I did 8 days hatha intensive yoga then the Poon Hill trek with Atmashree. I haven't felt that relaxed and laughed as much in a long time! Particular highlights for me….

The food. I can't say enough good things about Raj's wife's cooking. The coconut rice pudding and curried cauliflower is unbeatable. I want the recipe! The huge quantity of food was also very welcome after all the yoga (you'll have to exercise your self-restraint too if you actually want to lose weight!).

The people. I was a bit worried about committing myself to one place for two weeks when I wasn't sure what the other people would be like. It is a huge mix of nationalities and a good mix of ages as well - some post-university travellers, some late 20s through to early 40s holidays, some perpetual/indefinite explorers. Likewise a good mix of people travelling solo (like me), with mates or with partners. Everyone was great and hopefully I'll stay in touch with them - more people to visit around the world!

The teachers. Raj, Mantra and Swabhiman always sought feedback on how we found classes, were really open to us mixing up the schedule and helping us to do other things we wanted to in Pokhara - one morning we hiked up to Sarangkot, did the morning yoga class on the way and they organised for some of us who wanted to paraglide back down when we got to the top! (Incidentally one of the landing spots is right by Atmashree so super convenient! Like most places in Nepal, Atmashree is mostly hatha yoga. This was slower than I was used to, and because classes have mixed ability, they may not be the pace you'd normally go for. It's worth chatting to one of the teachers about you're experience and what you want - the classes really developed over my stay and I was really pleased to finally be able to do a headstand!

The schedule. When I was there it was broadly 6-7am silent medidation walk, 7.30am tea, 8-9.30am yoga, 9.30 breakfast, 10-12 free time, 12 yoga nidra (guided meditation), 1pm lunch then free time until 4.30pm tea, 5-6.30pm yoga, 7pm supper and then chanting or meditation. It's definitely enough to keep you occupied but still feel like you have time for other things (for me, making my way through a mountain of books).

The trek. I do yoga a couple of times a week at home but that's pretty much it, so the thought of hiking was a bit daunting. It was incredible and I'm so glad I did it. Having Raj there as well as the guide meant our group of 5 didn't have to keep exactly the same pace. For me, I really appreciated this as it meant on day one of endless stairs I could go at my own pace but know I wasn't being left behind! The yoga really makes a difference too - although I discovered muscles I definitely never knew I had, I wasn't waking up in the mornings feeling the pain!

When I next get time off work, I'll be back! And maybe next time I'll try the Annapurna Circuit. With a porter this time!

Thanks for everything guys

Sarah