13-Day Yoga Retreat in Dharamshala

About this retreat

This is a 13-day, 12-night yoga stay at Aranaya Yoga Center in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, in a quiet Himalayan setting. It is open to beginners and to people who already practise. Guests stay in a simple single room with a mountain view. Days follow a steady rhythm: Ashtanga primary series, yoga theory, Hatha yoga and evening meditation. Over the stay you learn breathing techniques, a short study of the eight limbs of yoga, Sanskrit chants and different kinds of meditation. Sound therapy, chakra balancing and Reiki are also mentioned, and the programme includes some Ayurvedic lifestyle guidance and nature walks. Meals are fresh vegetarian meals.

Benefits

• Ashtanga primary series and Hatha yoga postures
• Four breathing techniques: Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalbhati and Brahmari
• A short study of the eight limbs of yoga and how they apply today
• An introduction to spiritual and devotional texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
• Sanskrit chants, including the Gayatri mantra from the Rig Veda
• Three kinds of meditation: Tratak, silent meditation and Tibetan singing bowl sound meditation
• Mudras: three for wellbeing and three for meditation

Itinerary

1. Daily schedule (13 days)

   8:00-9:30 Ashtanga primary series; 9:30 break; 10:00 breakfast; 10:15-11:30 yoga theory; 11:30 tea break; 11:45-1:00 yoga theory; 1:30-4:00 break and self-study; 4:00-5:30 Hatha yoga; 5:30 tea break; 5:45-6:30 meditation; 6:30 break; 7:00 dinner.

Inclusions

• Asana (yoga postures)
• Pranayama (breathing techniques)
• Yin yoga
• Hatha yoga
• Therapeutic yoga
• Yoga philosophy
• Spiritual meditation
• Silent meditation
• Tratak (candle gazing meditation)
• Mantra class
• Mudra practice
• Tibetan singing bowl sound meditation
• Session with Krishna Das Baba
• Lifestyle counselling
• Nutrition and diet counselling
• Vedic astrology consultation (needs the exact birth time with minutes)
• Feet reflexology massage (30 minutes)
• Mountain view room
• Common washrooms with hot water
• Three vegetarian meals a day
• Warm, welcoming atmosphere

Exclusions

• Travel to and from the retreat (flights, trains or local transport)
• Personal expenses such as shopping, souvenirs and meals outside those provided
• Alcoholic drinks
• Extra excursions beyond the scheduled activities
• Staff tips, at your discretion
• Laundry or dry cleaning
• Trip cancellation or interruption cover
• Visa fees and documents
• Medical costs
• Late check-in or check-out charges
• Yoga equipment
• Stays before or after the retreat dates

Accommodation

• Single Room

Who can join

Suits beginners and people who already practise yoga, and those who want to relax and slow down. Guests with health conditions should speak with their doctor and with the centre first.

Frequently asked questions