Authentic Practice, Not Fitness Trends
Traditional Indian Yoga
We teach yoga as it was developed in India over thousands of years - not the modern fitness adaptations common in Western studios and tourist areas.
What Is "Traditional" Yoga?
In the West and in commercialized tourist destinations, "yoga" often means physical exercise - fitness classes with Sanskrit names. You stretch, you sweat, maybe there's ambient music and candles. This is fine for fitness, but it's not yoga as developed in India over 5,000 years.
Traditional yoga is a complete system for human development. Physical postures (asana) are just one of eight limbs. Equal importance is given to breath work (pranayama), ethical living (yama/niyama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ultimately samadhi.
Our instructors trained in India at traditional ashrams - not weekend certification programs. They bring authentic guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student transmission) to every class. This is what makes us different from tourist-oriented yoga centers.
Modern Fitness Yoga vs. Traditional Practice
Modern "Yoga" (Fitness Focus)
- •Physical exercise primary, spiritual aspect minimal or absent
- •Emphasis on flexibility, strength, burning calories
- •Music, temperature control, mirrors, props-heavy
- •Little or no breath work (pranayama)
- •Brief or no meditation component
- •Philosophy rarely discussed
- •Instructors often have weekend certifications
- •Goal: physical fitness, stress relief
Traditional Yoga (Complete System)
- ✓Asana is one part of eight-limbed path
- ✓Emphasis on alignment, awareness, breath integration
- ✓Simple environment supports internal focus
- ✓Pranayama integral part of every practice
- ✓Meditation woven throughout and taught separately
- ✓Philosophy discussed: Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita
- ✓Instructors trained extensively in lineage
- ✓Goal: self-realization, consciousness development
Both have value - fitness yoga is fine for exercise. But if you came to Nepal seeking authentic practice, the traditional approach is what transforms.
What We Teach
Classical Hatha Yoga
The foundation of all physical yoga practice. Hatha means "sun-moon" (ha-tha), representing the balance of energies. We teach classical postures with proper alignment, held with awareness and breath. Not flowing through poses quickly - staying, breathing, observing.
Includes: Standing poses, seated poses, inversions, backbends, twists, forward folds. Emphasis on foundation before advanced postures.
Ashtanga Vinyasa
The dynamic system developed by Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, based on teachings from Krishnamacharya. Set sequences with breath-synchronized movement (vinyasa). Builds heat, strength, and flexibility. We teach the traditional primary series with proper foundations.
Includes: Sun salutations, standing series, seated series, finishing sequence. Students progress at their own pace within the system.
Pranayama (Breath Work)
Prana means life force; yama means control. Pranayama practices regulate breath and energy in the body. This is crucial for meditation readiness and overall vitality. Our clean mountain air location makes pranayama especially effective.
Includes: Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril), Kapalabhati (skull shining breath), Ujjayi (victorious breath), Bhramari (bee breath), breath retention (kumbhaka).
Meditation & Philosophy
Yoga without meditation is incomplete. We teach various meditation techniques suitable for different temperaments. Philosophy classes explore the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, introduction to Bhagavad Gita, and the eight limbs of yoga. Context deepens practice.
Includes: Breath-focused meditation, body scan, mantra meditation, trataka (candle gazing), yoga nidra (yogic sleep), study of classical texts.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline the complete yoga path. Asana (postures) is only the third limb. Traditional yoga includes all eight.
Yama
Ethical restraints: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, non-possessiveness
Niyama
Observances: cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, surrender
Asana
Physical postures - most of Western "yoga" focuses here exclusively
Pranayama
Breath control - regulating prana (life force) through breathing practices
Pratyahara
Sense withdrawal - turning attention inward, away from external stimuli
Dharana
Concentration - one-pointed focus, prerequisite for meditation
Dhyana
Meditation - sustained concentration, unbroken flow of awareness
Samadhi
Absorption - state of oneness, the goal of yoga practice
Our teacher training program covers all eight limbs in depth. Regular classes integrate these principles into practice.
Lineage Matters
In traditional yoga, knowledge is passed from teacher to student (guru-shishya parampara). This transmission includes not just techniques but understanding, corrections, and adjustments that only direct teaching provides. Our instructors trained at established ashrams in India including Rishikesh, Mysore, and Bihar School of Yoga. This isn't about credentials on paper - it's about years of immersive practice and study with realized teachers. They bring this depth to your practice.
What Our Students Say
Verified reviews from real students
121 reviews
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Marcel Noack
Germany
Just pay a visit and you will understand why this place is special. Authentic yoga teachings, peaceful environment, and wonderful hosts. A hidden gem in Pokhara.
Yoga RetreatLee Seung-hun
South Korea
The best yoga class in this city. With teachers who has warm heart.
Drop-in ClassesTove Eklund
Sweden
Such a wonderful and empowering experience. Dedicated, hospitable and knowledgeable leaders. Clean and cozy facilities. Tasty and healthy food.
Yoga RetreatLise Crauwels
Belgium
Really nice spot to stay some days in Pokhara in between trekkings. Lovely yoga classes from Deepika 2 times a day. Oasis of peace with little garden in the center of Pokhara near the lakeside.
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Come discover what yoga really is. Traditional practice with authentic instruction in the heart of the Himalayas.