Sadhana Yoga
Good for: yoga, meditation, food, relaxation, chanting
Not good for: Partying, party, meditation, yoga, Adrenaline junkies
- Address
- Pokhara
- Website
- Phone
- 9846078117
- 061-464601
Lonely Planet review for Sadhana Yoga
This friendly and secluded retreat is hidden away in the village of Sedi Bagar, overlooking Phewa Tal, 2.5km northwest of Lakeside. One- to 21-day courses in Hatha yoga for Rs 1800 per day, including tuition, steam and mud baths, accommodation and meals. Enquire about yoga treks.
Traveller reviews for Sadhana Yoga (27)
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I had a great stay and introduction to yoga at Sadhana
contactkc recommends this,
The yoga center sits on a scenic hilltop with a view of the Fawa lake. It is very peaceful and quite. The center is run by master Asanga and his family, who are very welcoming and laid back in their approach to yoga. Durga is a great cook, you could just go there for the food! :)
Good for: meditation, escaping the bustle, relaxation, yoga, A peaceful time
Not good for: Partying
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Awesome location, great people, and a great program!
chstone recommends this,
I spent a week at Sadhana about a month ago and had an amazing experience. The location can't be beat, the staff is incredibly friendly, the food is excellent, and the other guests are usually great people. The daily program is full of varied activities and is really relaxing. A great way to recharge!
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Best way to unwind and recharge in Pokhara!
avalynlim recommends this,
I spent 3 days in Sadhana, not really knowing what to expect. After a short hike up the hill, I was invited to join the group for dinner and immediately connected with the diverse and well-travelled group there. The routine sounds full-on, but it is well paced, the yoga and meditation sessions are great for beginners, and I felt home sick the minute I left Sadhana's compound. I felt mentally and physcially recharged, and would recommend a longer stay if you can afford the time!
Good for: meditation, relaxing, yoga, meeting other travellers, vegetarian food, recharging
Not good for: Adrenaline junkies
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My experience here was amazing, physically and mentally!!
zoerai recommends this,
If you are seeking for a genuine, traditional and friendly Yoga resort - Sadhana Yoga is the perfect choice. The atmosphere is here is peaceful, relaxing and ideal for your physical and mental relaxation. to be honest, the hike up the hill seems a bit exhausting but it is definitely worth it cause the view is stunning. I did not plan on doing the cleansing in the first place but as soon as I got here, I thought this is the perfect environment to give it a go and I don't regret it. The fasting and cleansing has been a good experience, I learned a lot about my body and I felt amazingly strong, clean and light afterwards! So, I can highly recommend it. Durga and Asanga are very friendly, welcoming and hospitable, I felt almost at home. I wish I could stay longer :-)
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Beautiful location, great yoga practice and wonderful food
Theresainsf recommends this,
I've been travelling around SE Asia and went to Nepal as part of a tour (we were headed to Tibet.) It didn't work out (that whole mountain sickness thing...) so I ended up touring around Nepal. A friend recommended I take a bus to Pokhara and do a trek. Unfortunately, it is monsoon season and it's been raining like crazy for the past couple of weeks. Anyway.... I found Sadhana Yoga through Lonely Planet and an article in the NY Times - both highly recommended it.
What I liked:
Good basic practice in yoga - I've not really done that much yoga but I think now after a week I'm hooked.
Excellent, healthy vegetarian food prepared by very sweet and helpful staff.
Lots of activities at the center... but also optional activities like massage, paragliding, cooking class, and local hiking that they can help you arrange. (which is really nice if you are with someone that may want to skip some of the program.)
The agenda is action packed... but there's no pressure. (I really wouldn't miss the steam bath or mud baths, though! .Heavenly!!!)My room had a beautiful view of Fewa Lake where I was able to watch the sunrise and sunset. Hot showers, and really nice family.
Good for: Groups, solo travelers, hiking trekking walking
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For the ultimate 'Zen' feeling!
cherbuurman recommends this,
I stayed 6 days and 7 nights at Sadhana Yoga and it was the best yoga&meditation experience in my 9 months worldtrip! I attended yogaretreats in Byron Bay, Koh Phagnan and Dharamsala but this one is 'price-quality wise' the big winner. The lessons are very professional and personal and I saw myself progress every day! The daily program is a great combination of meditation, active yoga, hiking in the fresh mountain air, steam/mudbath, excellent nepali food, relaxation, chanting meditation and this all in a wonderful ambiance. And about the family, they make you feel so welcome that it really feels like family. These 6 days gave me so much inspiration and motivation to continue yoga&meditation than ever before. I would definately recommend to go at least one weeek (if you have the time ofcourse) to feel your own progress, it's the best feeling in the world!!
