Bodhidham
Transformative Traditional Yoga Course

Transformative Traditional Yoga Course

Duration21 days
SessionsMeditation
FocusHatha Yoga
What this retreat is

A complete reset, without leaving Pokhara

The Transformative Traditional Yoga Course is Bodhidham's 21-day residential immersion for those who want to live yoga as a complete spiritual practice, not only on the mat, but woven into how you wake, breathe, eat, rest, and sleep. Set in the quiet Himalayan village of Ghachowk, the course is rooted in classical Hatha Yoga and built around two daily meditation rituals that give every day its shape: a guided morning meditation taken after your shower, before breakfast, and before the noise of the day begins, and a guided sleep meditation each evening that brings the body and mind into conscious rest. 

Around these two rhythms, you practise Hatha Yoga, pranayama, mantra, and yogic philosophy, supported by organic farm meals, a small group of no more than eight students, and the deep stillness of a Himalayan ashram. This is yoga lived as a yogic way of life, a path that gently awakens your inner spirit and draws you closer to the divinity within. You leave not with a theory of yoga, but with a living practice and a spiritual rhythm you have already followed for three weeks.

WHY A TRANSFORMATIVE TRADITIONAL YOGA COURSE?

  • Deep Grounding in Classical Hatha Yoga: A focus on traditional Hatha Yoga, with steady postures, breath awareness, and deep physical release, rather than fast-paced flows.

  • Dedicated Meditation Rhythms: Structured daily meditation, a fresh morning practice soon after waking, and a calming session right before sleep, so the day begins and ends in stillness.

  • A Yogic Way of Life: A curriculum built around spirituality, self-inquiry, and inner growth, so that yoga becomes a daily lifestyle and not only physical exercise.

  • Awakening the Spirit: Practices that gently turn you inward, toward stillness, self-knowledge, and a felt sense of the divinity within.

  • Intimate and Supportive Setting: A small group that allows for personal mentorship, emotional safety, and genuine connection with experienced teachers.

  • Authentic Himalayan Tradition: Teachings rooted in the ancient wisdom of the Rishikesh and Himalayan lineages, lived as a path of spiritual awakening.

Daily plan

Your week, spelled out

The shape of every day at Bodhidham is the same as it has been for over a decade.

Day by day

open any day for the full schedule
  1. Day Week 1 — Grounding and Release

    The first week is about arriving and letting go. You settle into the rhythm of ashram life, learn the foundations of Hatha yoga and meditation, and begin to release the tension and noise you carried in with you. The body softens, sleep deepens, and the constant chatter of the mind starts to quieten.

  2. Day Week 2 — Deepening and Awakening

    In the second week, you go deeper. Your Hatha practice grows stronger and more refined, your meditations grow longer and steadier, and pranayama begins to shift how your energy feels. Through philosophy and self-inquiry, you begin to see your own patterns clearly, and the inward, spiritual side of the practice starts to awaken.

  3. Day Week 3 — Integration and Renewal

    The final week is about integration. With a calm body and a quieter mind, you practise with ease, spend time in reflection and stillness, and gather what you have learned into a way of living. The aim is to carry this clarity, calm, and connection to spirit back into your everyday life.

Retreat Overview

The Bodhidham Transformative Traditional Yoga Course is a residential immersion created for those who want to experience yoga as a daily way of living, a rhythm that supports the body, steadies the mind, and awakens the spirit in everyday life.

The practice is rooted in classical Hatha Yoga and supported by two daily meditation rituals. Each morning begins with guided meditation before breakfast and before the distractions of the day begin. Each evening closes with guided sleep meditation, allowing the body to relax, the breath to settle, and the mind to enter rest with awareness.

Around these two daily anchors, you practise Hatha Yoga, pranayama, mantra, yogic philosophy, mindful reflection, and a simple yogic lifestyle. Organic farm meals, peaceful surroundings, small-group learning, and the Himalayan atmosphere all support the deeper intention of the course: transformation and spiritual awakening through consistency, silence, breath, and daily practice, drawing you closer to the divinity within.

This course is not about collecting a certificate. It is about something more personal and lasting: a daily yoga and meditation practice, and a yogic way of life, that you have already lived for three weeks and can continue with confidence when you return home.

Your Daily Rhythm

The shape of each day is part of the transformation. It is steady, gentle, and unhurried, and it carries you inward.

