
Wisdom of Meditation

Retreat Himalaya 2025
Join us at Retreat Himalaya! A genuine discovery of higher states of consciousness that reveal true freedom, love and wisdom.
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If you are looking for more than just another yoga retreat and you want to fully live life rather than simply manage your life, then join Shikhaa and Mayank in India for a two-week yoga and meditation experience in the culturally rich Kangra and Kullu valleys. Shikhaa and Mayank, two life-loving, authentic teachers of this great yoga and satsang tradition, will personally guide you in the journey back to your inherent, free Self.
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A special feature of Retreat Himalaya, is that you can avail of a continued online forum after the retreat to help integrate yoga-knowledge in your life.
Week 1: 25 Sept – 4 Oct
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Location: Dharamkot (Dharamshala) Kangra Valley
Arrival: Thurs 25 Sept
Retreat Days: Fri 26 – Mon 29
Rest Day: Tues 30
Retreat Days: Wed 1 – 4 Oct
Travel to Naggar: Sun 5
Week 2: 5 – 9 Oct
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Location: Naggar, Kullu Valley
Travel: Dharamkot to Naggar: Sun 5 Oct
Retreat Days: Mon 6 – Thurs 9 Oct
Depart: Fri 10 Oct or optional day hike

Retreat Himalaya is no ordinary retreat! If you desire to …​…
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initiate a meditation practice…
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deepen your meditation practice…
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cultivate a harmonious relationship with your mind…
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know where unconditional freedom lies…
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be free from the chase for fleeting experiences…
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transform your life in a lasting way…
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discover a profound wisdom tradition…
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then you need to be with Shikhaa and Mayank, who have made this their focus through a lifetime of satsang (Self enquiry), meditation and yoga. Retreat Himalaya is an experience of an authentic yogic lifestyle.Shikhaa and Mayank are two great yogis and teachers who lived with an Enlightened Being for 35 years in the Himalayas, where they also host meditation retreats. Through meditation and a deep study of Advait Vedant (non-dual wisdom) they live yoga – a state of oneness.
This year, the two-week immersion program is divided in two different locations:
Week1: Dharamkot – near Dharamshala in the Kangra Valley.
Week 2: Naggar, in the Kullu Valley. (see the detailed program below)
The daily program is a combination of meditation, satsang (wisdom teachings based on Advaita Vedanta) Qi Gong, Somatic yoga and kirtan (mantra chanting).
You may bring your spouse, partner or friend, who can take part in the walks, mealtimes, the evening kirtan (singing) and the morning meditation at 7.30am 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, Shikhaa and Mayank 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, you can be assured that Shikhaa and Mayank will keep you safe and guide you how to navigate the wonders of India. You just have to arrive in Dharamshala and they'll take care of the rest.
Write to Mayank if you would like more information and to register. There is a limit of 30 participants, so early booking is necessary. Please feel free to ask any question – none is too small!!

Retreat Himalaya 2025 New Venue and Program
Venue 1
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Retreat Himalaya 2025 is hosted in two locations. Our first location is in a small town, Dharamkot (near Dharamshala) nestled in the Dhauladhar ranges above McLeod Ganj in the Kangra Valley.
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The first week has eight teaching days, with a rest day between days 4 & 5 where you can hike with Shikhaa and Mayank in the Dhauladhar mountains. The daily program offers a free-time period after lunch to explore the area, or to rest, journal and meditate in the garden.
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Our guesthouse, Trimurti Gardens, is a sheltered oasis in the center of the ‘hippy-vibe’, chill-out culture of Dharamkot village. A 10-minute walk in any direction from our guesthouse reveals interesting discoveries, including Mcleod Ganj, the hub of Tibetan culture in India with many shops selling ethnic trinkets, books and clothes and funky cafés and chai shops nearby. Trimurti Garden guesthouse is a genuine haven from the nearby hustle and bustle..
