4-Day Wellness Escape with Yoga and Meditation in the Himalayan Foothills

The retreat takes place at a small camping and homestay site in Jeolikote, a stretch of the Nainital road that climbs through forested hills. It's not a polished resort, and that's the point. The property has gardens, a kitchen, and open spaces where yoga mats go down in the morning. The surroundings do the heavy lifting, with pine air, quiet, and hills in every direction.

The daily schedule keeps the same bones: a morning session that layers asanas, pranayama, and a closing relaxation like Yoga Nidra, then breakfast. Midday is free, with an optional cooking class, a nature walk with a guide, or time to sit with a book. By evening there's another practice, lighter than the morning one, followed by an early dinner. It's a simple loop, repeated for three full days.

What distinguishes this retreat from similar ones in the area is partly the setting—forest rather than a manicured ashram—and partly the scale. With only five to twenty participants, sessions stay small. Ishita can actually see everyone and adjust as needed. The food matters too: sattvic, organic, mostly plant-based, and cooked from local ingredients, with an optional intermittent-fasting schedule if you want to go lighter.

The property is run by Gopika, who has been hosting travelers for over seven years. This retreat is her own project, blending the hospitality experience she already has with the yoga program Ishita leads. It feels personal, because it is. You are staying on someone's land, eating food from her kitchen, and being guided by teachers who live nearby.

This is a short retreat, and it doesn't try to pack in everything. You get the essentials—daily practice, good food, forest quiet—and the space to actually unwind. It's well suited to anyone who wants a first taste of a yoga retreat in India, or someone who just needs a few days away from screens and schedules.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a shared luxury tent or private homestay room - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - 3 daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner - Brunch on days with optional fasting - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Cooking class - Group excursions/activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Luggage storage - Parking - Wi-Fi connection (in homestay areas) - Free cancellation up to 1 day before arrival - 100% Best Price Guarantee

Exclusive Gifts: - Local Forest Honey - Concierge flights & travel assistance with one of our BookRetreats travel experts - Exclusive curated playlists to set the mood for your self-practice - Post-Retreat Integration Support

What's not included

- Airport transfers (available on request with surcharge) - Flights to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (spa, etc.) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Laundry service (available for a fee) - Extra night stays (available as an upgrade) - Personal expenses