  • Early morning: Wake before sunrise. A fresh shower to cleanse and awaken the body.
  • Morning meditation: Sit in stillness as the light comes up over the mountains. Beginning the day in silence, turned toward your inner spirit, changes the whole day.
  • Yogic cleansing and breathwork: Gentle practices to clear the body and steady the energy.
  • Hatha yoga practice: A traditional Hatha session to open and strengthen the body with care.
  • Breakfast: A warm, organic meal from the farm, eaten slowly.
  • Midday: Yoga philosophy, self-inquiry, and quiet self-study, followed by rest.
  • Meditation before sleep: The day closes as it began, in stillness, letting go of everything before rest.

Who is this course for 

This course is for anyone drawn to yoga as a way of life rather than only a workout. It suits you if you want to deepen your practice, live more spiritually, and awaken to a calmer, more connected version of yourself. It welcomes complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike, because the practice meets you wherever you are.

It is especially suited to those who want a gentle, meditative, and traditional path and who are seeking inner growth and spiritual awakening. If your specific goal is an internationally registered teaching credential, our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is the better route. If your goal is to transform yourself and live yoga fully, this is your course.

Why Bodhidham

Deeply experienced teachers, trained in the classical tradition, bringing decades of dedication, not just instruction, to every session.

  • A genuine lineage. Authentic teaching passed down through tradition, not a packaged programme.
  • A small group. You are truly seen here, with real attention and personal guidance.
  • Clean, sattvic food grown on site to support your transformation.
  • A true mountain setting. A quiet village with clear views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
  • Clean Himalayan air. Pollution-free and calm, far from the noise of the city.
  • Honest and all-inclusive. Everything is taken care of, with your airport pickup included.

Before you arrive, things you should know

  • Visa: Most travellers receive a tourist visa on arrival in Nepal. A standard tourist visa covers this course.
  • Best seasons: Spring and autumn bring the clearest mountain views, though the ashram welcomes students all year.
  • Getting here: Fly into Pokhara, and we will collect you from the airport or bus station for free.
  • What to pack: Comfortable layered clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, and any personal items you need. A simple packing list is sent on booking.
  • Health: No mandatory vaccinations are required, and Pokhara clinics are about 20 minutes away. Please tell us in advance about any health conditions so we can care for you well.

Ready to live yoga as a way of life?

If you feel the pull toward real change and a deeper, more spiritual practice, this quiet Himalayan journey may be exactly what you are looking for. Reach out, and we will help you decide if it is right for you.

Ready to step out of the noise?

Reserve your seat at Bodhidham.

