7 Day Himalayan Yoga Meditation and Cultural Retreat in India
Himalayan Yoga Retreat in India
Join Gurukul Yogashala on a journey to the breathtaking Himalayas.Learn yoga, meditate, and connect with nature. Explore old temples and experience local culture. Refresh your body, mind, and spirit. Experience profound relaxation, healing, and growth through daily yoga, pranayama, yog Nidra, and meditation practices. Explore ancient Himalayan temples and discover traditional culture through guided spiritual excursions. The goal is to help you refresh your body, mind, and spirit, and return home feeling calm and renewed. Experience the bliss of connecting with the nature.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- Traditional welcome ceremony
- Enjoy locally grown Pahadi Cuisine
- Learn about Himalayan culture and traditions
- Explore the holy city of Rishikesh
- Stay in comfortable accommodations for 6 nights
- Visit old temples and villages
- Relax with yoga, meditation
- Take home amazing memories and a new love for nature.
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
6 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
The accommodation will be the traditional living style of the Himalayan region where houses are made of wood to keep it warm for every season. The retreat rooms are located in the perfect location for a peaceful stay which overlooks the valley of the Himalayan region and forest area. One line or whole paragraph would be less to describe the view and you just have to see yourself.
The Himalayan property of the retreat consists of wooden rooms which will be available for private and shared accommodation.The rooms have attached bathrooms and running hot and cold water so that you will be of utmost comfort during your stay.
The stay in Rishikesh will be cozy and comfortable with options for both private and shared accommodation.
Program
Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Join Gurukul Yogashala on a transformative journey to the Himalayas, where you'll immerse yourself in yoga, meditation, and the rich cultural heritage of this majestic region.
Retreat highlights:
- Witness traditional Himalayan opening ceremony
- Explore Rishikesh and experience Indian culture
- Stay in traditional wooden houses in the Himalayas
- Hike to Tungnath Temple and Kartik Swami Temple
- Visit ancient temples, including Kunjapuri and Highest Shive Temple
- Enjoy locally grown Pahadi cuisine
- Connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit
Retreat program:
- Day 1: Arrival in Rishikesh
- Day 2: Explore Rishikesh, yoga session, and spiritual excursion
- Day 3: Drive to the Himalayas – Chopta Village and enjoy Pahadi dinner
- Day 4: Explore local Himalayan culture, visit Tungnath Temple, and meditation session
- Day 5: Hike to Swami Narayan Temple and drive to Rudraprayag
- Day 6: Drive back to Rishikesh
- Day 7: Relaxation day and departure
What to expect:
- Daily yoga and pranayama sessions
- Guided spiritual excursions
- Opportunities to connect with local Himalayan tribes
- Delicious Pahadi cuisine
- Stunning natural beauty and serene landscapes
Indian culture in Rishikesh:
Experience the vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors of Indian culture in Rishikesh. Visit ancient temples, witness the Ganga Aarti, and indulge in delicious vegetarian cuisine.
Day 1: Arrival in Rishikesh
- Arrive in Rishikesh and check-in to your accommodation
- Spend the day relaxing and exploring the local area
- Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner and get a good rest for the adventures ahead
Day 2: Explore Rishikesh
- In the morning, attend a welcome ceremony and introduction to the retreat program
- Start the day with a morning holistic yoga session and pranayama session
- Visit the ancient temples and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony
- Explore the local markets and shops, and try some delicious street food
- Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner and relax for the night
Day 3: Drive to the Himalayas
- Start the journey with morning asana and pranayama sessions
- Enjoy the stunning views and sightseeing during the journey to Chopta Village – A cultural gem in the Himalayas
- Spend the evening with a ravishing Pahadi dinner and relax in your traditional wooden house
Day 4: Explore Local Himalayan Culture
- Start the day with a morning holistic yoga session and pranayama session
- Explore the local culture of the Himalayas, meet the Himalayan tribes, and learn about their traditional way of life
- Visit the ancient Tungnath Temple – highest Shiva Temple and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains
- Attend an evening meditation session and bonfire, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals
Day 5: Hike to Kartik Swami Temple
- Start the day with a morning yoga session and pranayama session
- Hike to Kartik Swami Temple, and enjoy the stunning views and serene beauty
- Drive to Rudraprayag
- Attend an evening meditation session and bonfire, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals
- Relax in your traditional wooden house and enjoy the peaceful surroundings
Day 6: Drive back to Rishikesh
- Start the day with a morning holistic yoga session
- Drive back to Rishikesh, enjoying the stunning views and sightseeing along the way
- Spend the evening relaxing and exploring the local area
- Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner
Day 7: Relaxation day and departure
- Spend the day relaxing and exploring the local area
- Attend a closing ceremony and say goodbye to your new friends
- Depart for the airport or your next destination, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after your Himalayan yoga and meditation retreat.
