Meet the Team

Every place has a story. Every journey has people who bring it to life.

One of the greatest gifts of travel is not the places we visit, but the people we meet along the way.

Spiritual Journey Nepal is made possible by a community of passionate individuals who believe in sharing Nepal with authenticity, kindness, and respect.

Throughout this journey, you'll be guided not only by experienced facilitators but also by local artists, farmers, wellness practitioners, historians, and community members whose knowledge comes from lived experience.

Together, they create an environment where learning happens naturally—through conversations, shared meals, and meaningful encounters.

Manish Kurmi

Founder & Journey Director

"My dream has always been simple: to create a place where strangers become friends."

Born and raised in Nepal, Manish has worked in tourism since 2016 with a vision of creating experiences that go beyond traditional travel. Through My Friend's Hostel, he has welcomed travelers from around the world and built a community centered on friendship, cultural exchange, and genuine Nepali hospitality.

As Journey Director, he oversees every aspect of the retreat, ensuring each guest feels welcomed, supported, and connected throughout the experience.

Naomi – Co-Host

Naomi is a passionate traveler, flow artist, and recently certified 200-hour Yoga Teacher, having completed her YTT in Pokhara, Nepal. Her journey is rooted in mindful movement, self-discovery, and creating meaningful connections with people and nature.

As co-host of Spiritual Journey Nepal, Naomi brings a warm, grounded presence, guiding guests with kindness and curiosity. She also offers tarot readings for those seeking reflection and insight, creating space for deeper conversations and personal exploration. Whether through yoga, flow arts, or shared experiences, Naomi helps foster an environment where guests can reconnect with themselves and embrace the transformative spirit of Nepal.

BHARATI

Wellness Director & Lead Yoga Teacher , Sound healer , Pranic Healer

"Yoga is not something we do. It is a way of meeting ourselves with awareness."

Based in Gorkha, our Wellness Director guides the daily rhythm of the retreat through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and mindful living.

Her approach welcomes practitioners of all levels, creating a safe and supportive environment where movement becomes a pathway to presence.

She also introduces guests to the beauty, traditions, and landscapes of her home region, offering a deeply personal experience of Gorkha.

Shankie

Yoga Facilitator

Originally from Rishikesh, India—the birthplace of yoga—Shankie brings over five years of teaching experience and is a certified 200-hour Yoga Alliance instructor. His personal yoga journey began as a path of self-discovery, and the profound transformation he experienced inspired him to share the practice with others.

During our Spiritual Journey in Pokhara, Shankie leads Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga sessions that focus on mindful movement, breath, strength, and inner balance. His calm and encouraging teaching style welcomes practitioners of all levels, creating a supportive space to deepen both physical practice and personal awareness.

Niranjan Gaihre

Yoga Therapist & International Certified Yoga Instructor

Niranjan Gaihre holds an M.Sc. in Yoga Therapy from S-VYASA University, Bengaluru, India, and is an internationally certified yoga instructor with nearly 18 years of experience. He has taught and practiced yoga in China, Thailand, India, and Nepal, combining traditional yogic wisdom with therapeutic techniques.

He is currently associated with Yogi Naraharinath Yoga & Nature Care Hospital in Bharatpur, Chitwan. During the Spiritual Journey Nepal, Niranjan will lead the yoga sessions in Chitwan, offering authentic yoga, pranayama, meditation, and mindfulness practices for participants of all experience levels.

Our Local Teachers

Throughout the retreat, you'll learn from people who have dedicated their lives to preserving Nepal's traditions.

These may include:

• Traditional artisans

• Potters

• Thangka painters

• Herbal practitioners

• Nature guides

• Farmers

• Historians

• Sound healing facilitators

Each person shares not only knowledge but also the stories, values, and traditions that shape their work.

Our Community

Behind every retreat is a larger community.

The cooks preparing nourishing meals.

The drivers who safely guide us across Nepal.

The families who welcome us into their villages.

The accommodation hosts who open their homes.

Every person contributes to creating a journey that feels warm, personal, and authentic.

Our Promise

We believe the best guides are also lifelong learners.

Throughout the retreat, we walk beside you—not as experts with all the answers, but as fellow travelers who are continually learning from Nepal, from one another, and from every guest who joins our community.