TripAdvisor4.9 ★ from 140+ students

Reviews from our students

★★★★★Google · Verified
Bodhidham is a truly special place. I joined the 200-hour YTT and it was the best decision of my life. Swami Ananda is an extraordinary teacher — knowledgeable, kind, and deeply committed to authentic yoga. The ashram environment, the organic food, the mountain views... everything was perfect. I left with skills, confidence, and a profound inner shift. Highly recommend to anyone serious about yoga.
CT
Christina TreiberGermanyYoga Teacher Training
★★★★★Google · Verified
Attended the Silent Meditation Retreat and it exceeded all expectations. The silence was challenging at first but became deeply nourishing. The structure was perfect — yoga, meditation, philosophy, walks in nature. Swami Ananda's dharma talks were the highlight. I have attended many retreats in India and Europe and Bodhidham stands out for authenticity, warmth, and the incredible natural setting.
JB
Jogi BishwanathNepalYoga Retreats
★★★★★Google · Verified
The 100-hour YTT at Bodhidham was an incredible experience. Despite being shorter than a full 200-hour program, the depth of teaching was remarkable. I learned more about real yoga in 11 days at Bodhidham than in years of studio classes back home. The environment — the village, the mountains, the organic farm, the community — creates the perfect conditions for deep learning. Already planning to return for the 200-hour.
BC
Binaya ChaurasiyaNepalYoga Treks
★★★★★Google · Verified
Bodhidham exceeded all my expectations. The Yoga Trek was an incredible combination of physical challenge, natural beauty, and deep inner practice. Doing yoga at sunrise on Poon Hill with the Annapurna range in front of you is an experience that defies description. The guide was expert and the daily yoga sessions were adapted perfectly to our physical state after trekking. Absolutely magical.
BM
Blue MarinaItalyWellness & Healing
★★★★★Google · Verified
I came in thinking mantra was a bit esoteric. By day four I was chanting on the bus back to the airport. The most practical meditation tool I've ever been given.
ML
Marion LeclercLyon · March 2025Mantra & meditation retreat
★★★★★Google · Verified
I spent 3 weeks doing the 200hr YTT at Bodhidham and it was truly life-changing. The teaching is authentic and deep — not just postures but the full philosophical and spiritual dimension of yoga. The location in Ghachowk is stunning. Waking up every morning to Himalayan views and birdsong sets the perfect tone for practice. The food is delicious and healing. I returned home a different person.
MM
Manvi MishraIndiaYoga Teacher Training
★★★★★Google · Verified
Best retreat experience I've had. The ashram has a beautiful family atmosphere. Teachers are genuinely experienced and caring. The food is outstanding — all organic, freshly prepared, and absolutely delicious. The mountain views are unreal. I came for a 7-day retreat and extended by another week because I didn't want to leave. Will definitely return.
PB
Prakash BhusalNepalYoga Retreats
★★★★★Google · Verified
I came to Bodhidham for the singing bowl and sound healing course and it was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. The instructor's knowledge is encyclopedic — history, technique, therapeutic application, the spiritual dimension. The sessions in the ashram garden at dusk with the Himalayan backdrop were genuinely magical. I left with a professional-level skill and a beautiful Nepali hand-hammered bowl. Unforgettable.
BR
Benoit RidardFranceYoga Treks
★★★★★Google · Verified
I attended the Detox Yoga Retreat and felt genuinely renewed by the end of the 7 days. The Ayurvedic diet, the daily yoga and pranayama, the kriyas, the mountain walks — it all worked together seamlessly to produce a sense of lightness and clarity I haven't felt in years. The teachers are knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely invested in each participant's wellbeing. The ashram is beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend.
LV
Liz VKDBelgiumWellness & Healing
★★★★★TripAdvisor · Verified
I'd tried Vipassana once and struggled. Mantra gave me something for the mind to do — the first time concentration felt accessible rather than a test I was failing.
KT
Kei TanakaTokyo · September 2025Mantra & meditation retreat
★★★★★BookYogaRetreats · Verified
The two nights of silence landed me somewhere I haven't been since childhood. Not mystical — just genuinely quiet. Came home unable to small-talk for a week.
SA
Sofia AlvarezBarcelona · January 2026Mantra & meditation retreat
★★★★★Google · Verified
This is the real thing. Not a yoga resort or a wellness hotel, but a genuine ashram with genuine teachers in a genuinely beautiful natural setting. The 300-hour advanced YTT was rigorous, comprehensive, and transformative. Swami Ananda and the team pushed us hard and supported us completely. I left as a significantly more capable and confident teacher. Best professional development investment I have ever made.
JV
Joy Victoria WagnerUSA
Pricing & what’s included

Everything in. Nothing hidden.

Every plan includes sessions, sattvic meals, accommodation and free Pokhara pickup. Pick the room that fits you.

Shared / Couple

Sharing room

1300per person
  • Best for couples & solo travellers
  • Twin beds, shared bath
Reserve sharing →
Single

Private room

1400per person
  • Quiet, south-facing rooms
  • Private bath, hot water
Reserve private →
Group booking
Contact usfor a custom quote
  • Special group discounts
  • Flexible dates & rooms
WhatsApp us →

All-inclusive of stay, three sattvic meals, every session and free pickup from Pokhara airport or bus park. 20% deposit confirms your seat.

Cost includes & excludes

2 included·2 excluded

Included in your fee

  • Package Inclusion
  • 20 nights of accommodation in a clean, comfortable roomThree organic, sattvic vegetarian meals a day, mostly from our own farmHerbal tea with every mealHot water 24 hours a day, and regular fresh linens and towelsAll your yoga, meditation, and philosophy sessionsCourse materialsA certificate of completion at the end of the courseFree pickup from Pokhara airport or bus stationWeekly excursions to caves, temples, waterfalls, and mountain villagesKirtan and cultural eveningsWi-Fi on campus

Not included

  • Package Exclusion
  • International and domestic airfare to/from PokharaNepal entry visa feesPersonal expensesTravel and medical/emergency evacuation insuranceTips and gratuities for guide and driverAny extra activities, side trips, or optional therapies outside the fixed itinerary
The teaching team

Taught by 3 Yogis

  • Swami
    SwamiFounder & Spiritual Head
  • Deepika
    DeepikaYoga & Anatomy Teacher
  • Ratheesh
    RatheeshGuest Yoga Teacher
Why Bodhidham

Why choose Bodhidham?

