North India Pilgrimage
Yoga & Meditation Retreat, at the foothills of the Himalayas
October 11 - October 24, 2027
Delhi - Rishikesh - Kasar Devi
13 nights in the shadows of the Himalayas
This is the pilgrimage of a lifetime, a gradual journey into the heart of the Kumaon valley, a land nestled at the feet of Nanda Devi, the second highest mountain within the Himalayan range, located entirely in India.
Join the Wait list
Become the first to find out when the retreat is open for reservations. The retreat is created for a small group, and those on the wait list will hear about it first, with a special discounted rate.
Pilgrimage dates are October 11 to October 24, 2027
This journey begins and ends in Delhi, but of course you are welcomed to stay longer and further explore the magical land of India.
Itinerary includes:
October 11 - Arrival in Delhi and 1 night stay at a 4* hotel for a restful night. This is our first meeting place, and an evening dinner is organised for the group to get to meet each other and open our pilgrimage in India.
October 12 - October 15: Travel to Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world on Tuesday October 12 in a private hired luxury van. Arrive at Rishikesh Valley Riverside Resort where we will be staying for 3 nights.
October 15 - October 23: Travel to Kasar Devi on October 15 and stay for 8 nights at Kripalu Homestay, at the feet of Nanda Devi.
October 23 - Travel back to Delhi and have a 1 night stay at a 4* hotel near the airport.
October 24 - Breakfast at the hotel and after that the retreat ends.
What is included in the retreat?
- 13 nights accommodation, including a 4* star hotel stay in Delhi, a unique experience staying at the Rishikesh Valley Resort in the Himalayan forest and a friendly and welcoming Homestay at Kripalu guesthouse in Kasar Devi.
- All travel in a comfortable, luxury private hired van with our own driver for the whole duration of the trip.
- Most of the meals are included, but there will be days when one of the daily meals will be taken outside, so you can enjoy choosing some Indian delicacies on your own.
- Aarti Ganga Ceremony in Rishikesh, a private Pooja at Jakeshwar temple and Kasar Devi temple.
- Guided shopping in Rishikesh & Almora market.
- Meditation at Kasar Devi Temple near the Swami Vivekananda cave.
- A homemade lunch experience at the home of a local family in the Kumaon valley.
- Trip to a secret waterfall near Kasar Devi.
- Entry at Binsar Sanctuary and a picnic.
- An array of temple visits and a beautiful experience of bathing in the Ganga in Rishikesh.
- Daily Yoga classes during the Kasar Devi stay, Satsang, Meditation, Pranayama & other activities.
What is not included:
- Flights to India
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Some meals (we want you to explore some of the dining experiences, but we will be making recommendations)
- Visa
- Any Vaccinations
Important terms
All sales are final. There are no refunds. If you are on a payment plan, it is your responsibility for completing all payments regardless of whether you need to cancel your booking.
Join the Wait List
Be the first to find out when the retreat is open for bookings and take advantage of a special rate only available to those on the wait list.
Highlights of our stay in Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world
Rishikesh Valley Resort
We will be staying at a family run eco retreat, tucked away in jungle hills near the busy city of Rishikesh. You will have your own individual cottage, with stunning views and enjoy home cooked meals twice a day at the retreat. During our stay at the eco retreat, we will be driven with our luxury van into Rishikesh every day for activities, and return to the peaceful quiet of the jungle retreat in the evenings.
The Yoga capital of the world.
This is the city with the most Yoga teacher trainings in the world, and this is where I lived for 3 months in 2019. It is a busy city now, filled with people from all over the world coming here to deepen their Yoga practice or study to become teachers. The highlight of Rishikesh though, must be the river Ganga.
Ganga Aarti
The river Ganga is considered to be the holiest rivers in India. Millions of people come daily to the Ganga to cleanse their karma and perform Ganga Arti each evening. It is truly beautiful to hear how each evening at sunset from all corners of Rishikesh you can hear the sacred chants and see the dancing fire light lamps as devotees and priests perform Ganga Arti (Ganga Fire Ritual). During our stay we will visit the famous Parmath Nikethan Ashram and participate in Ganga Aarti,
Bathing in Ganga
Bathing in Ganga is considered highly auspicious. It is said that when you immerse yourself fully in the water 7 times, your karma gets cleared. The Ganga flows all through Rishikesh, not very far away from its place of origin high in the mountains. The water here is fresh, cold and clean, and carries an mysterious energy which is unexplainable in words. During our stay we will walk to a secluded beach and bathe in Ganga.
