Purna Yoga Retreat

Our Team

Our team is what makes the heart and soul of Purna Yoga Retreat Centre. Our staff members are like our family and we care for each other with deep respect and love which is palpable and can be felt by anyone who comes to experience our retreat centre. We all work together in unison to ensure a smooth operation and more importantly a cosy familial atmosphere, which encourages that which we wish to promote with our yoga activities – opening up and reconnecting with self, healing on an inner level and developing a strong personal connection with the life force within, all the while empowering each other in the process.

Purna Narayan Shrestha & Purneshowari Devi Shrestha

Founders & Inspirations

Purna Narayan Shrestha

A doctor by profession, Purna Narayan Shrestha has dedicated his life to serving others—not just through modern medicine but also through naturopathy and Ayurveda. From a young age, he displayed exceptional skills, whether dismantling and rebuilding an entire bicycle or nurturing crops with his deep understanding of farming.

His lifelong dream was to establish a yoga ashram and school, but due to government restrictions and lack of support, it remained unfulfilled for many years. However, his children carried forward his vision—starting with yoga treks, then opening a yoga studio, which eventually evolved into a retreat. Finally, with unwavering determination and passion, he realized his dream at the age of 92, establishing the full form of Purna Yoga Retreat—a center rooted in sustainability and holistic wellness, embodying the essence of completeness.

A former chain smoker, he experienced a profound realization one day and quit smoking entirely. Now, at 92, he continues to lead a disciplined yogic life, inspiring everyone around him with his way of living. His daily routine is a testament to the true path of yoga, offering those who meet him a glimpse into the wisdom and simplicity of a yogic lifestyle.

Purneshowari Devi Shrestha

A devoted homemaker and a pillar of strength, Purneshowari Devi Shrestha has dedicated her life to raising four children while wholeheartedly serving others. Her unwavering commitment to Bhakti (devotion) is truly inspiring. Even at 86, she remains active—walking to town for daily shopping, visiting the temple every morning, and continuing to serve in spiritual gatherings. Her selfless service and dedication continue to inspire her family, and today, all her children walk the path of yoga, following in the footsteps of their parents.

Manohar Shrestha

Yoga, Meditation & Bhakti Teacher / Sound Therapist

I come from a family deeply rooted in yoga traditions. As a child, I faced numerous health issues, particularly allergies. Despite my father being a doctor, limited medical facilities made it challenging to identify and treat my condition. My father provided medicines and temporary relief, but the problem kept recurring. Eventually, with inspiration from my father and elder brother, I was introduced to Reiki healing and beginner yoga practices at the age of 15. I spent 21 days in a small ashram in Nepal, where I immersed myself in these practices.

Surprisingly, after those 21 days, I experienced a profound transformation. Not only did my health issues completely disappear, but I also discovered a healing ability that allowed me to help others through Reiki and yoga practices. Since that year, I have continued practicing yoga regularly and have remained free from the health problems that once plagued me.

In my early twenties, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. After completing a degree in travel and tourism and traveling across Europe, I felt a profound inner calling that led me back to my roots in yoga and music, particularly the practice of Singing Bowls. My formal yoga journey began in 2006 when I completed my pre-teacher training and gained experience teaching yoga to Nepali children and youth. Later that year, I worked as a manager at a yoga center for two years.

In 2008, I completed my yogic studies certification at the prestigious Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, India. This education significantly deepened my knowledge and understanding, shaping me into the attentive, compassionate, and knowledgeable yoga teacher I am today. I am a certified E-RYT 200 and E-RYT 500 yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance. Additionally, I am an accomplished Singing Bowl Sound Therapist and Trainer, integrating sound healing into my yoga practice.

In 2010, I founded Nepal Yoga Trek (www.nepalyogatrek.com), an innovative initiative that combines trekking in the breathtaking Himalayas with yoga. This unique approach has gained widespread recognition, attracting wellness seekers from around the world.

My journey has been deeply inspired and supported by my elder brother, a professional engineer who is also a highly spiritual and generous person. His unwavering dedication and financial support have played a vital role in bringing Purna Yoga Center to life. I also draw immense inspiration from my father, Purna, a medical professional whose daily practice of yoga and meditation has kept him active and healthy even at the age of 92. He continues to work tirelessly in the garden, planting and nurturing the surroundings at the new location of Purna Yoga Center. His dedication to yoga and nature has always inspired me to follow a path rooted in wellness and service.

