7 Day Nature Retreat in the Himalayas of Urgam Valley

Overview

“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear” – Rumi

We are all seekers. Seeking answers to life, as well as deeply personal questions. Modern-day society makes it challenging for us to hear our own voice and intuition – especially in the cities we are surrounded by opinions and advertisements. To gain clarity, we need to retreat into silence and what better place is there to do so, than the mesmerizing Himalayas? This retreat has been created especially for you, the person who is looking for a better world to live in, to share, and celebrate every day of your life, not in isolation, but together, as a family, in a community.

So, Join us for a 7-day Nature & Yoga Retreat in the Himalayas, Urgam Valley. Nestled in the rich Himalayan flora & fauna, we will discover and dive into nature.

Dates: 19th to 25th March, 2023 && 02nd to 08th April, 2023

Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days

Location: YogMatra EcoStay, Urgam Valley, Uttarakhand

Highlights

·      Daily Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation practice

·      Yoga philosophy & philosophical discussions about life

·      Local Village Community Tour

·      Trek to Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple

·      Nature hike to Banga Pani River

·      Hike to Urva Rishi Ashram

·      Silence Day with creative activities

·      Ayurvedic tea made from local herbs

·      Organic meals made from locally grown vegetables

·      Bonfire and spiritual music every day

Skill Level

·      Beginner

·      Intermediate

Yoga Styles

·      Hatha Yoga

·      Yin Yoga

Retreat Location

Urgam Valley is known as the Valley of Meditation. It is named after Urvashi, the son of king Puranjaya of the Pandavas lineage, who meditated in this Valley thousands of years ago. Urgam Valley is also called as Shiva’s Mystical Land and is known for its fifth kedar “Kalpeshwar Mahadev”, the Temple where lord Shiva’s dreads (hair) can be seen.

The valley is covered in lush greenery, agricultural land, open meadows, and forests with diverse flora and fauna. Especially, at the outer edges of the forest and alongside the fresh water-streams, colorful butterflies and exotic birds can be witnessed. The famous treks Rudranath, Bansi Narayan, and Nandi Kund can all be started from Urgam Valley. Moreover, one of India’s most important religious places called “Badrinath” is 65 km away. The well-known Valley of Flowers as well as India's most loved skiing resort Auli are just a short drive from Urgam Valley.

The early morning sun rises from behind the massive Himalayan peaks - Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Nanda Ghunti peaks – slowly covering the Valley in the golden sunlight. The peaks are clearly visible from YogMatra EcoStay. Out of the mighty Chaukhamba peak flows the Kalp Ganga River, which provides the entire valley and its inhabitants with fresh spring water.

Accommodation

YogMatra EcoStay is a traditional Himalayan Mudhouse, nestled in the lush green fields of Urgam Valley, the Valley of Meditation. In the early nineties, the house was built in the traditional way using stone and wood and was inhabited by a local family, who abandoned the house a few years ago. Within a timeframe of 4 months, Jojo & Sach, renovated the house according to the traditional Himalayan method: using mainly mud, grass, and cow dung. The wooden balcony, which stretches along the four upper rooms, offers a mesmerizing and clear view of the Himalayan peaks. The lower rooms have been converted into communal areas: a living/dining room and an open kitchen.

The terrace offers enough space for yoga/meditation practice whilst overseeing the entire valley. Attached to it are two washrooms: one Western-style toilet with a shower (hot water is available) as well as an Indian-style toilet.

Food

We serve 100% percent vegetarian food. All of it is prepared with much love, in our community kitchen, by the hands of the locals living in the nearby villages. As much as possible, meals are prepared with organic and locally grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs from the neighboring gardens of the villagers.

Fresh and organic food is essential for a strong and healthy body and is part of every yoga journey. Day by day, you will learn more about how to prepare a healthy meal for yourselves by getting insights into our cooking. All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, and fruits are included in the retreat price. No meat or alcohol of any kind is allowed at our premises.

Instructors

Yogi Sach Ji

Sach Ji is a US Alliance 200 Hours registered yoga teacher from Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World. He has more than 2 years of teaching experience and has traveled to countries like Thailand and Indonesia to teach in Yoga Retreats. He has managed many Yoga Retreats, Ayurvedic Massage workshops, pilgrimage, and cultural tours in Uttarakhand and different parts of India. By profession, he is a software engineer with an experience of around 4 years and holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Applications. In this Yoga Retreat, Sach Ji is your retreat coordinator and local guide who will make sure that everything runs smoothly.

Yogini Jojo

Johanna is a US Alliance 200 Hours registered yoga teacher from Germany. She gained her teaching certificate in Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World in 2019 and taught Yoga in India, Germany, and Greece. Her focus lies especially on Hatha Yoga and Yin Yoga: The practice to stay in Asanas for a long duration of time, which allows the soft tissues in our body, such as ligaments and muscles, to fully relax and gain more flexibility.

By profession, she is a project manager of political events and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media & Entertainment Management. In this Retreat, Jojo is your yoga teacher who will teach the basics of yoga, pranayama, and meditation.

Program

Within you lays an infinite potential and amount of creativity you cannot imagine. You simply have to make the decision to explore it and act upon it. This is exactly what this nature retreat offers you through the practice of yoga, meditation, and community living within nature. Each day has a theme/intention and builds upon the previous day, helping you to deepen your spiritual journey with each day.

