Fire on the Mountain
15-Day Yoga, Trekking & Culture Adventure in Nepal
Everest–Gokyo Lakes Region
October 24 - November 7, 2026
Finale: Diwali (Light festival)
IGNITE your practice.
REFINE your mind.
connect to culture.
October 24 - November 7, 2026
Your personal expedition to Ease, steadiness, and capacity
Join likeminded humans as we step off the beaten track into the Gokyu Lakes Region of the High Himalayas for a carefully crafted journey of movement, myth, art, and mountain culture. Hike higher, deepen your yoga & functional strength, grow your capacity and cultivate your best qualities through applied philosophy and myth-rooted Yoga poses inspired by the living temple culture of Kathmandu. Ascend to the Everest region, and arrive back from the Trek a new person, to experience Tihar (the festival of lights) along with the local community.
Yoga & Functional strength immersion (+ workbook)—guided Inn-to-Inn Hiking with daypack — luggage carried by Sherpas — food and indoor lodging in teahouses—Nepali hospitality & comfortable hotel stays.
⚡️ Earlybird Price Ends April 21
Fire on the Mountain is a fully guided 15-day Himalayan journey blending a full strength-based yoga program & functional movement, breathwork, meditation training, cultural and philosophy immersion, with high-altitude hiking. This combination exists nowhere else in the world.
Imagine saying yes to a new adventure —led by a master Yoga teacher trainer and movement coach and her mountain guide team—where you get to test, and up-level your Yoga poses, grow your physical, mental, and breath capacity on real terrain, and experience applied mythology and philosophy through movement training, readings, inner work, and flow.
Now imagine training alongside other like-minded, culture-curious humans, some Yogis, some everyday athletes all here to get better at being HUMAN and empowering their communities.
Every day you are nourished by Nepali chai and cuisine, training with an expert so you can focus on refinement in one of the most colorful and spectacular places in the world — Nepal and the High Himalayas, off-the- beaten track!
Imagine your journey in full color:
Our Nepal 15 Day Yoga, Strength & Culture Trek starts and ends with 2 days in Kathmandu with excursions to Patan, calibrating your nervous system through yoga, elevation-prep & recovery training, orientation sessions. We will also contextualize our Yoga through cultural explorations at significant sites like Durbar Square and the Monkey Temple. Our Hotel Thamel is a trusted oasis in the bustling heart of town, and the concluding two nights are at the high-end Hotel Malla for more pampering.
You will then ignite your strength and steadiness on a challenging but well-paced 10-day trek (including two rest days along the way) from lodge to lodge, through the high-altitude Gokyo Lakes region, framed by panoramic views of Mount Everest and neighboring 8,000-meter peaks. Every eventuality on the mountain is planned for and rehearsed by trek leader Dinesh & his team.
Return to Kathmandu with a steady inner flame for two restorative days celebrating Nepal’s Festival of Lights (Tihar).
You finally get to practice meditation, poses, breathwork & leg drive in the field, refine your form, train with like-minded people, and understand the “Why” behind stretching and hip mobility drills, the storied background and functional movement potential of peak Yoga poses. Saying YES to yourself will revolutionize your movement and mindfulness practice for good.
Imagine: you take your growth-journey to Nepal and feel more centered & ALIVE than you have in years. This is what is possible for you when you come to a training retreat with Suzanne, and this is only the beginning.
Suzanne has curated this 15 Day Training retreat for her global training community to refine skills, experience a Yoga & culture Immersion & take an adventure with other likeminded humans.
THE TRAINING: Yoga, Movement, Philosophy, Art
The Yoga/Philosophy component of Fire on the Mountain includes
stretch, strength & functional movement for knees, hips & shoulders (geared to hiking)
Yoga poses (Asana)
optional readings from enduring Yoga texts to inspire your transformation
progressive breathwork practice (9 different pranayams) to regulate Oxygen and CO2 levels at high elevation, and
meditation/mindset prompts and discussions.
Each movement, yoga, and stretching session will serve three purposes: 1) empowering you to take care of your spine, hips and shoulders & functional movement on the trek, 2) pose mastery, and 3) embodied philosophy (cultivating inner qualities through your yoga shapes). You will learn how to mine major yoga poses for functional movement benefits AND the purpose of preparing your joints for loaded movement and proper hip engagement on the trek.
