Best Yoga Training in Nepal – Trusted & Certified

Day-dreaming of Nepal conjures up visions of snow capped Himalayan peaks, rural villages nestled on hillsides and colorful prayer flags swaying on the breeze. It is this combination of the wonder of nature and peaceful culture that make Nepal a serene and spiritual destination for yoga. Recent years have seen the growing popularity of yoga training in Nepal, but how do you choose between the growing number of courses on offer? And how do you pick which training provider to use?

The increasing number of courses means that picking a trusted provider, that runs certified programs, is becoming more and more important, so we hope this article will help guide you through some of the main things to think about. And, obviously, if at the end of it all you choose to study with us, we would be delighted!

Why Nepal is Ideal for Yoga Training

Staring up at the mountains, drinking in Nepal’s natural beauty, you cannot help but be humbled by the wonder of nature. It makes Nepal a perfect environment for meditation and mindfulness.

But above this, it is the historical and cultural significance of yoga in the Himalayan region that makes yoga courses in Nepal so special. Yoga originated in the Himalayan region over 5000 years ago, and studying with the same sacred land beneath your feet, where sages have found enlightenment, in a country where it’s ancient spiritual practices are so deeply intertwined with the culture, creates an immersive and unparalleled experience.

It also cannot be overlooked that yoga retreats in Nepal provide high-quality training options at affordable costs, without the eye-watering price tag of many other yoga courses worldwide.

Key Features of Yoga Training Programs in Nepal

A quick search on the internet for yoga teacher training in Nepal, or yoga courses in Nepal shows there is a wide range of yoga certification in Nepal, but what are the key features of the courses on offer? and what is the difference between Sanatan yoga or Hatha yoga or Ashtanga yoga or Kundalini yoga?

The three most popular yoga teacher training certificates in Nepal are the 200-hour, 300-hour, 500-hour programs. The obvious difference is the number of hours of the course, but there is crucially also a difference in the depth and level of expertise:

The 200-hour training course provides the foundational certification to become a yoga teacher. It covers basic anatomy, philosophy, asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork), meditation, teaching methodology, and basic adjustments. This level is aimed at anyone, from beginners onwards, and provides the essential tools for teaching yoga. Even if you have no intention or desire to teach, this course provides a chance to deepen your understanding and practice of yoga, as a holistic lifestyle practice, within the structure provided by the 200-hour teacher training program.

The 300-hour training course is an advanced course for those who have already completed a 200-hour certification. The 200-hour and 300-hour certifications combined create the 500-hour certificate. The 300-hour course builds on foundational knowledge, offering deeper insights into anatomy, advanced asanas (postures), pranayama (breath work), and yoga philosophy. It refines teaching techniques and often specializes in particular styles of yoga.

The 500-hour training course combines both the 200-hour and 300-hour training courses, so the courses run one after another, with no break in-between. It’s a course for those seeking to both start their teaching journey, as well as deepening their practice and skills to a senior level. This advanced training offers all the aspects listed above in both the 200-hour and 300-hour courses.

If you are short on time, or are looking for a yoga vacation, then we here at Nepal Yoga Academy, as well as many other yoga ashrams in Nepal or yoga retreats in Nepal can also offer shorter courses or retreats that provide less in-depth, but no less immersive, experiences which cover aspects of the courses listed above.

Types of Yoga

Whichever type of course you want to pursue, the yoga courses in Nepal tend to focus on traditional yogic teachings, including Sanatan yoga, Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga and Kundalini yoga. Understanding a little bit about the different types of yoga will be useful in deciding which course provider most aligns with what you want to get out of the course, so it is always worth doing a little research in advance, but here is a brief overview:

