Frequently Asked Questions and Information about Nepal Yoga Academy 2023
This the Frequently Asked Questions about Nepal Yoga Academy & Retreat, for YTT:

What type of yoga we teach?
Sanatan or Traditional Hatha Yoga is a vast subject area following the writings of Patanjali and other old masters. Mostly we teach Hatha & Raja styles of yoga during the course/retreat. Time to time we introduce Ashtanga / Vinssaya / Yin style of Asana.

What style of yoga will I be learning?
Sanatan or Traditional Yoga is a vast subject area following the writings of Patanjali and other old masters. Mostly we teach Hatha & Raja styles of yoga during the course.
Under the direction of Dr Chintamani, we teach Sanatan yoga based on classical Hatha yoga as outlined in the traditional texts, Hatha Pradapika and Gheranda Samhita, combined with traditional Ashtanga (8 Limbs of Yoga) outlined by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Our main reference guide Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha is written by Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga. You will receive a copy of this reference and our own asana book, upon arrival.

What are the prerequisites of YTT 200?
To be 18 years old, have a regular practice & be motivated to learn to immerse yourself &/or to teach plus have an interest in yoga and a healthy body.

Will I get the opportunity to teach during the course?
Our final week of the training comprises of full time practicums in all subjects including pranayama, asana, workshops, philosophy, mantra, anatomy & physiology. The practicums are designed to practice and demonstrate your teaching style. By the end of the course, trainees have experience of a number of hours of medium sized group teaching with a corresponding increase in your self-confidence.

How much experience do I need to join the YTT course?
We encourage students from all backgrounds with different levels of experience to join the course. Not everyone wants to become a teacher therefore we offer a 28 day full immersion training to develop your sadhana.

Which month is the best for YTT?
We run YTT courses every month of year. Trekking months such as November are very popular, so booking in advance or securing a place can ensure you get the month you want. It really depends what your schedule is and what type of weather you prefer.

How many students are on the course?
We have a maximum of 14 students on a teacher training course. Although our courses are in high demand, we never take more than these numbers to ensure the highest quality training for our students.

What type of students attends the trainings?
Our students range in age from 18 to 65 and come from all over the world.

How do I secure my place on the YTT course?
Please complete the application form. Our team will process your application within three working days and we will notify you of the outcome by email. Please read our Terms & Conditions before submitting payment.

Can I get visa upon arrival at the airport?
Yes, just about every nationality can get a multiple entry visa on arrival at the airport or border for 30 or 90 days etc. At this time, 30 days is US$40 cash (or major currency equivalent) and a 90 day visa is US$100. Visa extensions can be granted in Kathmandu within a couple of hours. Check your options before you arrive. Currently, photographs are not required because a machine will take your photograph at the airport. Please check here for updated information.

How far is the academy from the airport/city and how much does it cost?
About 25km from Thamel and 20 km from the airport. Roughly $20 (2000 rupees more or less) in a taxi. You can call Krishna or Dr Chintamani on the taxi driver’s phone to clarify the location: Panachamahalaxmi Temple near Telkot on the Nagarkot Road a few kilometres past Bhaktapur. Krishna 9813442669 Dr Chintamani: +977985109635

What should I bring? Yoga mats & clothes etc?
A lot of items can be purchased very cheaply in Kathmandu but you may have difficulty finding your favourite brands. Of course, bring some comfortable clothes for doing yoga. We have yoga mats and props but you may wish to bring your own mat or mat cover. Bring toiletries and anything else you need. In winter: bring warm clothes. In summer: summer clothes, a raincoat, sun screen and for all seasons we suggest you bring mosquito repellant, a hat, a flashlight, for hiking and living in a forest.

What is included in the price?
All meals, tea, 200 hours of training course training materials, shared accommodation, 2 massages, 1 steam bath and upon satisfactory completion – a Yoga Alliance YTT certificate.

What is not included in the price?
Transportation to and from the retreat. Anything we have not mentioned unless by arrangement.

How can I pay the advance deposit and then the course fee?
We invited you to pay by bank or Western Union transfer prior to arrival or credit card or cash in country.

Can you send a letter of acceptance for YTT?
Yes, we can send an invite by email.

I have only 25 days available, can I still get a chance to do YTT?
Yes! but you will have to make up for any parts of the course you miss with study or by arrangement.

Can I stay extra nights in the school before or after the course?
Yes, but you will have to pay for extra nights at a rate determined on agreement.

Can I do sightseeing or shopping etc during the course?
We have one full day off a week and you can travel around when not studying. There are many natural and historical wonders in the area and in Kathmandu Valley.