Each day, you will hear a different sacred story behind the Yoga poses, and unpack the timeless qualities personified by a changing cast of characters, from Garuda the Eagle (symbolizing speed, protection, and loyalty) to Ganesh (the sweet-loving Elephant who stands for your capacity to remove obstacles) to Durga (a ferocious Goddess not to be messed with), to Shiva, originator of the Warrior Poses, Lord of the Dance (one legged balancing pose) and meditator on the mountain, to Hanuman (zest for life, loyalty, recovery and neuroplasticity), you will draw just what you need to process and proceed on your journey with your fellow adventurers.
For yogis who are working on their advanced poses, there will be inversion labs and opportunities to progress your poses.
Daily journaling prompts and meditation sessions will help you reflect on your life and establish nourishing and natural habits for when you return.
I’ve chosen Kathmandu and Trekking from Hut to Hut in the Himalayas in Nepal because it is the ideal training ground both for endurance from a functional movement and nervous system regulation perspective (while still providing the kind of rustic Hut to Hut experience that we know from the European alps), as well as for its rich cultural intersection of Buddhism and Hinduism and for the storied power of the High Himalayas that originated the practice of Yoga.
If you are looking for Everest Vibes without the noise & crowds of Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, the Gokyu Lakes Trek is the best of both worlds. The Gokyo Lakes trek offers premier Himalayan views, featuring six emerald-green, high-altitude lakes and panoramic, 360-degree vistas from the 5,357-meter Gokyo Ri summit. Key highlights include stunning, close-up views of four 8,000-meter peaks—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—alongside the massive Ngozumpa Glacier.
I also aim to reach my broader global community that I’ve only trained online so far, including yoginis from Germany, the US, and the UK. I also know that my German and American students love a reason to go to Nepal in a way that supports the local economy and pays mountain guides & porters well.
Nepal is a beloved travel destination for Yoga trainees, Adventure Hikers, and Athletes. This is world class training program, and I expect this retreat to sell out!
Are you ready to embark on your Inner Yogi’s Journey of transformation?
As Suzanne guides you to connect with your inner yogi, athlete, and PT, get ready to find a deeper sense of purpose and confidence — both in your training, and in the way you relate to the highs and lows of your life - while connecting with other likeminded humans who are training with similar tools. The Nepal retreat is designed to spring you into the next phase of your movement, yoga, and mindset capacity in 2026/2027 and help you refine your experience for years to come!
This 15-Day Yoga, Trekking & Culture Adventure is designed to…
Take you on an adventure out of your comfort zone & train at your highest level without burnout
Empower you to use yoga poses and their stories to cultivate qualities on your own need-to-know basis
Help you establish a regular & consistent yoga & functional movement training routine that you actually crave!
Flood your brain & body with new movement & mindset techniques that will help you tap into flow state / your ‘higher Self’.
Push your current edge and give you new skills to bring home to practice.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of Nepali sacred stories and philosophy, the tools you can train with, and how they can actually change the way our brain functions (forever!)
Connect with other yogis and everyday athletes/students, developing lifelong friendships
You’ll also learn how to:
Practice the major yoga pose categories including Inversions and handbalancings (modifications provided)
Practice the fundamentals of held poses (Hatha) and breath-based Flow (Vinyasa) (even if you are brand new!)
Become more confident with your self coaching & training.
Connect with other yogis and athletes for partner training & drills
Tap into flow state when you train, for refining your ability to create strength-based ease in your body and mind
Who Comes to Our Retreat:
Open to all levels & all ages
My global Yoga & Strength community is welcome!
People who..
love transformative journeys
Enjoy refining their yoga, functional strength training, and hiking in epic locations
are traveling solo
are Steel Mace Vinyasa fans interested in rotational strength (hiking poles! backpack as load!)
are professionals who want to train & learn in person with Suzanne
are Mid-life adults ready for an epic adventure
& everyone in between!
Chapters 1 and 3
Kathmandu & Patan
Our ‘three chapter’ Adventure begins and ends with a Yoga and Culture immersion in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.
Chapter 1: (the first days on your adventure)
Day 1 & Day 2
Kathmandu is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning ancient architecture, spiritual traditions (Hinduism and Buddhism), vibrant bazaars, and as the gateway to Himalayan treks. We will stroll through the vibrant streets and visit UNESCO World Heritage site Durbar Square with temples to some of the deities that we will be exploring in our daily yoga sessions.
Accommodations: Hotel Thamel is a comfortable neighborhood hotel in the bustling city center, in walking distance to markets and the mythical Durbar Square. Breakfast is included every day.
