High Quality Hotels | Guided Mindful Running | Ayurveda + Yoga | Celebrity Guide Mira Rai | Monasteries + Himalayan Villages
Join us for this rare opportunity to run explore Nepal’s extraordinary beauty and heritage from the perspective of an extraordinary young woman who went from being a child soldier to internationally recognized champion trail runner and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Gain a new appreciation for what it truly means to be “empowered by running” by hearing Mira Rai’s story first hand and running alongside her through the villages and to sacred Buddhist monuments dotting the landscape.
Even if you’ve never heard of Mira, you’ll be moved by her story of resilience and empowerment for young girls, which is why a portion of your retreat package fee is donated to the Mira Rai Initiative, a non-profit organization she founded to give girls better economic and social opportunities through running.
And don’t feel at all intimidated! You don’t have to be an ultrarunner to do this retreat. We have group runs planned for 6 of the trip’s 10 days, with rest days interspersed throughout during which you can rest, do other activities or add more runs on your own. Our mindful group runs range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the day, on a mix of dirt roads and trails (though not on high alpine or exposed terrain). Your retreat leader will brief you on what to expect so you can decide whether or not you want to join based on how you’re feeling. On the days we have only short runs or no group run planned, you can go for a hike, run on your own, do a yoga or meditation class, paddle on the lake, or other activities available. Some of the resorts we stay at offer Ayurvedic treatments or massages for an additional fee.
This mindfully designed retreat strikes the ideal balance between time on the trail with travel to different regions from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Explore historic sights of spiritual significance through which you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this place, its traditions and its people. The time you spend on and off the trail, engaging in the activities and practices that feed your soul open your potential for self-discovery and spark more joy, in running and in life.
Start Planning Your Retreat
Nepal Trail Running + Wellness Running Retreat with Mira Rai- Guided runs with renowned Nepalese trail runner Mira Rai
- 3 nights deluxe accommodations at Dwarika’s Kathmandu
- 2 nights deluxe accommodations at Dwarika’s Dhulikhel
- 2 nights in cottages at Begnas Lake Resort, Pokhara
- 2 nights accommodation at Fishtail Lodge, Pokhara
- Roundtrip flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Mindfulness meditation class with Minakshi Rana
- Singing Bowl sound therapy session
- Daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Private ground transportation during the retreat
- Dedicated Retreat Leader
- Mindful Running Clinics
- Trail snacks/energy food
- Run Wild Retreats gift bag
- Donation to Mira Rai Initiative (non-profit organization)
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare to/from Kathmandu International Airport
- Nepalese Travel visa
- Guide gratuity
- Personal incidentals
- Bottled drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Travel and medical Insurance
- Anything not listed in the “What’s Included” list above
Shared Room Package* (per person): $7,295 USD
Private Room Package (per person): $8,445 USD
Deposit: $1,900 USD
Balance Payment Deadline: May 15, 2023
(After this date, full payment is required at time of booking)
Max Group Size: 15 women
*Shared room packages are room with two beds. Solo travelers may choose this option and will be paired with another retreat participant.
*If traveling with a friend, you may list your friend as your preferred roommate on your Retreat Participant Intake Form.
This retreat is rated Level III. Given the physical requirements listed, this retreat is for runners with good physical fitness, though it’s not necessary to have prior experience running on trails.
This retreat is suitable for you if:
- You are comfortable with a combination of trail running and hiking many days in a row for 2 – 3 hours at at time. Each time we are out on the trail it is inclusive of hiking sections of trail and stops for water breaks, snack breaks and photo opportunities.
- You are comfortable trail running and hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks and some muddy sections.
- You are comfortable trail running or hiking at high elevations. You can expect to reach elevations above 9,000 feet above sea level on this retreat.
- You are physically able to hike long uphills and steep downhills.
- You are comfortable on narrow trails that are high up and at times exposed.
- You are game for running in the rain! Don’t worry about what to wear; we provide you with a comprehensive packing list.
- You have, or are willing to acquire before the retreat, a pair of trail running shoes.
Note:
The total distance of our runs and hikes for this retreat will be between approximately 35 and 45 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by the time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. As noted in the physical requirements, these run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail closures, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
- Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/
Want to Know More?
Day 1 | Kathmandu Arrivals and Retreat Opening
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, exit the baggage area and look for your Run Wild Retreats guide, who will escort you to Dwarika’s Hotel, a quiet sanctuary located 10 minutes away in the center of the bustling city. Unwind from your travels before meeting with your retreat leader and fellow runners at 4:00 pm for the Welcome Meeting followed by an early dinner at the hotel. Tonight, enjoy a restful night’s sleep before our adventures begin the next day.