The natural and peaceful environment at Purna Yoga Center is a reflection of my father’s passion and vision for holistic well-being. It offers every guest an opportunity to live in harmony with nature, which is at the heart of our philosophy.

Sudip Adhikari

Yoga Teacher & Meditation Teacher / Sound Therapist

From childhood play to a deep path of self-discovery, yoga has been an integral part of my life. This journey has led me from Nepal's ancient healing traditions to intensive studies with esteemed masters and sages throughout India and Nepal. The profound connection between mind and body, which initially sparked my fascination, eclipsed my academic pursuit of Computer Engineering, propelling me towards Inner Engineering. This realization of yoga's transformative power cemented my dedication to its study and practice.

For over 15 years, I have actively sought wisdom from diverse sources. This includes learning from revered Himalayan sages while guiding yoga treks, immersing myself in experiences at Isha Yoga Center with Sadhguru, undertaking intensive Vipassana retreats as taught by S.N. Goenka, transformation retreat with Swami Anand Arun a student of Osho and engaging in years of online study with Dr. ALV Kumar. My explorations have also encompassed Taoism, foundational Buddhist teachings under a Buddhist Yogi, the profound teachings of Param Gurudev and Guru Aama of Trikuta Gurudham Nepal, and Brahma Kumaris Rajyog meditation. Additionally, I've served in various roles at Purna Yoga Retreat, including yoga and meditation teacher, and trekking guide.

Personal experiences, especially caring for my father during his battle with Alzheimer's, have deepened my understanding of life's transitions, including the art of dying. The unwavering dedication of our founder, Manohar Shrestha, in realizing his father's dream, coupled with the enduring vitality of his father Purna Narayan Shrestha at 92, has made Purna Yoga Retreat Center a true home for me, where the essence of yoga is not merely taught, but authentically lived.

My guiding mantra, 'Each breath observed takes the mind to tranquility. An unwavering mind becomes pure and easily reaches the ultimate reality,' reflects my commitment to cultivating inner peace. Having reached a place of personal understanding, I can confidently say, 'I know how to live my life,' and I am eager to share this wisdom with others seeking their own paths to tranquility."

Maheshwar Man Shrestha

Yoga Teacher & Meditation Teacher / Sound Therapist

Maheswar's journey into yoga began at the young age of fifteen, driven by his personal health struggles. From 1993 to 1996, he immersed himself in three years of formal yoga training before starting his career as a yoga instructor in Kathmandu. His dedication and passion led him to ad-vanced yoga training at Arogya Dham Yoga in Nepal in 2000. Recognizing his expertise, Mahe-swar was invited to Singapore for two years to share his deep knowledge of yoga.

Continuing to expand his skills, Maheswar completed his diploma in Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Vidya Gurukul in India in 2007 and earned his 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2018. He achieved the status of an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT) and began teaching on 200-hour Teacher Training Courses (TTC) in 2021. Additionally, he delved into sound healing, recognizing its profound impact and importance for well-being.

Maheswar's initial health challenges, including frequent high fevers, stomach pain, and tonsil is-sues, motivated his commitment to yoga. Through consistent practice, he experienced significant improvements in his immune system and overall health. This transformation solidified his belief in the healing power of yoga, inspiring him to promote its benefits. He is deeply passionate about helping others improve their health and well-being through regular yoga practice.

Dinesh Gurung

Yoga Teacher & Trekking Guide

Dinesh Gurung hails from a small village in the Makwanpur district of Nepal. In 2012, he joined Purna Yoga & Treks, demonstrating remarkable dedication and a strong desire to learn and grow. From improving his English to mastering various skills, Dinesh's journey is marked by perseverance and commitment.

In 2013, he completed his trekking guide training and earned his professional trekking guide license in 2014, issued by the Government of Nepal. The same year, Dinesh took a pre-teacher training course at Purna Yoga, where he trained under both Nepali and international instructors. It was during this period that he discovered his passion for yoga and decided to make it an integral part of his life.

Since 2016, Dinesh has been working as an assistant yoga teacher during yoga treks and at retreats. His dedication led him to complete the 200-hour Yoga Alliance-certified Yoga Teacher Training at Rishikul Yogshala in 2018. This training deepened his knowledge and equipped him to take on greater responsibilities as a yoga teacher.

Dinesh currently teaches at Purna Yoga Retreat, where he also practices as a Singing Bowl Sound Therapist. His goal is to continuously expand his knowledge and skills, leading yoga treks and sharing the transformative practice of yoga across Nepal.

