Wisdom of Meditation
​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 Kullu valley. Shikhaa and Mayank, two life-loving, authentic teachers of this great yoga and satsang tradition, will guide you on your journeys in the Valley of the Gods and to the realm of your inner free being.
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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.
​​Location: Naggar Village, Kullu Valley in the Himalayas
Arrival: Monday 21 Sept
Departure: Saturday 3 Oct
Retreat Days: Tuesday 22 – Friday 2
Retreat Himalaya is no ordinary retreat!
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Initiate a meditation practice
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Deepen your existing meditation practice
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Cultivate a harmonious relationship with your mind
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Discover where unconditional freedom truly lies
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Step out of the restless chase for fleeting experiences
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Transform your life in a lasting way
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Awaken to a profound wisdom tradition
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Join Shikhaa and Mayank, whose lives have been devoted to the path of Self-enquiry (satsang), meditation, and yoga.
Having lived for 35 years in the Himalayas with an enlightened sage, they embody an authentic yogic lifestyle rooted in direct experience. Their teaching arises not from theory, but from direct experience. Through meditation and deep study of Advaita Vedanta, the timeless non-dual wisdom, they guide seekers toward the recognition of oneness: a state of inner stillness, clarity, and freedom. Retreat Himalaya is not about becoming something new. It is a discovery of your original Self.
An invitation to live as a yogi.
An invitation to live as wholeness itself.
The Vibe, Venue and Program
Retreat Himalaya offers a thoughtfully designed daily program blending meditation, satsang (Advaita Vedanta wisdom teachings), Qi Gong, somatic yoga, and evening kirtan.
Retreat Himalaya 2026 is hosted in a small town called Naggar, in the Kullu Valley of the Gods. ​​Our retreat venue, Hotel Naggar Delight, is a charming, family operated, cottage-like hotel, with majestic mountain views and a small village vibe.
There are a total of 13 retreat days including the arrival and departure days. There are 10 teaching days, with one day rest day in-between.
The day begins with meditation, the basis upon which we absorb and integrate the teachings shared in satsangs.
​​Alongside meditation and satsang, the retreat incorporates embodied practices such as Qigong, somatic movement, and evening kirtan. These practices gently regulate and settle the nervous system, creating the inner stability necessary for the direct experience of transcendence.
Each day includes a free-time period after lunch. You may choose to explore the surrounding area, rest, journal, or meditate quietly in the garden. Silent times are woven throughout the retreat, offering space to be alone in contemplation or to connect quietly with a few friends.
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Group outings are a highlight of the retreat — gentle afternoon walks with stunning mountain views and visits to nearby cultural and sacred locations — allowing the spirit of the region to naturally become part of the retreat experience itself.
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​See below for the full daily program.
​​Since 2008, Shikhaa and Mayank have hosted numerous groups in the Himalayas, creating an atmosphere where participants feel uplifted, nourished, and enriched by an authentic Himalayan yogic lifestyle. Having lived in the Kullu Valley for decades, they offer deep local knowledge, ensuring your safety and helping you navigate the wonders of the region with ease.
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You are welcome to bring your spouse, partner, or friend. They may join an optional partial program that includes morning meditation, shared mealtimes, afternoon walks, and evening kirtan. During their day, we can arrange day treks and local excursions for them to explore the beauty of the region—or they may simply relax and enjoy their own quiet time. Write to Mayank for more details on this option.
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Your only task is to arrive in Delhi. From there, Mayank will guide you in navigating Delhi and arranging onward travel to the Kullu Valley. Once you arrive in Naggar, everything else will be lovingly taken care of.
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!!
Cost
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Deluxe
Single $3,595NZD
Shared $3,285NZD
Semi-Deluxe
Single $3,295NZD
Shared $2,985NZD
Budget
Single $2,875NZD
Shared $2,655NZD
Deluxe
Naggar Delights Hotel at the retreat venue. Charming cottage-like rooms. Attached bathroom and private balcony.
Semi-Deluxe
A neighbouring hotel (1-min walk) at the same standard as Naggar Delights (above). Double bed. Attached bathroom.