No run this day
Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: D
Day 2 | Run with Shiva
After breakfast at the hotel, meet with a meditation expert for a deeper dive into mindfulness and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives. We will then check out of the hotel and depart for Dhulikhel, located in the mountains surrounding Kathmandu Valley. Along the way we will stop at Pashupatinath Temple, a sprawling Hindu complex and UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to the god Shiva. We will savor an authentic Nepalese lunch at a local restaurant in Patan, and then continue to arrive at Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel in the early afternoon. After settling into our rooms, we will go on a short shake-out run in the hills surrounding the resort, intended to help you loosen up you body from the long travel and start to get acclimated, followed by dinner.
Time on the trail: 45-60 minutes
Overnight at the Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 | Namo Monastery Run + Afternoon of Wellness
After breakfast at the hotel, our celebrity guide, Mira Rai will meet us for today’s run to the Namo Buddhist Monastery, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site perched on a hilltop with 360-degree views of Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding Himalayas. As a local, Mira will enrich our run in her home country, helping us appreciate the heritage and cultural significance of the many interesting sights we’ll see along the way. After our run, we will return to the hotel for lunch and a full afternoon to enjoy the resort’s amenities. Enjoy one of the many yoga or meditation classes available (included in your package) or book an Ayurvedic spa treatment for an additional fee.
Time on the trail: 2 – 3 hours
Overnight at the Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 | Fly to Pokhara / Rest Day
This morning we, check out of our hotel in Dhulikhel and depart for the airport. Along the way we will stop for lunch at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a former royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur, Nepal, that was home to the Malla kings of Nepal from 14th to 15th century. After a quick yet scenic 30-minute flight to Pokhara (included in your package) we check in at the Begnas Lake Resort, a peaceful lake-side sanctuary surrounded by jungle on three sides and views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. This afternoon, enjoy one of the many outdoor and wellness activities available at Begnas Lake, from yoga to hiking to meditation and Ayurvedic treatments.
No Running Today
Overnight at Begnas Lake Resort, Pokhara
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 | Mindful Run to Begnaskot
After breakfast at the resort, Mira Rai will meet our group at the hotel and we will begin our run to Begnaskot. On the way, we will pass through rural villages, where we will gain insight into the daily lives of the farmers and fishermen that live in the area. Upon reaching Begnaskot Temple, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhualagiri mountain ranges. After our run, we will return to our lakeside resort for lunch and an afternoon yoga class. Later this evening, before dinner, we will join Mira for a private screening of a documentary about her incredible journey from child soldier to champion trail runner, followed by a Q&A with Mira herself.
Time on the Trail: 3 – 4 hours
Overnight at Begnas Lake Resort
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 | Run in Annapurna with Mira Rai
After checking out of our hotel in the morning, we will meet up with Mira Rai and depart for our run to Kaskikot, a small village in the heart of the Annapurna region. On this iconic run, we will pass through small villages and rice terraced mountain sides, and enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and Phewa Lake below. While in Kaskikot visit the ruins of an ancient castle or shop for handicrafts made by local villagers.
After our visit, we will transfer by bus to Fish Tail Lodge on the shores of Lake Phewa. After lunch, those who are interested can join our local guide for a visit to the International Mountaineering Museum, dedicated to recording and chronicling the development of mountaineering activities in the Himalayas and around the world. Dinner will be at the resort, overlooking the lake.
Time on Trail: 3-4 hours
Overnight at Fish Tail Lodge, Pokhara, Nepal
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 | Pokhara Peace Run
Following a morning yoga session at the lodge, we will depart with Mira for a run circling Lake Phewa to the Pokhara Peace Pagoda, a monument dedicated to peace without discrimination. After some time to reflect and enjoy the 360-degree views of the surrounding Himalayas, we will return to the lodge. There will be plenty of free time this afternoon to go on a boat ride on the lake, rent mountain bikes to explore the nearby villages, or enjoy an massage at the spa (for an additional fee).
Time on the Trail: 2-3 hours
Overnight at Fish Tail Lodge, Pokhara, Nepal
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 | Healing Visit with Buddhist Monks
After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for a short flight back to Kathmandu. We will check back into The Dwarika’s Hotel for two nights. This afternoon, take part in a traditional Tibetan Singing Bowl therapy session. This ancient practice, long used by Buddhist Monks, will envelop you with rich, deep, tones and believed to promote deep relaxation and aid in meditation. Later we will visit Thamel, a popular tourist destination in Kathmandu, for some last-minute shopping.
No running today
Overnight at The Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 | Shivapuri National Park Run
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will meet up with Mira and transfer to Shivapuri National Park for one final run on this unforgettable journey. Located just outside of bustling Katmandu with views overlooking the city, Shivapuri National Park is a lush, green jungle, and ecosystem to a variety of flora and fauna. After our run we will return to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon, those who wish can take an optional scenic flight over the Himalayas to see Mount Everest (for an additional fee).
Time on the trail: 2-3 hours
Overnight at The Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10 | Closing Circle, Kathmandu Departures
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your retreat leader for our retreat Closing Circle to reflect on our journey through Nepal. Transfer to the airport for flights returning to North America.
No run today
Meals: B