Daily Yoga & Myth Snapshot:
Day 1: Kathmandu — Beginner’s mind & Meet the Cast. Arrival, Durbar Square & Monkey Temple, orientation, Spinal integration flow.
Days 2–3 — Tara: Courageous Compassion
Gentle yoga, breathwork, and grounding exercises as you step into fearlessness and heart-centered courage(Tara is the female Buddha and bodhisattva in Nepali Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism)
Chapter 3 (the final days of your adventure - back in town)
End: Grand Finale (Day 13 - 15): 5-star hotel, light Fest & art
Returning from the most intense part of our adventure, we will fly into Kathmandu from the High Himalayas. We’ve left extra time at this point in the trip in case the flights are delayed.
The last (two or) three days in Kathmandu will give you the opportunity to recover (2 hour yoga sessions invite recovery based slow flow & calm peak poses), integrate, and solidify the new patterns of transformation (physical and mental) that you’ve built on your journey along with your fellow sojourners.
Accommodations on this last leg of our trip will be at the 5-Star Hotel Malla in Kathmandu where you’ll have the chance to recover and feel pampered. Option to book a massage or spa.
If the return from the Himalayas goes as scheduled, you’ll have the option to join a tour to Patan led by Suzanne Zuber. Patan (Lalitpur), the "City of Fine Arts," is a UNESCO world heritage site. One of oldest cities in the Kathmandu Valley (dating back to the 3rd c. BCE), Patan is known for its medieval architecture and traditional Newari craftsmanship, including metal casting, wood carving, and thanka painting. The Adventure includes a trip to Patan’s royal square and its beautiful art museum housed in a restored 17th-century Malla royal palace. Suzanne will give a brief tour of the artworks and statues where we will meet our cast of deities from our asana practice on the trek, representing a blend of Hindu and Buddhist heritage.
Back in Kathmandu, you’ll walk through the streets and soak in the auspicious Light fest Tihar celebrated by the local residents, honoring their animals and celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
On the last evening, we will have a communal celebration dinner with a Nepali folk dance performance.
Daily Yoga & Myth Snapshot: Letting your Adventure settle
Days 12–13 — Bhairava: Fierce Clarity
Celebrating endurance, and fearless action — stabilizing under challenge.
Days 14–15 — Patan & Tihar — Steady Flame
Integration, celebration, and reflection on your journey; explore Patan Museum and Nepal’s Festival of Lights.
Saturday, November 7th: Last Yoga class at Hotel Malla - departure to airport
Chapter 2: The Big journey to higher elevations
Chapter 2: The Big Journey to High Elevations
The Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes trek is one of the most spectacular journeys in the Himalayas—wild, luminous, and quieter than the classic Everest Base Camp route. After flying into the mountain airstrip of Lukla, the trail winds through Sherpa villages, forests, and suspension bridges before rising above Namche Bazaar into the high alpine landscape of the Gokyo Valley, where turquoise glacial lakes shimmer beneath towering peaks.
At the heart of the journey is Gokyo Ri, a summit viewpoint with one of the most extraordinary panoramas in the world. From its crest, four of the planet’s highest mountains—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu—rise above glaciers and sky-blue lakes. Trekking 4–7 hours a day between welcoming teahouses, we settle into the quiet rhythm of mountain life while practicing yoga and meditation along the way.
Trek Route
KTM – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Dole – Machhermo – Gokyo – Gokyo Ri – Dole – Namche Bazaar – Lukla – KTM
The trek begins with a flight to Lukla and a gentle first day walking to the riverside village of Phakding. From there we climb along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar, the lively Sherpa town where we spend a day acclimatizing with short hikes and mountain views.
Leaving the busier Everest Base Camp trail, the route enters the quieter Gokyo Valley, gradually climbing through forests and open hillsides to the villages of Dole and Machhermo as the landscape becomes increasingly alpine.
The journey culminates at the sacred Gokyo Lakes, a chain of brilliant turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by towering peaks. From our lodge in Gokyo village, an optional early hike to the summit of Gokyo Ri reveals sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After a rest and exploration day, we begin the gradual descent back through the valley to Namche Bazaar and Lukla, following a carefully paced route with steady hiking days and built-in acclimatization.
Detailed itinerary provided upon registration.
Elevation changes:
Day 1: +4000 ft (flight from Kathmandu to Lukla)
Day 2:
Daily Rhythm:
Each day on the trek follows a gentle mountain rhythm of movement, practice, nourishment, and community.
