10-Night Immersive Yoga Retreat to Rishikesh, the Spiritual Home of Yoga
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self."
Sunday 3rd - Wednesday 13th October 2027
Rishikesh, India
Journey to India to nourish your mind, body and heart in the homeland of Yoga.
Join Lauren Gray, Sunita Narayan & Laura Green for a 10-night all-inclusive pilgrimage retreat to Rishikesh.
Rishikesh, India
Journey to India to nourish your mind, body and heart in the homeland of Yoga.
Join Lauren Gray, Sunita Narayan & Laura Green for a 10-night all-inclusive pilgrimage retreat to Rishikesh.
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Astride the Ganga River, Rishikesh is a spiritual city and celebrated as the birthplace of yoga. Nestled within the foothills of the Himalayas and the rushing holy Ganga river it's easy to see why yoga has thrived here for centuries.
Journey there in your mind for a moment . . . Awaken, as dawn breaks, the sunrise creeping above the mountains, to the sounds of nature. Gaze out of your window to see the river Ganga flowing. Wander down to the river for morning meditation, sunrise chanting and a toe-dip in the sacred waters. Spend the day immersed in the culture of yoga with classes to enliven and inspire, then explore the spiritual sights of Rishikesh. Soak up the splendour of ancient temples, wondrous nature, delicious cuisine and the timeless mythology of this abundant land. Our retreat will take place just after two of the main autumnal celebrations, Navratri & Diwali, an auspicious and vibrant time to be in India, but nestled in the quiet lull in between the hustle and bustle. This gives you space and ample time to explore the sacred sites of significance calmly. Deepen your inner wisdom through twice daily yoga practices, including meditation, chanting, philosophy workshops, and discussions guided by three teachers. Particular highlights to look forward to include watching the sunrise over the Himalayan Mountain Range, the world-famous Ganga Ārti ceremony performed at sunset every day, visits to ancient temples, and awe-inspiring nature at every turn. If India has always intrigued you, but travelling with a group feels more appealing, we would be delighted to welcome you with open arms. Lauren & Laura are avid travellers and have visited many stunning places throughout India, and Sunitha has a deep yearning to share the beauty of her homeland with you. |
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Lauren's yoga retreats are always a highlight of my year. There is a spiritual element to her teaching, which you can embrace or enjoy learning a little more about; it's always interesting. No matter what your yoga experience, age, or ability, you will enjoy it, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
-Anne
-Anne
Example Day
Each day, Lauren, Sunitha & Laura will guide you through..
6:15 Sunrise Chanting with Suni 7:15 Meditation with Lauren 8:00 Breakfast 9:30 Yoga with Laura, Suni or Lauren 11:30 Cultural & Spiritual Tour 13:30 Lunch 15:30 Satsang (Philosophical Discussion) 16:30 Yoga with Laura, Suni or Lauren 18:00 Evening Ārtī with Pandit Ji 19:00 Dinner 20:30 Evening Unwind (Yoga Nīdra, Restorative Yoga or Story time) Every day will look a little different, with various day trips, cultural points of interest, classes, talks and guided practices shaping each day. We tend to flow from adventurous to relaxing, giving this pilgrimage a living pulse. Extras you'll need.. While this trip is fully inclusive, you will need to purchase and organise your flights & visa. We will be with you every step of the way, guiding you on what flights will work best and how to go through your visa application. |
Pricing
Deluxe Twin/Double Room - £2,875pp
- These en-suite rooms offer a partial Ganga River view to awaken the soul and enliven the spirit. Premium Twin with Balcony - £3,075pp - Premium en-suite rooms are larger, offering more expansive views of the surrounding nature and a balcony. Extra Large Twin with Balcony - £2,975pp - Extra large en-suite twin rooms are ideal for two solo travellers who'd prefer to share. This is more like two single rooms that share a bathroom. Deluxe Single - £4,050 - A spacious en-suite room, with a queen-sized bed just for you and your Ganga view. The above price includes: - 10 nights' accommodation at Ganga Kinare Boutique Hotel. - 3 vegetarian meals, daily. - Morning & Evening Ārti at the Ganga Kinare River Ghat. - Daily Yoga practices with Sunita, Laura, and me. - Half-day trip to The Beatles' Ashram & Parmarth Niketan. - Excursions to Vasiṣṭha Cave and Kunjāpuri Temple. - Airport Transfer to & from Dehradun Airport (30 minutes) |
Where?
