CONQUER
YOUR MOUNTAIN


A RETREAT BY THE PORTAL

There is a mountain in all of us. They are the internal obstacles that challenge us every single day. How can we use travel to help us overcome them? In “The Art of Adventure”, Bo Hawi wrote about his travel adventures which eventually led him to start his own tour company, The Portal. Taking inspiration from his own trekking experiences in Nepal, he has designed an 11-day retreat with his partner and co-founder Cara to help people overcome their own psychological mountains. We spoke with Bo to find out more.

What is the retreat all about?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: to conquer your mountain. On one level, it’s about the literal trek—walking through the Himalayas and taking on the physical challenge. But on another level, it’s about facing your own psychological mountains. Whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or a big life decision you’ve been avoiding, the retreat gives you the tools to confront those internal obstacles head-on.

We also balance the idea of conquering with acceptance. You can’t just bulldoze through life; you have to approach yourself with a mix of strength and self-compassion. This retreat isn’t about forcing change—it’s about creating space for it.

What happens on the retreat?
It’s 11 days in Nepal, and every one of them is designed to push you out of your comfort zone while also offering moments of deep serenity. We start in Kathmandu, soaking up the energy of the city’s ancient temples. Then we head into the Langtang Valley, trekking through landscapes that make you feel like you’re part of something far bigger than yourself.

Each day is a mix of physical activity and spiritual practices that help you focus inward: yoga, breathwork, and deep heart-centered practices that might surprise you. Picture meditating on a mountaintop or journaling in complete stillness. To top it off, there’s a luxurious spa experience waiting for you at the end of the hike. By the time you’re done, you’ve got more than just memories—you’ve got a clearer sense of who you are and what you’re capable of.

Where did the idea come from?
The idea came from myself and my amazing partner and co-founder, Cara. We’ve spent years digging deep into what makes life meaningful. Before we met, we each had our own pivotal experiences trekking in Nepal. There’s something about walking among the Himalayas that puts the chaos of life into perspective. It’s hard to stay stuck in your problems when you’re standing in front of a mountain that’s been there for millions of years.

Cara and I have led retreats all over the world; she comes from a psychotherapy and tantra background, while my focus is on transformational coaching and mindfulness meditation. When we decided to join forces, it was obvious we wanted to create something that brought together the physical challenge of the outdoors with the transformative work we’d been guiding for years.

Who is this retreat for?
It’s for anyone who’s tired of running in circles and is ready to take a real step forward. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or someone who’s never set foot on a hiking trail, this retreat is for people willing to challenge themselves—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

If you’re burned out, feeling stuck, or simply craving a deeper sense of connection to yourself and the world, this is your chance to shake things up. You don’t need to be perfect or have your life figured out, you just need to show up and be open to the experience.

How do I sign up?
Easy. Just head to our website, www.theportaladventure.com/nepal, for all the details. You’ll find everything you need to know. If you’ve got questions, email us at info@theportaladventure.com.

Also, if you mention the passcode “LOST PORTAL” when you sign up for the retreat, you get a free copy of LOST delivered to your home!

Our next trip is almost sold out, so if this sounds like your kind of adventure, reach out and let’s have a chat. The mountain isn’t going anywhere, but the opportunity to conquer it might!

Retreat dates: March 3-13, 2025, and October 20-30, 2025.


THE PORTAL is a world leader in Spiritual Adventure retreats, whose mission is to guide groups on transformational journeys to some of the most beautiful environments in the world. It’s for those who are tired of the rat race, and feel the call for self-discovery, inner growth and clarity of purpose.