In November 2016, during an epic world trip visiting 16 countries in 16 months, I decided to train as a yoga instructor. I was in Asia, and where better to study than in the birthplace of yoga itself - the Himalayas!
The popular, widespread belief is that India is the birthplace of yoga. But I was about to discover another side to this story. My husband was set on trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal after visiting India. Nepal would be the 16th country on our route. So, I decided to do my Yoga Teacher Training course in Nepal, where I was soon to discover that Nepal might actually be the birthplace of yoga – as well as the birthplace of Buddha.
I collaborated with Nepal Yoga Academy (NYA) to help promote their impressive yoga school and retreat. Here is a short promo film we made that gives a beautiful snapshot of what you can expect there:
I had researched several yoga schools in Nepal - there are only a handful - compared to the trillions in India. Nepal Yoga Academy was the school that won my affection.
Directed by the charismatic and accomplished yogi Dr. Chinatamani Gautam - who has a Ph.D. in Yogic Science, specializing in Sanskrit and ancient mantras - I signed up for the Yoga Teacher Training (YTTC) 200-hour course!
Certified by the Yoga Alliance (USA & Australia), the 200-hour training is an internationally recognized course that certifies you to teach yoga. The Advanced 500-hour yoga teacher-training course is also available at the NYA. There is a maximum of 14 students per course, but on this occasion, they had two groups of 14 each: because NYA is becoming so popular!
Sanatan Classical Yoga
At Nepal Yoga Academy Dr. Chintamani teaches classical Sanatan – a form of Hatha yoga. As this is the authentic, original style of yoga I felt this a good basis to learn before exploring other yoga styles. In Sanskrit Hatha combines the sun and moon meaning to balance aggressive sun energy with receptive moon energy.
Yoga is an ancient philosophy with a history of 5-10,000 years. Through yoga, you can develop a greater connection to your own spirituality; whatever religion you may or may not follow. Yoga is for everyone, all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
At the Academy
Nepal Yoga Academy is set in an idyllic location about 45 minutes drive from Kathmandu, so not too far off the beaten track, but also far enough away from the chaos of city life. Perched on a hilltop, the school and retreat have two centers within walking distance of each other set in the beautiful Himalayas, where the scenery is unrivalled.
The NYA staff are incredibly helpful and welcoming, they really made me feel at home; and their organic, yogic cuisine is delicious and nutritious. The accommodation is very modern and comfortable and there is so much to do around the area; such as hiking, visiting temples, villages, and performing 108 sunrise salutations at the culmination of the course, on a Himalayan hilltop is truly magical!
The Typical Day of a YTTC Trainee:
6.30-7.00 AM Satkarma (nasal cleansing) & tea)
7.00-8.00 AM Morning Mantras & Pranayama Breathing Techniques
8.00-9.30 AM Asana
9.30 AM Breakfast
10.30-12.30 AM Yoga Theory
1.00 PM Lunch
2.00-3.00 PM Self Study
3.00-4.30 PM Yoga Workshop
4.30-6.00 PM Asana/Meditation/Yoganidra
6.30-7.30 PM Dinner
7.30-9.30 PM Self Study
The Training Experience:
Students are all ages and levels, some are beginners, some more advanced practitioners. Some are in their 20s others are in their 60s or 70s. It's an international, diverse mix of students, from the US, Europe, South America, and Asia. There is a really homely, friendly and supportive environment at the academy. For me, and many others the training has been a truly life-changing and soul-searching experience. So, of course, there are emotional ups and downs for nearly every student, but the trainers and staff are always there for a supportive hug and an ear to listen.
When you arrive you are given the Nepal Yoga Academy training manual, as well as a copy of Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Saraswati Satyananda Swami; the yoga bible for yoga teacher trainees.
Satkarma – Cleansing your nostrils with warm, salty water (specially prepared by Krishna) first thing in the morning, was not easy at first, but I found it easier after Krishna carefully demonstrated. It is the best way for a yogini to start the day!
Mantras & Meditation – Mantras are an integral part of the training. To help master these ancient mantras they are performed daily, and practiced throughout, even at mealtimes. Dr. Chintamani also performs singing bowl meditations, which are truly sensational! Most students leave Nepal with their own hand-made singing bowl, purchased in Kathmandu or from a local market.
Pranayama – Yogi breathing techniques are also practiced throughout, and integrated into the training practicums; in which trainee teachers demonstrate skills in teaching pranayama such as ‘Bumblebee Breath' or ‘Nadi Shodhan'.
Yoga Science & Theory – The science and theory behind is truly fascinating. Workshops range from Anatomy, to Kundalini Energy, and Karma yoga. Dr. Chintamani is well versed in ancient Sanskrit, and texts such as the Upanishads, as well as the mantras.
Asanas – Learning yoga postures in two classes a day, with an extra yoga asana workshop to really master the alignments and how to teach each pose are really invaluable.
Graduation – At the end of the course, after performing 108 sun salutations at sunrise, the graduation involves an ancient ‘fire ceremony' and students dress in traditional Nepalese attire: women in dresses, men in white clothes. Because the course is so intense and challenging, the students are pretty exhilarated to receive their certificates!
Yoga Trekking
As part of the yoga course, we set off for a 4 day trip to Pokhara to enjoy the thrills of white water rafting (en route) and yoga trekking to the Australian base camp.
Here we not only got to trek and do yoga with the enchanting Himalayas as our background, but we got to practice our yoga teaching skills, and sing mantras around a camp fire.
Pokhara is a must-see if you are visiting Nepal, so joining the yoga trek with Nepal Yoga Academy will help you tick that box!
Yoga Flashmob in Kathmandu:
During our stay, the yoga guru and coordinator of NYA - Warren – devised a Yoga Flashmob in Kathmandu: the first ever yoga flash mob in Asia. With my husband, they worked with local organizations and businesses to set up our very successful flash mob in Thamel – the heart of Kathmandu.
The aim of the flash mob was to promote Nepal as the birthplace of yoga. Many of the ancient yogis and meditators, including Buddha himself, practiced in the magical Himalayas, which stretch mainly across Nepal. In recent history, Nepal was struck by some devastating earthquakes, which affected the tourism there, so our flash mob aims to bring Nepal onto the stage for yoga tourism. See the film here:
If you are thinking about doing the yoga teacher training then I highly recommend training in Nepal at NYA. I had travelled for 1 month through India, before arriving in Nepal, which is also an amazing country.
But Nepal is different, the people are so relaxed and welcoming, and the environment is much calmer and more conducive to studying yoga.
I made so many new friends at NYA who I am sure I will meet again on the continuation of my yogic path – if not back in Nepal then somewhere else on this planet! Maybe in India where I also would like to study yoga some day.
I had personally been practicing yoga on and off for many years, and had always wanted to deepen my practice, as I understood the benefits for the mind, body and spiritual development. So for me, the YTTC training was a personal challenge; which has also inspired me to teach others and share the yoga love.
Since my graduation I have taught yoga to scuba divers in the Philipines, and chair yoga to older people in London, to people living with dementia. I follow the strong belief that yoga is for all ages, all backgrounds, and all abilities.
