Wisdom of Meditation
Sorry we are fully booked. Write to us to add your name to the waiting list, or to reserve your spot for Retreat Himalaya 2024.
Retreat Himalaya
Sunday Sept. 24 - Sunday Oct. 8,
2023
Retreat Himalaya
is no ordinary retreat!
It is a two-week immersion in an authentic yogic lifestyle in a Himalayan Village of the Kullu Valley, a special part of India where sages have shared wisdom on the banks of the sacred Vyaas river, for millennia.
The daily program is a combination of meditation, satsang (wisdom teachings based on AdvaitaVedanta) Qi Gong, Somatic yoga and kirtan (mantra chanting).
We will also explore the surrounding valley: walk and meditate in native deodar forests, high-altitude mountain tops with spectacular views. Visit ancient temples and enjoy gentle walks in Himalayan villages to experience a way of life that will seem like you have journeyed 200 years back in time.
The walks are not strenuous, you can go at your own pace. The main purpose is not solely for
hiking, but rather to meditate and be in these beautiful Himalayan settings. For those who are
keen on more challenging hikes, you will have your opportunity on the ‘rest day’ to climb to
Chandrakani pass at 3000-meter altitude. We can also help you arrange a hike to suit your level of
fitness after the retreat.
You may bring your spouse, partner, friend or children, who can take part in the walks, mealtimes, and the evening kirtan (singing) and the morning meditation if they wish. During the day, we can arrange day treks and outings for them to explore local sights or they can simply relax in their own space.
Since 2008, we have hosted many groups in the Himalayas. The atmosphere is such that all the
participants feel uplifted and enriched by their experience of a truly authentic Himalayan yogic
lifestyle. Having lived in the Kullu valley for 35 years, we will keep you safe. We'll guide you what
to eat and what not to eat so that you stay well. You just have to arrive in Delhi and we'll take
care of the rest.
Write to Mayank if you would like more information and to register. There is a limit of 25 participants, so early booking is necessary. Please feel free to ask any question – none is too small or silly!!
Retreat Cost
Premium Accommodation: Single NZ$ 2,960 – Shared NZ$ 2,480
Budget Accommodation: Single NZ$ 2,360 – Shared NZ$ 2,150
Travel
Please read this section very carefully! Make your bookings sooner than later.
Arrival in Delhi Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 September
Retreat Himalaya is hosted in a small village called Naggar, in the Kullu valley, 589 km directly north of Delhi. The retreat venue is a charming, family operated, cottage-like hotel, ‘Naggar Delights’. Our hosts are brothers, Abhi and Adi. They are also reliable, honest travel agents who can help you with your travel bookings. We suggest you run your travel plan passed us first and then, once we have checked it, we will forward your details to Abhi and Adi to make the bookings.
You are responsible to book and pay for your international flight to arrive at Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi. We suggest you arrive in Delhi well in time to have at least 1 day and night to rest before travel to Kullu Valley Monday 25 Sept.
Either we, or our trusted driver, will be at the Delhi airport to receive you from your international flight. Please inform us of your arrival time and flight number.
We will be staying at the World Buddhist Centre in Delhi, where we recommend you also stay with us. We will book your accommodation (early booking is essential). Alternatively, you may find your own accommodation or ask us for suggestions of hotels closer to the airport if you opt to fly directly to Kullu valley. We can help you navigate your transit through Delhi to Naggar.
For those who are traveling from New Zealand, there is a group who have booked their NZ – Delhi flight, so let us know if you wish to travel with the group and we will send you the flight details.
Travel from Delhi to Kullu Valley (the retreat venue)
Monday 25 Sept:
We strongly advise you to get travel insurance.
There are 3 travel options:
Please let us know which option you choose.
1. Train and drive: Travel with the group, accompanied by us, via train from Delhi – Chandigarh. Lunch together in Chandigarh and then drive in convoy (7 hrs) to Kullu valley (an Indian adventure!)
Own cost: 3,500 rupees all inclusive (You can reimburse Mayank for this group package once you are in India.)
2. Fly Delhi – Kullu: The 1-hour flight is obviously more direct, but it is more expensive and can be cancelled due to bad weather. We recommend you fly Sunday 24th, so you have an alternative plan if the flight is cancelled to join the group or try to fly again the next day. For this flight option, you are responsible to book your flights.
Own cost: Check out the flights on your online booking website or through your travel agent. Recommended sites: Skyscanner, Kayank, Expedia, Agoda, Momondo.
3. Overnight bus Delhi - Naggar:If you are traveling alone, we suggest you book 2 seats so you can have more space to curl up and sleep during your overnight journey. The bus leaves around 6:00 pm and arrives in Naggar 8:00 am.
Adi will book your bus seat/seats. (DO NOT book your own bus, unless you are familiar with the Himachal busses.)
Own cost: 2000 rupees for two seats. (You can reimburse Adi in rupees once you are in Naggar.)
