Services

Guru Narayan Dhakal demonstrates Yoga asanas at Annapurna Yoga Ashram

Hatha Yoga Classes:

In recent years, Hatha Yoga has become synonymous with power, however this corrupts the true meaning of the practice. When broken down, the ‘HA’ of the word Hatha means hot and the ‘THA’ means cold. The two halves can also mean sun and moon and can relate to the right and left nostril, respectively. The common theme running through these definitions is one of balance, therefore the true definition of Hatha Yoga is perfect body balance. Our classes strive to achieve that balance. If an obese student takes up Hatha Yoga, he or she will become thin. Unhealthy students, if they persevere in their practice, become healthy. Yogis who begin practicing in a healthy state maintain their physical health. Hatha Yoga is the perfect vehicle for physical, mental, and spiritual development. We offer 1.5 hour classes each day and private lessons at other times are available by prior arrangement.

Schedule of daily classes:

February 15-October 14: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
October 15-February 14: 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Meditation:

Meditating has been shown to have great benefits for those suffering from mental disturbances such as stress, depression, and addiction. Guru leads the class through an hour long meditation session, providing instruction in proper techniques to quiet the mind and restore the body to a normal, healthy state.

Combined Hatha Yoga and Meditation:

For those who wish to perform both Yoga and meditation, Guru offers a 2.5 hour class that begins with a one-hour walking meditation from 7 to 8 a.m., followed by a 1.5 hour Hatha Yoga class.

Annapurna Yoga Ashram Group Yoga class

Home Stay/Yogic Cleansing/Detox Program:

If you are tired of the typical vacation that focuses on visiting top tourist sights but never makes a connection with local people, why not consider a home stay with Guru’s family. The Dhakal family lives in the tourist area of Lakeside, in a typical Nepali home that is far enough away from the main street to be extremely quiet but a ten minute walk to all the action. Their house has available four private bedrooms, each with a private bathroom with a Western toilet (two have bathtubs). Three of the bedrooms have a double bed plus a twin, thus can sleep three people. The fourth has only a double bed, accommodating two guests. All accommodations offer high quality linens and spring water is included free of charge. Guests spend time and eat with the family, during which they learn about traditional Nepali life, food, customs, and language. Two programs of home-stay are available:

1) A Yogic Cleansing and a Detox Program: Includes accommodations, two Yogic meals each day prepared by Guru’s wife, Saraswoti, who many claim is one of the best Nepali cooks in the world (Sara will be happy to show you how to prepare some of the family’s favorite dishes). Also included are a morning walk; daily Yoga class; and meditation/mantra chanting.

2) A Detox Program: Includes accommodations, morning walk, Yoga class, and meditation/mantra chanting, however meals for this program include fruit and juice in the morning and evening vegetable soups. Detox teas are available throughout the day and are highly encouraged as they assist in the cleansing process. Additionally, participants in both programs have the opportunity to take colonic therapy with a Colema Board, a highly efficient system that flushes the colon with a solution of water mixed with additives such as honey, garlic, and other herbs.

Half-Day Yoga Program:

Not staying at Annapurna Yoga Ashram? Guru has designed a special program just for you. This half-day program begins with a walking meditation from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., followed by Hatha Yoga from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The program is concluded with breakfast, cooked by Guru’s wife, Saraswoti, and shared in their family kitchen.

Spiritual Hiking:

Very few places in the world offer more stunning scenery than Nepal and Yogic Hiking provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine Yoga with this incredible natural beauty. We leave at first light for secluded areas near Pokhara that offer a connection with nature. Guru leads participants in pranayama (breathing), Yoga asanas, and meditation for approximately 1.5 hours; the entire Spiritual Hike takes about four hours.

Yogic Trekking:

Yogic Treks lasting from two to seven days combine the Yogic Hike with a truly unique cultural experience. We trek to villages around Pokhara, staying in a different ethnic community each night. Pranayama and asanas start each morning and end each evening, with ample time in-between to learn about local castes, customs, and to enjoy the local food of each ethnic group. Walking meditation happens on the trail, with places of great beauty along the way providing stops for sitting meditation. A portion of the fees are donated to schools in each of the villages visited.

Yoga Guru Narayan Dhakal during a Spiritual Hike near Pokhara, Nepal

Massage:

Specializing in Ayurvedic massage combined with Acupressure. Ayurvedic treatment provides natural remedies for conditions ranging from headaches, muscle strains, joint problems, body pain, nervous conditions, and sleeplessness, among other complaints. Oils are infused with local natural herbs designed to treat the specific condition of the client. Massage sessions of 30, 60, and 90 minutes are conducted by therapists trained and certified in the above techniques. Ayurvedic massage training is also available upon request.

Honey Therapy/Facials:

Honey is one of the most powerful natural substances known to man. It has anti-viral properties and has been called a “perfect food.” Gathered from local hives and brought directly to the massage table, this perfect substance is used for both full-body massages and facials. It draws out the toxins while softening the skin; daily honey facials can even soften or eliminate wrinkles, though it is crucial to remain in a resting position with eyes closed while the honey is absorbing into the face. Honey colonics/enemas are also available and are a proven remedy for constipation. Honey and lemon mixed with hot water is an excellent remedy for colds, headaches, and excess weight; while honey-infused lukewarm milk assists in weight gain.

Water Therapy:

Guru uses his extensive knowledge of healing local herbs and plants, combined with an infusion foot or hip bath, to remove muscle pain and restore balance to the joints.

Reiki:

A Japanese form of hands-on healing designed to move energy through the body, removing blockages and restoring the natural healthy energetic flow.

Traditional Nepali Cooking Course:

Learn how to prepare traditional Nepali yogic dishes (vegetarian) with Saraswoti. Courses are approximately two hours in length, conducted in the morning, after which you share the meal with the family. All equipment and supplies provided. Choose a one-day course or learn more recipes over multiple days.