who we are
In a nutshell, for the yearning of wanting to grow and for the love of mountains, we came together as a team to bring to life Swara Retreat.
Ganesh Upadhyay was brought up in the yogic tradition since a young child in Nepal and India. He has been practising for over 30 years and has studied at the Vivekananda Yoga University in Bangalore, Divine Life Society in Rishikesh, Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore. He holds an M.A. in Sanskrit and Vedic Philosophy from Banaras Hindu University. As a teacher, Ganesh is deeply intuitive, attuned not only to the body, but to the energetic and psychological landscapes of each student. He teaches with clarity, care, and an infectious enthusiasm, meeting people exactly where they are. Beyond the mat, he oversees the day-to-day life of the retreat. He is generous with his time, energy, and knowledge and always up for a hearty conversation especially if it veers into history, philosophy, or geopolitics.
IiLing Loo trained and practised architecture in the UK before her compass shifted towards the inner architecture of yoga. Enthralled by John Scott and Annie Pace in the early days, she took to daily mysore practice and assisted Hamish Hendry at Astanga Yoga London, and eventually at the source at the KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India. She met Ganesh there and they returned regularly for a decade to practice with Sri K.Pathabhi Jois and Sharath Jois. Somewhere in between, their yoga journey embodied two boys. IiLing is the quiet force behind the scenes. She crafts the meals, answers enquiries, tends to emails and demands of the virtual sphere. Look out for her if there are rosy suggestions to design a new initiative, share ideas, muse on books and literature, or to improve your stay. She thrives in nature, in the stillness before dawn and in the quiet margins.
Ram Paudel plays a pivotal role in ensuring that everything runs as smooth as butter upon your arrival in Pokhara. You will most likely meet him during your pickup and on your transfer to Astam. He is the man to seek should you need aid, advice and assistance with travel arrangements, itineraries and excursions before, during and after your stay. Whilst running a travel agency, Ram was introduced to yoga at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Kerala. Together with Sakuntala, they founded Atman Yoga in Kathmandu before wrapping it up to be a part of Swara Retreat.
Biran Thapa Magar, from Tanahun, is our go-to person for all things rooted in the garden and grounded in stone. A skilled stonemason, he carved our amphitheatre, shaped the winding footpaths, and laid the foundation of Swara’s stone walls. Biran is also our farmer, buffalo care minder, ping (swing) builder, and a brilliant dancer. A quiet force with an indelible presence, he is now, quite simply, one of our indispensable limbs. Without him, the garden wouldn’t hum the same tune.
Jeevan Adhikari hails from Astam. With steady hands and a generous spirit, he supports everything from the kitchen, to the garden and to daily maintenance. But beyond his dedication, Jeevan carries music in his bones. Whether it’s a soulful tune on his flute, a rhythmic beat on the maadal, or a silent presence on the yoga mat, he brings a quiet harmony to the space. Come nightfall, you’ll find him by the fire pit with Biran, the two of them stirring the stars awake with song and dance.