After the retreat
Return travel from Naggar – Delhi or onward travel within India
NB: If you fly from Kullu – Delhi after the retreat, you MUST allow an extra day in Delhi, before your international flight departure, just in case the Kullu flight is cancelled due to bad weather.
If the Kullu – Delhi flight is cancelled.
1. Wait for the next days flight if the weather forecast is clear.
2. Ride share to Delhi (13 hr. approx. 17000 rupees per car – cost is shared by the number of passengers.)
3. Ride share to the Kangra valley (6 hr.) Fly Dharamshala – Delhi.
Kullu valley is usually lovely warm, clear weather in October. But at 1300 meters, the weather can be changeable.
If you opt to fly Kullu – Delhi, you would be advised to book that flight well in advance.
If you opt to drive and train for your return, you can wait until you are at the retreat venue to book this return travel and join a group who is also taking this option.
If you wish to continue your adventure and visit other parts of India, you can also wait to arrange it once you are in Naggar and speak to Adi to help you with your plans and bookings. You may meet others from the retreat who you can travel with.
Program
Sunday 24 Sept.
Arrive in Delhi on or before this date.
Monday 25 Sept.
7:40: Train Delhi to Chandigarh (Shatabdi Express - 3hr 20min)
11:45: Arrive in Chandigarh
12:30: Lunch
13:30: Ride share to Kullu Valley
20:30: Arrive in Naggar, Kullu Valley
Tuesday 26 Sept.
8:00 – 10:00: Breakfast
11:00: Meet and Greet
13:00: Lunch
14:30: A gentle walk to Naggar’s ancient Krishna temple (option to drive)
16:30: Afternoon tea at Naggar castle
17:00: Meditation Mandala (introduction to meditation)
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Silent meditation (optional)
Wednesday 27 Sept.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00 Qigong with Mayank
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
Thursday 28 Sept.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
14:00: Visit to the Roerich art gallery
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
Friday 29 Sept.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
10:30: Morning tea
11:00: Somatic Movement with Mayank
12:30: Drive to Jana Waterfall for lunch and experience a Himalayan village.
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Silent meditation
Saturday 30 Sept.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Qigong with Mayank
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Classical Indian music concert
Sunday 1 Oct.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Qigong with Mayank
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Gentle walk to a local forest temple
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
Monday 2 Oct. Rest Day
1. Hike to Chandrakanai pass. You will need a reasonably good level of fitness to do this hike, but you don’t have to walk to the top. There are many places along the way where you can stop and rest and join the group on their way down.
2. Lunch and shopping in Manali with Shikhaa (own cost)
3. Rest and do your own thing.
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Silent meditation
Tuesday 3 Oct.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Qigong with Mayank
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
Wednesday 4 Oct.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Qigong with Mayank
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
Thursday 5 Oct.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: A hike to Kaisdhar. 2-hr walk but not steep. Picnic at the pass.
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
Friday 6 Oct.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Qigong with Mayank
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Concert – Local kirtan group
Saturday 7 Oct.
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Somatic Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Qigong with Mayank
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Concluding Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
Sunday 8 Oct. Depart early morning
6:30 Depart for those flying Kullu – Delhi
8:30 Depart for those who opt. to drive in groups via the same route we arrived, reaching Chandigarh in time to catch the afternoon train to Delhi.
17:00 Depart for those who opt to overnight bus Naggar – Delhi direct.
Description of the classes
All classes and outings are optional to attend.
Morning meditation with Shikhaa
Shikhaa guides the meditation with gentle, conscious breathing techniques and a period of silent meditation.
Satsang with Shikhaa
Shikhaa inspires the great wisdom tradition Advaita Vedanta to come alive and be relevant to our current lives, addressing the question, “What is our purpose in life and how can we live in peace, love and freedom?”
Mayank’s Movement
Gentle, restorative, therapeutic movement classes including Somatic yoga and Qigong. Mayank’s Movement classes restore flexibility, balance and coordination. Somatic Movement is simple, accessible movement flows ending in a deep relaxation period. Qigong fills us with fresh energy ‘qi’ to invigorate, inspire and build strength and well-being.
Meditation Mandala
At the close of the day, we gather in a mandala (a circle) for reflection and follow up from the morning satsang. Plus, an opportunity for Q and A followed by silent meditation.
Spirit of Kirtan
After dinner, we gather to sing kirtan – a call and response style of singing of simple Sanskrit mantras that is conducive for meditation and to uplift the spirit.
What your retreat payment includes
All classes
Accommodation – 13 nights in the Kullu Valley
3 meals a day, including morning and afternoon teas
All day outings, including travel to the location, picnic lunches, tea and snacks and entrance fees to temples and art gallery
2 musical concerts
What your retreat payment does not include
Your international travel to India and return
Taxi from International airport to your Delhi hotel
Hotel in Delhi
Travel from Delhi to Naggar and return
Coffee, tea or snacks from the retreat café or from outside of the retreat venue
Rest day outing to Manali
Your personal supplies and shopping