Hridaya Bhav Sangha : Nepal
A pilgrimage to peace in Kathmandu
February 21-28, 2027
with Resilient Joy & Swadharma Yogshala
Retreat Overview
7 Nights, 8 Days | Discover tradition, deepen practice, & find peace in the City of Temples
Step into the “City of Temples,” Kathmandu—the gateway to the Himalayas—where ancient Buddhist and Hindu traditions meet in a living tapestry of devotion, ritual, and spiritual practice. Prayer flags dance in the wind, incense lingers in the air, and sacred chants echo through centuries-old temples.
More than a destination, Kathmandu is a portal—a threshold between worlds. A place where the physical and spiritual intertwine, inviting you beyond the familiar and into something deeper. Here, we are reminded that all paths lead to one—one source, one truth, one peace within.
From this sacred beginning, you are invited to journey inward with the Hridaya Bhav Sangha Retreat—a pilgrimage not just across land, but into the heart of your own being. Step away from the noise of daily life and enter a space where ancient wisdom is not only learned, but felt and lived.
In Sanskrit, Hridaya (हृदय) means heart—the seat of wisdom and truth. Bhav (भव) is devotion and openness to life’s beauty. Sangha (संग) is sacred community. Together, they create a powerful space for connection, transformation, and growth.
Through yoga—asana, philosophy, ritual, mantra, meditation, and sacred site visits—you’ll be guided into the essence of spirituality in this pilgrimage. Come as you are, with an open heart, and allow the energy of the Himalayan foothills to lead you toward presence and peace.
This is more than a retreat—it is a return to what is real.
To the quiet wisdom beneath the noise.
To the part of you that has always known the way.
Why Kathmandu?
Set within a sacred valley and surrounded by the Himalayan foothills, Kathmandu has long been a meeting place of spiritual paths, where Hindu and Buddhist traditions coexist in a deeply interwoven and living harmony. Known as the “City of Temples,” it is home to an extraordinary blend of shrines, stupas, and sacred sites that have drawn pilgrims and seekers for centuries.
The spiritual energy of Kathmandu is unmistakable—woven through daily rituals, whispered prayers, spinning prayer wheels, and the quiet presence of ancient temples. It is a place where devotion is not separate from life, but part of its rhythm. Monks and mystics alike come here to reflect, to seek blessings, and to reconnect with something greater than themselves.
More than just a cultural center, Kathmandu is often experienced as a portal—a space where the visible and invisible worlds feel closer, where introspection arises naturally, and where the noise of the outside world begins to soften. Surrounded by sacred mountains and infused with centuries of practice, it invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and step into a more expansive awareness and profound peace.
Here, spirituality is not something you visit—it is something you feel, something you live, and something that quietly stays with you long after you leave.
Who Is This For?
This retreat is open to everyone—whether you are at the beginning of your spiritual path or deepening a long-held practice. No experience is needed—only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to be present.
This journey is for you if:
You feel drawn to the sacred energy and living traditions of Kathmandu
You are curious to experience the unique harmony of Hindu and Buddhist spirituality
You long to connect with ancient temples, sacred sites, and the devotional rhythms of a living spiritual city
You seek yoga as a holistic path—beyond movement—into philosophy, mantra, meditation, and inner exploration
You are open to joining a conscious sangha (community) and allowing a new landscape, culture, and sacred energy to gently shift your perspective in a deeply meaningful way
What To Expect
Each day unfolds as a rhythm of practice, exploration, and deep cultural immersion—blending structured spiritual practice with sacred site visits, local encounters, and time for integration.
Throughout the retreat, you will experience:
Daily Yoga & Inner Practice
Begin each morning with guided asana, pranayama, mantra, and meditation practices designed to deepen awareness, regulate the nervous system, and reconnect you to the essence of yoga beyond the physical body.Sacred City Exploration & Temple Visits
Wander through Kathmandu’s ancient streets, where spirituality is woven into everyday life. Visit powerful sites such as local monasteries, sacred stupas, and temples including the Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the Boudhanath Stupa, and the deeply revered Pashupatinath Temple. These spaces offer direct encounters with living traditions of devotion, ritual, and prayer.Monastic & Spiritual Encounters
Connect with monks and local practitioners, gaining insight into Buddhist philosophy, daily monastic life, and the quiet discipline of devotion that has shaped this region for centuries.Cultural Immersion & Local Life
Explore the vibrant rhythm of Kathmandu life—hidden alleys, sacred architecture, bustling markets, and quiet corners where ancient and modern worlds meet.Workshops & Integration Spaces
Explore yoga philosophy, meditation, and self-inquiry through guided workshops that support reflection and integration of your retreat experience.Community & Sangha
Throughout the journey, you will be held in a conscious sangha—a supportive circle of like-hearted individuals sharing practice, reflection, silence, laughter, and connection.
