you to explore your inner and outer environment and reconnect with yourself, nature and the flow of life. Our trips are small boutique getaways that are customised according to the group's desire. ​ YAMA brings this nine-day experience to life through the raw elements of dance, play and connection with your inner child. Meet the world's last dragons connect with nature. Daily yoga and breathwork classes, and become a certified freediver. Share: We encourage you to bring your unique gift and share it at this gathering. YAMA Is a space to express yourself through what brings you joy. Radical self-expression, music, flow toys, games, arts, singing, or dance. Our community is about learning, sharing, caring and connecting with the natural world while discovering some of the world's most exotic locations. Together, on this experience, on a stunning traditional Phinisi boat, we dive deep, "literally" into the ocean and into the most humbling and rich local culture. We celebrate Mother Nature and her unique landscape, visit the last dragons, swim with mata rays and other incredible land and sea life inhabitants. ​ ​​ ​ Dress-ups: Dress-ups are fun!!! YAMA explores dressing up by setting a theme for every trip. This time we are attempting to embody the merging of aliens with sea creatures… and so the title is “Alien And The Sea Creature Create a Love Child”. Be bold, be fun and feel free to embody through costume. ​ Check out past trips for inspiration on our Instagram @yamamovement ​​ ​ Yoga and Movement: Each day, there will be one yoga or movement class, including pranayama breathwork and meditation guided and taught by Elissa. We will explore yoga asana, acro-yoga, primal movement, handstands and more. The class is for anyone from beginners to advanced levels. Elissa will tailor the class based on the energy and level of the group and will provide variations to accommodate all fitness levels. Explore breathwork techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, box breath, introduction into breath retention, tummo breathing, and Kapalbhati and Sitali. This is followed by a guided meditation. Please note: All classes take place outdoors. Hiking: There will be daily low-impact hikes on this trip. ​ Freediving: The freediving certification is included in this package deal. However, it is optional and does require medical clearance. If you choose not to participate, you can use the time to snorkel and enjoy the sea or relax on the deck or in the jacuzzi :) This Free Diving certification will turn you into an OFFICIAL PADI CERTIFIED FREE DIVER by the end of the trip! Learning from the best in the industry and exploring the most incredible free diving sites in the reef! Medical Clearance:​ There are some medical conditions which can be considered dangerous for freediving, so if you have any of these medical conditions, you must obtain a clearance certificate from a doctor approving your participation in the freediving course. The medical conditions requiring doctors clearance are: ​ Asthma Heart/lung conditions Blood pressure Epilepsy Pregnancy ​ Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body air spaces must be normal and healthy. ​ All guests will need to fill out a waiver to be able to participate. ​​ Please be aware that if you have one of the above medical conditions and are not able to provide clearance from a doctor, you will not be able to participate in the freediving component of this trip, so you should check with a doctor before booking.

Trip Highlights:

Accommodation​

  • 6 nights comfortable hotel

  • Teahouses: 8 nights in traditional Nepalese teahouses during mountain hiking.

Mountain Experience

  • 8-Day Hike: Led by an experienced local guide.

  • Summit to Annapurna Base Camp: Breathtaking panoramic views.

  • Natural Hot Springs: Rejuvenate in mountain hot springs. 

  • White Water Rafting: Thrilling adventure on the river.

Chitwan Wilderness Exploration

  • Jeep and Walking Safari: Spot wildlife with local guides.

  • River Boat Ride: Glide through crocodile-filled waters.

  • Local Cultural and arts experience 

Yoga, movement & Wellness

  • Certified Yoga Teacher: Daily yoga and meditation classes.

  • Stretch, conditioning and primal movement classes 

  • Rebirthing breathwork session 

  • Wholesome local foods 

 

 

This condensed itinerary offers a perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural and nature immersion for an unforgettable 15-day journey through Nepal.

Accommodation

Modest, cute and comfortable, twin share rooms in a Nepalese-style guesthouse, two night Kathmandu guesthouse, 2 nights Pokhara, 3 nights Chitwan. 

