Kindness Meditation Retreat Nepal 2024
Retreat Highlights
This sacred journey is brought to you by Support Kindness, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its mission is to spread kindness around the world through storytelling, and to train people to cultivate kindness and compassion through meditation. In addition to its educational initiatives, Support Kindness provides humanitarian aid worldwide.
10-Day Kindness Meditation Retreat Nepal
April 12 – 21, 2024
The following are included in your retreat package:
- Welcome reception dinner
- 9 nights private room (single occupancy) luxury accommodation
- 5-Star hotel in Kathmandu
- 3-Star resort hotel in Lumbini
- 4-Star resort hotel in Pokhara
- Board with breakfast and dinner
- You will have a choice of delicious vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals
- 4 or more deeply nurturing meditation & kindness storytelling sessions with Dr. Zeal
- A complimentary copy of the book, You Can Never Go Wrong By Being Kind
- Access to fitness & spa facilities when available.
- Guided tours to exquisite stupas, monasteries, temples, and sacred sites
- Sightseeing of breathtaking views of Nepal’s natural beauty
- Boat ride to visit the Tal Barahi Temple island in Pokhara
- All domestic transportation, including domestic flights
- Applicable entrance fees at temples, shrines, monasteries and monuments
- Free wifi in all resort areas
- All taxes included
- Send off Dinner with entertainment
The following are NOT included in your retreat package:
- Your international airfare
- All expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Travel/medical insurance (Required)
- Nepal visa fee, payable directly to officials US$30
- Alcoholic beverages and special drinks, such as smoothies
- Expenses of personal nature
- Expenses in case of any rescue operation
- Additional expenses due to cancellation of internal flights
- Any other services not listed as included
RETREAT ROGRAM
Day 1 ( Friday, April 12)
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal. Namaste!
Nepal is one of the most enchanting travel destinations in the world, a heady mixture of unique culture proudly preserved, mind boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty.
Located between India and Tibet, Nepal offers a fantastic array of attractions for tourists. It is best known as the home of the Mt. Everest but there is much more to the country than just one mountain. Nepal is a fascinating land of ancient history, vibrant cultures and people and scenic grandeur. It is also one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and latitudinal variation.
Nepal has a rich and a most diverse culture because of its unique location between the world’s two largest and ancient civilizations.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Hyatt Place in Kathmandu.
Relax and enjoy the spa and refreshments at Hyatt Place until dinner time.
Join us for a welcome Dinner & Traditional Nepalese Performances
Day 2 (Saturday April 13) Activities in Kathmandu
Start your morning with a one hour meditation session with Dr. Zeal.The session includes Chanting and Silent Meditation. You can gain profound spiritual insights during the session.
After meditation, enjoy breakfast and prepare for a day of exploration.
Later, full day visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath stupa and Patan Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of old city Kathmandu. The founding of the Durbar (Royal Palace) dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was accomplished progressively over many centuries. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity. Visit the 17th Century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Parvati temple, great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, Taleju Temple and array of temples grouped around it. A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, where the clients may catch a glimpse of the Kumari at one of the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard. All around the splendorof historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the market place. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, and street shop selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces.
Atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu stands the great stupa of Swoyambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake. Swoyambhunath offers a bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu city. This huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu. The faithful circumambulate of the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length are done in reverence.
Patan is also known as Lalitpur or the “city of fine arts” and is the oldest city in the valley. This Buddhist City is said to have been founded by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BC.
Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts & crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these are the Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar besides other temples.
Enjoy Lunch at an authentic Nepalese restaurant.
Dinner and overnight at Hyatt Place, Kathmandu.
Day 3 (Sunday April 14) Activities in Kathmandu & Lumbini
Start your morning with a one hour meditation session with Dr. Zeal. The session includes Chanting and Silent Meditation. You can gain profound spiritual insights during the session.
Enjoy breakfast and get ready for a short flight to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha
Take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa/Gautam Buddha International Airport, Lumbini.
Lumbini is located in the south-central Terai of Nepal, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. For millions of Buddhists the world over, it evokes the kind of holy sentiment akin to the significance of Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha – the apostle of peace, and the Light of Asia – was born in 623 B.C. In historical terms, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian era.
You are welcomed at the Buddha Maya Resort hotel.Unpack, relax and enjoy the peaceful grounds of this beautiful hotel. Then get ready to explore the holy land of Lumbini.
Afternoon: Visit the Lumbini sacred garden and enjoy breathtaking views of Nepal’s natural beauty.
The site (Lumbini Grove) was described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha’s time and still retains its legendary charm and beauty. Both the Shakyas and Kolias Clans owned the garden and its tranquil environs at the time of Lord Buddha’s birth.