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Experience of a lifetime....
explnep recommends this,
I have been practicing yoga and meditation for quite a while now. I have to tell you, after staying here for three weeks, its an experience of a lifetime. I am completely blown up by 'sadhana' way of retreat. Yoga, Meditation, Cleansing, Chanting, Mud and Steam bath, Morning Walk, Masala Tea, Vegeterian Meal, Karma Yoga - all in so warm and lovely environment - enjoyed it all.
Thanks to Asanga, Durga, Roshan, Sunita, Ganga and the whole Sadhana family.
I look forward to seeing you guys soon!Good for: food, meditation, yoga, environment, chanting, yoga retreat, cleansing
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Recharge, repair, restore and receive an amazing experience
lninasia recommends this,
My week at Sadhana was way more than i expected. I came hoping to improve and learn more about yoga. What i got was a loving family atmosphere, a peaceful serene location, the most delicious freshest local vegetarian food, surrounded by beautiful people and a daily routine that was both challenging and relaxing throughout the course of the day. The accomodation was comfortable and clean with windows overlooking the lake. I really learned some useful practices to incorporate into my life back home and have some beautiful memories to keep a lifetime. Even if you only have a day, this is an experience not to be missed... i bet you stay for 2 or more:)
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Amazing and fulfilling experience. Best retreat in Nepal!
danisolene recommends this,
We stayed at Sadhana Yoga for 11 days in July. Our experience here was among the best of all our experiences that we had in Nepal. Not only were we extremely welcomed into their home from day one, but we thoroughly enjoyed the everyday routine. Being at Sadhana yoga is more than just a yoga retreat - we met amazing people during our stay, tasted the most delicious, healthy, and fresh Nepali food, cleared our minds, re-energized our bodies, and found the most comfortable relaxing, and uplifting retreat in Nepal.
Asanga's sense of humor brings a new dimension to the yoga classes. As serious as he takes the class, he also makes you feel comfortable and opens your mind to a whole new practice - one that really allows you to stretch and strengthen your body in a whole new way. Even if you've taken a lot of yoga classes before coming here, just stay open minded and take advantage of what Asanga teaches you. We left each class feeling entirely rejuvinated, healthy, and ready for whatevoger comes next. He also plays great music during the day, all throughout the house (and during yoga, if you want), which always helps to keep the energy up and a smile everyones face.
Durga, his wife, is one of the most personable human beings I've ever encountered. She will show just as much comfort, love, and support towards you as she does her own children (who by the way, are the most adorable and sweet boys). She will help you with anything that you need and will always put a smile on your face. She also leads the chanting sessions, which I found to be one of the most fun parts of the day. Durg'as voice is so beautiful, and the chanting really helps you to let out all your inner energy. Even if you can't sing at all, you'll most likely find yourself belting out all the nepali tunes that you'll learn.
The rest of the staff is as equally as incredible. They always have a smile on their face and genuinely care about your happiness and comfort. By the time you leave, you'll feel as though you really belong to this whole "Sadhana" family.
Sadhana yoga is more than just about the yoga classes and meditation. You meet amazing people and learn to eat the most tasty and healthy food - food that you can really come to love and appreciate. Sadhana yoga gives you so much more than yoga to take home with you - here, it was all about the experience of it all...the staff, the food, the guests you meet, etc. It's hands down the most refreshing place in all of Nepal, and I highly recommend checking it out - even if its just for a day or two!
Good for: food, relaxation, people, yoga, Everything!, comfort, atmostphere, location/views, getaway
Not good for: drinking, Partying, Closed-minded people, smoking
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Restorative - wish I could stay longer
allisonbauer recommends this,
I had an incredibly relaxing and restoring stay at Sadhana Yoga center. First things first....the food was the best that I have had in Nepal. Clean, healthy, vegetarian, and different from day to day depending on what fruits and vegetables are available. The highlight for me were the superb mango and banana lassis served with breakfast.
My favorite time of day was chanting. I loved the drum and Durga's beautiful voice. Overall the daily schedule is really great. You stay busy enough that the days do not drag on and there is the perfect amount of free time. I would definitely recommend this place.
FYI - the accommodation is similar to what you will find at a guest house in Lakeside, but the place is immaculately clean.
Good for: All ages, reasonably fit or wants to be
Not good for: people who expect luxury
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Heaven on earth!
xzee recommends this,
I stayed at Sadhana for the 21 days program in May 2011 and would definitely recommend it!.
LOCATION & FACILITIES: amazing view from the house on Pokhara and the peace stupa/mountains. The rooms are basic but clean. Yes, you are staying in a nature environment and not in a 5star hotel where pesticides are used to keep the rooms free of insects so it happens to have small visitors in your room but if you treat them kindly they will not harm you. :-) In case this freaks you out you can always ask the helpful meditation teacher Roshan who will be be pleased to lead spiders to a new home.