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Only 10-minutes’ walk from Trimurti guesthouse is a well renown Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Sharama at the Ayuskama Ayurveda Clinic. The clinic offers dietary and lifestyle advice, massage and other natural treatments that you can avail of during the free time period. You can pre-book a consultation, and even consult with him via Zoom prior to arriving in Dharamkot. This allows you to discuss options if you want to stay before or after the retreat for longer treatments.
Venue 2
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Our second week is located in a small village called Naggar, in the magical atmosphere of the Kullu valley, a seven hour drive from Dharamkot. Our retreat venue, Naggar Delight, is a charming, family operated, cottage-like hotel, with majestic mountain views and a small village vibe that feels like family.
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Week 2 has four teaching days designed to absorb and integrate the teachings from week 1. There will be more silent meditations and all satsangs will be based on Q&A and discussion. In the afternoon free-time period, you are encouraged to spend quiet time, either meditating, studying, writing or walking in the mountains (with a companion) either in silence and contemplation or satsang discussion.
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See below for the full daily program.
Cost
Deluxe
Single $3,595NZD
Shared $3,285NZD (double beds only)
Semi-Deluxe
Single $3,295NZD
Shared $2,985NZD
Budget
Single $2,875NZD
Shared $2,655NZD
Deluxe
In Dharamkot (10 nights): Nearby deluxe hotel. Double beds only. Dry, sunny, airy rooms with a forest view and private balcony. A flat 3-minute walk to the retreat venue.
Wi-fi, TV. Air-con. Complimentary tea/coffee and bottled water. Room service.
In Naggar (5 nights): Naggar Delights Hotel at the retreat venue. Charming cottage-like rooms. Attached bathroom and private balcony.
Semi-Deluxe
In Dharamkot (10 nights): A room at the retreat venue. 2 single beds in a room, can be pulled together to make a double bed. Simple, clean rooms with attached bathroom.
In Naggar (5 nights): A nearby hotel (1-min walk) at the same standard as Naggar Delights (above). Double bed. Attached bathroom.
Budget
In Dharamkot (10 nights): Simple, clean guesthouse directly neighbouring the retreat venue (1-minute walk) 2 single beds in a room. Attached bathroom.
In Naggar (5 nights): Simple, clean Kohinor guest house near the retreat venue (3-min walk). 2 single beds in a room. Attached bathroom.
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Travel
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​Please read this section very carefully! Make your bookings sooner than later.
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You are responsible to book and pay for your international flight to arrive at Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi.
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It is important for you to inform Mayank of your travel plans before you finalize them.
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We strongly advise you to get travel insurance.
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Arrival in Delhi by Wednesday 24 Sept or early morning Thursday 25 Sept
Travel Delhi – Dharamshala Thursday 25 Sept (If you wish to arrive a few days earlier we can book your room. Own cost separate from the retreat cost.)
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Delhi – Dharamshala (Kangra-Gaggal Airport)
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You may like to have 1 night to rest in Delhi before travel to Dharamshala. Otherwise, transit directly from your international flight to Dharamshala and rest there or in Dharamkot the day before the start of the retreat. We suggest you plan for a minimum of 3 hours to transit at Delhi Airport.
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There are approx. 5 flights to Dharamshala daily. They are all morning flights. If you book well in advance they are very affordable but they increase in price as time comes closer.
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There is a luggage restriction of 15 - 20 kg. depending on which airline.
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Inform Mayank of your arrival time and flight number into Dharamshala so we can send a taxi to meet your flight. (a direct airport taxi may not easily find the guesthouse).
Our host in Naggar Adi Sharma is our trusted, reliable travel agent for ten years, and can book your domestic travel bookings. We suggest you run your travel plans past us FIRST and then, once we have checked it, we will forward your details to Adi to make the bookings for you.
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For those who are traveling from New Zealand, there may be a group travelling together on the international flight, so let us know if you wish to travel with the group.
Return Travel after the Retreat
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​Flight from Kullu – Delhi
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Flight from Kullu – Delhi. Kullu airport is 1 hour drive from Naggar village. The flights leave early morning. It is very important you allow at least 24 hours from your Kullu departure to your international flight in Delhi. This is because the Kullu – Delhi flight can be cancelled due to poor weather.
