Balancing a simultaneous inner and outer journey, this Northern India Retreat will explore the theme of presence as you move from the chaos and hidden mysticism of Delhi, to the shores of Mother Ganga in Rishikesh, to the Golden Temple of Amritsar, to the higher Himalayas of the Dalai Llama’s home in Dharamsala.
You will learn to experience greater awareness with your daily practice of sadhana (spiritual practice) that includes yoga asana, pranayama, mantra, and silence. With support from each other and the powerful spiritual energies of the Himalayas, you will live your moving meditation exploring sacred sites, busy marketplaces, outdoor adventures, satsang with spiritual masters, and the simple craziness of life in India.
This retreat will give you tools to help you to integrate a more meditative awareness into your everyday life. Life with presence is the key to expand beyond fears and doubts, to embody your purpose, and to live from your empowered creative self, regardless of outside influences.
You can relax deeply and safely into your journey as the India experienced guides and teachers organize all the daily travel details, take you to the cleanest, most delicious restaurants, unveil sacred powerful sites, bring you to their favorite teachers, and help you navigate in a sometimes chaotic country.
Are you ready to go on a trip of a lifetime to one of the most powerful and profoundly exotic places on earth?
Brief Itinerary
Day 1, Delhi
- Arrival in Delhi by 1 p.m.
- Group meeting
- Visit Lotus Temple
- Delicious Indian dinner
Day 2, Delhi to Rishikesh
- Travel by train from Delhi to the powerful Holy city of Haridwar
- Then head to Laxmanjula, Rishikesh for the opening circle in the foothills of the Himalayas, on the banks of Ma Ganges
- Evening yoga and meditation
Day 3 to 7, Rishikesh
- You will explore the magical "yoga capital of the world" and connect to the powerful energies of this sacred Hindu place
- You will explore various yoga teachers and styles
- Listen to satsangs with enlightened masters
- Visit the ashram that the Beatles stayed in
- Open your heart through Kirtan
- Explore the holy Shiva temple of Neelkanth
- Meditate in the ashram of Ananda Mayi
- Cleanse some Karmas with a Ganga bath and open to the unique teachings that this sacred place has for you
- Within this time, you will also deepen your state of awareness with time in total silence alongside Mother Ganga
Day 8 to 9, Rishikesh to Amritsar
- You will travel by train to the sacred pilgrimage site of the Golden Temple
- Here, you will have plenty of time to explore and meditate in and around the beautiful temple
Day 9 to 14, Travel from Amritsar to Dharamsal, Tibetan Buddhist Village of Little Lhasa: Dharmsala
- You will continue your experiential journey as you expand your consciousness with the support of the Higher Himalayas
- You will meditate in the temple of his Holiness the Dalai Lama
- Practice walking meditation as you hike the mountain Triune
- Share with Tibetan Refuges
- Visit Norbulingka and spend a day in complete silence to deepen your state of meditation
- Option to celebrate the Hindu color festival of Holi
Day 15 to 16, Dharamsala to Delhi
- Experience the spiritual aspects of Delhi as you integrate your experience of moving meditation within Riskshaws, markets, busy streets, and delicious restaurants
If the Taj Mahal is calling for you, Flowing Spirit Journeys is also offering an optional two-day add-on visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal!. Kindly send Flowing Spirit Journeys an inquiry to know more about this option.