Free time to meditate
Enjoy Lunch at a traditional Nepalese restaurant
More exploration of beautiful temples and monasteries.
Return to Buddha Maya Garden Resort
Enjoy dinner
Day 4 (Monday April 15) Activities in Lumbini
Start your morning with a 90-minute Kindness Storytelling & Meditation session with Dr. Zeal Okogeri, who will guide you to meditate on the inner light and sound current.
After meditation and breakfast, visit and contemplate on the grounds of the Kapilvastu site, palace of Gautam Buddha.
Tilaurakot has been identified by archaeologists as the actual capital of ancient Kapilvastu Kingdom, the home of king Suddhodhana, father of Prince Siddhartha who later went on to become the Buddha. This is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha spent the first 29 years of his Princely life. Chinese travelers who visited Tilaurakot more than 2500 years ago reported seeing numerous stupas, monasteries and palaces. The Chinese pilgrims Fa-Hien and Hiuen- Tsang noted that they saw Kapilavastu in complete ruins and counted 10 deserted cities within Kapilavastu. King Virudhaka, who massacred the Shakyas during the last days of Lord Buddha, is said to have destroyed the cities.
Located about 27 kms west of Lumbini and 42 kms from Lumbini Gautam Buddha Airport, a joint effort by Nepali and Japanese archeologists recovered the Royal town of Tilaurakot, the elaborate gateway in the western side, the twin stupa of the Buddha’s parents, and King Suddhodhan’s palace in and around the Tilaurakot mound.
Historically, Kapilavastu was named after Saint Kapil. The Buddha visited Kapilavastu several times during his life. The first nunnery in Buddhist history was also established in Kapilavastu.
Enjoy Traditional Nepalese Lunch
Return to Tiger Palace Resort for dinner and relaxation at the spa
Conclude the day with a 30 minute evening Meditation session with Dr. Zeal Okogeri, who will guide you to meditate on the inner light and sound current.
Day 5 (Tuesday April 16) Activities in Lumbini
Start your morning with a one hour meditation session with Dr. Zeal.
The session includes Chanting and Silent Meditation. You can gain profound spiritual insights during the session.
After Breakfast, visit International Monastic Zone Area of Lumbini, such as Chinese Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Thai, Myanmar, Korea, Germany, India, Vietnamese, etc.
Return to hotel for dinner.
Day 6 (Wednesday April 17) Activities in Lumbini & Pokhara.
After breakfast, pack your bags. It’s time to say goodbye to the Holy land of Lumbini and head to the airport. We’re flying to Pokhara (25 minutes flight).
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the luxurious 4-star luxury accommodation, Mount Kalish Resort Pokhara
Later, visit Pokhara including Davi’s fall, the old Bazaar and Bindhyabasini Temple and boat ride on Phewa Lake. Locally known as Patale Chhahgo, Davi’s fall is an awesome waterfall lying about 2km south-west of the center on the highway to Tansen. In July 1961, Swiss couples were bathing in the stream Pardi Khola, just above the fall. A sudden flood from the Fewa Dam swept away Mrs. Davis and mysteriously disappeared down in to an underground passage beneath the fall. Since, fall has been called Davi’s fall. Pokhara’s traditional old bazaar is colorful and is ethnically diverse. Newar architecture and craftsmanship is expressed in its temple and windows. The past richness is expressed in its art and craftsmanship. Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious activities in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess, Bhagawati, and another manifestation of Shakti. On Tuesdays and Saturdays people sacrifice animals and believe that she will help them fulfill their desires and wishes.
Enjoy lunch and dinner
Enjoy some free time: Go for a walk, socialize, enjoy the spa or fitness facilities. Then join us for evening meditation.
Evening meditation session with Dr. Zeal Okogeri, who will guide you to meditate on the inner light and sound current.
Day 7 (Thursday April 18) Activities in Pokhara
Start your morning with a one hour meditation session with Dr. Zeal at the garden of Mount Kalish Resort Pokhara.
The session includes Chanting and Silent Meditation. You can gain profound spiritual insights during the session.
After meditation and breakfast, we’ll take a hiking tour to the World Peace stupa. We’ll drive for about 20 minutes to Kalimati and commence an uphill walk to the World Peace Stupa. World Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist stupa is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Besides being a impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers the spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara city. We Climb the Raniban forest. After approximately 1 hour of walk you reach stupa and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara town.
Climbing down from Pagoda is more enjoyable with the view of Phewa Lake and the mountains. We cross the Phewa lake after 20 minutes of boating to visit Tal Barahi island temple, in the middle of lake.
Walking through the villages and hills of Nepal is the best way to experience village life with cultural diversity and to see snowcapped mountains. One need not be a mountaineer to trek through the hills of Nepal.
