Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Dharamshala

Om Yoga Ashram Himalaya is a traditional ashram in McLeod Ganj, the Tibetan exile settlement above Dharamshala. The retreat day is structured around morning and evening yoga and meditation, with pranayama, mantra chanting, and chakra study woven into the program. This is not a flexible schedule of optional classes — the group moves together from practice to study to meals, and the days fill up with both inner work and excursions.

Rashpal Singh, who has been teaching yoga and meditation since 2001, leads the retreat. He also runs yoga teacher trainings, including in Cape Town, and has spent years teaching meditation and naturopathy across India without charge. Reeta, the second teacher, brings 12 years of experience in mantra, music, and Hindi, and the ashram itself is listed in the Lonely Planet guidebook. The teaching leans traditional — expect Sanskrit chanting, yogic anatomy, and a real emphasis on the philosophical side rather than just physical postures.

The property is newly built and simple: rooms with twin beds, attached bathrooms, and balconies facing the mountains. The surroundings are the real draw — the Dhauladhar range rises sheer behind the ashram, the valley drops away in front, and there are waterfalls within walking distance. The retreat includes group excursions — trekking to Triund or the waterfalls, visits to the Dalai Lama temple, Bhagsu temple, Dal Lake, Norbulingka, tea gardens, and local markets, all by car or on foot.

Evenings are given over to Aarti and bhajan singing around the fire. There's Wi-Fi, and you get online support for two months after you leave, which is useful when questions come up once you're home. What sets this apart from a resort wellness week is the depth — you're living the ashram rhythm, not visiting it.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation - 3 daily organic sattvic meals - Daily yoga classes (morning and evening) - Daily meditation classes - Pranayama classes - Specialized workshops (chakra study, yogic anatomy) - Trekking excursion (e.g., Triund, Bhagsu waterfall) - Group excursions by car (Dalai Lama Temple, Norbulingka, etc.) - Daily bhajan kirtan and Aarti - Mantra chanting sessions - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - 24/7 filtered drinking water - Free Wi-Fi - Free parking - Course manual - Professional event photos - Pre- and post-retreat email support (2 months) - Local transportation during retreat - Laundry facilities - Library access

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments (e.g., NLP consultations) - Personal expenses - Optional excursions not listed