YOGA: The first 2 days, being a beginner in yoga, I had second thoughts about Asanga`s way of teaching because a lack of personal guidance. BUT I do realize that the fact you can start a program whenever you want (which is really great!) and having all levels together it is not possible to please all. If you are looking for private yoga class this is not the place for you. If you are ready to deal with your own boundaries and learn from it then the 21 days program is the way to do it! Asanga is a good teacher with a lot of knowledge but don`t expect him to hold your hand and stay by your side. In the beginning it was a bit frustrating for me and I felt a bit lost but at the end that`s what made me stronger. The last week of the program you are supposed to do more yoga and completely on your own. I never expected I would have the discipline to do as much exercise and enjoying it but I did! I learned a lot not only about yoga but also about connecting to my environment and the people around me. Yes, some people complained but those who complained were also the ones who didn`t talk about it with Asanga and didn`t ask any questions during class. If you are getting frustrated because you do not see the sense in doing breathing exercises, if you are not sure about doing a posture in the right way, if you want to know in what way yoga is good for you JUST ASK. At the end of every yoga class there is time for questions. The first week the group I was with asked a lot of questions and I learned much out of it. Asanga knows what he is talking about and if he feels you are committed he will be happy to share his knowledge with you.
MEDITATION: Roshan is the youngest meditation teacher I ever had but very mature for his age. He must be an old soul! He is very good with people, he`s caring, attentive, willing to help you with whatever you need. The morning walks with Roshan are pleasant and sometimes funny as well as are the mud and steam baths which Roshan also takes care of. In meditation class he transforms into a teacher who takes his task guiding you, very seriously. To me Roshan really is a big plus to the centre.
CHANTING: Asanga`s wife Durga has a strong and lovely voice. Chanting with her was always a delight. As soon as she starts singing there is some kind of energy in the room you do not feel when she is not around. This is a really nice part of the program.
FOOD: Ah the delicious food! Sunita makes the best dal bhat I had during my 6 weeks stay in Nepal. If you do not like Nepalese food it will feel as if you are eating the same all the time but it you are into Nepalese food you will LOVE Sunita`s dal bhat, muesli fruit curd!, pancakes, porridge mmmmm. I still do miss it!
PRICE: The price/ quality is correct! I did some yoga class at lakeside and Kathmandu and if you add everything up it would cost you much more in case you would follow separate yoga/meditation/chanting class.
CONCLUSION: The 21 days changed my life, since then I do yoga and meditation every morning and evening what would not have been the case if I wouldn`t have had the lessons in discipline. Of course I also had minor frustrations but to find a place where you can drop in whenever you want being perfect for everyone is not possible so it is up to you to decide whether you look at the glass being half full or half empty. I decided to go for the half full glass and got much in return. I would definitely do it again! Wishing you all love and happiness! xZEEGood for: food, meditation, yoga, amazing view, chanting
Not good for: negative people!
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Recommended!
gesineedding recommends this,
Well, what I can I say - I spent a week there, I took part of all the program: Yoga and meditation twice a day, the morning strolls, the chanting, and the excelent diat of vegetarian food and herbal tea, and all of it did me no end good!
The place ist beautiful and quiet, on the downside maybe a bit isolated. Asangas Yoga style seemed sound and serious to me, and at the same time he does adapt the lessons to the level of the participants. Obviously, with people coming and going all the time, it is not possible to make it right for everyone. For me it was just perfect. Durga is a wonderfully warm and heartful person, quite prepared to arrange extras for the guests (massage, para-gliding...!) and the chanting sessions we had with her in the afternoons will remain as a special gem in my memory. I think this is a perfect place if you come from a long and exhausting trek or, like some people i met up there, have been traveling India and Nepal for a while and just need a place to rest and restore.Good for: Serious Yoga, Intense Yoga Practise
Not good for: as a basis for pokhara-tourism
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Recovering, nice, wonderful... IMPRESSIVE!
javishu recommends this,
After one week sick in Kathmandu we went to Pokhara looking for a place for recovering ourselves before going to ABC. We donT practise yoga at home, but we have A LOT GOOD THINGS to say about this place...
Place: quiet, impressive view of the lake, 1:30h to Sarangkot Hill, nice rooms, big enough for being alone reading, thinking, writing if you want... (about complaints related with noise: no building noise in the roof, kids spend most of the day at school...)
Activities: from meditation, to yoga classes, everything perfect for us. Nothing is compulsory. Sometimes you feel lazy in the morning (waking up at 5:45)... dont worry, stay in bed... Cleaning noses before breathing yoga exercises... mud bath, steam bath, sun bath... walking in the morning, chanting, karma yoga (helping them with the housekeeping)... do what you want when you want... and if you want a bussy day, you have enoug activities for it.