Accommodations
Retreat participants will stay at the peaceful Nepal Yoga Home, a dedicated sanctuary for yoga, meditation, and spiritual learning nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Kathmandu. The center offers a supportive and nurturing environment designed for inner practice, reflection, and deep rest.
Guests will stay in either shared or private rooms, each offering comfort, simplicity, and a private bathroom. The retreat space includes an on-site yoga shala where daily practices, workshops, and group gatherings will take place—creating a cohesive and immersive experience throughout the journey.
All accommodations include daily nourishing vegetarian and Ayurvedic meals, prepared to support clarity, balance, and energetic alignment throughout the retreat.
Pricing
Shared Room (Twin Sharing)
Comfortable shared accommodation with private bathroom
$2,300
Private Room
Private room with private bathroom for deeper rest and solitude
$2,800
*Payment plans available
What’s Included:
✔️ Comfortable Accommodation – Peaceful retreat stay designed for rest, reflection, and inner practice
✔️ Daily Nourishing Meals – Sattvic vegetarian meals made with fresh, local ingredients
✔️ Daily Yoga – Asana, pranayama, mantra, and meditation practices to support mind-body connection
✔️ Workshops – Yoga philosophy, reflection, and integration to deepen your experience
✔️ Sacred Excursions – Explore Kathmandu’s temples, stupas, and spiritual landmarks
✔️ Ceremonies & Rituals – Take part in sacred offerings, devotional prayers, and ancient fire rituals, immersing yourself in the living spiritual traditions of Kathmandu
✔️ Sangha & Community – A supportive space for connection, reflection, and shared practice
What’s Not Included:
❌ Airfare – Flights to and from Nepal
❌ Visa – Required for international travelers on arrival
❌ Travel Insurance – Highly recommended for medical coverage, trip cancellations, and personal liability
❌ Spa & Wellness Treatments – Any optional Ayurvedic therapies or personal healing sessions
❌ Personal Expenses – Shopping, souvenirs, snacks, or meals outside the retreat program
❌ Optional Activities – Any additional experiences such as private healing sessions or extra excursions
❌ Airport Transfers – Not included, however we will recommend and help coordinate trusted drivers and transport options for your arrival and departure
❌ Additional Transportation – Any personal travel outside of scheduled retreat activities
❌ Additional Stay – Accommodation outside of the retreat dates is not included in the program price if you choose to extend your time; however, we can recommend trusted accommodations
Meet Your Hosts
Kayla Gonzalez
Yoga Teacher
Founder of Resilient Joy
Wisconsin, United States
Yoga Teacher
Founder of Swadharma Yogshala
Rishikesh, India
Shobhit Ghanshyala
Explore Kathmandu
Retreat Terms & Conditions
Cancellation & Refund Policy
All payments are non-refundable within ninety (90) days of the scheduled arrival date. No refunds will be issued for late arrivals, early departures, missed activities, illness, personal emergencies, or removal from the retreat. Processing fees are non-refundable. If a refund is requested more than ninety (90) days prior to the scheduled arrival date, $400 of the total payment is non-refundable and will be retained as a deposit.
The Host reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the retreat due to circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to natural disasters, extreme weather, illness, venue issues, government restrictions, or emergencies. In such cases, the Host’s liability is limited to a refund of payments received, excluding travel or other expenses incurred by the Participant.
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
Participant Responsibilities & Conduct
Participants confirm they are in suitable physical and mental condition to participate and agree to disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries, allergies, pregnancy, or health concerns prior to the retreat.
All safety instructions must be followed. Respectful behavior toward participants, staff, instructors, and local residents is required at all times. Disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful conduct may result in removal from the retreat without refund.
Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver
Participation involves inherent risks, including physical injury, illness, emotional distress, property damage, or loss. By participating, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks and releases and waives all claims against the Host, organizers, instructors, staff, and venue owners, including claims based on negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Insurance
Participants are responsible for obtaining adequate travel insurance, including medical coverage, trip cancellation, and personal liability.
Media Release
Participants grant permission for photos or recordings taken during the retreat to be used for promotional or educational purposes unless written notice is provided prior to the retreat (unless stated otherwise prior to retreat date).
Agreement
By submitting a deposit or payment, the Participant confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions and voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.