
The Himalayan Keto Retreat with Maria Emmerich
There’s something about the Himalayas that gently slows you down, and this journey is designed to let you feel exactly that.
With Maria Emmerich leading the way, we’ve kept this experience small and personal, so it feels less like a program and more like time set aside for yourself. Mornings begin quietly in Dhulikhel, with mountain views, mindful movement, and simple, nourishing meals, nothing rushed, nothing overwhelming.
As we move into the Kathmandu Valley, the pace shifts just enough to take in its stories; wandering through old city lanes, pausing at sacred sites, and soaking in the everyday rhythm of local life.
It’s not about doing more, but about experiencing things more deeply with the right balance of guidance, space, and connection along the way.
| Day | Date | Accommodation | Destination | Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | 15 MAR 2027 | Dwarika's Sanctuary | Dhulikhel | 01 x Suite Twin Sharing (All meals included, designed around a Keto lifestyle) |
| Day 02 | 16 MAR 2027 | Dwarika's Sanctuary | Dhulikhel | 01 x Suite Twin Sharing (All meals included, designed around a Keto lifestyle) |
| Day 03 | 17 MAR 2027 | Nepali Ghar Hotel, Thamel - Your Home In Nepal | Kathmandu | 01 x Heritage Deluxe Twin Sharing (Breakfast & Dinner) |
| Day 04 | 18 MAR 2027 | Nepali Ghar Hotel, Thamel - Your Home In Nepal | Kathmandu | 01 x Heritage Deluxe Twin Sharing (Breakfast & Dinner) |
| Day 05 | 19 MAR 2027 | Nepali Ghar Hotel, Thamel - Your Home In Nepal | Kathmandu | 01 x Heritage Deluxe Twin Sharing (Breakfast & Dinner) |
| Day 06 | 20 MAR 2027 | Departure | ||

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel

Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Departure


4.7 Star
01 x Suite Twin Sharing (All meals included, designed around a Keto lifestyle)
Rustic-chic suites in a mountain resort with dining, plus wellness treatments, meditation & yoga.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, drive approximately 30 km (about 1½ hours) through scenic countryside to Dhulikhel.
Check-in at Dwarika's Sanctuary Dhulikhel, a luxury wellness retreat inspired by ancient Himalayan philosophies of harmony between body, mind, and nature. The resort offers panoramic Himalayan views, meditation spaces, organic gardens, holistic spa treatments, and beautifully designed stone and wood villas reflecting traditional Nepali architecture.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Kathmandu
Dhulikhel

Begin your day with guided breathwork and movement, bringing a sense of balance and calm.

Immerse yourself in soothing sound vibrations that gently quiet the mind and deepen relaxation.

Discover the art of Himalayan healing as you create simple remedies using traditional herbs.

Stroll through organic farms, experiencing the rhythm of the land and its seasonal produce.

Learn traditional techniques as you create your own pieces alongside skilled local artisans.

Take part in a sacred ritual of chants and prayers, inviting peace and positive energy into your journey.

These activities are designed to restore balance and relaxation while surrounded by Himalayan landscapes.

4.7 Star
01 x Suite Twin Sharing (All meals included, designed around a Keto lifestyle)
Rustic-chic suites in a mountain resort with dining, plus wellness treatments, meditation & yoga.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the resort.



The Everest Mountain Flight by Buddha Air is a breathtaking one-hour aerial journey that offers a close-up panorama of the world’s highest peaks. Departing early morning from Kathmandu, the flight soars eastward along the Himalayan range, providing stunning views of snow-capped giants including Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), along with other iconic peaks such as Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Each passenger is guaranteed a window seat, and the aircraft makes a gentle sweep ensuring uninterrupted views of glaciers, deep valleys, and dramatic ridgelines. A highlight of the experience is route map and certificate of completion, making this scenic flight a truly memorable Himalayan encounter.

4.6 Star
01 x Heritage Deluxe Twin Sharing (Breakfast & Dinner)
Polished rooms & suites in a modern hotel offering a chic bar, an international restaurant & a gym.
Hiking to Namobuddha & Return to Kathmandu
Leisurely breakfast at Resort
Check out from resort and enjoy a scenic hike to Namobuddha Monastery, one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.
The hike from the resort typically takes about 2–3 hours depending on the trail chosen and passes through terraced farmland, small Tamang villages, pine forests, and rolling hills.
Namobuddha Monastery: Namobuddha is associated with a famous Buddhist legend where a young prince (believed to be a previous incarnation of Gautama Buddha) offered his own body to save a starving tigress and her cubs. The site today is home to a beautiful monastery, prayer halls, and meditation areas where monks live and study.
After exploring the monastery and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, drive to Kathmanndu.
Arrive in Kathmandu and check in at Hotel.
Afternoon optional wellness and spa activities.
Dhulikhel
Kathmandu

A visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square offers a deep dive into Nepal’s medieval past. Once a royal capital, the square is home to beautifully preserved temples, traditional courtyards, and exquisite woodwork that reflect the artistry of the Newar culture.
It stands out for its authenticity, less crowded, more immersive, and rich in everyday moments.

Visit the famous Pottery Square, where local artisans shape clay using traditional pottery wheels. You can observe the process and even try a hands-on pottery session, learning about this centuries-old craft.

