Yoga in Pokhara

In the May 30, 2010 New York Times article "Lotus Position in a Backpacker’s Town," James Nestor describes the increasing presence of yoga studios and related businesses in the town of Pokhara.

Suggested yoga studios are:

Begnas Lake Resort (Sundari Danda, Begnas Lake; 977-61-560030; begnaslakeresort.com) has 28 rooms, four safari-style tents and two luxury suites starting at $80 (booked online), given in dollars. Morning yoga is free.

Garden Yiga Chozin Buddhist Meditation Center (off footpath from Lakeside Road in North Lakeside; 977-61-462923; pokharabuddhistcentre.com) offers free daily meditation classes, dharma talks and hatha yoga instruction (donation based). A three-day introductory retreat is 3,300 rupees, about $47 at 70 rupees to the dollar.

Om Family (Lakeside Road; 977-98-46035265; omfamily.org) has daily drop-in yoga and meditation sessions, as well as holistic treatments, from 500 rupees.

Rishi Yoga (in North Lakeside behind Chetri Sisters Guesthouse; 977-984-6204406; rishavpokhrel@yahoo.co.in) holds 10-day intensive retreats with four hours of daily yoga instruction for 6,500 rupees. Per session drop-ins are 300 rupees. No room or meals.

Sadhana Yoga (in Sedi Bagar, a 15-minute walk from Baidam-Pame Road; 977-61-694041; sadhana-asanga-yoga.com) offers yoga classes, vegetarian meals and basic lodging from 2,400 rupees (two-night minimum).

Nepal Avoids Crisis in Deal to Extend Parliament

In the May 28, 2010 New York Times article "Nepal Avoids Crisis in Deal to Extend Parliament," Kiran Chapagain and Jim Yardley report:

Nepal averted political chaos on Friday when the leading political parties reached a last-minute agreement that prevented the dissolution of Parliament and provided another year for the Himalayan nation to complete its peace process.

The end of the article contains important insights related to Nepal's economic development:

Pinned between India and China, the world’s fastest growing major economies, Nepal needs political stability so that it can capitalize on its strategic location and jump-start its mediocre economic growth. India and China, both desirous of stability in Nepal, have been closely watching developments, with the Maoists accusing India of exerting too much influence.

Political stability is generally perceived as a necessary component of economic growth.