Budget
Simple, clean 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 Sunday 20 Sept
Travel Delhi – Kullu Valley Monday 21 Sept
If you wish to arrive a few days earlier to rest before the start of the retreat. We can book your room. The extra day's accommodation and food will be your own cost separate from the retreat cost.
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Travel Delhi – Kullu​
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You may like1 night to rest in Delhi before travel to Kullu.
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Our host in Naggar Adi Sharma is our trusted, reliable travel agent for more than ten years, and can book your domestic travel bookings.
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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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To Fly from Delhi to Kullu:
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Depending on your International arrival time, you may be able to transit directly from your international flight to Kullu flight. You will need to plan for a minimum of 3 hours to transit at Delhi Airport.
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There is only 1 flight to Kullu: Mon. Wed. Fri. Sat. Sun. It departs at 6.50 am. The flight can be costly. If you book well in advance it will be more affordable.
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There is a strict luggage restriction of 10 kg. You can pay for overweight luggage.
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Inform Mayank of your International arrival time into Delhi to check there will be enough transit time for your Kullu flight.
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There are pre-paid taxi's at the exit of the airport building to taxi to Naggar (1 hour from airport). Kullu airport is very small and so there is not the chaos of Delhi. There will be plenty of airport officials to guide you.
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To Fly to from Chandigarh and Drive to Kullu:
This is a good option for those who cannot afford the direct flight to Kullu or whose international flight doesn't align with the the Kullu flight. There are many flights from Delhi to Chandigarh. From there, we can arrange a car and driver to drive you directly to Naggar (approx 6 hrs.) You may like to share this ride with other participants going to the retreat. We will arrange both your travel and your travel partners for you.
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To Drive or Bus to Kullu:​
You can also taxi directly from Delhi (approx 12 hrs.) There is also an over-night deluxe bus directly Delhi to Naggar.
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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 Chandigarh and fly to Delhi. This can be arranged once you are at the retreat. Naggar – Chandigarh 5 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 rupees. shared by the number of passengers).
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Ride-share directly to Delhi (cost approx.15k rupees. 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 onward plans and bookings. You may meet others from the retreat who you can travel with.
Full Daily Program
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Monday 21 Sept
Arrival and rest
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Gentle walk to Krishna temple
17:00: Inauguration
18:30: Dinner
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Tuesday 22 Sept
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Mayank's Movement
13:00: Lunch
15:00 Qigong with Mayank
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Silent meditation
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Wednesday 23 Sept
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Mayank's Movement
13:00: Lunch
15:00 Qigong with Mayank
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
20:00: Mantra meditation
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Thursday 24 Sept
7:00: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Satsang with Shikhaa
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Mayank's Movement
13:00: Lunch
14:00: Outing - to experience the local culture and Himalayan views.
18:30: Dinner
20:00: Silent Meditation
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Friday 25 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
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
20:00: Spirit of Kirtan
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Saturday 26 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
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Music Concert​
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Sunday 27 Sept
Rest Day
7:30 Breakfast
Option to:
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Himalayan hike with Mayank: This will require a reasonably good level of fitness
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A shorter, gentler walk with Shikhaa
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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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Monday 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 Qigong with Mayank
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
20:00: Mantra meditation
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Tuesday 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 Qigong with Mayank
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
20:00: Spirit of Kirtan
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Wednesday 30 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
14:00: Outing
18:30: Dinner
20:00: Spirit of Kirtan
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Thursday 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
17:00: Meditation Mandala
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Homegrown concert
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Friday 2 Oct
7:00: Qigong with Mayank
7:30: Morning meditation with Shikhaa
8:00: Breakfast
9:30: Concluding Sharing Circle
11:00: Morning tea
11:30: Concluding Sharing Circle cont.
13:00: Lunch
15:00: Free time
18:30: Dinner
19:30: Musical concert
Saturday 3 Oct
Departure day​​
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Description of the classes
All classes and outings are optional to attend.
Morning meditation with Shikhaa
Shikhaa guides the meditation followed by 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, Functional yoga, Restorative exercise and Qigong. Mayank’s Movement classes restore flexibility, balance and coordination. Mayank's 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
Singing traditional mantra followed by silent meditation.
Spirit of Kirtan
To gather and 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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