“The place to be for an out of this world life experience.” Christin, Germany.
We couldn’t say it better ourselves. This exceptional retreat took us deep into the Annapurna region of the Himalayas to the ancient kingdom of Mustang. Having traveled here by motorbike in 2017, John Scott and Julia Grant-Scott were eager to return with an intimate group of students to share what this exceptional landscape can teach us.
After meeting in Pokhara, we arrived at the airport at dawn to travel to Mustang.
Spending the first day in Lakeside, Pokhara
Leaving from Pokhara airport at dawn
After just 18 minutes, we arrive in Jomsom, Mustang as the sun rises.
Suddenly seeing the Himalayas up close
We travel to Kagbeni, our home for the retreat
The grandfather of the village greets us during our orientation (Photo credit: Jon Dupuy)
Exploring the hidden spaces of the village
Our beautiful home during the retreat
And our sanctuary within it (Photo credit: Jon Dupuy)
The walls of our yoga space.
Just 12 participants. Morning self-practice with John and Julia gives students the space to delve deeply into the Ashtanga Vinyasa system.
Afternoon workshops with John and Julia. (Photo credit: Jon Dupuy)
Photo credit: Margaret Campbell
Quiet moments in the afternoon sunshine. In the dining room…
On the guest house rooftop…
‘Yak Donalds’ our favourite lunch spot
The best apple crumble we’ve ever tasted. (Photo credit: Margaret Campbell)
John leads evening meditation and chanting, tucked away in this special place.
Attending morning prayers (pooja) at the monastery.
The beautiful red monastery is hundreds of years old.
Photo credit: Jon Dupuy
Day trip by jeep on one of the most spectacular roads – 360 degrees of Himalaya (Photo credit: Christin Sim)
Arriving in Muktinath.. one of the most important Vishnu pilgrimage sites in the world.
The best way to get up to the temple.
Making our way up to the temple
Devotees take a sacred bath in the holy water (Photo credit: Christin Sim)
Sacred water flows through 108 spouts. (Photo credit: Christin Sim)
Photo credit: Christin Sim
Delicious mountain food before heading back (Photo credit: Margaret Campbell)
The start of the long walk (or the short ride) back..
Himalayan views as we descend.
Photo credit: Christin Sim
Photo credit: Christin Sim
On other days we took windy afternoon hikes.
Exploring nearby villages.
Time to leave this incredible landscape. It is difficult not to shift your perspective when you are directly confronted each day by the enormity and magnificence of nature.
Our final evening – by now, feeling that we have been together for a long time and had a very big adventure.
The ‘departure lounge’ at the airport.