Whether to reduce stress, improve health or increase wellbeing, more of us than ever are incorporating wellness into our holiday destinations. When it comes to choosing the perfect destination for a wellness holiday, Nepal is a country that offers it all.
The Rise of the Wellness Holiday
The antithesis of lounging on a beach for days on end, a wellness holiday is about travelling to increase or maintain mental and physical wellbeing. From indulging in spa treatments to active exercise to meditation, contemplation and relaxation, there are plenty of places for wellness tourists to find what they need. But offering the ultimate trifecta of activities for mind, body and soul, we think Nepal is the world’s ultimate wellness destination. Read on to find out why Nepal tops the lot for travellers looking to invest in some self care.
Activities for the Body
Exercise is one of the key pillars of wellbeing and having activities that challenge your body and push your fitness are important criteria for a wellness holiday. With its stunning mountain ranges, untouched nature and a plethora of outdoor activities, Nepal is a place to explore wellness through physical activity.
Hiking
As the hiking capital of the world, there’s no end to Nepal’s prayer flag-lined network of trails and treks. Pokhara is the gateway to the famous Annapurna circuit and the perfect entry point for the ambitious hiker that wants to challenge themselves on a longer expedition. For those looking for more easygoing trails, the Pokhara Valley offers plenty of full or half-day hikes to towering stupas, small villages and vantage points of the mountain scenery. Our favourite is a full-day hike to Pumdi Bhumdi, the ideal mix of village life and pristine views of the Himalayas.
Biking
Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in Nepal and if you’re looking for something more extreme than serene, this could be the activity for you. Beginners will feel comfortable on rides through paddy fields and grazing lands, and there’s plenty to keep it interesting for more advanced riders with challenging downhill, technical switchbacks and even a number of suspension bridges to test your nerves.
Soothing Spa Treatments
As well as pushing your body, you need to make sure you give it time to rest and recharge. After a long day of adventuring, there’s nothing better than soothing aching muscles with a spa treatment. The Pavillions Himalyas boasts the most complete wellness centre in Nepal with a state-of-the-art spa and yoga studio, pool and jacuzzi amongst its offerings. The spa’s range of ayurvedic treatments features signature products made using on-site local herbs, plants and other natural ingredients to keep the surrounding delicate ecosystem in balance.
Activities for the Mind
We all know that travel and trying new things are good for the brain. Nepal offers the chance to discover a culture worlds away from anything you’d experience back home and embark on experiential experiences to feed your mind.
Experience Nepalese Culture
If you want to learn a thing or two about life in Nepal, spend some time in the city of Pokhara. Explore its winding alleys, elegant pagodas and bustling bazaar which will give you the opportunity to see an authentic slice of life in this charming lakeside town. Whether boating on the lake, exploring Barahi Temple or simply sitting in a cafe and people watching, you’re sure to free your mind and gain a new perspective.
A Taste of the Simple Life
Wellness travel is about getting off-the-grid, deep in nature and far away from the run-of-the-mill tourist traps. The Pavilions is uniquely situated on the site of its own organic farm, which supplies the majority of the ingredients for the resort’s cuisine. A tour of the farm will not only give you a new perspective on food production, but help you gain an appreciation of our relationship with food, its connection to the land, and people. You can even learn a new skill by getting involved with the buffalo or cow milking.
Activities for the Soul
In Nepal, spirituality and daily life are deeply entwined and the unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism means the country boasts huge spiritual capital. If you’re looking to refresh and renew, be sure to incorporate some soulful wellness activities.
Temple Blessings
Spinning prayer wheels, the mesmerising sound of Buddhist chants and the aroma of incense filling the air, Nepal is the perfect place for an encounter of the spiritual kind. Start yourself on the path to enlightenment with a blessing from a monk or the chance to meet with Nepalese soul healer. Gain first-hand experience of the practice of local shamans, from aligning your energy flow to adjusting your internal balance. Even a visit to some of the area’s sacred temples or centuries-old monasteries will have you feeling a greater connection to the spirit world.
Yoga
When it comes to health, wellness and reconnecting to the soul, no exercise is more strongly associated with wellbeing than yoga. Yoga is a distinct tradition in Nepal and the perfect wellness exercise for some introspection. Start your day with an invigorating stretch session with a private teacher, or if you’re looking for a longer experience, The Pavillions offers 7-10 day yoga retreats that deliver the soul-healing beauty of the Himalayas.
Whether you need to de-stress, stay active, reset or relax, Nepal is the perfect destination for a wellness break. What do you look for in a wellness holiday? Are you considering a wellness holiday in Nepal, or somewhere similarly enchanting like Bali?