10 Days High Altitude Yoga Retreat Nepal: Tilicho Lake
Participate in the most epic 10 Days High Altitude Yoga Retreat to Tilicho Lake, an experience that blurs as spiritual practice and Himalayan trekking into one. It takes you to the sacred banks of Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the world's highest lakes, deep within the Annapurna mountain range. By blending high altitude yoga, Tibetan Buddhist heritage, and breathtaking mountain beauty, the tour begins and ends in Kathmandu which includes an overland journey to Pokhara, Manang, and the sacred Tilicho Base Camp.
If you’re a yoga enthusiast looking to deepen your practice, a spiritual seeker drawn to sacred mountains and lakes, or an adventure lover craving a unique journey, this retreat offers something profound. Mornings begin with meditation and pranayama, and days unfold through scenic treks, village interactions, and mindful movement under the open sky. We also offer an extra helicopter trip for a small cost back from Braga to Kathmandu for the completion of the retreat if you want something grand, witnessing the Himalayas landscapes by flight. This scenic flight is like having a bird's-eye view of white peaks, steep valleys and old trails.
Tilicho Lake is not just a regular retreat. It's a soul pilgrimage.
We begin in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital where incense and temple bells scent the air. We leave the city and travel through red-brick temples and potters shaping clay in sun-kissed courtyards. The road follows the rumbling Trisuli River, winding past hillside terracing, grazing buffalo, and tea stalls serving sweet chai and local snacks.
As we ascend over Besisahar, the river narrows and waterfalls begin tumbling down cliffs above. Along the way, we stop for hot thukpa soup and stories by the campfire. In Pisang, ancient Buddhist monasteries along the trails flutter prayer flags in greeting us in Manang, the high-altitude town where yaks roam freely and the air is thin but sacred.
Each step along the path from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp is meditation. We pass through juniper groves, hear the low thrum of yak bells in the distance, and follow trails worn by generations of pilgrims and porters. At Tilicho Lake, silence descends like mist, a perfect mirror of sky and soul.
Trip Highlights of High Altitude Yoga Retreat
- Do Yoga & Meditation at Tilicho Lake (4,919m / 16,138ft) which is one of the highest lakes on Earth. Feel the stillness of the mountains as you stretch and breathe beside its deep blue waters, with Annapurna’s snowy peaks all around.
- Meditate in sacred places, like the quiet Milarepa Cave and the crystal clear Kicho Tal (Ice Lake), where nature and spirit feel deeply connected.
- Walk through Himalayan villages, meet warm local families, and visit peaceful monasteries filled with Tibetan Buddhist tradition and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- Start your mornings with sunrise Hatha yoga and gentle breathing (pranayama), under open skies that make you feel small in the best way.
- Travel in a mindful way: each teahouse you stay in, every home-cooked dal bhat you enjoy, supports the mountain communities who welcome you.
- Add a once-in-a-lifetime ending, with an optional helicopter ride flying over snow-covered peaks all the way back to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
- Beginners are warmly welcome: you don’t need any yoga experience. Just bring an open heart and a love for the mountains.
Why This High Altitude Yoga Retreat to Tilicho Lake Is Perfect for You
What makes this retreat truly special is the way it brings together nature, movement, and spirit. First, you will be setting at Tilicho Lake, tucked high in the Himalayas which is a place so quiet you can hear your own breath. Imagine practicing yoga in the morning sun, surrounded by the tallest mountains on Earth, with nothing but wind and snow as your backdrop. The setting alone brings peace. The stillness of the mountains becomes your teacher.
But beyond the beauty, there are deep health benefits. Is high altitude yoga good for your health? Yes, and I can say this from experience. Practicing yoga at altitude increases lung capacity, enhances circulation, and sharpens mental clarity. The thinner air encourages deeper breathing, and combined with pranayama techniques, it becomes a cleansing, healing practice.
This is also a holistic journey. Each day combines physical movement with spiritual depth. You’ll move your body with mindful yoga, breathe consciously, and reflect in nature’s grandest temple. You’ll eat simple, nourishing meals prepared by locals, sleep under starry skies, and wake with the rhythm of the mountains.