• Sanatan yoga: Is considered as one of the oldest forms of yoga. ‘Sanatan’ means ‘eternal’ or ‘timeless’ in Sanskrit, the name emphasizes the importance that yoga is a lifelong pursuit. This form of yoga focuses on a holistic approach, balancing physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga. It incorporates aspects of Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga and Kundalini yoga. This is the type of yoga offered by us at the Nepal Yoga Academy.
• Hatha yoga: ‘Hatha’ means ‘force’ in Sanskrit, and indicates that this form of yoga focuses on asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath work), linking both the forces of controlling the breath and the body.
• Ashtanga yoga: ‘Ashtanga’ means ‘eight limbs’ in Sanskrit, and indicates that this type of yoga focuses on the ‘eight limbs’ of yoga’ which includes physical movement with the breath, but the asanas (postures) are often more dynamic than in Hatha yoga.
• Kundalini yoga: The word ‘Kundalini’ directly translates to ‘snake’ in Sanskrit and refers to the coiled energy at the base of the spine. This type of yoga therefore focuses on releasing and awakening energies within the body. This is done by using asanas (postures), chanting and pranayama (breath work) as well as having a spiritual focus.

What to Look for in a Trusted Yoga Training Program

It is recommended that when choosing a yoga training program in Nepal, you pick one that is accredited (for example, by the Yoga Alliance), as this indicates the yoga course has been recognized and approved as a teacher training program (meaning your qualification will be recognized in countries other than Nepal). It means that the course has minimum standards of quality and content.

Also ensure the course is taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. Do your research. Look out for positive reviews and testimonials – social media is great for this. There should also be transparency in pricing and program structure. And if you have any doubts or questions, reach out – give the provider a call or message them. Here at Nepal Yoga Academy we are always more than happy to have a chat and talk through any queries you may have.

Top Yoga Teacher Training Programs in Nepal

There are many programs for  yoga teacher training in Nepal, and we know there are a few that tick the boxes relating to course type, accreditation, experience and positive reviews so how do you pick between!?! We wanted to try and show what it is that makes us all different:

• Nepal Yoga Academy – We might be biased, but we have many reasons why we think you would love to complete your yoga training with us and you can take a read about why you should choose Nepal Yoga Academy. But here we wanted to let you know about a couple of the more unique things. We love our location, we are about 1.5 hours away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu – It’s close enough to visit for a day trip but far enough away to escape it’s noise! Our purpose built accommodation, modern yoga studio and light-filled dining room enjoy views down the valley. Our garden terrace is a little sun-trap where you can breathe in the fresh air, away from the city. And we have an ethos revolving around learning and growing, rather than pure business – think of us as the smallest University in the world! We love to foster a nurturing environment where our students, and us, can share yogic knowledge and learning. Seeing our students from around the world develop their practice and understanding of a holistic approach to yoga during their time with us is a true gift. If you want to know more about why we think you should Contact us.
• Himalayan Yoga Academy – Good friends of ours, the Himalayan Yoga Academy provide a range of unique offerings (as well as the popular ones we all provide) such as yoga therapy, yoga for different stages of life such as children or seniors, and yoga for weight loss or stress relief.
• Yogmandu – Our friends at Yogmandu offer the usual yoga training courses, but also offer the chance to complete the training on a non-residential basis. They also specialize in weekly classes and online classes.
• Other Notable Programs – Nepal Yoga Home, a big yoga center offering a huge range of courses and retreats including the usual courses, plus specialist courses in Reiki, Meditation and Ayurveda. Great for those who love the energy and shared learning of larger classes and groups. Pokhara Yoga School and Retreat Centre, based out of Pokhara they offer the usual range of certified courses, as well as specific meditation and sound healing classes.

Benefits of Yoga Training in Nepal

Yoga training in Nepal offers an immersive and authentic experience, in a country where yoga and yogic culture are interwoven with the soul of the land and it’s people. It provides a rare opportunity to access experienced gurus and teachers who are specialists in both the physical asana, and also the mental, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga – the latter three being rare specialisms to find in yoga courses provided by the rest of the world.

Not to mention, Dr. Chintamani Gautam Yoga guru in Nepal having a deep in-depth knowledge of the Sanskrit language and the ancient texts upon which yoga is derived. By choosing to complete your yoga certification in Nepal you will have a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. It also allows you to combine your yoga training with some of the most impressive travel and exploration opportunities in, not just the Himalayas or Nepal, but in the whole world.