Yoga is often practiced outdoors with mountain views, usually before lunch when the sun is warm and the body is ready to stretch after the morning hike. Sessions focus on mobility, functional strength, and recovery for trekking.
For those who wish, there is also an optional early morning sadhana before breakfast — quiet stretching, breathwork, and meditation as the mountains wake up.
Yoga times shift with the weather and trekking schedule, but there is always space for a short dharma conversation — a chance to reflect on the archetypes, sacred stories, and lessons emerging from the journey and from our workbook with excerpts from major Yogic texts..
Daily Yoga & Myth Snapshot on your Trek: the Yogi’s Journey
Days 4–6: Durga — Protective Fire, lower body strength & core stability
Days 5–8: Annapurna — Grounded Feminine Strength, endurance & nourishment
Days 7–8: Shiva — Ascetic Fire, stillness & posterior chain endurance
Days 8–9: Hanuman — Devotion in Motion, dynamic core & explosive strength
Days 10–11: Garuda — Winged Fire, balance, posterior chain & perspective
Teahouse Life in the Himalayas
Our nights are spent in traditional Sherpa teahouses, simple mountain lodges that feel warm and welcoming after a day on the trail.
At the heart of each lodge is a central living room where trekkers gather to eat, warm up by the stove, and share stories from the trail.
The food is rich, comforting, and nourishing.
Breakfasts include fresh Nepali bread with honey and eggs, home-fries, muesli, or warm porridge, alongside plenty of chai or coffee.
Lunch is usually around 1pm, when we reach a teahouse along the trail. We settle in for yoga practice followed by a warm meal and lemon tea before continuing or resting.
Dinner & Evenings
After a fragrant curry or dal dinner (or pizza if you’ve had enough Nepali food), the group gathers in the lodge. We laugh about the day’s challenges, read yoga texts—or your favorite novel—and play games like Bananagrams as the mountains grow quiet outside.
Rooms on the Trek
Bedrooms are simple, usually shared by two people. Trekkers bring their own sleeping bags for warmth.
Bathrooms are shared, typically with traditional squat toilets. Many lodges offer hot showers, a welcome luxury at altitude.
It’s not luxury travel—but the warmth, hospitality, and spectacular surroundings make these teahouses one of the most beloved parts of Himalayan trekking.
With a perspective: In Nepali culture, the mountains are considered divine beings who grant permission for us to travel among them. While early trekkers relied on tents, today’s teahouses offer simple but precious comforts. Food, shelter, and electricity are treated with care and gratitude—never wastefully—in this high mountain environment.
Reminder: Our 5 Star Accommodations for two nights at Hotel Malla back in Kathmandu will give you the chance to relax and rejuvenate after the trekking adventure.
Food and Community
Each teahouse has a common room where we gather for breakfast and dinner and post-dinner evenings around the woodburning stove. Coffee, Tea, and Food are plenty, and a la carte for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast choices range from eggs and himalayan puff bread, to Swiss Muesli. Dinner includes options for Lentil and Curry dishes (with and without meat), Nutritious soups, and wester options.
The seasoned local guides and porters are an integral part of our journey. Besides providing super-human protection and care, they generously share their perspectives on life, yoga, religion, and pop music.
From the guides, our Yogi Trekkers have learned everything from basic Nepali, to local hiking songs, to how to identify various bird songs as we travel through this spectacular territory.
This retreat is carefully designed to leave you feeling inspired, transformed, and accomplished in an adventure like no other.
The thoughtfully created Yoga, Functional movement, Meditation, Philosophy, and Breathwork curriculum will help you access deeper breathing, optimize your muscle tone for easeful movement, expand your mind, and feel a renewed sense of energy.
There is nothing for you to plan other than your flights to/from Nepal.