  • i.Traditional lineage-based teaching from experienced yogis
  • ii.Family Environment
  • iii.Organic food grown on a local farm.
  • iv.Away from the city. At the height of 1320 m, Ghachowk Village.
  • v.Pollution-Free Location, Best AQI.
  • vi.In a lap of the holy mountain, Machhapuchhre.
Bank details & booking

How to reserve your seat.

To confirm your booking, a 20% advance of the total program fee is required. The remaining 80% is due on arrival, before the program begins.

Bank transfer

Primary account (EUR/USD)
Bank
Nepal bank — details shared on enquiry
Account name
Bodhidham Yoga School and Spiritual Retreat
Account number
Provided on booking confirmation
SWIFT
Provided on booking confirmation
Branch
Pokhara, Nepal

Exact bank details are shared by WhatsApp/email once your dates are confirmed.

Before you book

Frequently asked

Is this a yoga teacher training, and can I teach after it?

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This is a deep, traditional immersion, and you finish it genuinely knowledgeable, with a strong foundation and the understanding to share yoga and step onto the path of teaching. Please note that the course is not affiliated with Yoga Alliance, so it is not a Yoga Alliance-registered teacher training. If you specifically need an internationally registered teaching credential (an RYT), our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is the right course for that.

Do I need any yoga experience?

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None at all. This course welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners. The Hatha practice is gentle and is adjusted to meet you where you are, so you can never be "behind."

What style of yoga is taught?

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The practice is traditional Hatha yoga throughout, the gentle and meditative path. This course does not include the vigorous Ashtanga series, by design, so that the body stays calm and the mind stays quiet for the inner and spiritual work.

How much meditation is there?

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Meditation is the heart of the course. You meditate every morning after your shower, as the day begins, and again every night before sleep. This daily rhythm of stillness is what gently awakens the spirit and makes the experience so deeply transformative.

Is the food suitable for special diets?

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Yes. All meals are organic and vegetarian. We can arrange vegan options when you let us know in advance.

Is it safe and suitable for solo travellers, including women?

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Yes. Many of our students travel alone. Our small, caring community, peaceful setting, and free airport pickup mean you are looked after from the moment you arrive.

Our kitchen

Three sattvic meals, mostly from the farm.

All meals at Bodhidham are organic, freshly prepared and vegetarian, following Sattvic (yogic) dietary principles. Breakfast includes oats, fruits and herbal teas. Lunch is the main meal, dal bhat with seasonal vegetables.

Dinner is lighter with soups, bread or rice with vegetables. Special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies), accommodated with advance notice.

  • Herbal Tea: Provided With Each Meal.
  • Source: Mostly own organic farm
  • Meals: Three a day, included
  • Special diets: Vegan & gluten-free on request
Three sattvic meals,Three sattvic meals,Three sattvic meals,Three sattvic meals,
Around Bodhidham

Ashram premises and Accommodation

We offer you both private and twin sharing rooms by allowing you to choose what best suits for your comfort and budget.

Guided by the principle that cleanliness is next to godliness, our rooms are kept clean, simple, and comfortable with all basic amenities provided.

  • Hot Water: 24/7 hot water is available in the bathrooms.
  • Beds: Bedsheets and towels are changed regularly.
  • Toiletreies: Basic toiletries are provided by the Ashram.
  • Room: Rooms are cleaned routinely to maintain a peaceful and hygienic living space.
Ashram premises andAshram premises andAshram premises and
Know before you arrive

The practical side of it.

A few honest notes before you book. Most students fly into Kathmandu and either fly or bus to Pokhara, and we collect you from the airport or the bus park, free.

Visa

Visa on arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan) for 80+ nationalities. USD 30 (15 days) / 50 (30 days) / 125 (90 days). Bring 2 passport photos and USD cash.

Best season

September to November and February to May are the clearest. Monsoon (June to August) is quieter and often better priced. We run year-round.

What to bring

Modest yoga clothes, warm layer (mornings are cool), refillable water bottle, journal. Mat, blanket and bolster are provided.

Health

No mandatory vaccines. If on prescription medication, bring a supply. Pokhara has good clinics; we are 20 minutes from the city hospital.