meditation/nature retreat along the ganga, himalayas, india, september 11-26, 2007

Majestic beyond compare, this region of Himalayas is considered by many world travelers to be the most physically beautiful area in the world. The very birthplace of meditation and yoga, it is also as rich with spiritual history as with natural beauty. Here, for countless millennia, saints and sages have taken refuge to perform intense spiritual practices. The Gods and Goddesses are said to dwell here, and for centuries, Hindu devotees have journeyed to Gangotri to visit the source of that holiest of holy rivers: the Ganga. We invite you to journey to this spiritual heart of our planet, to enjoy a sublime and sacred meditation/nature retreat.

Those joining us for this sacred journey will experience much more than an ordinary tourist sightsee. Our intent is a relaxed but focused 16-day pilgrimage to the Source of the Ganga high in India's Himalayas—designed specifically for those interested in meditation and in accelerating their own personal/spiritual growth through a retreat in one of the great remote spiritual centers of the world.

The retreat will include an abundance of sacred sights, intimate encounters with sadhus, swamis, and saints, delicious local North Indian cuisine, comfortable and clean accommodations (single and double available—see below), and optional river rafting on the Ganga. You will also recieve instruction in the profound meditation and yogic practices indigenous to this region of the Himalayas.

"The journey with the group to the Source of the Ganges was so enlightening for me.... a great experience, the best experience for personal growth I've ever had."

—Caroline Sophonow
Aesthetician and Yoga Teacher, British Columbia, Canada

itinerary

day 1—september 11, 2007

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. Rest.

day 2—september 12

Ride to Rishikesh situated on the banks of the Ganga in the Himalayan foothills. Dinner and rest. We'll stay in a modern and comfortable ashram/hotel on the banks of the holy Ganga. Rishikesh is well-known for its many ashrams and yoga centers, yet bustles as a quaint commercial center.

day 3—september 13

Enjoy a morning of rest and relaxation, and in the afternoon an introduction to the retreat/tour, as well as preliminary instruction in yogic practices especially conducive to meditation (pranayama and bandhas). In the evening, we'll observe a traditional puja performed on the Ganga's banks.

day 4 and 5—september 14 and 15

Morning hatha yoga instruction, plus meditation instruction in the morning and again in the late afternoon of both days. Over the course of this retreat/tour, you will have the opportunity to learn several exceptionally effective forms of meditation readily accessible to beginners. These styles of meditation, indigenous to this area of the Himalaya, complement each other and are collectively referred to as The Power of Being.

During our time in Rishikesh, you'll have free time to sight-see and shop for gifts and souvenirs. An extensive bazaar offers a wide variety of fine hand-made clothing, arts, crafts, jewelry, and other goods—at amazing prices.

day 6—september 16

After individual practice of yoga, meditation, and breakfast, we'll drive to Uttarkashi (6 hours of travel). You'll get a first taste of the gorgeous foothills of the Himalayas and the life of India's mountain farmers, which has remained much the same for hundreds of years—unforgettable scenery and equally unforgettable glimpses of a charming and ancient culture. Arriving in Uttarkashi (at 3,500 feet), a quaint Himalayan village on the banks of the Ganga, we'll be staying in a comfortable hotel. Individual meditation, dinner, and rest.

day 7—september 17

Morning yoga class and individual meditation practice. A day of rest along the Ganga just above Uttarkashi, with meditation instruction, and a chance to adjust to the increasing altitude. In the evening, after group meditation and dinner, we'll visit the famous Vishvanath temple (one of India's 12 major temples for the worship of Shiva) and observe a powerful Arati (worship with the waving of oil or camphor lamps).

day 8—september 18

After individual meditation and a morning yoga class, we'll drive to Gangotri (4 to 5 hours) at just over 9,000 feet—a breathtaking trip as we continue to follow the Ganga upstream, whose waters here explode with power, cutting through the vast maze of mountains. Colossal peaks lushly forested with jungle and pine, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls all make for otherworldly dramatic beauty. In Gangotri, individual meditation, dinner, and rest.

days 9 through 11—september 19 through the 21st

The remote Himalayan hamlet of Gangotri is considered to be among India's most sacred pilgrimage sites. Natural beauty provides spiritual haven for resident and visiting yogis and holy men. The Gangotri temple serves as focus for devout Hindu pilgrims. Dramatic canyons, surrounding mountains and forest, a cascading waterfall, the virginal holy waters of India's most sacred river, an atmosphere soaked in centuries of devotion and meditation, and typically sunny weather, make an ideal setting for enjoying the bliss of meditation and yoga. Our days here will include:

day 12—september 22

After individual yoga/meditation practice and breakfast, we'll drive 4 hours back to Uttarkashi. Individual meditation, dinner, and rest.

day 13—september 23

After yoga instruction and individual meditation, we'll drive 6 hours from Uttarkashi to Rishikesh. Individual meditation, dinner, and free time.

day 14, 15—september 24, 25

At our ashram/hotel in Rishikesh, yoga classes will be offered in the mornings, as well as group meditations both morning and early evening. In the evenings we'll continue discussions of meditation and Indian Philosophy. One afternoon we'll drive to Vasishtha Guha, said to be the cave of the great ancient rishi, who was a mind-born son of Brahma the Creator—a most powerful spiritual spot. On the other day, you have the option of taking an 8 km river rafting trip on the Ganga from Brahmpuri to Rishikesh. Other than these activities, you'll have free time to relax, take scenic walks, and shop for gifts and souvenirs.  

day 16—september 26

Ride to Delhi, lunch, dinner, and relaxing in hotel. To Delhi international airport to fly back home (early AM of 9/27)

cost

Retreat/Tour Cost (in US dollars): Doubles $1700/person; Singles $2000/person. Includes accommodations, meals, ground transportation, instruction, and bottled water; does not include airfare or travel insurance. $100 discount available for registration and payment by June 1, 2007. For more information, contact us.

See a slide show of previous tours.