Yoga Programs in Nepal

My Himalayan semester was one of the best experiences I have ever had. From rural homestays to trekking in the Himalayas, it was full to the brim of adventure, community, culture and collaboration. My instructors were absolutely amazing as were my fellow Dragons students. The space that Dragons creates for self reflection and growth along with building an incredible group environment was something unique and awesome. On a trip like this it is expected that at one point or another you are pushed outside of your comfort zone. This was incredible because you end up watching your comfort zone expand and grow with you. Going from being a complete stranger and foreigner, lost in Kathmandu, to a confident traveler catching crowded busses and chatting to the person next to you in Nepali was incredible. One of the countless stunning moments on this trip was when I was sitting on a rock on a mountainside. It was near sunset we were at 13,000 feet of elevation, and the pinkish orange light of the setting sun began to creep across the massive peaks of the Himalayas in the Lang Tang region. I sat there, watching the sun dip down below the cloud layer, and was struck by the silence. No sound whatsoever penetrated that beautiful serene mountain air. It was almost like the world had frozen briefly. Stuck in that dusky state between day and night. The giant peaks only adding to the splendor, putting the size of humanity in its place yet again.

I was looking for a trip that was going to be educational and authentic and fun. Without a doubt, I found it! Nepal and Tibet are truly incredible places, and coming home, I feel like I really got to connect with each of them and live like a Nepali. There were so many nights that I spent talking/singing/dancing with the locals, and I felt so lucky every day, and so grateful for every experience, be it trekking, rafting, getting lost in the cities, paragliding, yoga, or mountain biking, and for every other wonderful moment. The Pacific Discovery staff was awesome, teaching us everything from the very basics of travel to the pressing social and political issues in Nepal. Our leaders trusted us and supported us completely, and they were my friends above all. I would do this trip a thousand times over, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Overall, the best decision I've ever made!

Traveling to Nepal and Tibet with Pacific Discovery was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Each day was a new adventure, whether we were trekking the Annapurna circuit, or helping a Nepali village build a pig pen. Even though the views were breathtaking it was the people that made an impression on me the most. Our guides, and the families we met were the most generous people I have ever met in my life, and I was so sad to leave them. PD gave me a real and authentic experience and I couldn't have asked for a better trip. The leaders were always there to help and I look up to them in so many ways. I wish I could relive it again and again.

Although I thoroughly loved my whole gap year, the Dragons trip stands out as the highlight. I loved the challenge, the intensity, the teaching style, the instructors, the flexibility, and the adventure. It was an incredibly transformative 3 months for me. It is hard to go to Nepal or India and not fall in love with the people, the culture, the land- the all encompassing and mind blowing world that is the Himalayas. This trip is an experience that will stay with you and continue to affect you for the rest of your life. It was not all fun, but it was raw and real and that was what made it so amazing.

This program had been my dream for over two years. Finally as a junior in University I was able to make this amazing experience a reality. The friends and memories made in the 9 weeks is not comparable to anything else I have ever experienced. Prior to the trip I was still unsure where my education was leading me. After seeing a part of the world in such a unique way through Pacific Discovery, I have clear career goals and all new aspirations for my future. Overall I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for an experience of a lifetime!