8-Day Himalayan Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Dharamshala

The retreat is run by Peaceful Mind – The Ancient Yoga, a school founded by Yogi Satendra, who has 27 years of teaching experience. He's joined by a team of instructors, including Shreya Shrivastava and Yogi Chetan, and together they teach a mix of Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Kriya yoga. The teaching style is practical, with an emphasis on correct alignment and breathing. You'll learn how the physical postures, breathwork, and meditation fit together as a complete system, and the teachers are happy to work with any specific needs you have, using props and therapy principles as required.

Each day includes both yoga Asana classes and Pranayama (breathing exercises). The pranayama practice is a core part of the retreat – you'll learn techniques to breathe correctly, rhythmically, and deeply, which the teachers say helps stimulate inner peace and awareness. Meditation is also a daily practice, designed to train the mind. Beyond the physical and breathing practices, the retreat includes sessions on yoga philosophy, so you'll leave with a better understanding of the tradition and how to apply it to your life.

Evenings are a mix of lighter activities. There are chanting (mantra) sessions, savasana (deep relaxation), and fire rituals (Yagya), which are a traditional part of the school's approach. There's also a spiritual dancing session and a group excursion, which breaks up the intensive practice. The food is all vegetarian, Ayurvedic, and homemade, served three times a day, and it's a simple, healthy Indian menu.

The location is a genuine highlight. The guesthouse is in Upper Bhagsu, about 2.5 kilometers from McLeod Ganj, the main town. It's set on a hillside with views over the valley, and the area is known for its peaceful, contemplative energy. Being away from the main markets means you're not distracted, but the town is an easy walk (or short ride) away when you want to explore. The combination of serious study with a stunning, serene setting is what makes this retreat special.

What's included

- Airport Pickup & Drop-off - 7 nights accommodation - Daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) - Welcome drink - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Daily Yoga, Meditation & Pranayama classes - Savasana & chanting sessions - Spiritual dancing session - Fire rituals (Yagya) - Yoga philosophy sessions - Specialized workshops - Group excursions/activities - Professional event photos - Course manual - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Free parking - Wi-Fi connection - Luggage storage

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Medical expenses