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When I first decided to join a yoga teacher training in Nepal, I imagined improving my asanas, learning teaching techniques and maybe getting more flexibility. I did not understand how deep this journey this journey would be – physical, emotionally and spiritually.
Pokhara, with its snowy Himalaya background and peace at Phewa Lake, became the right place to dive into yoga. Surrounded by nature, I not only studied yoga but also learned the lesson about life that continued to guide me every day.
Here are the 7 most powerful lessons I took away from my yoga teacher training in Pokhara:
1. Discipline becomes your best friend
The schedule was intense – early morning, long classes and very short time. First I counteracted the structure. But soon I realized that the discipline did not resticted me, It gave me freedom. By sticking to the routine, I felt more energetic, focused and grounded than ever before.
2. Yoga Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a Practice
Before I came to Pokhara, I honestly thought yoga was just about doing asanas and being more flexible. But when the training started, I realized that there is a lot in it – for example, the practice of breathing, meditation, even the philosophy behind it. Simple things, such as eating from your mind or keeping silence for a while, suddenly felt like part of yoga, not just the time spent on the mat.
3. Nature Has Its Own Way of Teaching
One morning we practiced by the fewa lake and the sound of water was like background music for our breath. Another time heavy rain forced us to meditate indoors and even that felt like nature telling us to be still. Pokhara made me understand yoga is not separate from nature—it’s part of it.
4. Strangers Become Family
I arrived at the course by myself, feeling a bit apprehensive. But before I knew it, I was drinking tea, laughing and crying even with individuals from everywhere else in the world. We encouraged each other through challenging poses and emotional days. That camaraderie made the training unforgettable.
5. Teaching Forces You to Really Learn
The first time I had to guide a class, my hands were literally shaking. But something beautiful happened—the moment I explained a pose, it became clearer in my own body too. Teaching made me understand yoga on a deeper level than just practicing.
6. Letting Go Is Harder Than Holding On
There were few days when I could not only get into an attitude, no matter how many times I forced it. Originally I was disappointed, but later I realized that yoga is not about pushing – it’s about listening. If I let you get out of control, “to get it” I got soft and more powerful together.
7. The Certificate Is Just the Beginning
The last day, when they gave me a certificate, I felt proud – it was a great moment. But at the same time, I knew it was not “end” on something. Yoga is not like a school where you complete a course and move on. This is something you live and practice every day after the end of training.
Final Thoughts
My yoga teacher training in Nepal was not just a course – it was a transformation. The quiet atmosphere of Pokhara combined with the knowledge of dedicated teachers helps me to look at yoga as a lifestyle instead of limited to a mat.
If you are considering this step, I cannot recommend Pokhara enough. With its mix of natural beauty and spiritual energy, it provides the perfect frame to develop as both a yoga practitioner and a teacher.
Author Bio: Devakar Sandhu is a yoga expert with profound knowledge in this field. He is also owner of Ekam Yogashala (RYS 200 Yoga School Rishikesh). Ekam Yogashala offers 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh and Nepal.