Dr. Shama Kantha

Doctor, Lead Yoga Teacher

Shama is both a medical doctor and a Yoga instructor, driven by a lifelong passion for the human body. She graduated from Capital Medical University, Beijing.

She then went on to Yoga and was trained under advanced Yoga practitioners & Physiotherapist Simon Borg Olivier and Bianca Machliss. She also practices Auricular acupuncture, Cupping therapy, Acupressure and Sujok therapy in her therapeutic sessions.

In her Yin/Yang Yoga classes, she integrates the Self Healing Meridian principles, which have certain correlation with Chakra and Nadis, that primarily targets the main Energetic channels of the body.

Daniel Kantha

Vibration & Music Medicine Instructor

Daniel kantha was born in Germany and studied classical guitar with the exceptional maestro Frank Bungarten. After acquiring his degree in "Master of Music" in classical guitar from Hochschule fur Musik Hannover, Germany, he started his journey to find hisown music and found nature itself as his teacher of infinite inspiration. This journey brought him to Nepal, which introduced him to Indian classical music and to the ancient bowed instrument Sarangi. Currently, he studies with one of the leading Sarangi master of India, Sarwar Hussain from the Gwalior Gharana.

Prakash Shrestha

Manager

Prakash Shrestha graduated in 1994 with a background in science and pursued higher studies in Computer Science in Singapore. During his time in Singapore, he laid the foundation for his career in the hospitality industry by working part-time and full-time in the kitchen department of the prestigious Maharaj Group of Hotels and Restaurants.

After completing his diploma in Computer Science, Prakash moved to India for employment. There, he worked with several leading companies and gained diverse professional experience. His tenure in India also gave him the opportunity to refine his expertise in the hospitality sector by working with a reputed hotel.

In 2006, Prakash returned to Nepal and ventured into the hotel business, where he has been actively involved ever since. Combining his technical knowledge and passion for the hospitality industry, Prakash has become a dynamic and multi-skilled professional.

This year, Prakash joined Purna Yoga Retreat as a key team member, further enhancing his contributions to the wellness and hospitality industry. His extensive experience and commitment make him an invaluable part of the team.

Shuvechhya Amatya

Reservation Officer

Shuvechhya Amatya holds a Management degree with a major in Marketing and Finance from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. After graduating, she began her career in the tourism industry by joining President Tours and Travels in 2005. Her enthusiasm and dedication quickly propelled her from a Sales Assistant role to that of a Sales Officer.

Over the years, Shuvechhya has gained extensive expertise in organizing detailed tour packages, issuing tickets, and managing online marketing efforts. In 2010, she became a valuable member of the Purna Yoga team, bringing her skills and experience to enhance the company's operations.

Known for her excellent communication skills, Shuvechhya efficiently handles a variety of tasks with a diplomatic approach. Her hard-working nature, cheerful personality, and easy-going demeanor make her an integral part of the team and a delight to work with.

Giridhar Shrestha

Supervisor & Retreat Coordinator

Giridhar Shrestha, a travel enthusiast with a great sense of humor, is an integral member of the Purna Yoga & Treks team. With over 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, Giridhar has played a pivotal role in expanding and maintaining the company’s extensive network of contacts and connections.

As a field manager and representative, Giridhar's dedication to ensuring an exceptional client experience begins from the moment the planning process starts. His enthusiasm and expertise have enabled him to plan and execute trekking tours and adventures across Nepal, contributing significantly to Purna Yoga & Treks' success.

Currently, Giridhar serves as a Supervisor at Purna Yoga Retreat, where he continues to bring his leadership, organizational skills, and passion for creating meaningful experiences to the forefront.

Sharmila Shrestha

Housekeeping Manager & Accountant

Sharmila Shrestha, originally from Banepa, Kathmandu, moved to Pokhara after her marriage with Manohar. She began her professional journey as a primary teacher, a role she held for 12 years. Later, she transitioned into the hospitality industry, working as a Housekeeping Manager and Accountant at a resort. Over the years, Sharmila has proven to be a dedicated learner, continuously expanding her skills across various fields.

Two years ago, she trained in mandala weaving at Purna, mastering the art. Today, she is well-prepared to lead mandala workshops, where participants can not only learn the craft but also enjoy her warm and kind-hearted nature. Spending time with Sharmila is an enriching experience, as she has much to share from her diverse expertise and life journey.