7 Day The Raga Yoga Retreat in Dharamshala, India
Sacred Sound & Yoga Retreat in India
Journey to the Himalayan sanctuary of Dharamsala, where misty mountain peaks, cedar forests, and ancient spiritual traditions invite us into a deeper rhythm of being. In this sacred landscape, we explore the path of Nāda Yoga through Indian Raga, mantra, meditation, and yoga, allowing sound to become a bridge between nature and consciousness. Held in the quiet after the powerful energy of Mahāśivarātri, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to rest, integrate, and awaken the inner music that lives within us all.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Daily yoga, mantra, meditation, and sound practices
- Nāda yoga - Sound as awakening
- Raga sadhana - Music as devotion
- Yoga and pranayama - Body as instrument
- Mantra - Breath as prayer
- Nature immersion - Earth as teacher
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily nourishing meals
Skill level
- Beginner
Yoga styles
7 days with instruction in English
Average daily hours of activity: 6
Accommodation
Participants stay in simple Himalayan mountain cottages surrounded by forest, river, and open sky. The accommodation is intentionally modest and quiet, allowing us to step away from the distractions of modern life and return to a deeper rhythm of sadhana (practice), music, and nature.
Each cottage is clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom and hot water, offering a peaceful space to rest between sessions while the true richness of the retreat unfolds in our shared sadhana hall, meditation spaces, and the surrounding mountains and Himalayan-fed running river beside the space.
Program
Day 1 – Tuesday (9 March)
Landing
*16:00 – Arrival and settling In
- 17:00 – Gentle Hatha Yoga & Nāda Yoga wind-down
- 18:00 – Dinner
- 19:00 – Welcome Circle
Orientation
Introduction to Nāda Yoga
Opening Kirtan & group chanting
- 20:30 – Silence & Rest
Day 2 – Wednesday (10 March)
Intention and Listening
*06:30 – DawnRaga, Yoga and pranayama with rising sun
- 08:00 – Morning mantra practice
- 08:30 – Breakfast / Free time
- 09:30 – Soundkalpa meditation
Intention setting through sound & voice
- 11:00 – Introduction to Raga
Swara (notes)
Rasa & Bhava
Time theory of ragas
- 12:00 – Nāda Nidrā
(Live music Yoga Nidra)
- 12:30 – Lunch
- 14:00 – Nature immersion / Free time
Optional one-on-one sessions
- 16:30 – Afternoon exploration session+ Vocal Freedom & Chakra Flow
- 18:00 – Dinner
- 19:30 – Evening ragas and rhythm circle
Day 3 – Thursday (11 March)
Rhythm and Raga
*06:30 – DawnRaga, yoga and pranayama with rising sun
- 08:00 – Morning Mantra Practice
- 08:30 – Breakfast
- 09:30 – Tāla and rhythm workshop
Understanding Indian rhythmic cycles
- 11:00 – Call & response raga practice
- 12:00 – Nāda Nidrā
- 12:30 – Lunch
- 14:00 – Nature walk / Rest
Optional one-on-one sessions
- 17:00 – Ancient Mantra & Sacred Chants
- 18:00 – Dinner
- 19:30 – Indian classical music presentation
Demonstration of Raga structure: Alap → Jor → Jhala → Composition
Day 4 – Friday (12 March)
Voice and Mantra
- 06:30 – Dawn Raga, yoga & Pranayama with rising sun
- 08:00 – Morning mantra practice
- 08:30 – Breakfast
Voice activation for raga
- 09:30 – Developing tone, breath and expression
Mantra & Sonic Meditation
- 11:00 – Deep mantra and sound meditation practice
Nāda Nidrā
- 12:00 – Guided yogic rest through sound
- 12:30 – Lunch
Free time / Nature
- 14:00 – Rest, reflection or nature walk
Sound Healing Journey
- 16:00 – Deep listening through vibration
- 18:00 – Dinner
Kirtan and sacred song circle
- 19:30 – Evening devotional music and chanting
Day 5 – Saturday (13 March)
Creative Expression
- 06:30 – Dawn Raga, Yoga & Pranayama with Rising Sun
- 08:00 – Morning Mantra Practice
- 08:30 – Breakfast
Raga improvisation workshop
- 09:30 – Developing melodic expression
Group raga practice
- 11:00 – Collaborative raga exploration
Nāda Nidrā
- 12:00 – Guided yogic rest through sound
- 12:30 – Lunch
Nature excursion in the Himalayas
- 14:00 – Guided nature experience and exploration
Return and rest
- 17:30 – Relaxation and integration time
- 18:30 – Dinner
Evening concert and raga darshan
- 19:30 – Sacred performance and musical immersion
Day 6 – Sunday (14 March)
Presentations and Performance
- 06:30 – Dawn Raga, yoga and pranayama with rising sun
- 08:00 – Morning mantra practice
- 08:30 – Breakfast
Creative composition session
- 09:30 – Exploring personal melodic expression within the raga framework
Group rehearsal
- 11:00 – Collaborative preparation and practice
Nāda Nidrā
- 12:00 – Guided yogic rest through sound
- 12:30 – Lunch
Free time / Integration
- 15:00 – Reflection and personal integration
- 18:00 – Dinner
Sacred music gathering
- 19:30 – Participants share music, mantra and creative offerings
Day 7 – Monday (15 March)
Integration and farewell
- 07:30 – Morning yoga and breathwork
- 08:15 – Final raga practice
- 08:30 – Breakfast
Gratitude Circle
- 09:30 – Reflection and integration
Raga flow finale
- 11:00 – Closing collective raga practice
Closing meditation
- 12:00 – Final meditation and grounding
- 12:30 – Farewell lunch and departures
Included excursions
Himalayan excursion and local cultural experiences including a meeting with the musical masters.
