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Bhaavanaa Retreat
Craving to reconnect to your senses, spirit, and the Earth...?
8-day retreat in the Indian Himalayas
The Bhaavanaa Retreat is not your typical yoga holiday. It is a raw, heartful experience — a journey through the stunning landscapes and soulful villages of Uttarakhand, designed for those who crave authenticity, depth, and connection.
This retreat weaves together yoga, mindful movement, trekking, philosophy, and nature immersion. It’s for those who want to walk mountain trails, share real moments with others, and reconnect to the body, breath, and senses. Guided by the timeless framework of Samkhya philosophy, we explore not only the outer landscapes, but also the inner terrain of self-awareness.
We’ll spend part of our time in the simplicity and stillness of the Himalayan hills, staying in simple camps and walking through ancient forests surrounded by snowy peaks. We’ll reconnect at Dea Avnova, a nurturing space to land, reflect, and digest the experience — supported by daily yoga practices, nourishing meals, quiet spaces, and the presence of our small, intentional group.
This is a retreat for the adventurous soul — those who are not looking to escape life, but to meet it fully, with honesty and reverence
Our activities for the retreat
Yoga
Each day of the Bhaavanaa Retreat is shaped by simplicity, rhythm, and connection — to yourself, to the land, and to the group.
Mornings begin gently, with pranayama and Hatha Yoga, followed by a nourishing breakfast shared in good company. After we eat, we gather for an open philosophy circle, where we explore the foundations of Samkhya philosophy and how they can meet our everyday lives.
The late mornings offer space to rest or roam — read, journal, enjoy the gardens, or simply be.
Afternoons are for movement and exploration — whether through quiet walks in the forest, visits to nearby villages, or simply observing the beauty of the Earth around us. A second Hatha Yoga practice helps us return inward, moving with what the day has stirred within.
Evenings are slow — home-cooked meals, honest conversations, firelight, and laughter. This is where the retreat becomes a shared experience of belonging, presence, and joy.
Chandrashila Trek
The trek to the Chandrashila summit is a 2,5-day experience which will definitely ground and connect you with nature.
We'll be walking in the midst of the Indian lower Himalayas and discovering a multitude of various landscapes, from a superb alpine lake to a lush forest, and the 3 700m altitude Chandrashila summit at sunrise.
The trek will be enriched by outdoor Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, and small Hatha Yoga practices to ground yourself a bit more in the beauty of the Earth.
**The trek is accessible, but steep. We recommend that our participants are generally active in their day-to-day lives to ensure a pleasant trek. (Get more details on the trek)
Our accommodation for the retreat
Dea Avnova
Located in the heart of Mandal Valley, the Dea Avnova complex sits amidst the farmlands, with the river on one side, the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary on the other, and the Himalayan ranges all around.
Within walking distance from us are natural swimming spots, waterfalls, unexplored hiking and trekking routes, and local villages.
It is the perfect place to experience nature in its most pristine form, and rejuvenate and transform ourselves by connecting with the healing energies of Himalayan mountains, rivers, and forests.
The permaculture garden that surrounds the location houses a food forest where flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables grow organically.
The rooms have been built using natural materials like stones and earthbags. We also do our best to reuse everything generated within the premises and encourage our guests to experience and follow the same.
The local community is at the heart of the vision. For this reason, the Dea Avnova works with the less privileged locals, particularly women and youth.
The meal's ingredients, such as milk, fruits and vegetables, are sourced from the local villages, besides what is cultivated in locally in the farm.
Our teachers for the retreat
Himanshu Joshi
Having completed a master's degree in Yogic Science in 2020, Himanshu is teaching yoga and practicing yoga for more than 7 years now.
He teaches Hatha, Ashtanga, Yoga Therapy, Shatkarma, and Pranayama classes at our studio in Tapovan, Rishikesh. He knows yogic philosophy very well and will assist you in understanding the deeper meaning and objectives of yoga.
He'll be your guide for the trek, as he is also passionate about adventure and nature. He has completed a training at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in 2021 and he'll guide you through the experience with his ever-lasting smile and positivity.
He is also the owner of Japam Yoga Treks and Tours.
Sarah-Jeanne Baron
Sarah-Jeanne is originally from Montreal, in Canada, and lives in India for more than two years now. She has worked in the field of physical therapy for more than five years in Canada, practices yoga for many years now, and has a training in Yoga Therapy and integration of yoga in Western medicine.
She teaches anatomy and back pain management workshops at our studio in Tapovan, and sometimes gives yoga classes.
She also loves trekking, especially in the Indian Himalayas, and she'll be joining the trek as a second guide.
She is an owner of Japam Yoga Treks and Tours and manages the media and business development.
FAQs for Bhaavanaa Retreat
1. Are solo traveller safe / welcomed?
Yes, the retreat welcomes solo travelers and is especially popular among them!
3. What is the average age range?
Around 30 years old is what we usually get, but we've had participants younger (18 years old) and older (50 years old).
5. How is the weather?
The best season to visit the area is April to June and September to October. In this period, the weather is generally pleasant and sunny.
July and August is the rainy season in the region. The roads to reach the region are often not very safe due to landslides. Heavy rains can prevent your ability to enjoy the outside.
November to March is an exciting period to experiment with winter and snow in India. The weather can be cold, and it might snow, so be prepared with warm clothes.
2. Can you arrange an airport transfert? How far is it from the airport?
Yes, we can arrange the pick-up and drop-off from/to the airport. The airport of Dehradun (DED) is about 40 minutes drive from Rishikesh. The airport of Delhi (DEL) is about 5-6 hours from Rishikesh. Please get in touch with us in advance to book your transport.
4. How many people will be on the retreat?
Maximum 10 participants and minimum 3.
6. Is a shorter / longer stay possible?
It is possible to extend your stay. Simply need to let us know as soon as possible. It depends on the availabilities of Dea Avnova.