4.6 Star
01 x Heritage Deluxe Twin Sharing (Breakfast & Dinner)
Polished rooms & suites in a modern hotel offering a chic bar, an international restaurant & a gym.
After breakfast excursion to Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
In Bhaktapur Durbar Square, step into a city where time seems to slow down. Wander through its beautifully preserved royal courtyards, past intricately carved temples and quiet squares, as everyday life unfolds around you much as it has for centuries.
A short walk leads you to Pottery Square, where the rhythm of the city becomes even more tangible. Watch artisans shape clay by hand, rows of earthen pots drying in the sun, and if you wish, try your hand at the wheel yourself.
Together, these experiences offer something truly special, a glimpse into Bhaktapur not just as a historic city, but as a living, breathing community where tradition, craft, and culture continue to thrive.
Return to Kathmandu.
Rest of the day at leisure.

The historic royal palace complex that served as the seat of the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty. The square is a magnificent ensemble of temples, courtyards, shrines, and intricately carved wooden buildings representing the pinnacle of traditional Newari architecture.

Within the square stands Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Kumari, the Living Goddess worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. According to tradition, a young girl from the Newar community is chosen as the human incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Visitors may glimpse the Kumari during certain times of the day when she appears briefly at the window of her palace.

Continue on foot through the vibrant traditional markets of Ason
Bazaar and Indra Chowk, where narrow lanes bustle with spice traders, vegetable vendors, religious shops, and small family businesses that have operated here for generations. The walk offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of Kathmandu’s residents.

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. This sacred site became a major center for Tibetan refugees who settled here after the events of 1959 Tibetan Uprising. Today the surrounding streets are filled with monasteries, prayer shops, thangka painters, and Tibetan handicraft stores.

“Everest for Breakfast” is an extraordinary helicopter experience from Kathmandu, offering a luxurious and time-efficient way to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours in total, with a charter helicopter (typically 4 passengers, depending on weight conditions) flyingeastward towards the Everest region. En route, guests enjoy spectacular aerial views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and glacial rivers, including a thrilling overflight near Kala Patthar, one of the best vantage points to admire Mount Everest and surrounding giants. The helicopter then lands at Syangboche Airport (approx. 3,780 meters), followed by a short walk to the iconic Hotel Everest View, where breakfast is served against a breathtaking backdrop of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other snow-clad peaks. The serene setting, crisp mountain air, and uninterrupted Himalayan panorama make this a truly unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience before returning to Kathmandu.

4.6 Star
01 x Heritage Deluxe Twin Sharing (Breakfast & Dinner)
Polished rooms & suites in a modern hotel offering a chic bar, an international restaurant & a gym.
Morning exploration of Kathmandu Durbar Square including the palace courtyards and temples.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Your morning starts with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic royal palace complex that served as the seat of the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty. The square is a magnificent ensemble of temples, courtyards, shrines, and intricately carved wooden buildings representing the pinnacle of traditional Newari architecture.
Also explore Kumari Ghar – Residence of the Living Goddess: Within the square stands Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Kumari, the Living Goddess worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. According to tradition, a young girl from the Newar community is chosen as the human incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Visitors may glimpse the Kumari during certain times of the day when she appears briefly at the window of her palace.
Ason & Indra Chowk Bazaar Walk - Continue on foot through the vibrant traditional markets of Ason Bazaar and Indra Chowk, where narrow lanes bustle with spice traders, vegetable vendors, religious
shops, and small family businesses that have operated here for generations. The walk offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of Kathmandu’s residents.
Later visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.
This sacred site became a major center for Tibetan refugees who settled here after the events of 1959 Tibetan Uprising. Today the surrounding streets are filled with monasteries, prayer shops, thangka
painters, and Tibetan handicraft stores.
Pilgrims walk clockwise around the stupa spinning prayer wheels while monks chant prayers in nearby monasteries.
You will also observe daily rituals inside a monastery where monks perform prayers and chanting. A blessing from a senior monk will be arranged, offering a memorable spiritual experience.
The area surrounding the stupa is lively with local cafes, souvenir stalls, and artisans selling traditional Tibetan items.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Transfer to the international airport for your onward flight.
Kathmandu
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Services inclusion at Dwarika’s Sanctuary Resort (for 2 nights stay)
Experiences Included
Experiences Excluded
$2440 per person on Twin / Double Sharing Basis
Single room supplement - $1020
Secure Your Spot
Reserve your place with just $200 (bank charges apply for credit card payments). Payments via bank transfer or Wise are also accepted.
Limited Availability
This is an intimate, curated experience for only 10–14 guests, ensuring a personal and meaningful journey.
Flexible Payments
Enjoy easy installment options, with the balance payable up to 60 days prior to travel.
Booking Confirmation
Your spot is confirmed once we receive your initial deposit.

Alphonso Stories curates intimate, experience-led journeys across South Asia for the discerning traveller. Our focus lies in uncovering the soul of a destination through its people, traditions, and everyday moments while ensuring the highest standards of comfort and detail. With deep local expertise and a passion for storytelling, we create journeys that go beyond sightseeing to something far more meaningful.