SPIRIT INDIA
NORTH INDIA JOURNEY
aPRIL 2027
India meets Tibet
Embark on the path of Yoga and Buddhism!
April 16 – 28, 2027 (Mcleod Ganj)
This two weeks trip will take place in North India, McLeod Ganj, the seat of the Dalai Lama, at the foot of the majestic Himalayas. The inherent serenity and magic that radiates in this particular area attracts people from all over the world and is a sanctuary for many Tibetans. It is the perfect place to get to know a gentle and deep side of India and to practice yoga and meditation in the fresh mountain air.
General programme
This journey is all about experiencing yoga in its full diversity and tradition. Alongside a varied yoga practice led by me and my team—suitable for all levels—other experienced Indian yoga teachers will deepen your understanding.
The most special aspect of this retreat is the way it combines insights into the roots of yoga with the deep Buddhist culture of the region.
The goal of the trip: To breathe, switch off, arrive, and connect with the beauty and depth of this incredible country.
India always offers an invitation to come home to yourself!
Highlights
The Dalai Lama Temple & Spiritual Encounters: A visit to the temple with the chance for a spontaneous audience, as well as a unique, personal exchange and conversation class with Tibetan monks.
McLeod Ganj Exploration with a Tibetan Guide: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of "Little Lhasa" and discover its history at the Tibetan Museum.
Himalayan Hikes: Beautiful paths to places of power – passing by waterfalls, through traditional mountain villages, and the powerful Silent Walk (Kora), a sacred circumambulation around the Dalai Lama’s temple.
Introduction to Buddhist Meditation: Guided meditations with visits to the renowned Tushita Meditation Center.
Deep Spiritual Practice: A varied program of yoga, meditation, and philosophy sessions, complemented by unique highlights like a dynamic Moving Meditation.
Traditional Rituals & Wisdom: Experience a traditional Hindu fire ceremony (Puja), meet a local Sadhu (including a visit to his cave), and take part in an inspiring Ayurveda workshop.
Tibetan Arts & Crafts and Nature: A day trip to the Norbulingka Institute for Tibetan Art, a visit to a local tea plantation, and meetings with spiritual teachers.
A Shared Journey of the Senses: Experience the rich diversity of the region with specially selected meals (Indian & Tibetan) as well as evenings filled with live music and the soulful sounds of the sitar.
Many more exciting activities await you. You will receive your detailed weekly schedule upon arrival.
Optional Extras (Bookable on-site)
Ayurvedic and Tibetan Massages (1 hr / approx. €20)
Consultation with an Ayurvedic Doctor (45 min / approx. €20)
Authentic Indian Cooking Classes or dance lessons
Additional Yoga Classes with local Indian guest teachers on your free days
The Triund Trek (Optional): An unforgettable mountain hike with a magical overnight stay above the clouds, right on the mountain peak.
Weekly schedule
These 13 days are wonderfully varied. You’ll enjoy a harmonious mix of physical yoga (asanas), philosophy, meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques), fascinating excursions, and moments of quiet for yourself.
You will leave this retreat with a sense of relaxation, tranquility, and plenty of inspiration to carry forward into your daily life.
All excursions mentioned in the highlights are already included in the weekly program and price.
Daily schedule
A typical day:
• 08:15 am: Meditation, Yoga, or Pranayama (breathing techniques)
• 10:00 am: Breakfast
• 11:30 am: Day trip or leisure time
• 4:30 pm: Philosophy sessions, workshops, or other activities
• 7:00 pm: Dinner
evening activity (optional)
You’ll have one free day per week to relax and integrate your experiences. (There will be a lot of program).
