Nepal is located along the southern slopes of the Himalayas and is famous for its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
This women-only trip is a rare opportunity to explore Nepal’s remarkable beauty and heritage from the perspective of an extraordinary young woman who went from being a child soldier to an internationally recognised champion trail runner and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. You will 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 organisation she founded to give girls better economic and social opportunities through running.
Don’t feel at all intimidated! You don’t have to be an ultrarunner to go on this trip. There are group runs planned for six of the trip’s ten days, with rest days scheduled throughout, during which you can rest, do other activities or add more runs on your own. The mindful group runs range from one to three 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 you 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 do other activities. Some of the resorts you will 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 historical 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, opens your potential for self-discovery and sparks more joy in both running and life.