Book your adventure
Only 14 Spots Available
see below for what is included in your retreat experience
$ 4800 Earlybird
Full Price $ 5300
(14 Spots Available)
What’s includeD:
Pre-Trip Support & Preparation
Group support and leader contact via WhatsApp for all questions
Pre-Trip Meet & Greet in Berkeley Hills and online to get to know the group
Hiking opportunities in Berkeley Hills and elsewhere with the group
Optional Yosemite hike to adjust to higher elevations (travel/food/camping not included)
Pre-trek Pranayama course (online)
Comprehensive 80+ page workbook covering yoga, meditation, breathwork, journaling, and philosophy, and functional movement strategies for trekking
Flights & Transportation
2 domestic flights: Roundtrip Kathmandu – Lukla
Airport-to-hotel transfers in Kathmandu (arrival & departure)
Ground transportation by private vehicles
Culture Tours
Tour of Durbar Square with Suzanne (walking distance to hotel. Incl. visitor fee)
Opportunity to visit the famous Monkey Temple with Suzanne
Tour of Patan with Suzanne (incl. transport and visitor fees & museum entrance fee)
Accommodation
Pre-trek: 2 nights in hotel Thamel, Kathmandu (additional discounted nights available)
During trek: 10 nights in historic teahouses (shared rooms)
End of trek: 1 night in Lukla
Post-trek: 2 nights in 5-star Hotel Malla, Kathmandu (additional discounted nights available)
Luggage storage for the duration of the expedition
Yoga, Meditation & Training (25+ hours)
60 p. workbook with yoga texts, journaling prompts, muscle diagrams & more
14 progressive yoga & philosophy sessions plus daily stretching for hiking preparation and muscle ease
14 pranayama sessions to improve oxygen intake and create equanimity
14 meditation sessions to increase capacity to live in the moment
Daily self myofascial release and stretching sessions on Trek
Meals & Dining
On trek: Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
On trek: Hot Chai & lemon tea mid morning and mid afternoon
In Kathmandu: daily breakfast at Hotel
Celebration Dinner on last night in Kathmandu
Trek Support & Staffing
Experienced guides with daily briefings and health observations
On trek and pre-trek: functional movement & PT support for hikers
Local staff: English-speaking trekking leader, sherpa porters (carry duffels, including salary, insurance, equipment, food, lodging)
All necessary permits, paperwork, government & local taxes
Gear & Extras
Duffel bag (on loan by guide service)
Insulated jacket (on loan by guide service)
Certificate of Success
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare
Nepal Visa fee ( 30 USD)
Travel insurance (in case you need to cancel)
Expected: Cash tips for guides / porters (ca 400 USD total)
Required: Rescue insurance and emergency evacuation costs (Rescue insurance is mandatory. $120 and up)
Personal expenses (mobile data & wifi, alcohol, battery charge, bottled water, hot shower, snacks) – approx. US $200
Lunch, Dinner & snacks during City Days except for the last night in Kathmandu
Local transportation to Monkey Temple & entrance fee (ca. 20$ total)
Services not listed in the ‘What Is Included’ section
Example Daily Schedule:
Example schedule on non-trek days
6:00am (optional) indoor sun salutations, Breathwork & Meditation
6:30-7:30am: Coffee, Chai & Breakfast
7:30am - 9:30 am: Phase 1 Yoga training (active)
10:00am - 1pm: Culture tours
2pm - 4pm: Freetime
4pm - 6pm: Phase 2 training: Yoga & Philosophy (slow flow, meditation, breathwork)
Example Schedule on Trek Days (times vary!)
6:00am (optional) outdoor sun salutations, Breathwork & Meditation
6:30-7:30am: Coffee, Chai & Breakfast
7:30am Joint priming and muscle activation for Hiking
7:45am: start hiking
Mid-morning: chai break at teahouse on the way (eat your own snacks)
12:00 pm (ca): arrival at teahouse. 1 hour Yoga session
1:00 pm lunch
5pm arrival at teahouse for the night
6pm dinner
7pm optional 30 min informal meditation, discussion & journaling (note: shared space with groups from other treks)
Here is The Why behind this 15-day Yoga & Trekking Adventure:
You love immersions - and want a focused environment to train inside and out, and see the world with likeminded folks
You are interested in world philosophies and gaining insight from ancient sacred stories about how to be a fuller human
You want to level up in your practice and your personal capacity
You are ready to gain new skills
You understand the value of taking an adventure for personal growth
You are ready for big shifts & want to start with your physical and mental capacity
You value personal development & want to train with a master yoga and functional movement coach and certified mountain guides
See what our Customers and Clients say about Suzanne Zuber Yoga and Movement Science Retreats.
Meet Your Coach and Your Local Mountain Guide
This retreat is hosted by Suzanne Zuber, R-RYT 500, with the support of local mountaineer Dinesh Karki and his team.
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Suzanne Zuber Yoga (E-RYT 500) specializes in teaching Yoga and Movement that empowers you both physically and mentally.
Suzanne's classes (Hatha AND Vinyasa) incorporate cutting-edge techniques from physiotherapy and movement science to 'unlock' the powers of traditional yoga and help you counteract imbalances sustained by uneven workouts and stress.