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With: Anke, Ramanand Ji & Maria
Week 1: Arrival & Deepening
Friday, April 16 – Arrival & Welcome
From 2:00 PM: Check-in at the Yoga House & settling in with a cup of chai
5:00 PM: Welcome & Opening Circle with Yin Yoga
6:00 PM: Traditional Puja (Hindu Ritual)
7:30 PM: Shared Welcome Dinner (Dinner 1)
Saturday, April 17 – Grounding & Exploration
8:00 AM: Activating Yoga Practice & Meditation to arrive fully
9:30 AM: Shared Breakfast / Brunch (Breakfast 1)
Afternoon: Guided walk through the surrounding mountain villages to get to know the area, leading up to a local waterfall
5:30 – 6:45 PM: Yin Yoga & Meditation
7:15 PM: Shared Dinner (Dinner 2)
Sunday, April 18 – Tibetan Culture & McLeod Ganj
8:00 AM: Yoga Practice
9:30 AM: Shared Breakfast / Brunch (Breakfast 2)
1:00 PM: Half day trip: Getting to know McLeod Ganj & discovering Tibetan culture with a local historian (Tibetan Library, Museum & Dalai Lama Monastery)
6:00 PM: Shared dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant (Dinner 3)
Monday, April 19 – Silence, Meditation & Philosophy
8:15 AM: Silent morning walk to the Tushita Center
9:00 – 10:00 AM: Guided Buddhist Meditation at Tushita Center
Late Morning / Midday: Relaxed free time or get an Ayurvedic massage
Afternoon: Gentle Yoga / Yin Yoga & Yoga Philosophy session (2 hours)
7:00 PM: Shared Dinner (Dinner 4)
Tuesday, April 20 – Art, Tea & Spiritual Teaching
7:00 AM: Yoga Practice
8:30 AM: Shared Breakfast (Breakfast 3)
10:00 AM: Day trip to the Norbulingka Institute (Center for Tibetan Art), visit to a local tea plantation, and maybe there will be an invitation for an audience with a spiritual teacher
Evening: Shared dinner (Dinner 5)
Wednesday, April 21 – Full Free Day
A complete day for yourself to rest, integrate, or explore at your own pace. No scheduled program and no group meals.
Optional today (8:00 – 10:00 AM): An opportunity to join a yoga practice with a local Indian teacher at our guesthouse (on your own behalf).
Thursday, April 22 – Silent Hike to Naddi Village
8:00 AM: Yoga Morning Flow
9:15 AM: Shared Breakfast (Breakfast 4)
10:30 AM: Half day trip: Silent hike to the mountain village of Naddi, passing by Flag Point (prayer flags) and continuing onwards to the viewpoint
1:00 PM: Shared Lunch in Naddi (Lunch 1)
Afternoon: River walk followed by a philosophy input session
Evening: Dinner on your own behalf
Week 2: Connection
Friday, April 23 – Yoga & Reflection
8:00 AM: Yoga Practice & weekly reflection circle (Self-Inquiry)
09:30 AM: Shared Breakfast / Brunch (Breakfast 5)
3:00 PM: Ayurveda Workshop
5:30 PM: Special Dynamic Moving Meditation
7:30 PM: Shared Dinner (Dinner 6)
Saturday, April 24 – Mindfulness, Cave & Kora
8:00 AM: Yoga & Yoga Philosophy
09:30 AM: Shared Breakfast / Brunch (Breakfast 6)
12:30 PM: Visit our Sadhu in his cave
2:00 PM: Silent Kora (sacred circumambulation) around the Dalai Lama Temple
5:00 PM: Optional free time in McLeod Ganj (visit a Tibetan cafe, spend time in the mountain villages of Bhagsu/Dharamkot, or enjoy an Ayurvedic massage)
Evening: Dinner on your own behalf
Sunday, April 25 – Full Free Day (Relaxed Sunday or Trekking)
No scheduled program and no group meals. A completely free day to rest, relax, and enjoy your Sunday at your own pace.
Optional: Triund Trek, sleep on the top of the mountains (leave Sunday 3:00 PM, return Monday around 10:30 AM).