People: Durga is the public relations in this bussines... nice welcoming, less than two minutes waiting for her when we arrived, all the time taking care of us. The staff nice, all the time smiling, trying to make your stay as good as possible. Teacher (Durga´s husband): quiet person, trying all the time to explain us what we were learning, why it teaches as he does... Kids: sometimes you hear them, but most of the time you dont. Playing with Babu (the youngest one) and feeding himm was like beeing again in our job at the school... Other guests: we were lucky, nice people to share the days with.
Food: vegetarian, tasty... we missed it a lot during the trekking! Specially pop corns with masala tea in the afternooms!!
So, for us.... IMPRESSIVE WEEK! IMPRESSIVE EXPERIENCE!
About complaints we read: People maybe were unlucky last year... and I think that Durga and her husband learnt from the critics and they have improved the service since then.
Good for: Everything!
Not good for: sybarite people
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One of the gems of Pokhara
annatorv recommends this,
After volunteering in Nepal for 3 months I was offered one week of holidays to do as I pleased. Given I'd been working for some time I was looking for a place to wind down a bit as well as doing something different and interesting. For me, Sadhana yoga was perfect. I'd had an interest in yoga at home and around 2 years experience and I found that for the two days I could fit in before my trek Sadhana yoga offered a more holistic approach than I was used to in my intense classes at home. The environment is very friendly and the setting is an absolute joy after the bustle of Kathmandu and Lakeside. The food was also fantastic.
Overall I had a very positive experience here and would definitely reccommend it to others. It's a fantastic place to recoup after work or trekking and there's always a vibrant and interesting group of other travellers.
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I can touch my toes!!!
lindi82 recommends this,
I'm very proud to report that after 29 long years, I can finally touch my toes!!
Having abandoned my Annapurna Base Camp trek in search of some peace, quiet and time to myself (which was an unexpected struggle with 150 others at Poon Hill at sunrise!) I happened to come across the little gem that is Sadhana Yoga.
When I arrived there were just 2 other people and over the past week I have seen other people come and go. It has been everything I might have asked for and more.
The yoga was great for me... at times challenging, and at other times more relaxed. Not so sure about the nasal cleansing... but worth it for the chuckles I suppose!! The food always yummy and my sleep always peaceful.
A definite reccommendation from me!! :-)
Good for: The mind, body, spirit, soul
Not good for: Partying, noise
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Fantastic location, yoga & meditation w/ family atmosphere
chillebrand1973 recommends this,
I have stayed now for 6 days at Sadhana and I enjoyed my time here very much.
The location is just beautiful. It takes you approx. 15 min. walking from the street to get there, with luggage you might consider taking a porter. You have a great view on the surroundings and the lake and it is fantastic to chill on the terrace. I was very happy with the food, the yoga and meditation and I greatly enjoyed the family atmosphere. The rooms are clean and hat a good Nepal standard for what I can compare.
With respect to some of the more critical reviews I can just comment that my expectations were fully met, but it is important to understand Sadhana is not a classical hotel and that teaching yoga in Nepal might actually be a bit different from doing Yoga in your home country. I found it after a little adjustment very helpful and effective. If you are a beginner or have some health issues I would recommend you speak to Asanga before. The meditation guided by Roshan was excellent and the program as it is set up works fine, I am leaving very relaxed and nicely stretched and strengthened.
Arranging my stay and actually changing the dates of my stay worked without a problem and I always got a prompt answer.
Summing it up, I can fully recommend this place to people who are interested in Yoga and meditation taught in a classical way, who want to relax in a beautiful surrounding and who enjoy the company of a nice Nepali family.
Good for: yoga and a place to relax
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Cleanse Stretch Relax Realise
amarpuri recommends this,
The main benefits of Sadhana Yoga courses and the yogic lifestyles they lead to include:
• Experiencing a yogic, family environment in Nepal
• De-stress, relieve any digestive problems and reduce obesity
• Relieve long-term depression and fatigue
• Stretch the whole body, and relieve long-term neck and back pain
• Help to quit smoking or any other unhealthy addictions
• Relax, rejuvenate and refresh the body and mind
• Improve clarity of mind
• Feel spiritually uplifted
• Detoxify your Body; Remove the waste from your body. Enjoy youthful health once again!Sadhana Yoga offers an ideal location, systematic teachings on Hatha Yoga and meditation, nutritious, Ayurvedic and organic meals and a warm and nurturing environment. We also offer ancient techniques of gastro-intestinal cleansing which are very beneficial and fruitful for everyone. Anyone from the age of 8 to 80 can attend these courses and finish with the feeling of completeness and fulfillment.