We will kick-start our days with a short hike to one of the many beautiful meadows, where we practice gentle asanas, pranayama, and meditation (perfect for yoga beginners). After an energizing breakfast, we embark on a hike to discover the surrounding nature. In the evening, we practice meditation and yin yoga, to prepare our bodies for a restful night. The day ends with a light dinner, bonfire, and music.

On Silence Day, we will challenge ourselves to stay away from digital devices and instead focus our attention on the Here & Now, using creative activities such as painting, writing, reading, and observing.

Day 1 - Arrival & Introduction

04 PM               Check-in at YogMatra EcoStay

05 PM                Welcome Tea

06:30 PM          Bonfire, Group Introduction & Briefing

07:30 PM          Sattvic Dinner

09:30 PM          Lights off and silence in the community

Day 2 - Discover the Valley: Local Village Community Tour

07 AM                Ayurvedic Tea made from local herbs

07:30 AM          Yoga in Nature

09:30 AM          Traditional Indian Breakfast with fruits

10 AM                Local sightseeing

02 PM                Local Himalayan Lunch

04:30 PM           Tea with snacks

05 PM                Meditation in Nature

06:30 PM           Bonfire and Music

07:30 PM           Sattvic Dinner

09:30 PM           Lights off and silence in the community

Day 3 - Into the Jungle: Nature Hike to Banga Pani

07 AM                Ayurvedic Tea made from local herbs

07:30 AM          Yoga in Nature

09:30 AM          Traditional Indian Breakfast with fruits

10 AM                Trek to Banga Pani Stream

02 PM                Local Himalayan Lunch

04:30 PM          Tea with snacks

05 PM                Meditation in Nature

06:30 PM           Bonfire and Music

07:30 PM           Sattvic Dinner

09:30 PM           Lights off and silence in the community

Day 4 - Seeking Connection: Blessings of Kalpeshwar Mahadev

07 AM                Ayurvedic Tea made from local herbs

07:30 AM          Yoga in Nature

09:30 AM          Traditional Indian Breakfast with fruits

10 AM                Rest & Self-care

01:30 PM           Local Himalayan Lunch

02:30 PM           Trek to Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple

04:30 PM           Meditation & Chanting at Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple

07:30 PM           Sattvic Dinner

09:30 PM           Lights off and silence in the community

Day 5 - Retreat into Silence

07 AM                Ayurvedic Tea made from local herbs

07:30 AM          Yoga in Nature

09:30 AM          Traditional Indian Breakfast with fruits

10 AM                Retreat into Silence

02 PM                Local Himalayan Lunch

04:30 PM           Tea with snacks

05 PM                Meditation in Nature

06:30 PM           Breaking the Silence alongside Bonfire

07:30 PM           Sattvic Dinner

09:30 PM           Lights off and silence in the community

Day 6 - Embracing the Valley: Hike to Urva Rishi Temple

07 AM                Ayurvedic Tea made from local herbs

07:30 AM          Yoga in Nature

09:30 AM          Traditional Indian Breakfast with fruits

10 AM                Trek to Urva Rishi Temple

02 PM                Local Himalayan Lunch

04:30 PM           Tea with snacks

05 PM                Meditation in Nature

06:30 PM           Bonfire and Music

07:30 PM           Sattvic Dinner

09:30 PM           Lights off and silence in the community

Day 7 - Reflection & Departure

06:30 AM          Ayurvedic Tea made from local herbs

07:00 AM          Yoga in Nature

08:00 AM          Traditional Indian Breakfast with fruits

09 AM                Check-out

Note: The schedule can be changed by the teacher/coordinator depending on the weather conditions.

Included Excursions

• 3.5 km trek to Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple, the 5th temple in Panch Kedar Series
• Nature hike of 2 km to Banga Bani Stream deep inside the Cyprus jungle
• 2.5 km hike to Urva Rishi Ashram in Baasa village
• Local village community tour

Inclusions

• Daily yoga & Pranayama classes
• Daily meditation & chanting classes
• Walks into nature and treks to temples
• Relaxation techniques
• 3 daily vegetarian meals along with tea & snacks
• 6 nights’ accommodation in YogMatra EcoStay on twin sharing basis
• Spiritual music and bonfire
• Indian cooking class
• Village tour and community living

Exclusions

• Visa
• Airplane tickets
• Transportation to & from Rishikesh
• Anything ordered apart from meals provided

How to get there

Urgam Valley is 250 km from Rishikesh and 300 km from Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport between Rishikesh and Dehradun. The nearest Railway Station is Yog Nagari Rishikesh. On the Badrinath Highway, in the small town of Helang (approx. 13 km before Joshimath) take a left into the road towards Urgam Valley. From there the road will take you directly into the Valley - the rides takes approx. 30 minutes.

Upcoming Dates

19th March, 2023 to 25th March, 2023

02nd April, 2023 to 08th April, 2023

How to book your seat?

You can book your seat by paying through google pay or UPI payment. If needed, bank details will also be provided.

Google Pay Number : 9404721445 (Sachendra Pal)

UPI ID : palsachendra@icici

Contact us at

Sachendra : +91-9404721445

Email : yogMatra@gmail.com

Social media profiles

Coordinator: https://www.instagram.com/YogMatra

Teacher: https://www.instagram.com/thirstyblueberry

Trip Leader: https://www.instagram.com/thecrazzyrider

Retreat Location: https://www.instagram.com/urgamvalley