Rishikesh is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, its around a 4-hour drive north of Delhi and is called the 'spiritual home of yoga.'
The Ganga River shapes this place, with daily life encircled around it. You'll find devotees of yoga, Hinduism and Buddhism journeying here on spiritual pilgrimage to be near and bathe in the rivers' sacred waters. As Rishikesh is a holy city, clothing is important to consider. Covering shoulders, legs and chest areas is vital, and in some places, covering your head and wandering barefoot is required. Rishikesh is also a 'dry city', with a strict no alcohol policy as well as no consumption of animal products, including eggs. - While we can easily cater for vegetarian diets, please speak to us if you have any other dietary requirements before booking. |
Where we'll visit & immerse. . .
Vashistha Cave
A tranquil haven on the river, named after Sage Vashistha (namesake of vashisthasana, side plank pose). This meditation cave is hidden in the middle of Gular trees.
Take the journey down the 200 steps as a descending meditation until you arrive at the entrance to the cave. Settle into the stillness on the soft mats inside the cave. Be held in the aroma of incense and the peaceful energy within. Wander the beach, maybe take a cleansing dip in Ganga, and enjoy the soft light of this stunning nature spot. |
Beatles Ashram & Parmarth Niketan
A place where sound once shaped silence. In the 60s and 70s, this Ashram trained thousands in Transcendental Meditation, including members of The Beatles, who composed the White Album here.
Now reclaimed by jungle and colour, its quiet halls invite reflection before we walk on to Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh’s largest spiritual haven. Here, we wander sacred grounds, join the Ganga Aarti, and sit in satsaṅg with resident teachers, immersed in a space that feels like home from the moment you arrive. |
Kunjapuri Temple
Journey before dawn to the foothills of the Himalayas. Walk the path up to Kunjapuri Devi mountain top temple. Watch the sunrise with panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Kunjapuri Temple is the temple of Goddess Durga, making it a significant site and pilgrimage destination.
Be guided through a chanting meditation to honour this auspicious place. We'll then hike into the Himalayas, through rural villages and ginger farms to a nearby plateau to enjoy nature, where we will be joined by a priest for a traditional Yajna Fire Ceremony. |
Our Retreat Home - Ganga Kinare
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So much care and consideration has gone into finding the perfect home for this retreat . . .
Ganga Kinare is a luxury riverside boutique resort. Nestled snugly on the banks of the tranquil River Ganga
overlooking the Rajaji National Park.
Ganga Kinare offers wonderful river-facing rooms and a truly stunning rooftop yoga hall with spectacular views of the River Ganga.
An award-winning Ayurvedic Spa and exceptional food with riverside dining, and the staff are outstanding.
Ganga Kinare is the only hotel in Rishikesh that has direct access to the Ganga.
The hotel has its own private access (ghat) to the sacred river for bathing and performs the beautiful
ceremony of ārti every day to give thanks to the river, which, of course, you can join.
The hotel is situated outside the central city, offering the best of both worlds. You can wander all the way along the River Ganga, exploring the many temples, ashrams, and shops along the path into central Rishikesh, or soak up the calming birdsong and nature that surrounds you.
The Food.
Jal & Jalebi is the on-site restaurant where we'll dine on retreat. This wonderful buffet-style restaurant is renowned in the area for serving its vast and delicious local cuisine, while also catering to international palates. It is, however, very challenging to cater for medical food intolerances with complete safety, so this retreat is not suitable for anyone with a nut allergy or coeliac disease. If you have any other food intolerances or allergies, please discuss them with us at the time of booking, and we will advise you accordingly as to whether this retreat is viable.