What’s the daily schedule of YTT?
Here is a sample daily schedule that may vary according to requirements and circumstances but not greatly.
• 06:00 to 06:30 – Wake up / freshen up
• 06:30 to 07:00 – Satakarma (neti cleansing), Tea
• 07:00 to 08:00 – Morning prey(mantra chant), Pranayama and Meditation
• 08:00 to 09:30 – Morning Asana session
• 09:30 to 10:30 – Breakfast
• 10:30 to 12:30 – Lectures
• 13:00 to 14:00 – Lunch
• 14:00 to 15:00 – Self study/Rest
• 15:00 to 16:30 – Yoga workshop
• 16:30 to 18:15 – Evening Asana and Meditation
• 18:30 to 19:30 – Dinner
• 19:30 to 21:30 – Self Study
• 22:00 – Lights out

I have special dietary requirements, what can you do?
We have a team of chefs who will make organic vegetarian meals according to your specifications that are included in the cost of the course. We can make vegan, high raw, gluten free, salt free and many other meal combinations to suit you.

Can I use a computer/ or other mobile device during my stay?
Yes! there is wifi and adequate power supplies. So bring your devices and phones, as they are useful study tools. However, during classes phone or screen time is discouraged in order to focus on learning.

Should I vaccinate before visiting Nepal?
Some people visiting Nepal choose not to vaccinate, some people choose to rely on existing vaccinations they already have, some people vaccinate to a small extent and some people take a wide range of vaccines. Really, the choice is yours. Beyond saying that so far no one has become ill with a major illness here that could be vaccinated against or not. We do not take any responsibility beyond providing fitness, clean water, food, and conditions in a healthy rural environment.
Yoga is closely related to naturopathy, which does not encourage vaccination but use your own judgment in this matter.

What is the registration/booking process?
It’s simple! For your (Package/Training) please pay a US$200 deposit (20% of whole package for retreat and US$200 for Training) to initiate your registration. We hope you understand that this deposit will be Non-refundable. Upon initial registration, Full payment is due at the time of arrival.

If you have questions concerning the registration process, feel free to contact-
Email at nepalyogaacademy@gmail.com
Or call at:
Tel: 98510 92635 Dr. Chintamani
Tel: +977 9813442669 Krishna

Do I need travel insurance?
We require all teacher training students to have travel insurance covering their trip to Nepal. Apart from checking for quotes online, you may also wish to check with your travel agent. Whatever option you take please make sure to obtain travel insurance before you leave your home country and please provide us with a print out of your details upon arrival.

Are toiletry products easily available?
Local shops have a wide range of products available. Shower gels, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shavers etc are widely available and you should buy them here if you wish to save and travel light (unless you have your particular brand). Any pharmaceutical items you may wish to buy are usually available here and about a third of the price There are some great natural Ayurvedic products available too. However, we advise you to buy your sunscreen in your home country. Sunglasses in Nepal are not of a high standard unless you buy designer labels, so you should consider bringing yours from home. Please note that the Academy & Retreat are more than an hour’s drive out of Kathmandu. It may be good idea to visit some shops / ATMs in Thamel or Bhaktapur area before you come to Nepal Yoga retreat center.

Are the any additional taxes or fees we must pay?
There are not additional taxes or fees. The fee stated on this website includes all lodging, meals and sessions.

Will you find a roommate for me if I come by myself?
Yes. Many people attend the retreats without a friend or partner.

Are the retreats suitable for beginners?
These retreats are suitable for anyone, regardless of age, physical ability or prior experience in yoga and meditation. Students come to these retreats for different reasons and with different backgrounds. The retreat experience is unique for everyone.

Can you accommodate a special diet?
Generally yes. All meals are vegetarian and mostly vegan. We source all our foods locally from organic farms.

Should I bring my own yoga mat?
We have plenty of mats, blankets, cushions and other supports, but we recommend you have your own mat (or towel) for the duration of the training.

Will I have free time?
Yes, you will have a full day free on Sundays. There are also breaks built in for meals and between classes. We can program some hiking, volunteering in the village, organic farm visit, ayurvedic massages or other activities into every day.

Should I tip the staff?
Please feel free to do so! At the end of your retreat or training you are welcome to gather some gift money for our hardworking team. Your generosity will be shared equally. If you have been happy with our service, we recommend tipping a minimum of US$10.

Pre-course Knowledge
We recommend your familiarity with the following texts to support your yoga teacher development:
• Light on Yoga, by B.K.S. Iyengar
• Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Postural Practice, by Mark Singleton
• Yogini, by Janice Gates
• Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, by Stephen Cope
• Awakening Shakti, by Sally Kempton
• The Guru Papers, by Joel Kramer and Diana Alstad
• Original Yoga, by Richard Rosen
• Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual, by David Swenson
• Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness, by Erich Schiffmann
• Yoga Anatomy, by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews
• The Yoga Stura of Patanjali: A Biography, by David Gordon White

Yoga Alliance Registration:

We offer YTT courses registered with American Yoga Alliances

  • RYS 200 Yoga Alliance
  • RYS 300 Yoga Alliance
  • E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance
  • YACCEP Yoga Alliance