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).