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
Join us for this rare opportunity to run explore Nepal's extraordinary beauty and heritage from the perspective of an extraordinary young woman who went from being a child soldier to internationally recognized champion trail runner and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.
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 organization she founded to give girls better economic and social opportunities through running.
And don't feel at all intimidated! You don't have to be an ultrarunner to do this retreat. We have group runs planned for 6 of the trip's 10 days, with rest days interspersed throughout during which you can rest, do other activities or add more runs on your own. Our mindful group runs range from 1 to 3 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 we 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 other activities available. Some of the resorts we 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 historic 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 open your potential for self-discovery and spark more joy, in running and in life.
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This retreat is rated Level III. This means it’s suitable for those with trail-running experience, good fitness and some experience running on trails, preferably in mountainous terrain. Runs range from 4 to 10 miles on superb, though challenging, singletrack trails. You should feel comfortable with heights and have the fitness to run up to 10 miles or more on the road comfortably. Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/
Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail routes, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
Nepal hosts some of the most spectacular natural areas and biodiversity in the world. Home to the planet’s highest peak, Nepal boasts a wide variety ecosystems, vegetation, forests, and wildlife. The trails on this retreat will bring you on on a mix of well established single track trails, and dirt roads. The terrain is though expansive alpine valleys, not high alpine environments, or exposed terrain. On the trials you may experience obstacles like loose rocks or tree roots.
Nepal is 3300 feet above sea level on average. The retreat starts at about 4,500 feet above sea level in Kathmandu and the elevation decreases throughout the retreat to about 2200 feet above sea level, before returning to Kathmandu. On this retreat, runners will find they need to adjust their running pace at higher elevations. We have taken this slower pace into account, so you will have plenty of time to run or hike at your own speed. October is one of the best times to visit Nepal! As the monsoon dissipates in August/September, the hillsides are covered in lush greenery, and Nepal welcomes beautiful clear skies, fresh air and incredible views. The weather is typically dry, warm and sunny, making for great days on the trail. You can expect cooler evenings in the high 50s, with day time temperatures in the 70s and low 80s.
Born into poverty in the remote Himalayan foothills of Bhojpar in Nepal, Mira went from being a child soldier to internationally recognized ultrarunner in a few short years. When she was 15 years old, Mira's family was struggling financially due to the Nepalese Civil War, so she joined the Communist Party insurgents in order to support her family. Becoming a child soldier also provided her an escape from the traditional barriers surrounding women in Nepali society.
It was during her time training as a child solider that she found her passion for running – a passion that saw her go on to not only become one of the world's best female ultrarunners, but become a symbol of hope for her country. Today, Mira competes (and often breaks records) at trail races around the world. A portion of your retreat package is donated to the Mira Rai Initiative to support young women in Nepal. Learn more about her here: https://youtu.be/ibZyGtK1_v8
You don’t need to be religious yourself to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of Namo Buddha, where you'll see some of the best Himalayan views in the area. On the way, you will run past traditional villages, beautiful temples, the holy Panauti river, and amazing landscapes along the forest trail. According to the Buddhist legend, the King Mahasattva gave his body to a hungry tigress at this place. His reliquary Stupa remained underground for centuries. One day a hermit called Bhagavan (Sakyamuni) came to this site and was attracted to the bulge. It is said that he clapped his hands, and miraculously the Stupa appeared.
Learn how to run more mindfully to become a better runner. This includes natural running form clinics during which you'll learn about the Power Posture: use proper alignment to make gravity do more of the work. This reduces the muscular force involved with running so it feels easier and less strenuous on muscles and joints.
Focus on efficiency: Use natural running techniques to drastically improve efficiency. You'll practice changing stride length, cadence and tempo on various types of terrain. Then put the pieces together to achieve the ultimate trail running experience. Learn to cultivate the circumstances for flow to occur by being relaxed and mindful.
Experience exceptional dining! Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality restaurants for unforgettable culinary experiences.
We make every effort to accommodate your dietary preferences and restrictions. However, there are occasions when we may face limitations. You'll have a chance to indicate your specific dietary requirements in the retreat participant intake form.
Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.
Dwarika's hotel is an oasis in the bustling city of Kathmandu. The hotel's elegant courtyards, buildings and rooms aim to revive the stunning Newari architecture, capturing the beauty and spirit of ancient Kathmandu. Dwarka's ancient wooden hand carved masterpieces date back to the 13th century, creating a certain indefinable aura that enfolds the hotel. Enjoy relaxing by the pool or recharging at the Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa that draws inspiration from ancient Ayurveda, Buddhist medicine and traditional rituals and treatments.
Inspired by a blend of Vedic Philosophy and Buddhist Medicine, the Dwarika's Resort in Dhulikhel is built on the philosophy of respecting nature and self. The Himalayan belt has been home to holistic healing and wellbeing for more than three thousand years. The resort has been designed based on the knowledge of ancient understandings about holistic wellness with all the spaces being consecrated and brought to life. The lifestyle spaces within the resort are designed to attract positive energy and keep negative energy at bay. Each element of the resort has been designed to enhance the wellness journey within, by addressing each of the five senses. Various experiences have been created in the resort to guide you through your personal journey. Spend time at the Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa, or enjoy access to the many wellness experiences like the Himalayan Rock Salt House, Meditation Maze, and Chakra Sound Chambers. Under the guidance of the in-house Ayurvedic doctor and naturopathy expert, meditation, yoga and astrology masters, Hindu priest and visiting monk, you will be able to find an atmosphere of complete harmony, renewal and growth.