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Drive with a group to Delhi or other destinations. This can be arranged once you are at the retreat. Naggar – Chandigarh 5- 6 hrs, or Naggar – Delhi 10 – 12 hrs driving time, including short stops.
Options if the Kullu – Delhi flight is cancelled.
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Wait for the next day’s flight if the weather forecast is clear.
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Ride-share to Chandighar and fly to Delhi (cost approx. 10K rps. shared by the number of passengers). Ride-share to Delhi (cost approx.15k rps. shared by the number of passengers)
Kullu valley is usually clear weather in October. But the weather can be changeable.
If you opt to fly Kullu – Delhi, you would be advised to book that flight well in advance, the flights get booked up. There is a strict luggage restriction of 10 kg. You can pay for overweight luggage.
You can wait until you are at the retreat venue to book your return travel and join a group also taking the option to drive.
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.

Full Daily Program
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Week 1 - Dharamkot
Friday 26 Sept
8:00 – 9:45: Breakfast
10:00: Inauguration
10:30: Meet and Greet
11:30: Qigong with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
14:30: Rest
17:00: Meditation Mandala (introduction to meditation)
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Silent meditation and early to sleep
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Saturday 27 Sept
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: 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 Free time
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Mantra meditation
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Sunday 28 Sept
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Functional Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00 Free time
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
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Monday 29 Sept
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: 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 Free time
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan – open to the public
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Tuesday 30 Sept
Rest Day
7:30 Breakfast
Option to:
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Hike in the Dhauladhar mountains. Mayank will take a group on the ‘high hike’ which will require some level of fitness and Shikhaa will lead a group on a shorter, gentler walk. We will take a packed lunch.
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Sightseeing various locations around the area
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Rest and do your own thing
19:00: Dinner
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Wednesday 1 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Functional Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Free time
18:00: Silent meditation
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Mantra meditation
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Thursday 2 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: 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: Free time
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Mantra meditation
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Friday 3 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Functional Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Free time
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
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Saturday 4 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Concluding sharing session
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Cont. sharing session
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Free time
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan – open to the public
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Sunday 5 Oct
Depart for Naggar (6 hrs. drive)
Week 2 - Naggar
Monday 6 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: 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: Silent time
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Silent Meditation
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Tuesday 7 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Functional Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Silent time
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Mantra Meditation
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Wednesday 8 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: 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: Silent time
16:30: Afternoon tea
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Spirit of Kirtan
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Thursday 9 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Functional Movement with Mayank
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Free time
16:00: Afternoon tea
16:30: Concluding Sharing Circle
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Musical concert
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Friday 10 Oct Departure Day​
6:30 Depart for those flying Kullu – Delhi
8:00 Depart for those who opt to drive in groups to various destinations.
17:00 Depart for those who opt to overnight bus Naggar – Delhi direct.
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OR stay on another day and hike with Shikhaa and Mayank. This is a separate cost including the extra night’s accommodation and food. $120NZD
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Mayank’s group will hike to Chandrakani pass, 3,660 meters. You will need to have a reasonably good level of fitness to reach the top. You can also opt to hike part way, wait and enjoy the view, and pick up the group to return.
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Shikhaa’s group will drive to Jana Waterfall café for lunch and a gentle walk around a traditional Himalayan village with an option to walk part of the way back to Naggar.
Both group hikes have wonderful views and the authentic feeling of being a part of the Himalayan culture.
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Saturday 11 Oct
Depart for the hikers (times as for Friday 10th above)
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 & A followed by silent meditation.
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Mantra Meditation
After dinner, we gather to sing traditional mantra followed by silent meditation.
Spirit of Kirtan
After dinner, we gather to sing 'kirtan', a traditional temple-style call and response singing of simple Sanskrit chants. Spirit of Kirtan uplifts the spirit, celebrates our unity and creates a powerful meditation space.
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