Monday, April 26 – Exchange & Connection
11:00 AM: Soft Yoga Practice
1:00 PM: Shared lunch (Lunch 2)
3:00 PM: Leave for a unique exchange & conversation class with Tibetan monks next to the Dalai Lama Temple (4:00 – 5:00 PM)
Maybe there is the opportunity to get invited to the Tibetan parliament in exile!
7:00 PM: Shared Dinner (Dinner 7)
Tuesday, April 27 – Closing & Gratitude
7:00 AM: Morning Yoga (1h)
08:30 AM: Silent Walk to Tushita Meditation Center
09:00 AM: Guided Meditation
Afterwards: Free time & packing
4:00 PM: Yoga
5:30 PM: Closing Circle & farewell ritual
6:30 PM: Farewell Dinner & evening together, maybe with live music! (Dinner 8)
Wednesday, April 28 – Departure
9:30 AM: Shared Final breakfast together (Breakfast 7)
11:00 AM: Check-out, goodbyes & individual departure
*Subject to change.
Since traveling in India can bring unexpected factors – such as weather conditions or local circumstances – we reserve the right to flexibly adapt the weekly schedule. Additionally, exciting new program highlights may be added spontaneously, should we be invited to an audience with the Dalai Lama!
Food: Our in-house restaurant always offers the option to order delicious, healthy food. Furthermore, you will find amazing local Indian and Tibetan restaurants all around to explore and enjoy on your own.
Yoga & meditation
The yoga sessions take place on the rooftop terrace with stunning views of the peaks and the Dalai Lama Temple (just 500 m away!) or in the well-equipped yoga room (also on the rooftop).
The thematically coordinated sessions stimulate your life energy (Prana), enhance creativity and intuition, and support self-awareness. All sessions are suitable for all levels – no prior experience is needed.
Yoga Styles: Hatha, Hatha Flow, Yin, and Bhakti Yoga.
Food
You will receive the necessary energy boost for the yoga practice and a healthy body feeling from the delicious Indian cuisine, which is linked to the Ayurvedic nutrition philosophy. You can expect a wholesome, healthy food that gives you a special taste experience. The dishes are vegetarian and vegan, prepared according to yogic philosophy, and in harmony with man and nature.
Twelve meals are included, depending on the day it will be whether breakfast or the dinner.
About the place
McLeod Ganj / Dharamsala
India meets Tibet!
McLeod Ganj is a charming mountain village at the foot of the Himalayas, renowned as the spiritual hub of the Tibetan exile. It is home to the residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.
The village beautifully blends Tibetan and Indian cultures.
In the cozy cafés, you can enjoy your chai tea with breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and explore the delights of Tibetan cuisine. The Tibetan peace mantra, softly playing from the many small shops, adds to the village's unique atmosphere.
Just a few steps out of the village lead you to hiking trails surrounded by the silence and beauty of the mountains – a perfect place to let go of daily life and embrace new experiences.
Yoga House
We are staying at the Ram Yoga House in McLeod Ganj, which offers double rooms in a traditional Indian style. The house also features its own restaurant and café, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks at any time. The friendly team, experienced in hosting international guests, takes care of all your needs to ensure you have a wonderful stay.
You can learn more about the Ram Yoga House here
and in the FAQs. Additionally, you can find more impressions in the gallery below.
Retreat costs & services
April 16 – 28, 2027 / 12 Nights
Early Bird: € 1,990 per person (double room) Available until August 1, 2026
Regular Price: € 2,090 per person (double room)
Services
Included: 13 days journey Mcleod Ganj
12 x nights' accommodation
18 x meals
10 x beautiful yoga & meditations session led by different teachers
5 x philosophy class
Ayurveda workshop
Traditional Hindu fire ceremony (Puja)
8 x excursion (all mentioned in the highlights)
India-experienced travel guide (English, Hindi, German-speaking)
photo “best of”
What's not included in the price:
Flights (from €480 round trip, e.g., Lufthansa: direct flights only around 8,5 hours (highly recommended) from Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Swiss Air from Zurich).