I’m thrilled to be leading my third Nepal Yoga Training Trek, and my 10th Retreat with amazing humans like you.
I’m Suzanne Zuber, a German American Yoga and Movement coach, and have been teaching worldwide for 16+ years. I’m a certified Steel Mace Functional Movement Coach, Yoga teacher trainer (E-RYT 500) and advanced certified Anusara Yoga teacher (ECAT). I teach an expert blend of Yoga and related movement modalities that picks you up where you are and empowers you both physically and mentally.
Born and raised in Munich and its Alpine surroundings, my path was shaped both by centuries of culture, art and ballet, as well as by the vibrant landscapes of mountain, woods, water, and sky of the Bavarian alps that surrounded me every day. I bring my personal history of vivid, multisensory, deep life into my yoga teaching - helping you design your experience in such a way that allows you to tap into the sweetness that comes with being in the moment, in your body, your breath, and your senses. I live in Berkeley, California, with my husband, our two daughters, and Louie the Golden’dood’.
You can read more about me here.
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Dinesh Karki, founder of Nature Explore Trek, was born and raised trekking in the Everest Region, and has been a certified mountain guide for almost 20 years. He has climbed mountains and led groups all over the world, and from all walks of life.
Dinesh is a seasoned mountaineer, who is enthusiastic and passionate about sharing mountain adventures with others. As a born and raised Nepali, he has a deep connection to the landscape he knows so well, and is an advocate of environmentally conscious tourism in the region.
Dinesh trains his Guides and Porters expertly, and they become part of his tight-knit group. He ensures that they are safe, supported, and thriving.
His brother Deepak, who has a special knack for mimicking all the birds on the trails and teaching the trekkers how to sing the Nepali classics, is a trusted and beloved part of the team and makes sure no one is left behind.
Dinesh lives with his wife, an elementary school teacher, and young son, in Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions….
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We are especially pleased to guarantee high quality service that is tested and trustworthy, sparing you last-minute permit hassles, unjustified, or hidden costs. Suzanne has established a relationship with a reputable guide service that will arrange all permits and park fees and all accommodations in the cities and mountains. On the trek, Dinesh and his team help monitor everyone’s physical wellbeing, making sure you are pacing yourself well. Knowing that you are in good hands makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
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This high elevation (17.500 feet at the highest point) outdoor experience is suitable for the passionate walker who will be comfortable walking, including descending and ascending uneven terrain, inclines and stairs, around 6-max 8 hours a day with a light backpack <8kg. The trek is less physically demanding compared to the Everest Basecamp Trek. Preparation should include regular daily walks leading up to this trip. You do need to be in good physical and mental health to complete the trip. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung and blood diseases please inform me before confirming your participation. I am highly conscious of your health and safety. I also recommend that you have a medical check-up with your GP.
The yoga and meditation will be accessible yoga to all body types and abilities. All practices are invitational. There is no prior experience necessary to participate in your yoga practices, however you will be encouraged to do so as to enrich the overall connection, depth and experience of yourself and the group.
As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.
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I will provide all who book with a detailed packing list and a detailed daily itinerary well in advance
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU:
(Email your answer to me upon receiving your booking confirmation)Any allergies or diet requirements?
Any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries
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MANDATORY EMERGENCY INSURANCE: the local guide service requires proof of purchase of emergency insurance (coverage during trek) in order to hold your spot.
RECOMMENDED TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE: this insurance is not required but recommended, for the event that life gets in the way and you can’t come on the trip.
This retreat is non-refundable, no exceptions. However, you may transfer it to another person. Additional travel-and-retreat-cancellation insurance is recommended.
There is no refund in the case of cancellation of the retreat by any party, for any reason.
Suzanne Zuber is not responsible for the cost of your international travel or any other extraneous costs.
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Payment plans are available at the checkout. Note that even the subscription/payment plan requires you to pay the entire amount in all nine installments, even if you are not able to attend.
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The local guide has decades of experience scanning hikers for signs of altitude sickness, and I keep close tabs as well. Some participants opt into taking Diamox for elevation sickness.
Our pace is slow to start with, and we have two acclimatization days on the trek, but Dinesh has enough staff in place that someone will be able to slow down more, with anyone who is feeling ill or is showing signs of altitude sickness. The first strategy is to hydrate, slow down exponentially, and take more breaks. If there is no improvement, the guide will accompany the member down to the next lower teahouse to spend the night there (the guide will sleep in the common room with other guides while the trekker will sleep in their own room), and the two of them will either catch up with the group later, wait in place until the group circles back, or return back to Lukla. The cost of staying at other teahouses than planned, is covered; the cost of staying in a hotel for extra nights in Lukla or Kathmandu is not covered.
