Himalayan Yoga and Trekking Retreat
Septemeber 14-25
This retreat will be in conjunction with the 2024 200 hour teacher training and is focused around yoga asana, pranayama, mantra, village life, trekking, and basking in the beauty of the Himalayas.
Participants will fly into Chandigarh and spend one night to rest before taking the journey up to the small yet bustling village of Vashistha. Here you can see and experienced the temple baths fed by natural hot springs, hike to the local waterfalls, visit the neighboring villages, and learn about the local culture.
Once you arrive in Vashishtha, you will practice a daily morning 2 hour asana practice with the teacher training group and have the option of joining in on their evening pranayama practice.
The Himalayas are known for their incredible views having the worlds highest peaks, holding and feeding some of South Asia’s major rivers, and being central to the stories, myths, legends, and scriptures in countless cultures. You have the opportunity to trek and camp out in the Himalayas with local guide Ganesh who will lead you in meditation and pranayama to connect with the glory of the mountains. You are welcome to partake in whatever you see fit to get the most out of your time in the north of India.
From Vashishtha, we will make the journey to Delhi where we will stay 2 nights to rest and practice asana together before taking a day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. You will fly out of Delhi on the 25th.
Total Cost:
Double bed/twin bed room - $1,990
Single room - $2340
3-person room with 1 twin bed and 1 double bed - $1790
Please email info@giannayoga.com for the daily schedule and additional details.
*Please note:
You fly in and out of two separate locations. You want to be sure to arrive no later than 10 pm on the 14th into Chandigarh and leave no earlier than 4 pm on the 25th from Delhi. For booking assistance you can call Arjun Travel 312-702-5524.
Flights are not included in your retreat price.
Tips are not included in your trip price. (Please bring $50 - $100 for Ganesh, your daily guide throughout this trip).
Entry to the Taj Mahal and other historical sites is not included.
Your local transportation to and from the airport and to and from Vashistha are included in the retreat price.
Your room and board, brunch, and dinner are included in most locations.
Local Tuk Tuk rides and additional night stays are not included.
Your trekking, trekking guide, and food on the trek are included in your price.
You are required to secure an e-visa 30 days before your trip begins. These are easy to attain for US passport holders. Please check to see if your country can travel to India with ease. This cost is not included in your price. Gianna will send you details on how to attain this with ease.
Your deposit of $500 is non-refundable.
Your remaining payment after the deposit is paid is done through a bank transfer directly to open Lotus retreats in India and must be made 30 days before the trip.
Email info@giannayoga.com for a daily itinerary and further details.
Testimonials
“5 Stars!!! The trip to India far exceeded my expectations and is something I will remember forever! Open Lotus Retreats and Gianna did an amazing job organizing and we covered a lot of ground in 2 weeks. The hotel accommodations were fantastic and the excursions were exciting and educational and the morning yoga (led by Gianna and Ganesha) was fantastic. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering a trip to India. You are in great hands with these guys!”
- Stacy, Retreat attendee
*Magical* Absolutely a trip of a lifetime (except I want to do it again) and there's no one else I would rather have been there with than Gianna and Open Lotus Retreats! This trip was exactly perfect. I learned so much about the country, about the history and traditions, about myself...
We experienced so much and created so many wonderful memories ... some touristy things, some not-so-touristy things, and the accommodations were perfect. There was an itinerary, but there was no pressure - everyone was really free to do their own thing and the communication about our options was exactly what it needed to be. We could join for group activities, excursions, or dinners, or not, and it was all totally great. At no time did I feel like I was on my own in a foreign place unless I wanted to be. I can't say enough about how amazing it is to practice yoga in person with Gianna - I simply love her teaching style!! ...and we even got to practice with Ganesha leading a few times which was also really great! Thank you so much, Gianna, Chhape, & Ginni!! I highly recommend it!! If you're thinking about it, just do it - you will be so happy you did!️️️️️
-Sheri, Retreat Attendee
“As a devoted yoga practitioner from San Diego, CA USA wanting to explore the holy town of Rishikesh, I’m so grateful I came upon yoga teacher and trainer Gianna Purcell’s retreat to India and that I would get to know her sponsoring organizers Open Lotus from the Himalayan Village of Vashisht, Himachal Pradesh. It was exactly the trip I had in mind. Both Gianna and Open Lotus proved kind, experienced, and knowledgeable. I enjoyed spice markets in Delhi, an Ayurveda spa in Rishikesh, Ganga Aarti at Ram Jhula and river rafting in Rishikesh, and a temple pilgrimage into the Hills. The whole group had good energy. I cherished the added value my guides brought through their spirituality, knowledge of yoga, and regarding Open Lotus, their traditional Himalayan perspective. Because of their expert preparations and care, my trip went safely and smoothly. From airport transport to all arrangements, I had nothing to worry about and felt well-guided through their established and trustworthy network of relationships. India was amazing. I want to go back.”
-Retreat Attendee
Yoga, Meditation,
and Cultural Tour
