General programme

The focus of the journey is to get to know yoga in its variety and tradition. In addition to the varied yoga practice with Ankur and Anke that is suitable for all levels, other experienced Indian yoga teachers will enrich your knowledge. The most special thing about this trip is that you get both insights into the origins of yoga as well as the deep Buddhist culture.

The goal of the journey is to breathe, switch off, arrive and get to know the country in its beauty and depth.
India is always in invitation to come home to yourself.

Highlights

- Visit to the Dalai Lama Tsuglagkhang Temple

- Explore McLeod Ganj (Little Lhasa)

- Visit to the Tibetan Museum (on the history of Tibetan exile)

- Traditional Hindu fire ceremony (Puja)

- Trip to the waterfall & hike to the surrounding mountain villages

- Visit to the famous Buddhist Tushita Meditation Center

- Visit to Hindu temples

- Conversation class (in English) with Buddhist monks

- Introduction to mantra chanting and Naad Yoga (Yoga of sound)

- Lots of sessions & workshops that invite you to relax and reflect

This and many more things are on the program! When you arrive you will receive a detailed weekly program, let yourself be surprised and enchanted!

Weekly schedule

The thirteen days are very varied. You will experience a pleasant change of physical yoga (asanas), philosophy, meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques), exciting excursions and time for yourself. You will find relaxation, tranquility and certainly new inspiration, from which you will still consume after the trip.
In addition to the yogic units, all the excursions mentioned in the highlights are included in the weekly schedule and price.

Daily schedule

A first insight into a possible daily routine:

• 08:00 | Meditation / Yoga / Pranayama (breathing techniques)

• 09:30 | Breakfast

• Free time for leisure or activities/ excursions / day-trips

• 17:00 pm | Yoga, meditation, yoga philosophy, pranayama or other activity

• 19:00 pm | Dinner / evening program

All activities are of course optional and voluntary and can be visited according to your own muse. The yoga lessons are offered in German and English.

In addition, there will be one day each week that you can design according to your own wishes and needs, either treat yourself to deep relaxation or explore the area on your own.

You can look forward to a trip to India, which will fill you with positive energy and bring you into contact with your deeply resting life force. You are guaranteed to come home with new inspiration!

Yoga & meditation

Our lovingly designed sessions in the impressive mountain world and unique atmosphere will bring you peace and allow you to experience a feeling of unity and harmony. The lessons take place on the terrace with a view of the mountain peaks and the monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama (approx. 500 m away!) as well as in the very well-equipped yoga room.

The thematically coordinated yoga (& meditation) units with influences from different yoga styles such as Hatha, Yin and Bhakti Yoga (mantra chanting) will stimulate your creativity and intuition as well as your life force, also known as prana, so that it can flow freely.
All levels welcome and no previous knowledge is necessary.

A short mediation is integrated into every yoga session at the end. Through yoga practice, the mind comes to rest. In addition to the physical aspect, this is the great gift. The goal of a practice is aimed at: the thoughts coming to rest in the spirit (in Sanskrit: Chitta Vrittis).
You will also gain insights into Tibetan Buddhism, including an exchange lesson with Buddhist monks.

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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 tranquil mountain village at the foot of the Himalayas, which belongs to the city of Dharamsala and is located about 480 km from the capital Delhi. In addition to the residence of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government-in-exile is also headquartered here. Therefore, McLeod Ganj is also called Little Tibet.

The place invites both exploring and relaxing. In the cozy cafes you can enjoy your chai tea overlooking the majestic mountains and taste the Tibetan cuisine. In the small shops you can get the most important things. There is even a small supermarket and pharmacies in town. A few steps out of McLeod Ganj you are right on a trail in the breathtaking nature and silence.

In October the climate in the mountains is very pleasant. The temperature varies between + 18°C and 35°C . During the day the sun warms you up on a cloudless sky, at night you can enjoy the slightly cooler air under the clear starry sky. The perfect weather for our yoga trip!

