07Days
05Elements
01Holy River, the Ganga
02Expert Teachers
It's an invitation to understand and experience one's true nature in sync with the five elements — "paanch mahabhoot". Each day of this journey is carefully curated and dedicated to the element of nature. Escaping the chaos around it aims at channelising focus within through traditional yogic techniques.
To create a holistic experience the stay is provided in an Ashram on the banks of the river Ganga. All rooms provided are equipped with basic modern necessities and are facing the holy river.
This retreat focuses on exploring the purpose of existence and knowing means and methods to experience mindfulness. It is dedicated to five elements and how they impact our energy system. One gets a close exposure to yoga and yogic philosophies. Regular meditation to help bond with self and redefine the purpose of life.
Asana at sunrise, on the ghatThe river bend, wrapped in mistHavan — the fire ritual
Chai by the river
A quiet moment at the temple
Together, on the ghat wall
Open sky, by the bridge
Evenings, walking back togetherFrom Day 2 to Day 6, all days are dedicated to each of the Five Elements. The course is crafted to create a holistic experience of visiting remote areas of Rishikesh and coming closer to the divine self.
Settle down and acclimatise with the space around. Orientation about the retreat. Evening walk to the river to witness Ganga Aarti.
The retreat culminates in the morning. Participants may depart as per their bookings. Assistance will be provided.
Day 02 · Prithvi Tattva
The strong, firm, nurturing element. This day is dedicated to walking among the woods, forest bathing, and creating an inner sanctuary. Asanas, pranayama, and meditation are associated with the firmness of our being.
Day 03 · Jal Tattva
The ever cleansing, flowing element. This day is about becoming conscious of what we want to release and let go. Includes a dip in the holy river Ganga and a private Ganga Aarti by the evening.
Day 04 · Agni Tattva
The ability to burn impurities and uplift the self. This day carries the Mahamrityunjay Homa at the ashram and cultivates awareness of the inner light.
Day 05 · Vayu Tattva
This day includes a hike to an ancient Devi temple and witnessing sunrise from the mountains. Air is the life-giving element that makes life possible on earth. Cleansing this element purifies the body and removes ongoing stress.
Day 06 · Aakash Tattva
A hike to an ancient cave to dissolve the self and come close to the true inner self. This day is about soaking in the vastness of the ether and encompassing the self completely.
Please note this schedule is an outline. It may change on days where we go for hiking, havan ceremony and temple visits.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 AM | Wake up Bell |
| 06:15 – 06:30 AM | Morning Meditation |
| 06:30 – 08:00 AM | Yogic cleansing, Asana, Pranayama |
| 08:00 – 09:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Jungle walk / River ritual / Visiting Shakti Peeth / Cave visits |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 01:00 – 03:30 PM | Karma Yoga + Free time (subject to theme) |
| 03:30 – 04:00 PM | Tea/Coffee break |
| 04:00 – 06:30 PM | Outing / Rest / Satsang / Ganga Ghat sitting / Aarti |
| 07:00 – 08:00 PM | Dinner |
| 08:30 – 09:00 PM | Night Meditation |
| 09:00 PM | Lights Out |
Trained in using yoga props for therapeutic intervention and holistic healing, internationally certified Sivananda Yoga teacher, holding certification from Yoga Alliance, USA (E-RYT200) — she is the founder of Vaikuntha Yoga Shala.
Disha holds a Masters in Sanskrit. Her proficiency in Vedant and Vedic literature is unmatched. She has a remarkable hold on Sanskrit chanting and explains ancient texts with great interest. Disha is co-teacher and admin manager for this retreat.
From Ahmedabad there are daily flights to Dehradun. Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — 30 mins away from Rishikesh. Prepaid cabs are available at the airport.
Trains from Ahmedabad to Haridwar are available. Check the latest winter schedule as fog might change the travel time. Haridwar railway station is 40 mins from Rishikesh. Prepaid tuk-tuks and cabs are available outside the railway station.
The weather in Rishikesh is quite cold in winters. Temperature drops to around 7°C. It's advisable to carry warm clothing and hot water bags / heating pads.
All rooms are dual occupancy. Individuals travelling with children will get triple occupancy rooms. Rooms have attached bathrooms with hot water facility for bathing. Blankets will be provided.
We request all members to clean rooms on a daily basis as part of karma yog.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served. All meals will be onion-garlic free. Tea/coffee with sugar and without sugar will be provided. Milk arrangements can be made for children and adults who prefer it.
On days when we go out for jungle bathing, hike to the cave, or visit an ancient temple, carry-on meals will be taken and/or arranged at a clean, prebooked café or Krishna temple.
Refrain from carrying foods with onion, garlic, eggs or alcohol within the ashram premises, as this is a sacred place. We would appreciate your resistance and control from consumption of alcohol, eggs, onion, garlic, non-veg and/or similar kinds of foods.
We would love to make this feel like meal time at home and will try our best to serve meals as per your likings — do note this is within an ashram premise in a mildly remote area. You may carry your preferred snacks, nuts, fruits and granola, keeping in mind you are within an ashram.
Individuals joining with health conditions, please remember to bring your medicines. Those joining with children are requested to keep medicine for the children's use as well. Basic medicine will be available with the teacher. If you're on injections and need refrigeration to cool medicine, we shall provide it. We will share a checklist of medicines ahead of the retreat dates.
It is mandatory to wear clothes covering arms and legs. Sleeveless tops, frocks, tank tops, swimwear, shorts and boxers are prohibited for both men and women. Children too are required to wear fully covered clothing at all times.
Accommodation + meals included.
Register Today→Priced at ₹30,000 / person