And finally, this is a spiritual destination. Tilicho is considered sacred in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Many believe it is the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in the Ramayana. Even locals don’t take it lightly, we approach with respect. That energy, the quiet reverence of the space, enhances everything we do.
Cost of this High Altitude Yoga Package
Tilicho Yoga Retreat offers immense value for a transformative experience. The price differs depending on season and group size, but $1399 covers all the essentials for your 10 Days High Altitude Yoga Retreat in Nepal.
In this package are private transport from Kathmandu to Manang and back, a professional yoga teacher, multiple yoga sessions and meditation practices, trekking guide and porter services, accommodation in local guesthouses or tents, meals, and all necessary permits and entry fees.
Not included in this Mountain Yoga Retreat are your personal trekking gear, insurance, or any extra snacks and drinks.
As your trekking agency, We’ll take care of all the logistics so you can fully immerse in the experience. From finding you a warm blanket in a chilly guesthouse to making sure your chiya is ready after yoga, we’re here every step of the way.
You’re not just paying for a service; you’re investing in an experience curated by people who live and love this land.
Every porter, cook, and guide you meet along the trail adds their heart to your journey. Early Bird Offer: Book for 2025, 2026 and get $15 off your spot! We expect spots to fill quickly, so don’t miss out.
What Makes Tilicho Yoga Retreat Unique
What sets this apart from other treks is the sacred combination of altitude and awareness. There are few places on Earth where you can practice yoga above 4,000 meters, and even fewer that carry the spiritual weight of Tilicho Lake. This is not just a yoga class in the mountains, it’s a life changing experience where every breath feels like a prayer.
Our guides are not only experienced in trekking, but also humble yoga students and caretakers of this sacred land.We’ll teach you about local herbs used for healing, the myths behind mountain names, and how to breathe properly when your chest feels tight at 4,500 meters. We move slowly, with intention, and we always listen to the mountain.
And we are committed to eco-friendly travel. We carry our waste, support local lodges, and walk with respect for nature. Your visit directly benefits the communities you pass through, each cup of tea or overnight stay helps sustain families in remote Himalayan villages.
Spiritual Focus of Tilicho Lake
Tilicho is not just a sacred, beautiful lake, it is a living temple. In Hindumythology, it is linked with the ancient story of Kaka Bhusundi, the sage crow who witnessed the eternal cycle of life. According to the Ramayana, Kaka Bhusundi was granted the rare blessing of immortality and spiritual insight. He chose the form of a crow so he could view the world from above. It is said he sat by sacred lakes of Tilicho by watching the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth unfold. Even today, people says that he still watches from the skies, blessing those who come with a pure heart.
In Buddhism, Tilicho Lake is linked with Padmasambhava also known as “Guru Rinpoche” who is a great master of meditation who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated in many hidden valleys and lakes in the Himalayas, places where the earth itself holds spiritual energy. Tilicho, with its remote silence and high altitude, is considered one such site ideal for deep meditation and inner transformation.
During the full moon in August, pilgrims perform rituals, offer prayers, and take purifying dips, highlighting its sacred status.
As someone born in these mountains, I’ve seen pilgrims come here not for photos, but for blessings. When you sit in meditation here surrounded by snow and silence, something opens. You will feel connected to the earth, the sky, and the silence within you.
By practicing yoga beside Tilicho Lake becomes a spiritual ceremony. The cold wind sharpens your focus, the altitude deepens your breath, and the vastness humbles your heart.
Is High Altitude Yoga Retreat For You?
This journey is for the dreamers and doers, the inner explorers and outer adventurers. If you have ever wanted to practice yoga in Nepal, where every inhale brings in cold mountain air and every exhale lets go of worry, this is for you. Maybe you’ve been doing yoga for years and want to take your practice off the mat, or maybe you’re a beginner looking to reconnect with your body, spirit, and breath.
It’s also perfect for spiritual seekers who long to sit quietly by sacred waters, to meditate in the shadow of peaks that feel like gods. You don’t have to be religious, just open-hearted and curious.
And if you’re an adventure lover, used to hiking hills and crossing valleys, you’ll find this trek both rejuvenating and humbling. No extreme fitness is required for this high altitude yoga retreat, just a moderate level of stamina, and a willingness to walk slowly, listen deeply, and live simply.