Sunrise at Kunjapuri temple
Our eco retreat stay is on the way to Kunjapuri temple. This is one of the Shakti peeths of India. It is said that when Sita, the first wife of Shiva found out that her father didn't invite Shiva to a great ritual, she combusted herself. When Shiva found out, he was unconsolable, and began neglecting his duties as part of the Cosmic Trinity. To resolve Shiva's grief, Vishnu cut Sati's body up in tiny pieces and spread her body all over the territory of Bharat. The places where these pieces landed became Shakti Peeths, and where powerful temples have been build. The sunrise at Kunjapuri temple up in the hills offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to meditate in a "shaktified" temple.
Shopping, cafes & good food
Though Rishikesh is still the Yoga capital of the world, it has also transformed into a tourist destination. On both sides of where Ganga flows you can find quaint cafes, excellent restaurants that cater for all tastes and there is excellent shopping opportunities here for traditional dress and modern Yogic fashion. From Yoga pants to sound healing instruments, you can find anything and everything, while enjoying excellent coffee breaks or stop at local chai spots. You will be taken on a guided shopping tour to buy what you need for the residential in Kasar Devi where we will be visiting more temples and participate in rituals.
Enjoy here a video of the Rishikesh experience from our trip in March 2026.
Highlights of our residential stay in Kasar Devi
What makes Kasar Devi so special
According to NASA, Kasar Devi is one of the three places in the world to be located on the unique geomagnetic field called the Van Allen belt, alongside Machu Pichu and Stonehenge. Ever since Swami Vivekananda (1890) first came to the region of Kasar, it became a hub for spiritual seekers, philosophers, yogis, mystics and artists.. Due the energy of the region, meditation becomes very easy. Your mind simply stops when you arrive in Kasar Devi.
From Kasar Devi we can see Nanda Devi, which is the second highest mountain in India from the Himalayan range. The views are breathtaking, and during our stay in Kasar we catch the perfect weather to get glimpses of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas.
The Kumaon Valley is rich in culture, tradition and it is truly a unique part of India. During our residential stay in Kasar Devi each day begins with optional Yoga classes, followed by breakfast. Depending on the schedule on the day, we will either go on excursion, or you will be able to enjoy free time and explore the area. Lunch is served at the homestay if we aren't away on an excursion, after which you will have plenty of time to rest or explore the area. In the afternoons you will have the possibility to attend Satsang with Gabriela, after which dinner is served. In the evenings there will always be a meditation, maybe some Restorative Yoga, or guided Yoga Nidra before going to sleep. These activities are optional to attend.
Our homestay in Kasar Devi
We will be staying at a family run homestay, Kripal Guesthouse. The accommodation is simple, clean and perfect for a Yoga & Meditation Residential stay in the Himalayan hills.
Each room has a double bed, with its own shower room and toilet. The double bed rooms are available as a single occupancy, while others which are larger in size will permit a double occupancy with twin beds, and we have have one room available for a couple to share the bed. There are two buildings on the land, and the rooms are split between these two buildings. The Kripalu family home is in the main building, so you will get to see glimmers of how typical Kumaoni household is ran.
The homestay is located in a quiet area on top of a hill, with 360 degrees breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and the surrounding hills.
The Homestay has its own kitchen and we will be served food three times a day in the cafe area, and our Yoga classes will be held indoors in the Yoga shala as well as outdoors enjoying the views and clear night skies.
Temple visits & private Pooja ceremonies
The Kumaon Valley is surrounded by ancient temples and pilgrimage sites. The temple in Kasar Devi has been there since the 2nd century, and it has attracted many philosophers, mystics, artists and intellectuals, not only due the geomagnetic field but also because it is a Shakti Peeth. It is believed that the torse of Sati fell in the place where the temple is now situated. The main deity at Kasar Devi is Katyayani Devi, a powerful incarnation of Goddess Durga. Compared to other temples in India, this temple is surrounded by a unique tranquillity that I have never experienced anywhere else in India. We will be very close to the Kasar Devi temple where we will go in several occasions for meditation and to attend a private pooja ritual, as well as take part in the evening fire ceremonies.
Besides Kasar Devi temple, we will also visit Jageshwar Dham, located 36 km of Almora at an altitude of 1,870 meters. The complex features a cluster of over 124 ancient stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled along the Jataganga river and surrounded by dense Deodar forests. Here at Jageshwar we will also have a private pooja ceremony, asking for blessings from lord Shiva.
Another temple which we will visit is Katarmal Sun Temple located 12km from Almora, another ancient temple from the 9th century. The main shrine is surrounded by 45 smaller temples, famous for its intricate ancient woodwork.