Cost and Accommodation Options

The price for yoga teacher training in Nepal, or yoga courses in Nepal, vary greatly and range anywhere from $500 – $3000 (USD) depending on the type of course, your choice of accommodation and whether you choose a course that is budget friendly or a luxury option. With such a huge difference in prices we know that cost is an important factor, and you will no doubt want to make sure you are not paying over the odds.

As a helpful guide, a mid-range 200-hour yoga teacher training course in Nepal, tends to cost between $1200 – $1800 (USD) per person. The main cost difference is whether you decide you want a single occupancy room, or are prepared to get to know your course-mates a lot better in a shared room.

During your stay you will also want to ensure you are nourished with delicious vegetarian meals – Most yoga retreats in Nepal will provide this, but if you have any special dietary requirements it is recommended that you speak to the provider in advance to ensure this can be accommodated. We also recommend checking the reviews from previous students to see if there are any comments about the food provided. Here at Nepal Yoga Academy we know our students love the food provided by our dedicated kitchen staff and we are happy to accommodate any special dietary requirements. Many of our students are happy to attend a vegetarian yoga training course or a vegan yoga training program.

Here at Nepal Yoga Academy we offer spa facilities, such as massage and sauna to soothe your tired body after the hours of hard work in asana practice. And if you’re into day-trips and excursions, we also offer these on your off days. We know some of the other professional providers also offer similar, so be sure you find a provider that offers these extras if this is an important aspect of your trip to Nepal.

Testimonials from Past Participants

A really important aspect of your research, before you decide on which provider you choose, is reading through stories and reviews from previous students who have completed their yoga teacher training in Nepal. We would also recommend paying attention to what previous students have said about the impact of the training on their personal and professional lives. Social media is useful here in finding reviews and the experience of past students.

Providers should also do some of this hard work for you and include personal testimonials on their own website. Again, reach out and speak to the provider if you’d like to know more, they should be able to point you in the direction of previous students who are willing to give you a first hand insight into the course, the training, the teachers, the accommodation and all the nitty-gritty that you want to know before signing up. Contact us at Nepal Yoga Academy, or have a look at the student testimonials on our website, if you have any queries or would like to know more from our previous students.

Tips for Planning Your Yoga Training in Nepal

As a mountainous country, the temperature and weather in Nepal can vary greatly depending on the seasons, so be sure you book your yoga course in Nepal  for the time of year that most suits your preference – You might prefer yoga in the heat where you can stretch in the warmth of the sun, or you might prefer watching the misty sunrise over the mountains with your morning meditation on the cooler days, or listening to the rain patter on the roof to create the soundtrack to your pranayama (breath work) during the rainy season – The choice is yours.

Knowing what to expect in relation to the temperature and weather will help you decide what essentials you will need to pack for your stay – light layers and sunscreen, or an extra jumper and a warm scarf. In terms of other essentials to pack, we, along with some of the other professional course providers will give you all the books and stationery you need for your yoga teacher training course, but if you are doing a shorter course or opting for a more budget option, these may not be included.

Make sure you know what is provided before you book. Likewise, check if all meals, snacks and of course, the all important yoga tea are included, if not, you may want to pack a few extras to keep you going between meal times. It’s also advisable to make the most of the full length of your tourist visa, and add some days of travel to the beginning or end of your yoga training course. Here at Nepal Yoga Academy we are located between the Everest region and the Annapurna region, which are both perfect areas for trekking, either before or after your stay with us.

Conclusion

We know there are multiple yoga courses, yoga teacher training programs and yoga retreats offered all over the world, but if you are looking for an authentic and immersive experience with knowledgeable instructors, in a country where yoga is as much a part of the culture as the beauty of it’s nature, then Nepal is for you. There are many affordable options available, with varying levels of accommodation and a diverse range of optional extras, such as spa facilities and excursions, but be sure to check out the food on offer and whether the all important tea-break is included in the schedule!

There are a wide range of courses on offer to suit every desire, some focusing on one specific type of yoga and others providing a more well-rounded holistic approach. Be sure to pick a trusted, accredited provider with positive student testimonials who are willing to answer your questions. So if you want to get to know more about us at Nepal Yoga Academy, or chat through any queries you may have, please get in touch. We very much hope to welcome you to our yoga training courses in Nepal very soon.