Yoga Hotel

You will be accommodated in the beautifully situated Hotel Ram Yoga House which is equipped with a great yoga room with roof terrace. From there you have a fascinating view of the valley, the vastness of the Himalayas and the Dalai Lama Temple (200 m away!). The team around the Yogahaus is geared towards international visitors and will take care of your wishes and concerns (including room service) so that you can fully enjoy your holiday!

You can also arrive on Sunday and reserve a room at the Ram Yoga House. Also after the Yoga trip, there is the possibility to stay a few days in the village. You will still have a lot to explore! We are happy to recommend other accommodation in the surrounding area, among others, a guest house in a traditional Tibetan monastery, as well as Ayurveda centers with integrated hotel.
You can learn more about the Ram Yoga House here.

Retreat costs & services

19.04. - 01.05.2025 (over Easter)

Super early bird (till 30.04.24)
€ 1450.– per person / double room

Early Bird (till 30.09.24)
€ 1590.– per person / double room

Regular price (from 01.10.24)
€ 1790.– per person / double room

Extended Journey: The Delhi Experience
01.05. - 03.05.2025

From McLeod Ganj the pilgrimage will then continue to the capital, which is well worth seeing.

Surcharge:
Early Bird until 30.04.24
€ 220,- per person / double room
Afterwards
€ 280,- per person / double room

Services

Included: 13 days journey Mcleod Ganj

• 12 x nights' accommodation

• 12 x meals

• 10 x beautiful yoga & guided meditations session

• 5 x philosophy class

• 1 x Yoga Ayurveda workshop

• 1 x Traditional Hindu fire ceremony (Puja)

• 8 x excursion (all mentioned in the highlights)

• India-experienced tour guides

• photo “best of”

  * there is no program on one day off per week.

Included: 2 day extended trip to Delhi

- Arrival by night bus (approx. 10 hours)
- 1 x night in the hotel
- joint excursions and trips
- 2 x dinner
- 1 x breakfast

What's not included in the price:

• Flights (from approx. € 650.- return)

• Arrival (airport transfer, etc.)

• Visa and health insurance

• Overseas insurance

  
  

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:
A larger apartment can also be booked on request:
Additional charge for the Deluxe Room: € 70.- per person.
Large Studio Apartment (with kitchen): € 85.- per person.
On special request a single room can also be booked. Depending on the number of participants and registration date.

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.
Still 7 places available!

Journey starts with a group of 5.
Registration deadline for this: December, 31 2024

Organizer | Yoga & meditation teacher

Anke Lenz
Some years ago I was drawn to India for the first time. In search of a suitable yoga teacher who could introduce me to this ancient tradition, I packed my bags and explored the country on my own. Until I finally landed in McLeod Ganj, a deeply spiritual place of rest and contemplation.

For me there is no more beautiful and suitable place to practice yoga and meditation! It reveals all its beauty already on arrival.
I am happy to share my experience of India gained over the years and show you some hidden places of peace and inspiration. I will be available before and during the retreat to answer your questions and wishes, so that you can relax and feel good.

Philosophy teacher | Tour guide

Ankur Yadav
Ankur is a wonderful yoga and philosophy teacher from New Delhi. In addition to his dedication to yoga and yogic philosophy, he holds a PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlar Nehru University in New Delhi.

Ankur is convinced that an important milestone on the path to balance and contentment is self-knowledge, as the more than 2500 year old inscription on the Temple of Apollo in Delphi says: "Know thyself". Or in Ankur's own words: "Life is a journey of ourself, and for this journey we need to find our way of life. Yogic philosophy is providing us help to find that way of life."

Ankur will enrich our journey with his stories about India's present and past as well as all kinds of everyday tips. In addition, he will guide the yoga and meditation practice together with me and take over a part of the tour guide. He is your safe contact person for all questions and concerns on the trip.

Questions?

Do you have any questions or individual booking requests?
I would be pleased about a message or call to: anke@soulandsunyoga.com or +491632932115.

There will also be a joint information and get-to-know-you call a few months before the start of the trip to clarify any questions and have the opportunity to get to know us and the group. You will also receive a detailed email with all other important information about the trip.

Booking