 

 

Nine-Nights traditional style Nepalese Tea house, six-Nights hotel (4 / 5-star) 

Please note that room size & amenities may vary slightly (all rooms are equally priced). 
If you have specific requests or needs for your room, we will do our BEST to accommodate you; however, we cannot guarantee. The sooner you sign up, the more likely your needs will be fulfilled. If you do not have a roommate, you will be paired with another guest who is not yet assigned a roommate.

Private rooms for a single traveller are available at an extra expense of AUD $100 per night and are only available for hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

The price is based on twin-share accommodation, domestic flights, all transport, breakfast provided for a 3-day hotel stay, local guide, porters, yoga and meditation, and all meals for 7 days guesthouse stay will be provided.

Information

About this retreat:   YOGA / TREKKING / MEDITATION / BREATHWORK

 

This transformational experience helps you to explore your inner and outer environment and reconnect with yourself, nature and the flow of life. Our trips are small boutiques and customised according to the group's desire.  

Getting There: Fly in and out of  Kathmandu city - airport pick-up & drop-off services included

Domestic return flights to Pokhara included.

The YAMA Movement 

YAMA -  Brings this experience to life through the raw elements of dance, play and connection with your inner child. Sleep under the stars, meditate on mountains and feel the earth under your feet. Daily yoga and breathwork classes with fully certified guides and teachers. Visit mineral magic natural hot springs along the way. 

 

Share:  Sharing is part of our ethos. We encourage you to bring your unique gift and share it at this gathering. YAMA Is a space to express yourself through what brings you joy. Radical self-expression, music, flow toys, games, arts, singing, and dance.

 

Our community is about learning, sharing, caring and connecting with the natural world while discovering some of the most exotic locations.

 

Together, on this experience on foot through Nepal's Himalayas, we dive deep into the most humbling and rich local culture and celebrate Mother Nature and her unique landscape, wild yacks, rhinos and other incredible wildlife inhabitants of this land.

Dress-ups:  Dress- up are fun!!! The theme is for this trip is (Funny hats). You can also purchase some incredible and outrageous beenies in Kathmandu city. Feel free to build on this theme and express yourself, Be bold, be fun and feel free to embody through costume. Please, keep in mind the baggage limit & local villages (keep it PG)

Check out past trips for inspo - Insta @yamamovement

Yoga and Movement: Each day, there will be one yoga, meditation or stretch class and a night session of meditation guided by Bridget.  The class is for anyone from beginners to advanced levels. Bridget will tailor the class based on the energy and level of the group and will provide variations to accommodate all fitness levels.

 

Please note: All classes take place outdoors. Exploring movement in the elements provides its own challenges and beauty.

 

Hiking: Hiking on this trip will be a medium-high impact. We average at around 10 - 15 km per day and max at the altitude of 4130m. By day 3, your body becomes accustomed to long walks. A moderate level of fitness is required for this experience. It is important to bring comfortable hiking boots and warm clothing. The scenery is undeniably beautiful. 

 

 

Prices and dates 

 10 th NOV - 15th DEC 2023 

Super early-bird: $3200 -Book before 31st May & use code in [ ABC ] DISCOUNT CODE - Must be added at checkout for this deal.  

Early-bird: $3450 - Book before 30th October

Final release: $3650 - Bookings after the 30th of October

 

Includes:

  • Eleven night's accommodation 

  • 3 x meals + hot drinks per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) 8 days

  • Breakfast only for 3 days

  • Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara return

  • Airport transfers (International and Domestic flights)

  • English-speaking local Mountain Guide

  • Daily yoga and meditation practice with an experienced yoga teacher

  • 1 x porter per 2 people (each porter can carry up to 20 Kilos)

  • Transport from Pokhara and return 

  • First Aid Kits

  • TIMS Card: Entry into Annapurna conservation area.

  • Permit Card

  • Guide and Porter

Excludes:

  • Personal expenses such as extra drinks, snacks, and toiletries. 

  • Tips for guide and porter 

  • Travel Insurance

  • Yoga Mat for doing yoga 

  • Arrival accommodation at the recommended hotel/meeting point (for early arrival).

  • International Flights

  • Trekking gear

  • Anything on the packing list 

 

Facilitators

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BRIDGET WEETMAN

Yoga teacher

Yoga, meditation teacher and artist. 

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ANIL BUDHATHOKI

Trekking guide

Himalayan trekking guide and travel advisor in Kathmandu.  

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