Phewa Lake is the largest lake in Pokhara valley, measuring 1.5 by 4km. Lake is best situated for boating and Bird watching and especially photographing the scenic mountains. The excellent settings of the lake and the reflections of the Annapurna Mountains is something no visitors would like to miss during a boating trip. Annapurna rises directly from the valley floor and seems close enough to touch.
Enjoy an evening stroll around the lakeside of Pokhara, on your own. Contemplate on the spectacular views, take photos.
Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Mount Kalish Resort Pokhara
Day 8 (Friday April 19) Activities in Pokhara
After Breakfast we shall visit, Gupteshwor Cave, Tibeatn Refugees Camp, Boating in Fewa Lake and visit Barahi Temple, After sightseeing back to hotel have dinner and Overnight.
Day 9 (Saturday April 20) Activities in Pokhara & Kathmandu
Start your morning with a 90-minute guided Kindness meditation and storytelling session with Dr. Zeal to cultivate kindness, compassion, and gratitude.
After meditation and breakfast, pack your bags. It’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu, about 25 minutes flight.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the luxurious 5-star accommodation, Hyatt Place in Kathmandu. Take a break and enjoy spa facilities at Yak & Yeti, then get ready for lunch at a Nepalese restaurant, and a visit to Boudhanath, the biggest Stupa in Nepal.
Boudhanath, the biggest Stupa in Nepal, is located on flat land and encircled by houses & monasteries, where Rinpoches reside. Boudhanath is also known as `little Tibet’ because of its unique atmosphere resembling old Barkhor marketplace in Lhasa. Many Tibetans visit here as a place of pilgrimage and trading. Visit nearby monasteries and mediate for some time with monks and possibility to get blessings.
Return to the hotel and relax. Then get ready for our Sendoff Dinner and Traditional Nepalese Performances
Enjoy authentic Nepali dinner which is usually served together with `rakshi’, the Nepali rice-wine. They will also present dances performed by different communities of Nepal like Newars, Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Tharus etc; using traditional music instruments and dances mimicking animals and birds. This will be a wonderful experience for visitors to experience authentic Nepalese food and dances from different communities in Nepal. Enjoy your evening!
Day 10 (Sunday April 21) Departure from Kathmandu
Bon Voyage!!
Thank you for visiting Nepal. We hope you will come back again!
This beautiful journey has been realized and it’s time to return home or continue your journey to another destination. We hope your life has been enriched by this sacred journey.
With Blessings!!
CANCELLATION POLICY
This international tour/retreat is booked through a Resorts & Tour Agency in Nepal. Payments are made in advance to the Resorts & Tour Agency to secure hotel accommodations and local transportation, hire a tour guide, and arrange for every facet of our journey. Total cost of retreat is US$2,495. The retreat starts on Friday, April 12, 2024.
1) If you cancel your booking 60 days before April 12th: You’ll receive a full refund. No penalty.
2) If you cancel your booking between 59 to 30 days before April 12th: You’ll be charged a 10 percent penalty, which is US$249.50.
3) If you cancel your booking between 29 – 8 days before April 12th: You’ll be charged a 25 percent penalty, which is US$623.75.
4) If you cancel your booking between 7 – 2 days before April 12th: You’ll be charged a 50 percent penalty, which is US$1,247.50
5) If you cancel your booking one day before April 12th or if you didn’t give notice of cancellation or didn’t show up for the retreat, for any reason: You’ll forfeit 100 percent of your payment (US$2,495). In other words, there will be zero refund.
If you have any questions, contact us at
OTHER CONDITIONS
1) Now that you have reviewed the Kindness Meditation and Yoga Retreat, if you are ready to be a part of it, you can proceed and book your reservation. Contact if you have any questions.
2) The total cost of retreat is $2495. Full payment must be received 15 days before the start date of retreat, otherwise your reservation will be cancelled and refund policy applies.
3) All participants are required to purchase a travel/medical insurance. Click here for a list of Travel Insurance options.
4) You’ll be required to pay Nepal visa fee, payable directly to officials US$30
5) If for any reason our group cannot be accommodated by any of the hotels listed on this itinerary, that hotel will be replaced by another hotel of the same standard/class.
6) Every effort has been made to provide participants a fun, fulfilling, and flawless retreat experience. We are not responsible for any event that may arise which is beyond our control, such as, an act of nature — sudden weather changes, delays by airlines, someone getting sick and cannot carryout his or her responsibility, political unrest, etc.
7) Please be aware that we are going to engage in sitting meditation, stretching, and possibly hiking uphill for about one hour to a monastery, per itinerary. All participants must be physically able to take care of themselves and walk on their own without assistance, otherwise, they must arrange privately for any mobility assistance they require.
Participants are free to decline participation in any part of the retreat activities.