Drop in any day you want to Sadhana Yoga!
The courses range from 1 to 60 days, with additional training options available after 6 days.
Programs for more than 6 day stays will be different, for example the 10 Day Yoga Holiday may include fasting and cleansing to your whole digestive system during the last four days of the program and the 21 Day Intensive Course will include a 1st week of regular yoga practice, 2nd week of fasting and cleansing and third week of intensive yoga practices. Similarly, different programs are available for a 45 day stay.Contact Us
For more information on Sadhana Yoga, please visit our website www.sadhana-asanga-yoga.com
Or alternatively contact us on
Phone: +977-061-464601 or 061-694041
Mobile: 9846078117, 9846078118 or 9814109557
Email: yogiasanga@fewanet.com.np or yogiasanga@gmail.com or sadhanapokhara@gmail.comGood for: learning yoga, De-stress
Not good for: Partying, smoki
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Go to Sadhana to experience total wellbeing ...
oliviers recommends this,
Sadhana yoga retreat was the perfect place for us to recoup in-between our two trekking expeditions. The yoga sessions helped to heal our tired bodies and the meditation stilled our minds. It is a peaceful, friendly and relaxed environment where you become part of the family. The lovely healthy organic meals added to the overall experience of wellbeing.
Good for: Yoga and meditation, Healthy and organic meals, Friendly service, Comfortable accommocation, Lovely view
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go to sadhana yoga with an open mind and an open heart.
janeoneill recommends this,
i stayed in sadhana yoga for over 5 weeks in january/febuary of this 2011 year. i have been reading the reviews below and it upsets me to read what has been said. but i do notice that most of the against reviews were during november/december when the construction was going on.
firstly people should realise that nepal experiences many electricity cuts, sometimes they are without electricity for up to 18 hours a day. so when asanga emails back and says come, it is probably because he is trying to answer as many mails as he can while the power is on. they do have solar panels for light and hot water so no worries there on that front. sadhana is not a huge operation, it is family run, so the reception is not manned all day, but someone is always around to greet you if you are patient, and the whole point of yoga is patience and peace. i did not find asanga grumpy at all, but he is reserved, keeps to himself, on the other hand his wife durga is a bubbly person and will do anything for you. the reconstruction is finished and what is left is a wonderful rooftop dining hall with stunning views of the mountains and lake. where better to eat the wonderful food they serve up. of course its vegatarian and basic, that is the nepali way of life. dahl bat is standard food for the nepali people. if you want 5* gourmet food then sadhana is not for you.
when i arrived it was dark and i was met off the bus by a taxi driver they had sent to collect me as my bus broke down. on arrival at the lane leading to the centre, the taxi called and roshan came down from the centre to carry my bag and show me the way (using the light from his gsm). i must warn you the lane to the centre is not suitable for normal bags, you need to have a back pack which i did not have. while the rooms are basic they are clean and you have all you need. i was so cold when i arrived that sunita (the wonderful cook) gave me extra blankets.
roshan who leads the meditation and morning walk is an amazing young man. he is 23 and if you spend time getting to know him and talking to him, you will take him into your heart. he has a wealth of knowledge in one so young. the other staff - mostly family are all happy and smiling and try to make conversation with you.
the children, there are four of them, two young boys who are the children of durga and asanga and two young girls, aged 10 and 13 who are relations. they are delightful young people. they go to school 6 days a week, having friday off. its so nice to see them dressed in their uniforms with the girls having matching ribbons in the their neatly platted long black hair.
i found the yoga very good. when i arrived there were 8 guests and asanga follows a sequence so i arrived to the sun salutations. i had done these before and while i found the pace quite fast, it got my heart beating, warmed me up and i quickly got the hang of it. in the five weeks i met many people, me always being the eldest there. in fact a couple of them left to go trekking and then came back after the trekking. none of them had anything negative to say.
for me the breakfast was my best meal. sunita makes a wonderful muesli with curd. yummy, and as for the milk tea, i couldn't get enough of it. i also did the yoga cleansing, not an experience for the faint hearted but i got through it never the less and despite myself, i felt the benefit of it.
sadhana yoga is very relaxed, they work on the system that people can just drop in, come for 3 days, a week, 10 days, or like me just stay.... you are free to wander into pokhara, climb sarangkot, visit the peace pagoda and still get in your daily yoga and mediation.when i arrived at sadhana, i was stressed out and not in a good place. i left there feeling rejuvinated, full of health and so happy i am still smiling. my memories bring back the smiles. durga took me into old pokhara to buy a traditional nepali outfit. she also gives wonderful facials and does threading. my friends keep telling me they want what i have, so i say to them 'go to nepal, go to sadhana yoga'.