Instructors
Shivam Rath
Shivam Rath is a second-generation Aussie Indian Musician, following his father's footsteps in both the world of Yoga and Indian classical music, and since seriously taking up the path, is sliding up to be Australia’s leading Slide Guitarist. Born into a musical family, he has been combining his knowledge and path of meditation into the classically trained field of music, mantra, and raga. He is also writing and producing his own music and compositions, with many CDs bridging, reviving, and blending the ancient arts and music into our modern world.
Kathryn Riding
Kathryn Riding is a teacher of voice, movement, and yoga. With more than 30 years of experience. She is also an accredited Yoga Australia teacher trainer, a graduate of WAAPA, and has taught at some of Australia's finest training institutions, including NIDA, WAAPA, QUT, and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium.
Echo Ai
Echo Ai is a yoga and tea ceremony facilitator, weaving movement and mindfulness with the art of ancient tea. She graduated with a diploma in Traditional Hatha Yoga from Kaivalyadhama and later founded The Art of Tea and Yoga space in Chiang Mai. As an organizer of the CM International Yoga Festival and the Pokhara (Nepal) Healing Festival, she immersed herself in diverse schools of yoga and healing, developing a unique and holistic understanding of both. She weaves this understanding into her tea practice, where each ceremony becomes a way of sharing healing and presence.
Retreat location
Dharamsala rests beneath the Himalayas — where contemplation meets sky. Where you truly can retreat after the fullness of the tour and land in stillness away from the noise.
Food
All meals during the retreat will be vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available as required. Food will be lovingly prepared by the Dev Bhoomi facilities team, offering a balanced mix of local Himalayan / Indian cuisine alongside selected western dishes to accommodate a diverse range of preferences and dietary needs.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Exclusive Gifts
CrystalSlide Rath has prepared a few special surprises for you, including unique experiences and thoughtful extras to make your journey even more memorable.
Individual lesson and tutelage
What's included
- Daily Raga and voice activation
- Yoga, mantra, and meditation
- Sound healing and Nāda Nidra
- Sacred site visits (Ghats / Temples / Himalayas)
- Mahāśivarātri ceremony
- Music with the masters
- Vegetarian meals (all inclusive)
- 6 nights in a private / shared accommodation
- Group transport in India
Included Exclusive Gifts
Individual lesson and tutelage
A free 30 minute online pre - retreat session and follow up one on one session during the retreat for tailored personal focus and development.
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- GST
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer not provided
Gaggal Airport
8 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
For Dharamshala (Dharamsala), Himachal Pradesh, the main airport is:️ Dharamshala / Kangra Airport (DHM). It is also called Gaggal Airport and located about 13–15 km from Dharamshala town. It is a small regional airport with limited flights (mostly from Delhi).
If participants can fly directly there, this is the most convenient option:️ Delhi International Airport (DEL), the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. This is usually the best and most reliable international gateway for Dharamshala.
From Delhi to Dharamshala:
- Domestic flight (DHM): 1–1.5 hours
- Overnight Volvo bus: 10–12 hours
- Private car / driver: 10–11 hours
- Train + car combination (less common for tourists)
For international travellers, Delhi is typically the easiest entry point, with a connecting flight to Dharamshala.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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