Included excursions
Excursions offer a vital dimension to your yoga journey, providing a well-rounded experience that extends beyond the yoga mat. Through these excursions, you not only rejuvenate your body and soul but also gain a profound appreciation for the traditions and landscapes that shape the yogic path.
- Experience Holy Ganga Aarti and kirtan
- Embrace the spiritual heritage of Rishikesh with temple visits and ashram visits
- Embrace the local culture of Rishikesh
- Hiking to the Himalayas
- Ancient temple visit - Kunjapuri Temple, Gangotri Temple
- Hike to Sattal Harsil - cluster of 7 lakes
- Enjoy the age-old cultural tradition of Himalayan villages
Instructors
Yogi Arvind
Yogi Arvind Negi, a devoted yogi and mentor to many, hails from Rishikesh, India—widely revered as the Yoga Capital of the World. His journey into the heart of yoga led him to embrace the serene and disciplined life of an ashram, where he unearthed the transformative power of the Yamas and Niyamas—the ethical and moral foundations of yogic life. These principles are not mere philosophies, but essential practices that must be thoroughly followed. Through his teachings, Yogi Arvind continues to inspire seekers around the world to embrace yoga not just as a practice, but as a way of life.
Keshav Dev
Keshav Dav Ji, a distinguished spiritual teacher and practitioner, hails from the tranquil region of Amanguna near Rishikesh. Raised amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayas, he nurtured a profound fascination for philosophy, mystical yogas, and spirituality from an early age. Under the guidance of his esteemed mentor, Sri Asaram Ji, Keshav Ji delved into the realms of Sanskrit and spiritual wisdom while tending to cows in the Himalayan forests. His spiritual quest led him to study under the tutelage of various masters, including Gorakshpith.
Shikha Sharma
A native of Delhi, Shikha Sharma began her journey into the world of healing at the age of five, when her father introduced her to the principles of energy and inner balance. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion, leading her to earn a Master’s degree in Yogic Science. Today, Shikha is a dedicated sound healing practitioner and teacher, known for blending ancient vibrational techniques with modern therapeutic understanding. She uses various instruments to guide others into states of deep relaxation and inner alignment, helping them rediscover balance.
Upendra
Born and raised in a traditional Brahmin family in the holy city of Rishikesh, Yogi Upendra Ji was introduced to yoga and ancient scriptures in his early childhood by his father, a Sanskrit scholar. He decided to pursue his studies further, traveling to the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger to complete a certificate course before studying Vedanta at the Yoga Vedanta forest academy at Sivananda Ashram Rishikesh. Here, he surrendered himself to perfecting his teaching and yogic discipline under the guidance of his Guru Swami Vishwa Rupananda Saraswati.
Dr. Sanjeev Pandey
Yogacharya Sanjeev Pandey ji, a 7th generation Himalayan Yogi, he is MSc. PhD. Yogic science & Human Consciousness, B.N.Y.S. in Yogic Science & Naturopathy and Doctor in Yoga Therapy and Naturopathy. He had opportunity to meet personally many well-known monks, rishis, yogis (Swami Satyananda, Baba Neem Karori, Swami Nardananda Saraswati) and get authentic knowledge of Vedic & yogic science. He is sharing yogic knowledge in Yoga and Vedic Science since 1995. His classes on Yoga Philosophy, Kundalini Yoga and Meditation are aimed to bring student from his present level to connect with themselves
Retreat location
Relax, renew, and reconnect in the mountain
This retreat in India with Himalayan hiking and cultural experience will be covering the Gangotri and Tungnath region of Uttarakhand, India. The first few days will be in Rishikesh then you will move to Himalayan region and explore the Himalayas and its old-age cultural experience.
Step into the rich Himalayan culture that will take you to the roots of age-old tradition. Imagine picturesque Himalayan Valley, lush green valley, snowcapped mountains, and peaceful days and nights that will help you connect with your inner self for an enlightening spiritual experience.
Fall in love with the traditional goat villages of the Himalayas with the retreat which will help you to disconnect from technology, connect with nature, and re-connect with your soul. While in the Himalayan region, you will get the opportunity to see how the tribes of the Himalayan region live and get the vibrant experience of their lives.
This Yoga Retreat is vegetarian-friendly
Click to see more vegetarian-friendly Yoga Retreats
Food
The retreat is made easier with the nourishing and gluten-free yogic diet. Also, when the trip extends to the Himalayas, you will get to enjoy Pahadi Cuisine i.e. local mountain food of the Himalayas which is not only grown organically but also stored in a different manner so that the food does not get spoiled even when stored for one year during winters.
