Varanasi – India
March 2025
1st – 7th of March 2025
Join us for an immersive spiritual experience led by esteemed teachers Vidwan Lakshmisha Bhat from Mysore, a revered expert in Sanskrit and traditional chanting, alongside Simona Nucera and Christina Hug, both teachers in Ashtanga yoga and students authorized by Sharath Jois. Christina Hug is also a teacher from the Krishnamacharya Mandiram in Tamil Nadu.
THIS RETREAT IS DESIGNED FOR
This journey offers a unique opportunity to deepen your practice and understanding of ancient spiritual traditions through the powerful combination of chanting, yoga, and meditation. Whether you’re looking to connect more deeply with your inner self or enhance your practice, this experience is designed to provide transformative insights and growth on your spiritual path. Due to limited availability, we can only accept students who are already familiar with the Mysore practice and have experience with our style of practice
WHAT WE OFFER
Option 1: 5-Star Hotel in Front of the Ganges
The hotel is housed in a heritage property of the erstwhile family of the Muksudpur Tekari State of Bihar. Its ancestors immigrated to Varanasi in the late 19th century. A private home, known for its warm hospitality, it was converted into a hotel in 1990. Recreating the atmosphere of a bygone era, the hotel has become a meeting point for artists, writers and scholars over the years.
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a single room/shared room at a 5-star hotel plus breakfast.
- Location: Hotel in front of the Ganges.
- Privacy: Private accommodation ensures personal space and comfort.
- Amenities: private bathroom, room service, AC, and library with its wide collection of books on Indian art, Indian culture and history, aesthetics, textiles, metal art, craft, philosophy and photography.
Option 2: Shared Accommodation in a Heritage House with Kali Mandir
- Accommodation: 6 nights in shared accommodation in a Heritage House plus breakfast.
- Location: In front of the Ganges, with a Kali Mandir on the premises.
- Atmosphere: The Heritage House will offer a more traditional and cultural experience. Sharing accommodation might foster a sense of community and connection with fellow astangi.
- Unique Experience: Staying in a heritage property with a temple on-site provides a deeply spiritual environment and an opportunity to engage closely with local culture and practices.
Common Features in Both Options:
- Meals: 6 breakfasts included.
- 6 Mysore Classes: Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga sessions, under the guidance of Simona and Christina.
- 6 Chanting Sessions: Daily VEDIC chanting sessions, likely focused on mantras or devotional hymns with Christina.
- 3 Philosophy Classes: Discussions or lectures on yoga philosophy, possibly focusing on key texts or concepts with Vidwan Lakshmisha Bhat.
- Tours: we will explore each day a different area and temple with Simona who has been visiting and studying here yearly since 2009.
- 2 City Tours: Guided tours exploring the Mother Devi (Goddess) and her temples, as well as the life of Krishnamacharya, while he was a student in Varanasi.
Which to Choose?
- If you prioritize privacy and modern comfort: Go for the 5-star hotel.
- If you value cultural immersion and spiritual atmosphere: The Heritage House would be more fitting, offering a unique and potentially transformative experience.
PRICE
Shared Accommodation with Breakfast in a 5***** Hotel 950 EUR
Single Accommodation with Breakfast in a 5***** Hotel 1,350 EUR
Shared Accommodation with Breakfast in the Heritage House 870 EUR
*A 50% deposit is required upon reservation to secure your place.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICES
Accommodation and breakfast;
Mysore Classes: 6 classes with Simona and Christina;
Vedic Chanting Course: With Christina on a specific mantra;
3 Philosophy Classes: With Lakshmisha Bhat on a specific text;
Daily Tours and Ganga Aarti: With Simona Nucera, who has been visiting and studying in Kashi since 2009;
Meeting with Local Gurukula and Acharya: Expert in Yoga, Tantra, and Vedanta;
2 Tours with a Local Guide; Transfer from/to the Airport
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICES
Flights; Meals; Additional Services; Miscellaneous Fees; Travel Insurance; Local Transportation;
TRAVEL:
Check-in is on the 1st after lunch, and check-out is on the 7th after breakfast. More information about travelling/visa/vaccination/safety in India and Varanasi will be shared privately. Please get in touch with us to plan your trip together.
NOTE:
FOOD: We have decided not to include meals in the itinerary due to our busy schedule. We will most likely be out during both lunch and dinner times. In Kashi, you can expect to spend around 5/10 euro per meal, with a variety of options available ranging from traditional Indian cuisine to international food, as it is a highly visited city.
SHOPPING: This Yatra is thoughtfully designed for those seeking an immersive, deep practice experience. As such, traditional sightseeing and shopping/free time are not included in the Yatra schedule. However, participants are encouraged to explore Varanasi independently, in their free time.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: For friends and students of Simona, there is an optional experience to explore India together. This part of the journey is not an organized tour but rather an informal opportunity for those interested in travelling as a group to visit Bodgaya and Kolkata. Participants should be self-sufficient and prepared for a more independent travel experience alongside Simona.