You won’t need to know Sanskrit or perform advanced poses. You don’t need to be a yoga expert. You just need a moderate level of fitness. If you can walk for 5 to 6 hours a day and carry your own small backpack, you’ll do great. We move slowly, and we rest often. Yoga here is not about performance, it’s about presence and following the principles of yoga in every aspect of your life.
Can Yoga Lower Blood Pressure?
Yes, it can. Doing yoga in high altitude locations helps your body in many natural ways. It reduces blood pressures, improves oxygen efficiency and enhances lung capacity. Your body becomes more resilient, and the mind becomes clearer. When you're breathing deeply at high elevation together with awareness, it activates the parasympathetic system, which helps your body relax by reducing stress and promoting healing.
Health Benefits of High Altitude Yoga
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- Improves lung function and oxygen use
- Builds resilience in both body and mind
- Reduces stress and anxiety through deep breathing
- Enhances quality of sleep and overall health
Food & Diet in your High Altitude Yoga Journey: Eat Like a Yogi
During your mountain yoga journey, you'll enjoy fresh, local meals which will nourish your body and support your practice. On the trail, we’ll have simple but delicious foods like dal bhat (rice, lentils, and veggie curry), Phapaar ko roti (buckwheat pancakes), hot soups, and Tibetan bread which is perfect for keeping your energy up in the mountains.
We recommend a vegetarian diet on this retreat, which fits well with the spirit of yoga. Vegetarian foods keep you light, grounding, and it is easier to digest. But don’t worry, we can accommodate other food preferences too. Everything is made fresh and organic, often by the kind hands of local Nepali families in the teahouses we stay in.
Accommodation During Tilicho Yoga Retreat in Nepal
We will stay in local teahouses which are simple & cozy but filled with love and hospitality. When you're in Kathmandu, you'll stay in a standard hotel. Depending on the season in Base Camp, we may use tents or stone lodges. Expect blankets, hot drinks, and stunning views. Wi-Fi is rare, and that's the beauty of it, you unplug, fully.
Packing List for high altitude yoga trek
For your hike, bring along a light yoga mat, meditation shawl or scarf, and yogic apparel. Bring along warm equipment in the form of a down jacket, sleeping thermal wear, and rainproof hiking boots to face the altitude cold. Bring a refillable bottle of water, sun protection cream, lip balm, and a headlamp for sun protection and hydration. Don't forget rest day clothing in the form of comfortable footwear and a basic first-aid kit with any medications that are personally required.
How to Prepare for High Altitude Yoga and Trekking?
To acclimatize high altitude, consume lots of water prior to and during your trip, and perform pranayama to condition your lungs. Avoid alcohol and smoking, since they can increase the risk for altitude sickness. Move slowly, rest often, and trust in your breath in order to acclimate your body. March, April, May and September, October & November are considered the best seasons to visit when the weather remains clear and trails are open. These months are the best ones for trekking in the mountains and yoga.
Safety Notes: This high altitude trekking is moderately difficult, it's a little challenging due to altitude. We have an emergency plan, altitude training, and experienced staff always prepared to make your journey safe and sound!
Join Us in 2025, 2026
Are you ready to experience the best high altitude yoga in Nepal? To do yoga and meditate by Tilicho Lake and breathe with the mountains? This is more than a yoga retreat, it’s a pilgrimage.
Spots for the Tilicho Lake yoga and wellness tour are limited. Book now for 2025, 2026 and receive our early bird discount. Let the mountains call you home.
Reserve your space today for the ultimate Nepal Himalayan yoga adventure package and begin your journey inward.
Optional Extensions: Stay Longer for more connection with nature
- Annapurna Circuit Extension (5–10 Days): Continue on the famous route past Yak Kharka and across the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Good for trekkers who want a longer Himalayan experience.
- Kathmandu Spiritual Tour (2–3 Days): Visit sacred sites like Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Swayambhunath Stupa.
- Helicopter Himalayan Adventure: Complete your journey with an adrenaline fueled helicopter return flight from Brage to Pokhara or Kathmandu, soaring over the spectacular Annapurna range and Himalayan valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of snow peaks, isolated villages, and sacred lakes. After arriving, we will conclude the journey with a farewell dinner to celebrate your retreat or you can plan for more. We’re happy to help arrange extensions depending on your time and interests!