Good for: food, yoga, meeting interesting people.
Not good for: people who like 5* hotels.
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A MUST DO whille in Nepal!!!
nadialedrew recommends this,
Anyone who has anything bad to say about this place needs to stop comparing it to western standards and remember why they came to Nepal! They came to experience culture and spirituality! Which is what Sadhana yoga is all about! The Sadhana family is warm, caring, and happy to help out with everything! The full day packed with activities from meditation to yoga to hiking is a great way to relax and get away from the caotic Kathmandu or relax after a trek. I spent one week there and wish I didnt have to leave! Im not normally a big fan of yoga but i had a fabulous time learning with Asanga and laughing yoga with all the awesome people I met! The food was amazing and I made sure I got some recipies to take home! I hope to be back ASAP. Any one who has anything bad to say about this place needs to remind themselves where they are. I cannot say one thing I did in Nepal that ran perfectly on schedual, was up to western higine, or was what I expected. Although I can say that I met the most amazing and caring people I have ever met in my life! The Sadhana family were apart of that and talking with them and getting to know them they were a tipcal wonderful and caring Nepali family trying to help others and share their knowledge of spirituality and culture! I highly recomend this place and hope you have a wonderful time in Nepal as I did!
And like I said if you want western standards well stay at home and book a spa day at the hilton or something because Nepal is amazing in its own unique way!
also check out their rating in the NYTimes! http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/travel/30next.html -
Disappointed
nath343 does not recommend this,
Initially I mailed Sadhana Yoga centre two months in advance and got a very brief reply on my requests "Just come." In November 2010 when I arrived after trekking in Pokhara, I looked forward to join the program for 21 days. I rang them up to again confirm my program (and to reconfirm, as done by e-mail on the forehand), but there was no one answering. Luckily one of my friends had a bike and so he drove me up to Sedi Bagar, where the center is. Durga was welcoming, but confused and clearly my confirmation by e-mail had not been read by them. She suggested to start with 3 days instead of planning 21! That wasn't very commercial of her part, and was suggesting I might not cope the full length...
A few days later, as agreed face to face with Durga, I arrived in the center. To my surprise they were fully booked and Durga didn’t remember our meeting of only four days earlier; and so my booking wasn’t confirmed!! Again! With an American girl, I was sent to the Hidden Paradise guesthouse next door. The room was so dirty there, I had to ask the receptionist to clean it 3 times. The room was more basic than in the centre and no toilet attached to the room as I had requested. Oh well, I settled for the only alternative and stayed there.
There were a lot of fun people in the Sadhana Yoga center, I really enjoyed their company and made friends for life. However all of them also had comments on the yoga classes. Asanga is a grumpy teacher, overestimating the level of drop in yoga enthusiasts, showing no alternative poses and not interested in correcting poses. In the morning we’d do 13min of sequences at such an exaggerated speed that many overstretched or hurt themselves. Being new at yoga, I was very much unaware of his brutal way of practicing yoga. Clearly, Asanga has no teaching skills, has no intention of showing his passion for yoga and certainly doesn’t live a yogi life. Not to mention his commercial side… At one point, in the tiny yoga hall (suitable for 12), Asanga had admitted 19 people. There was no freedom of movement, and Asanga was proud and shared with the group it was great he could get all these people in such a small area. Surely he was happy to make a quick buck, but the quality was dreadful and some people who had plan to stay a few days, left that same day. People who tried to give him comments about the way of handling the yoga classes were ignored.
The reconstruction going on in the centre is disturbing. I had once a steam bath while 8 workers were just staring at me. The meditation teacher asked them to look away, and they started working again. Lots and lots of noise.
I didn’t keep quiet and spoke to Durga about my discontentment. She nodded and sighed and had no answers. Asanga was ashamed, Durga said, and that was the reason he avoided speaking to me.
The food was great, no comments there. The meditation teacher was kind and welcoming. He has little say in what’s happening in the centre and doesn’t get involved either.
I don’t recommend this place to any yogi: beginner or advanced. You’ll get frustrated in no time. The price is good, but there is no quality. These people need a break. Durga mentioned last year they only had 15 days without tourists (not consecutive) so they have no holiday and are overworked as well.
