When we organized our first-ever retreat under Yarn Travels, everything was in motion — itineraries, teams, hotels, transport. And then, one unexpected logistical knot emerged: An attendee needed a Nepali visa in advance, but their country didn’t have a Nepali embassy. Nepal is known for its open visa policy — most travelers can simply get a visa on arrival.
But for a few nationalities, pre-approval is required. In this case, the closest functioning Nepali mission was in South Africa, two countries away from the attendee’s residence. A complication?
Yes. A deal breaker? Not for us.
Collaboration Beyond the Expected People often express frustration at bureaucracies, and that’s understandable. But in this case, we were deeply moved by the responsiveness and professionalism of the Nepali mission in South Africa. They didn’t just process a request.
They listened, responded, and helped us make the impossible happen — all while keeping human dignity at the center. Behind the scenes, our team worked across time zones and embassies to: Secure documents and authorizations Communicate regularly with the mission Keep our attendee informed, prepared, and supported In the end, the visa came through — and that attendee walked through the door, reunited with their team. A moment that has become a part of us: travel logistics is ultimately about people.
Retreat in the “Off Season” This retreat didn’t take place in Nepal’s typical tourist window. It was during the off season — when most think things slow down. And yet: The air was clear, the roads were open, the experience was intimate, spacious, and powerful.
Logistical partners had flexibility and room to support plus costs were more efficient without compromising quality We believe this is a moment of possibility — rethinking seasonality in MICE travel. With the right partners and care-centered coordination, retreats and convenings in Nepal can thrive year-round. What We Learned This visa wasn’t just paperwork.
It was a test of our values in action. It reminded us: That care is a logistical skill That empathy can live inside institutions That being present, physically and emotionally, can shift an entire retreat’s energy At Yarn Travels, our mission is to move teams — ethically, practically, and with unwavering commitment to inclusion and support. We don’t just get people places.
We help them belong there.