Ganga Kinare is a luxury riverside boutique resort. Nestled snugly on the banks of the tranquil River Ganga
overlooking the Rajaji National Park.
Ganga Kinare offers wonderful river-facing rooms and a truly stunning rooftop yoga hall with spectacular views of the River Ganga.
An award-winning Ayurvedic Spa and exceptional food with riverside dining, and the staff are outstanding.
Ganga Kinare is the only hotel in Rishikesh that has direct access to the Ganga.
The hotel has its own private access (ghat) to the sacred river for bathing and performs the beautiful
ceremony of ārti every day to give thanks to the river, which, of course, you can join.
The hotel is situated outside the central city, offering the best of both worlds. You can wander all the way along the River Ganga, exploring the many temples, ashrams, and shops along the path into central Rishikesh, or soak up the calming birdsong and nature that surrounds you.
The Food.
Jal & Jalebi is the on-site restaurant where we'll dine on retreat. This wonderful buffet-style restaurant is renowned in the area for serving its vast and delicious local cuisine, while also catering to international palates. It is, however, very challenging to cater for medical food intolerances with complete safety, so this retreat is not suitable for anyone with a nut allergy or coeliac disease. If you have any other food intolerances or allergies, please discuss them with us at the time of booking, and we will advise you accordingly as to whether this retreat is viable.
Your teachers..
Lauren Gray
A lover of travel, history, philosophy, and mythology, Lauren has spent over six months in India, soaking up the ancient wisdom of Agra, Ajanta, and Jaipur, as well as the awe-inspiring natural spots of Goa, Kerala, and Hampi. Lauren trained in and taught her first-ever public yoga class in India in 2014 and is eager to return with you.
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Sunitha Narayan
Married in Rishikesh in 2010, Suni's love of the holy city runs deep. A wonder with words and a magical storyteller, Suni can enlighten the language of yoga with eloquence and cultural sensitivity, all while lyrically interweaving them through accessible yoga flows. She's also great to be next to at the buffet; you'll want to check her plate before adding to yours!
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Laura Green
Queen of logistics and making your retreat dreams come true! Laura is a passionate and studious yoga teacher who, after 16 years, still cannot do 'too much yoga'. Ever evolving through the teachings of yoga, that she shares with her community, from heart-led kīrtan events to furthering yoga teachers' wisdom. You're in very safe hands with Laura.
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Other beings who make this trip unforgettable. . .
Dinesh Ji
Dinesh Ji is a passionate hiking and nature enthusiast. He guides us on our trips & treks, telling us stories and singing songs as we go. Time with Dinesh Ji is always enlightening and humbling.
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Dinesh Ji's Team
Dinesh Ji's team includes Manish, Azad and Lucky. From the moment you land at the airport and every drive, walk or public event we go to they are here to support you and keep you safe.
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Pandit Ji's
Ganga Kinare hosts twice-daily ārti (waving of the light ritual). Each day mantras are chanted by three wonderful Pandit Ji's (priests) who help bring the timeless spiritual practices of India to life.
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Gāngā
What may look like a simple river is actually the flowing entity of a goddess. Believed to cleanse your past karmas and heal ancestral wounds. This river acts as the living current of our time together.
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The Magic that Awaits You..
This retreat has been curated with wonder at the very heart. Step into the awe-inspiring spiritual heart of yoga with us, and we'll create memories to last a lifetime; from singing in the Beatles' ashram and participating in ancient riverside rituals to visiting global spiritual hubs, chanting the sun to sleep, and watching the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range in soulful silence.
We'll also infuse our own rituals into the retreat, from attending a Satsaṅga (philosophical discussion) with global spiritual teachers and gathering together as a group to help guide our spiritual journey onwards.
We'll also infuse our own rituals into the retreat, from attending a Satsaṅga (philosophical discussion) with global spiritual teachers and gathering together as a group to help guide our spiritual journey onwards.
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