Just to mention one more thing: they organize a cookery course and most of time cancel it. And… forget to inform people who subscribed. One UK lady had arranged her whole stay in Pokhara around that Saturday to follow the course, and when she arrived in Sadhana, meeting Durga, she was really upset. Asanga offered her a meal in the center, but without letting her help to prepare it. Then Asanga disappeared and the lady was left alone, - in order to leave quickly I guess. That evening Durga explained that Asanga doesn’t always like mailing…
My personal goal was reached nonetheless. I learned yoga and was blessed to meet a Canadian yoga teacher in the center who inspired me. Yoga is a part of my life now, and I’ll set a different example to shoGood for: food, meeting nice people
Not good for: learning yoga, cooking classes
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Not held by the hand but you come out in top shape!
mandarava recommends this,
Highly recommend if you want a true, no fuss yoga experience, and as a tourist, to take a peek into a family yogic lifestyle as it's lived in the land where yoga originated - the Himalayas of Nepal. It's a friendly family-run center. Excellent location (you kind of have to go there to see). The twice daily yoga classes are taught by Asanga and the management of the kitchen and lodging is run by his cheerful wife, Durga, and she also leads the afternoon chanting classes where you sing in a group, an experience that opens you up along with your vocal chords. Early morning and mid afternoon meditation classes and the daily hikes are led by a young man with a wonderful energy. The staff members all do their very best while going on about their daily lives.
The routine is structured as well as flexible; so you make what you want of it. The Karma (community service) yoga is something that you would do in a yoga ashram traditionally, not a way for them to make you clean or rip you off. Misunderstood. Besides, it's optional, so if you don't wish to do it, you can lay out on their rooftop or garden and enjoy some sun or rain or read a book, or go into Pokhara town. I for one am thrilled to say that I helped build a road in the village along with some other wonderful people I met there.
While the yoga teacher Asanga does not smile much or mingle with the guests around the dinner table, real yoga gurus are not supposed to entertain or charm you. That's not what they're there for. The purpose of the yoga teacher is to make you realize your own inner potential and that's your own journey. The style of yoga practiced here is hatha yoga; while the morning session gives you a good, sweaty workout (more western idea of yoga), in the evening session, it's usually a more restorative type where you hold postures for 3 minutes or so. It's a meditative practice and fulfills the true aim of yoga which is to unite the body and mind. Regarding Asanga not giving one on one instructions, or seeming unapproachable, you also need to make the effort. It depends on you. I was here for a 45 days pre-teacher's training so don't expect to develop a teacher-student bond in just 1-2 days. Even at first I thought Asanga was grumpy but that's your own perception and you have to get past it till you realize he is a genuine guy. As for making money, that's only his good fortune. They are not overpriced for all the service they provide. Good value for money!
The place is open to all those interested in yoga, from novice to more advanced yogis, and you make what you want of your time there. How hard you push yourself depends on you as a person. If you're sensible, you will not push your body beyond its limits. If you're not, hopefully you've got travel insurance or maybe you shouldn't have left home in the first place to travel?
The food is some of the best I have eaten. It's all healthy and prepared in an ayurvedic (balanced) style, using fresh spices that suit a yogic diet but without being bland. At lunch, there is a lot of variety - I think what one person means by the same food is referring to the traditional Nepali 'dal-bhat' (lentils and rice) but there are lots of different veggies used everyday and the achars (relishes) are to die for! The veggies are all organic and fresh, often coming straight from a nearby home or small villager's farm. In the evening, you eat chapatis (rotis) and lentil soups usually but that's what a yogic family in Nepal eat, so don't expect lasagna.
There are children here so if your temperament is not suited to children, then maybe you should go here! They will teach you a thing or two about being patient and not being irritable -. Children cry, shout and scream the world over, not just here. What I loved was that Asanga does not stop his children from being children, even when his son cries over a yoga or meditation class, he lets him be. The whole point of yoga and meditation is to cultivate not just a toned body but also a calm mind. There is no better place to practice such an important life skill!
Good for: Making friends, Yummy balanced low fat diet, Yoga and meditation, Self Discovery, Spiritual
Not good for: luxury, party
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Great Yoga place with mountain view
aensche recommends this,
I had stayed at Sadhana Yoga for 8 days in November 2010 and returned after my trekking in December 2010. It felt like being at a special place, far away from the city noise, surrounded by mountains and nature. Being welcomed by Durga, Asanga and the whole family, who open their home to strangers and made me feel all the time very welcomed.
You pay around 25Euros (2600Rs) per day and night. This includes the night in a double room with attached bathroom, 2 hours of meditation, 2 hours of Yoga, 30min guided morning walk, guided nose cleansing, 30min chanting class, three meals a day, tea and water as much as you want. Compared to other places, where I had to pay 400 Rs for one yoga hour, I think it is a pretty good deal.
I really liked the flexibility here. You can show up any time and even if it’s crowded they try make space for you and create you a pleasant stay. There is not a 24hours reception. Means when you come by chance it could mean you have to wait until they come out of class. If you wish a prepared welcome for you, just confirm your exact arriving time.