Arrival (airport transfer, etc.)
Visa and health insurance
Overseas insurance
Payment conditions:
A deposit of 50% of the total price can also be paid within the first 14 days after booking.
The remaining 50% must be paid 61 days before the trip (see terms and conditions: payment).
Extra large apartments:
Optional Upgrades:
Yogi Nest (slightly larger room): €37 per person
Deluxe Room (upgrade for the entire stay): €75 per person
Studio Apartment (with kitchen and living room): €89 per person
Single Room: Available upon special request (depending on group size, registration time, and hotel availability (approx. € 115)
The trip is covered by tour operator liability insurance through HanseMerkur.
Arrival & Departure
Arrival and departure is individual.
The nearest airport is in Dharamsala and is about 45 minutes away from McLeod Ganj. From here you can easily take a taxi to the hotel, which can also be arranged by the hotel (approx. € 20.-)
Arrival from Delhi:
From Delhi it is about two hours by plane to Dharamsala. By bus (night bus) it is about 11 hours.
Arrival by airplane directly to Dharamsala:
Please book your flight to arrive at Kangra Airport (DHM). It is 45 minutes away from McLeod Ganj.
In addition, an e-mail distribution list will be set up in which you will have the opportunity to exchange information with other travel participants about your arrival and departure and, if necessary, to join forces.
Participants
The trip is suitable for beginners as well as for advanced yogis and yoginis. You do not need to be particularly experienced or particularly athletic. Depending on your level and motivation you will get your money's worth. The number of participants is limited to 10 persons, so you will spend a week in a very personal group.
Journey starts with a group of 6, max 13 persons.
Organizer | Yoga & meditation teacher
Anke Lenz
India. No other country has ever captivated me quite like this one! Back then, my search for the right yoga teacher training brought me to India. Eventually, I found myself in McLeod Ganj, a place that reveals all its beauty the moment you arrive. For me, there is no more beautiful or fitting place to practice yoga and meditation! It’s the perfect destination to experience a gentle and serene side of India.
Indian & Tibetan Team:
Yoga, Meditation & Philosophy Teachers
& Guides
One of the main guidance is Ramanand Ji
One of them is Ramanand Ji, who will accompany us throughout the journey. Ramanand Ji is a wonderful yoga and philosophy teacher from New Delhi. Beyond his dedication to yoga, he is also a political scientist by profession.
With his profound knowledge of Indian culture, his sensitivity, loving nature, and practical everyday tips, Ramanand Ji will enrich our journey on every level.
"Life is a journey of ourselves, and for this journey, we need to find our way of life. Yogic philosophy provides us with guidance to discover that way of life." – Ramanand Ji
Questions?
Do you have any questions or individual booking requests?
Feel free to reach out to me via email at: anke@soulandsunyoga.com
or give me a call at:+491632932115.
Additionally, there will be a group info & introduction call to address all your questions and provide the opportunity to coordinate your arrival and departure with others.
Booking
Impressions, among others, from the most recent trips
Voices of former participants
“The Spirit India Journey with Anke was a journey in the true sense of the word. A chance to enter in contact with yourself in a very pure way.
Anke and Ankur – both great teachers and deeply rooted in yoga, shared so much knowledge about asanas, meditation but also about the indian and tibetan culture. Plus the healthy food, the chanting, the nature and the lovely people – it is the best “medicine” for your body and your mind. And of course the surrounding, most of all the impressive mountains of the Himalayas contributed a great deal to this experience. Thanks a lot for that very special trip!!”
“I went on a yoga journey to India with Anke - she shows such a broad range of experiences so you can choose which fit within you - no pressure, just love and kindness. The yoga practice was great for my body, meditation great for my mind and mantra chanting great for my spirit. I found new peace, calmness and purpose with this journey. And a future. Namaste Anke ❤ ”