There are travel insurance plans that cover some or all of these costs, including return trips in the case of emergency. Emergency rescue insurance is required for this trip. General travel insurance is not required but recommended. Consult Suzanne for travel insurance recommendations.
As for vaccinations, medication to prevent altitude sickness, gastro-intestinal problems or other illnesses, you must consult with your doctor at least six months before embarking on this trip.
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Every single teahouse had wifi, as well as opportunities to charge your devices (although I do recommend bringing a battery pack, since the charging stations are limited per teahouse). Wifi costs about 3-4$ per stay.
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If you have the time, do both. I like to arrive at least a day earlier than the official start of the trip, but come even earlier if you have the time. Diwali officially lasts until November 8th (Laxmi Puja), so if you have time, stay! There is an abundance of things to see in Kathmandu and surroundings, including two other nearby former kingdoms.
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This trip is classified as medium to challenging, and is doable for any individual who is ‘fit’ and is willing to prepare for this trip with regular exercise, regular hiking, and conditioning.
My training programs including Root to Rise are the perfect prep, and a great regular stomping ground are the Claremont canyon trails and the Berkeley and Oakland hills.
In general, I do not recommend this trip for individuals with serious knee, hip, or foot injuries or who are not used to (and do not enjoy) long, slow hikes. The trek has less stairs than the Annapurna Basecamp Trek but there is a day of long descent that can be a challenge for the knees. The common challenges that come up will be addressed on the trek itself, we do alot of focused trouble shooting to optimize knee tracking, hip muscle engagement, and proper foot placement both going uphill and downhill, to prevent pain in the legs, the back, and the neck/shoulder region. Daypacks are light, so not too much stress from that end.
Need more logistics support ? Or have special needs for this adventure? Ask a question, and Our team will get back to you within 24-48 hours.
Programs Suzanne Zuber recommends for Prep
⚡️ Earlybird Price Ends April 21
*all sales are final / no refunds available
Spots are limited and you making payment means you are taking a spot on the roster and all lodging & food/expenses are pre-paid months in advance.
If you have to cancel last minute, you understand that you are forfeiting your investment.
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provided a wonderful holistic experience
Suzanne provided a wonderful holistic experience on the trek. She organized a unique cultural cooking class where I was able to learn skills to take back home. And each day she took care to make sure everyone was doing alright, either leading yoga or meditation sessions, as well as directly helping when I had some issues with my knee. She was integral in making the trip a lifetime memory, thank you Suzanne!
Andy Huang, UX designer
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I really loved the meditation sessions
I really loved the meditation sessions led by Suzanne on our Annapurna trek. She built up our awareness over several sessions, allowing us to easy in to a meditation practice and acknowledge all of the feelings - good and bad- that were coming up. After each session she offered us a chance to talk about what came up. It was beautiful way to be in tune with ourselves on the trip.
Tessa Scott, PHD student in Lingustics
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I felt so well cared for physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
My trek to ABC was one of the best trips I’ve ever done. Suzanne and William organized a terrific team. They were responsive to the needs of every member of our group including activities to train and prepare for our journey. They led with positivity, enthusiasm, and flexibility. When we trekkers were beat, Suzanne would give personal physical training and even a massage. I felt so well cared for physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I came home with an album of fantastic pictures, fitter in body and soul, and richer by my new close friends.
Dorothea Bowman, Kaplan Prep Specialist
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She has the ability to guide through any situation and create meaningful experiences
I didn’t know what to expect going to Nepal with a group of people I had never met before. Suzanne helped make that the most positive part of the trip: going with the flow, taking the unexpected as another part of the journey. She has the ability to guide through any situation and create meaningful experiences out of the ordinary. I’m very grateful to have travelled with her guidance and continue to enjoy our friendship beyond the trip.
Chris Palowicz, Artist and Sound Engineer
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Tuition & Pricing
There are two ways to pay:
1) Payment upfront
2) Pay in monthly installments (4-8 payment plan options)
*** MONTHLY Payment Plan: inquire directly.***
Refer to booking policy below for more information.