Meditation at Kasar Devi temple
The temple at Kasar Devi is truly one of a kind. It is situated on top of a hill, so there is a relatively steep, but safe climb in order to get to the top. It is surrounded by a forest of Pines & Deodars, scattered with Oaks and Rhododendron.
On his visits, Swami Vivekananda found a cave nestled in the rocks of the temple, which became his meditation cave. Today, next to the cave there is a serene and peaceful area where pilgrims come to meditate, with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
The cave is Swami Vivekananda is still in use, so you will be able to visit the cave, though you may need a helping hand to get out.
Kasar Devi's area, which is quite large, is wholly dedicated to meditation and tranquillity. There are two main shrines, one dedicated to Katyayani Devi, and one to Shiva, but alongside his family. Here the deity is not only Shiva, but also his wife Parvati, and his children Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Shopping in Almora market
In the bustling city of Almora, which is about 12 km away from Kasar Devi you will be able to enjoy a day of shopping and tasting the Kumaoni traditional sweets and dishes.
Compared to other busy markets in India, the market in Almora is actually quite peaceful, and you can find anything. From fresh, local vegetables and dried goods, to clothes, souvenirs and art.
What I was most impressed with during my stay in the Kumaoni hills, was that all the products that I found were actually made locally. Even in Kasar Devi you will have the opportunity to visit the quaint local shops, and you will see that all the products are made and sourced locally.
In Almora & Kasar Devi, you can directly experience the heart of Kumaon's heritage by exploring ethical cooperatives and boutiques specialising in indigenous hand looms. The region is celebrated for locally spun lambswool, cashmere, and wild nettle stoles crafted by master artisans
Binsar sanctuary
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected reserve situated at an altitude of of 2,412 meters, located 33 km of Almora. Known for dense Oak and Rhododendron forests, it offers a peaceful retreat and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi.
The sanctuary is famous for "Zero Point," which offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas, over 200 species of birds, and rich biodiversity including leopards and barking deer.
We will be visiting the Binsar sanctuary during our stay in Kasar Devi and enjoy a picnic in nature, surrounded by the amazing views of the Himalayan peaks.
Immersing in local culture
The Kumaon valley has a very rich culture and tradition. The mountain people are very different to other parts of India. Here everyone grows their own food, mixes their own masalas and it is a region famous for their master artisans and craft makers.
Just driving around the area we will be able to stop on the side of the road and buy fresh, local and organic vegetables, fruits and dried goods.
During our stay in the Kumaon Valley we will also have the opportunity to witness and participate in the local culture. As part of our residential stay we are invited for a homemade lunch at one of the locals of Kasar Devi.
But as you will have time to explore the area on your own as well, you will be able to visit local art galleries, crafts stores, spice stores, boutiques and shops that owned by locals of Kasar Devi.
Daily Yoga, Meditation & Satsang
During residential stay at Kasar Devi you will have the option start your day with morning Yoga asana, Pranayama & Meditation classes led by Gabriela.
Unless we will be travelling somewhere further away, every afternoon we gather for Satsang, time spent in good company, and in the evenings after dinner you will be able to take part in evening meditation, Restorative Yoga or guided Yoga Nidra.
Some of the classes will take place inside the Yoga room at the homestay, and some of the classes will take place outdoors on the terraced area of the homestay.
Attending daily Yoga & Satsang is optional, but highly encouraged.
Enjoy here a video from my Kasar Devi experience from March 2026
A few words from Gabriela, your host & retreat guide
It has been my dream to organise a pilgrimage to India, and when I went to India in February 2026 I decided to visit Kasar Devi, though I had never heard about it before.
As soon as I arrived, I felt like home, and after a few days in this magical place, I knew from the bottom of my heart that this is where my first retreat/pilgrimage to India will be. I was greeted with open arms, and felt held every step of the way, even though I was on my own.
Kasar Devi and the whole area the Kumaon Hills is a very special area, completely unique to other regions in India.
On this retreat I will be accompanied and supported by my husband, who is Indian, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law will also be coming along to help look after our 8 months old baby.
Yes, you read that right. Our baby is coming along for the pilgrimage in India, but I have arranged for my family to come and help, so I can be fully present holding the space, and guiding your journey.
If you don't want to be around our baby during your pilgrimage in India, then this journey is probably not for you. But if you are happy to be guided and held by my Indian family, then this retreat is for you and I can't wait for October to come.
The Wait List is now open, and once you put your name down, you will amongst the first to find out when the retreat is open for booking. There will also be a special rate for everyone on the wait list, a price that you will not see anywhere else.