The meals, complemented by detox teas and juices, offer a blend of essential nutrients like vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, and vital minerals.
Gurukul Yogashala firmly believes that a wholesome diet is the true foundation of well-being, rendering medication unnecessary. The choices you make in the food impact the ability to meditate and fully embrace yoga.
All of the offerings include:
- Fresh locally sourced vegetarian delights
- Authentic and traditional Indian cuisine
- Gluten-free options designed for the yogic diet
- Sattvic and pure foods to fuel your yoga journey with abundant energy
The following meals are included:
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Naturopathic
- Lactose Free
- Whole food
- Yogic
- Ayurvedic
Things to do (optional)
Rishikesh offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from spiritual and cultural exploration to adventure and relaxation, making it a versatile and vibrant destination.
- Visit temples: Rishikesh is home to numerous ancient temples, including the famous Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, and Bharat Mandir
- Ganga Aarti: Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the banks of the Ganges River, a spiritually enriching experience
- Adventure sports: Rishikesh is renowned for its adventure activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, and zip-lining
- Ayurvedic treatments: Indulge in traditional Ayurvedic treatments and massages for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Explore Beatles ashram: Visit the iconic Beatles Ashram, where the band once stayed, and take in the graffiti art and tranquil surroundings
- Wildlife safari: Explore Rajaji National Park, a short drive from Rishikesh, to spot diverse wildlife and enjoy nature
- Camping: Experience camping by the riverside for a taste of the great outdoors
- Local markets: Stroll through the local markets to shop for handicrafts, jewelry, and spiritual items
- Visit neighboring towns: Explore nearby towns like Haridwar and Devprayag to delve deeper into the culture and history of the region.
- Attend Satsangs: Many ashrams offer Satsang (spiritual gatherings) with renowned spiritual leaders for spiritual growth
- Admire scenic views: Hike to Kunjapuri Temple or the Neer Garh Waterfall for breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Eco-friendly practices: Engage in eco-friendly practices and participate in clean-up drives to preserve the natural beauty of Rishikesh
- Cafés and cuisine: Savor the local and international cuisine at the numerous cafés and restaurants, offering a range of vegetarian and vegan options
- Cross Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: These suspension bridges are iconic landmarks in Rishikesh and offer stunning views of the Ganges
- Himalayan Hiking and Trekking: Hike to mighty Himalayan villages to get first-hand experience of the local culture and cuisine
Spa treatments
Ayurvedic sessions
Gurukul Yogashala can make the bookings for the following sessions at the extra cost to help you relax and connect with yourself more deeper:
- Ayurvedic massage
- Ayurvedic consultancy
- Panchakarma treatment
What's included
- Opportunity to experience age-old and authentic Himalayan culture
- Daily yoga sessions
- Daily meditation sessions
- Daily breathwork sessions
- Gurukul Yogashala's continuous support during the retreat
- Guided spiritual excursions in Rishikesh and the Himalayas
- Participation in holy Indian ceremonies and kirtan, your own puja (offering)
- Neti pot
- Stay connected with 24-hour Wi-Fi access
- Provided yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters for daily yoga practice
- Purified 24/7 water
- Herbal tea and drinks
- 2 delicious and nutritious meals to keep energized
- 6 nights of accommodation
What's not included
- Roundtrip airfare
- Visas
- Insurance
- GST
- Transportation to the airport (can be arranged upon request for 100 USD)
- Room heaters (available upon request for an additional fee of 100 USD)
- Air conditioning (can be requested for an additional cost of 100 USD)
- Additional activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 25 per person
Jolly Grant Airport
13 km away from your destination
Transfer available for additional US$ 80 per person
Indira Gandhi International Airport
206 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
Please arrange your flight to arrive at Jolly Grant Airport (DED). You can book a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Jolly Grant Airport.
The price of the flight ticket varies depending on when you book it. From Dehradun airport, you can inform Gurukul Yogashala and the school will book a taxi for you at an additional cost of 20 USD.
For the flights arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), you can inform Gurukul Yogashala and the school will transfer you from the airport for 100 USD (one way).
Arrival by bus
Depending on the time of the day your flight arrives in Delhi, you can avail of Volvo buses that transfer you from Delhi to Rishikesh. However, please note that these buses generally stop running after 21:00.
The distance from Delhi to Rishikesh is 250 kilometers, and it generally takes approximately 6 hours to travel this distance. However, the traffic, time, and festival celebrations on the road can lead to delays. The Rishikesh bus stand is merely 15 minutes away from Tapovan.
Arrival by train
Various trains travel between Rishikesh and Delhi. It's advisable to book your tickets through the official Indian Railways government website or application to avoid any confusion regarding timings and payments.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
Reviews
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaRetreats.com. All major credit cards supported.