This adventure is designed to leave nothing out. It includes local transfers to and from airport, all accommodations, all meals + teatime during the trek, breakfasts in the hotels on city days, daily yoga program, breath work and meditation, guided tour of Patan and the Art Museum. (See below for list of inclusions)
Pay in Full $
For monthly payment options, inquire directly at info@suzannezuberyoga.com
Tell me more
Book-ended by several colorful days of yoga, art, and culture in Kathmandu, the spectacular ten day Gokyu Lakes Trek is filled with mesmerizing views of mountains, verdant canyons, waterfalls, as we hike our way through picturesque Gurung villages and from teahouse to teahouse where we experience the warm hospitality of the local communities.
On our way to Annapurna Basecamp (ABC), the first jewel of the journey is witnessing the sun light up the magic mountain range of Annapurna on the world-famous Poonhill viewpoint, which is framed with blooming Rhododendrons at this time of year. The trail continues rimmed with views of some of the most majestic and auspicious mountains on the planet, including Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), and Machapuchhre (6993 m), also known as Fishtail. Includes a rest, yoga-and-unwind day at a mountain teahouse in Choli.
This trek is classified as grade medium and involves long but leisurely ascents and descents on stone steps and packed trails, an average of 6 to 7 hours a day. We will be carrying only a light day pack (luggage carried by porters).
A typical day on the Trek
Wake up to birdsong and option to greet the sun together with meditation, philosophy & myth, and breathwork surrounded by mountains, sky, and the Gokyu lakes. After a full breakfast in the teahouse (various choices), we pack up, gear up with a handful of targeted hip and shoulder drills, and head out for our first hike of the day (ca 3-4 hours, leisurely pace). The first 20 minutes are an invitation to silent walking, to fully experience our spectacular (outer and inner!) surroundings.
Midday we arrive at the next teahouse, greeted by a fresh cup of tea. After an invigorating all levels yoga session that doesn’t over-tax the legs, lunch is served. The second hike (ca. 3-4 hours) is punctuated by a tea break along the way and frequent stops as needed. Arriving at the next teahouse anywhere from 4-5 pm, we may need to get dried off if the weather gods decided on shower or dustings of snow, get settled in our rooms, shower etc. Gentle stretching and bodyscan opportunity before dinner. After dinner, gather around a cozy fire in the community tea room, with time to play games, journal, draw, or just sit and enjoy. If demand arises, there will be a short outside evening meditation ‘sit’ to integrate the day and prepare for a restful night.
After trekking in the spectacular mountains, enjoying a rest-day in a historical teahouse, exploring gurung villages, and practicing full-spectrum yoga, we return filled with fresh Himalayan air to Lukla, heading back to Kathmandu for two celebratory days during Diwali in Kathmandu’s colorful quarters, including a trip to the neighboring former kingdom of Patan with its beautiful medieval architecture and state of the art museum, to rediscover the myths & figures from the trek. A celebratory farewell dinner in Kathmandu tops off our adventure.
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Daily Yoga for Hikers, Meditation, Breathwork
Take advantage of offerings ranging from Meditation and Breathwork for Grounding, Yoga slow flow, and simple stretching for Hikers.
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Professionally guided Trek with local sherpas
Dinesh’s dedicated, well trained, and close-knit team of porters carry your luggage to your next teahouse in time for your arrival.
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Delicious Local cuisine
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Nepali cooking provided fresh every day at the mountain inns. Meals are a la carte with various options including western inflected dishes.
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Stay in mountain teahouses and hotels
Cozy rustic mountain inns await you each night on the trek, where you can rest and reset in a double room, and connect to your group in the warm communal dining hut. The trek is book-ended by stays in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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nepali cooking class run by womens' collective
The two Sisters Cooking school supports a rural community in the far reaches of Nepal with their proeeds. Learn how to cook the best chai you’ve ever tasted, and create a lovely Nepali meal that we’ll share together. The staff shares fantastic recipes and local wisdom.
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Visit sacred sites and temples
Visit Buddhist Temples, Hindu shrines, and the vivid medieval quarter of Kathmandu; sneak in a blessing as you witness a Puja ritual at an island temple by the lake of Pokhara.
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Scenic flight and Hotel stays in Lakeside Pokhara
Approach the magic mountains by air, landing at the gorgeous lakeside town of Pokhara and know that the mountains have got your back as we fly back to Kathmanu after the trek.
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Be enlivened by the power of nature
Experience the indescribable wonder and awe of being surrounded day and night by the auspicious mountains and exotic flora and fauna of the Annapurna region.