The Begnas Lake Resort is surrounded by tropical jungle and a beautiful lake. It is the perfect setting to experience incredible peace and quiet. Observe the rich and diverse natural world as you relax by the pristine lake, or enjoy a walk around town to see authentic village life. Nestled among lush vegetation on a tranquil lake a short distance from Pokhara town, this all-natural sanctuary faces the snow-clad Annapurna massif that towers above flourishing paddy fields and the gentle Begnas lake. Rooms and suites look out to these picture-perfect lake and mountain views and are built in ethnic Gurung style stone-houses. All are tastefully appointed and enjoy bundles of space, with the waterfront cottages providing the maximum privacy. At the Begnas Lake Resort you'll have access to traditional Ayurvedic treatments and Yoga classes.
The resort is surrounded by chestnut, orange and other fruit trees, as well as coffee and cardamom bushes. The beautiful natural surrounds are echoed throughout the resort, creating a nourishing and healing environment, from traditional Ayurvedic remedies at the Himalayan Spa to a mountain spring water pool, and homegrown produce served at the restaurant.
The Fish Tail Lodge is uniquely located on a peninsula across from Fewa Lake and has panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Mount ''Machhapuchre" (Fish Tail). Round cottages amidst a lush garden set the scene at this charming hotel. Relax and rejuvenate with a soothing treatment at the Spa, and freshen up your travel wardrobe by taking advantage of the laundry services offered at the lodge.
All profits generated by Fish Tail Lodge are donated to the Princess Jayanti Memorial Trust. The Trust provides free cardiac care to underprivileged Nepalese people and conducts various programs to raise public awareness regarding the causes of heart diseases in Nepal.
Your retreat package includes a $50 donation to the Mira Rai Initiative. Add this item to your booking to double your contribution to this worthy cause.
Founded in 2017, Mira Rai Initiative (MRI) is a non-government organization (NGO) committed to supporting trail-running and trail-running community in Nepal. The organization was founded by the legendary ultra-trail runner Mira Rai whose story continues to inspire trail-runners all over the world.
Mira Rai’s story has inspired thousands of young people all over Nepal but especially young girls who see Mira as a role model. She is now committed to use the platform and the voice she has to promote trail running in Nepal and empower female trail runners in Nepal. Mira now wants to be that bridge for them and encourage young girls and young people in general to chase their dreams and defy the challenges that hold them back by giving them the opportunity to shine.
One of the best ways to deepen your experience with mindfulness during and after your retreat is to add the Transformational Travel Journal to your package. This co-branded journal by Run Wild Retreats in partnership with the Transformational Travel Journal provides an intentional space to write, draw, sketch and otherwise creatively express what meaning this travel experience has for you. Filled with thoughtful writing prompts, inspirational quotes and mindfulness-inspired ideas, we highly recommend using this journal to help you enhance your mindful running experience.
Nepal 
You will be picked up in the hotel lobby and around 5 am and transferred to the airport, about a 45min drive. 
your arrival in Kathmandu, exit the baggage area and look for your Run Wild Retreats guide, who will escort you to Dwarika’s Hotel, a quiet sanctuary located 10 minutes away in the center of the bustling city. Unwind from your travels before meeting with your retreat leader and fellow runners at 4:00 pm for the Welcome Meeting followed by an early dinner at the hotel. Tonight, enjoy a restful night's sleep before our adventures begin the next day. 
After breakfast at the hotel, meet with a meditation expert for a deeper dive into mindfulness and how you can incorporate it into your daily life. You will then check out of the hotel and depart for Dhulikhel, located in the mountains surrounding Kathmandu Valley. Along the way we will stop at Pashupatinath Temple, a sprawling Hindu complex and UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to the god Shiva. Savor an authentic Nepalese lunch at a local restaurant in Patan, and then continue to arrive at Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel in the early afternoon. After settling into your rooms, there will be a short shake-out run in the hills surrounding the resort, intended to help you loosen up your body from the long travel and start to get acclimated, followed by dinner. 
After breakfast at the resort, Mira Rai will meet our group at the hotel and you will begin the run to Begnaskot. On the way, you will pass through rural villages and gain insight into the daily lives of the farmers and fishermen that live in the area. Upon reaching Begnaskot Temple, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhualagiri mountain ranges. After your run, will return to your lakeside resort for lunch and an afternoon yoga class. Later this evening, before dinner, you will join Mira for a private screening of a documentary about her incredible journey from child soldier to champion trail runner, followed by a Q&A with Mira herself..
After breakfast this morning, you will meet up with Mira Rai and depart for the run to Kaskikot, a small village in the heart of the Annapurna region. On this iconic run, you will pass through small villages and rice terraced mountain sides and enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and Phewa Lake below. While in Kaskikot visit the ruins of an ancient castle or shop for handicrafts made by local villagers. 
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will meet up with Mira and transfer to Shivapuri National Park for one final run on this unforgettable journey. Located just outside of bustling Katmandu with views overlooking the city, Shivapuri National Park is a lush, green jungle, and ecosystem to a variety of flora and fauna. After our run we will return to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon, those who wish can take an optional scenic flight over the Himalayas to see Mount Everest (for an additional fee).
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your retreat leader for our closing meeting to reflect on our journey through Nepal. Transfer to the airport for flights returning to North America.