Thank you to the whole Sadhana-Team for a great stay. I especially enjoyed the ride on the back of Durgas motorbike to go to a teller to have some original Nepali dress made.
Good for: yoga
Not good for: party
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Great place!
utpilot recommends this,
I don't know why other posters seem to of gotten the proverbial poopy-pants and giving it such hater-aide. Yes if your a hard-core yogi who wants to spend hours on your head, or the meditator who wants the noble-silence for weeks on end, this isn't your place. But if your looking for an introductory experence with yoga and meditation or just to unwind & relax it's fantastic. The food is good, location excellent and a reasonable price. It's not a fancy place, rather it's more for the casual visitor. Everyone else while I was there seemed to be enjoying themselves and once the constrution if finished it will be an even better place.
Good for: meditation, yoga lessons
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a tourist trap
monicadonnellan does not recommend this,
W are glad to see we are not the only ones to have been completely dissapointed with Sadhana Yoga. Having done yoga for one year, we wanted to deepen in Nepal, with "the real teachers" and following the lonely planet suggestion, we ended uphere. As the others say, we were not even greated. We waited at least one hour to get a room. We had booked a room without a bathroom (reasonably cheaper) but they had none available. So we were put in a smelly dark room next to the noisy kitchen and the public terrace for 500rupies more a night. We asked to change and we were put in the Guest house next door in a room with a forced lock, a ginourmous spider, short beds and holes in the mosquitoe nets. The yoga classes are run by an extremely unfriendly teacher that either shows off impossible postures (that are very risky if not done well) or does very silly simple postures that are not really yoga for begginers and a joke for more advanced people. Their brochure is a lie: they sell many different courses: for begginers or more advanced. But then everyone is squashed in the same room. He does not care about his pupils, does not correct postures and only smiles when he is faking his laughing yoga. IT IS NOT A PLACE TO DO YOGA. Its ok if you have money to spend to meet other westeners and make contacts and eat reasonable food. We also thought there where 3 hours of yoga (as advertised) but one of them is called KARMA YOGA and that means clean up the kitchen or sweep the path. They might have been ok once, but they have become comfortable and turned yoga into a business. They are rude to their customers and take advantage of what they sell to make a lot a lot of money. We also hope this review stops this money making cheating bussiness...
Good for: meeting other travelers, meeting other trsa
Not good for: yoga meditation mud bath
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too touristy and disappointing
houraamin does not recommend this,
Sadly, our experience in Sadhana Yoga was NOT satisfying at all. We were asked to arrive to the centre a night before the course in order to be there for the eraly morning meditation. Well, we did as we were told but we had to sit for around an hour for someone to come and meet us; not a good thing to start for sure. and worse there was not such a thing as course!!!! I'm an amateur myself but my one year yogic experience gave me the hint that there were lots of things going wrong at the place. The excercices were far too hard for the beginners, and alas, the instructor just didn't seem to bother to correct the people who were trying to copy them so badly not realizing they were just doing more harm than good to thier body. Feeling responsible as I took two of my friends there, I told him how I felt but didn't recieve a convincing response.
For the nasal cleansing activity they gave us some kind of container to be put into our nostrils to flow salt water through which were used by all travelers who have been there so you can imagine how clean and hygienic the stuff was!!!!!!!We all did it not to swim against the tide but no surprise we are all sick now!!!
The meals were so disappointing as they served the same food the whole three days. Even if you consider the constant banging noise from the construction on the roof temporary, beileve me it's so hard to put up with the razzmatazz of the kitchen work and their screaming children.
Now the trip is over and we really tried to leave whatever happende there behind but I still feel responsible to pass this message to others who wish to have a couple of relaxing days after or before trekking and experience yoga. "Do not even think of going to Sadhana Yoga as it gives you a thoroughly wrong idea about yoga and meditation."
Not good for: meditation, relaxation, yoga
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Not friendly and certainly no retreat
regentas does not recommend this,
We went for a six-day course... but gladly we left after 2 days. The rooms where dirty, the staff not friendly and the food very average.
When we arrived the owners did not even welcome us. So many people visit their place that hospitality is not necessary anymore.
There was a lot of noise from construction work at the roof and screaming children (of their own). Also a fight in the kitchen does not help to get the rest you expect. Gladly other people had the same opinion and regret the visit.
Some guests had experience with yoga and found it unbelievable the kind of exercises he wanted us to do. Too difficult and even dangerous for your health. He did not walk around to give proper directions, so most of us did the exercises the wrong way.We read a lot of positive things about Asanga Sadhana Yoga. That is why we went there. Unfortunately people who visit it who were not happy do not put it on internet. I hope this will change.
ps. price is now Rs2600 per day.
Not good for: meditation, retreat, yoga, rest
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