Root to Rise

Your adventure begins in the vibrant capital of New Delhi. After a warm airport welcome, you'll settle into our cozy guesthouse in Hauz Khas Village. This bustling enclave is an urban oasis, nestled beside the beautiful Deer Park. The first two days are all about getting comfortable and diving into the local culture. We'll explore historical landmarks, savor delicious new foods, and meet with local community leaders who will introduce us to the region's rich history and pressing issues. This is also our time to connect as a group, setting intentions for the incredible journey ahead.

On day three, we'll trade the city's energy for the sacred Himalayas. A scenic train ride will take us to Rishikesh, a spiritual hub on the banks of the Ganges River. Here, we'll check into an authentic ashram, a meaningful spiritual institution. This offers a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local way of life, with simple accommodations and meals that allow us to focus on our practice alongside local practitioners. The rest of the day is yours to explore and settle in.

In Rishikesh, we'll dive deep into the philosophy and practice of yoga and meditation. Over the next three days, you'll learn from a variety of local experts, gaining diverse perspectives on these ancient traditions. We’ll explore the ways these practices have evolved, and the impact of their global popularity on the local community. Each day will also include guided yoga practice at the ashram and with Autumn.

As part of our ashram experience, we will also participate in seva, a Sanskrit word for selfless service. This is a customary practice in many yoga traditions, connecting our personal practice to the well-being of the wider community. The specific project will be based on the needs of the ashram and the local community at the time of our visit, with past opportunities including beach cleanups along the Ganges.

Beyond our daily sessions, we’ll experience the local culture and natural beauty firsthand. You can participate in the sacred Aarti ceremony on the Ganges, hike to beautiful waterfalls, take a refreshing dip in the river, or even join a lively Bollywood dance class!

Our final day in Rishikesh is dedicated to healing and relaxation. You’ll choose from a range of traditional Ayurvedic spa treatments. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that promotes holistic health through diet, herbs, yoga, and massage. Prepare for a day of serious unwinding and rejuvenation! We’ll end the day with an Ayurvedic cooking class, where you’ll learn not only to prepare a delicious meal, but to understand how the ingredients work together to promote balance and healing in the body.

Later that night, we'll embark on a unique journey: an overnight bus ride to Dharamshala on a sleeper bus. While it might be an adventurous ride, it's an authentic Indian experience you won't forget.

After our overnight journey, we'll arrive in the stunning mountain town of Dharamshala, the home of the Tibetan government in exile. The day is yours to rest. You can also opt to join us on cultural excursions to local museums and centers to learn more about Tibet's rich history and its people's struggle for freedom.

Challenge your body and connect with nature on the stunning Triund Trek. Reaching 3,000 meters in altitude, this trek offers flexibility and can be adjusted to any fitness level. You'll spend one night in tents, trekking 5-6 hours each day, with a focus on both physical challenge and an appreciation for the natural environments that have inspired these spiritual traditions for centuries.

We will take this chance to reflect on and foster our relationship with the Earth and learn about the impacts of climate change on the region, all while nestled amongst the beauty of the mountains. 

Our final days in Dharamshala will be spent with Tibet World, an organization dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture. Through a series of workshops, we'll explore the connection between personal health and our ability to create positive change in the world. We'll put this into practice with a few hours of service each day, supporting Tibet World’s mission. 

Each day, we will complement our service work with dedicated time for meditation and reflective exercises, guided by Tibetan Buddhist teachers, Autumn, or your guides. 

We'll conclude our time with Tibet World's cultural folk show, celebrating our work and our shared journey.

On Day 14, we will fly back to New Delhi. Our final day is a time for reflection and celebration. We’ll come together to honor the friendships we've made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the personal growth we’ve experienced. 

On day 15, your guides will then take you to the airport, filled with heartfelt goodbyes and memories to last a lifetime.

*This optional excursion is available for an additional cost. Please email us for more info.
Start with an early morning departure from New Delhi for a scenic drive or train ride to Agra. You will be guided through the history and intricate beauty of the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a breathtaking symbol of eternal love. After exploring this magnificent monument, you’ll have time for a delicious lunch before we make our return journey to New Delhi in the evening.