Spiritual Pilgrimages & Retreats
Chandrashila
I lead spiritual journeys where we trek, meditate, and practice together in the Himalayas or my shala, focusing on discipline, community, and honest growth instead of luxury or quick fixes.
Pricing Guide
Weekend Sacred Site Pilgrimage (South India)
Logistics
- Transport: Round-trip AC Tempo Traveller or Mini-Bus from Bangalore.
- Stay: 2 nights in 3-star equivalent hotels or premium ashram guest houses (Twin Sharing).
- Local Commute: Auto-rickshaws used for internal temple hopping.
Meals
- Full Board: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
- Cuisine: Traditional South Indian vegetarian meals often eaten at community local eateries.
Activities
- Rituals: Guided barefoot Girivalam/Parikrama (approx 14km walk) and group chanting sessions.
- Tours: Guided visits to ancient shrines with historical and spiritual context provided.
7-Day Residential Silent Meditation Retreat
Curriculum
- Core Practice: 6-8 hours of guided sitting meditation and walking meditation daily.
- Instruction: Daily lectures on Buddhist and Yoga philosophy (Lam-Rim/Ashtanga) and morning Asana practice.
- Guidance: Dedicated Q&A slots for private interviews with the teacher.
Rules & Discipline
- Silence: Complete verbal silence and digital detox (phones deposited at check-in) for the full duration.
- Service: 45-60 minutes of daily Karma Yoga (cleaning, serving) required as part of the practice.
Accommodation & Diet
- Venue: Stay at a dedicated spiritual retreat center or monastery guest house.
- Room: Private or twin-sharing simple room with attached bath.
- Diet: Two wholesome vegetarian meals per day (Breakfast and Lunch). Dinner is skipped or limited to light tea to aid meditation.
10-Day Himalayan Yatra (Ex-Dehradun)
Logistics
- Transport: Group travel via Tempo Traveller or SUV starting from Rishikesh/Dehradun for the 10-day circuit.
- Stay: 9 nights in simple guesthouses, ashrams, or homestays (Double/Triple sharing). Expect basic amenities like bucket baths.
- Meals: Daily vegetarian breakfast and dinner at the guesthouse; simple roadside dhaba lunches.
Trekking & Spirit
- Trek Support: Guided high-altitude treks to Tungnath, Chandrashila, and Kedarnath.
- Daily Practice: Morning Asana/Pranayama sessions and evening Satsang/Chanting circles.
- Darshan: Assisted logistics for temple visits where possible.
Exclusions
- Travel: Flights or trains to/from Dehradun/Rishikesh are not included.
- Extras: Personal porters, ponies, or helicopter tickets for the Kedarnath trek must be paid directly.
About Spiritual Pilgrimages & Retreats
I see pilgrimages and retreats as much more than travel - they’re sadhana, a kind of spiritual practice that’s messy and beautiful, not just a break from routine. For me, the path was shaped by the Himalayas, quiet monasteries, and the honest wisdom of teachers. I’m not here as a tour guide, but as someone sharing a practice that’s changed my life.
What Happens on These Journeys
- You join a sangha (community) where we share stories, laughter, sometimes frustration, and real growth. The group helps when things get tough.
- Everything’s rooted in discipline: tough treks in cold, long silent sits, or all-night chanting. The hard parts are often where the magic happens.
- Practice isn’t limited to one thing - we blend asana, pranayama, meditation, and mantra chanting to make it whole.
- Nature, especially the mountains, is our biggest teacher. The silence of the Himalayas often says what words can’t.
Three Main Experiences
- Himalayan spiritual trekking to places like Kedarnath and Tapovan. Expect cold, holy rivers, and energy that’s raw and real. It’s not luxury, but it’s honest.
- Silent meditation retreats India style: 10-12 days of noble silence, 8+ hours daily meditation, deep dives into the mind. It’s tough but transformative.
- Group yoga pilgrimage in Bangalore: all-night practice sessions at my shala on special days. Kirtan, mantra, meditation, breakfast together at dawn.
I walk this path with you, holding space, sharing what’s helped me, and always learning. No promises of instant peace - just an invitation to honest practice, community, and a journey that’s as real as it gets.
Meet your Expert
Nitesh Batra
84 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaste. Back in 2006, I just wanted to get healthier, but yoga pulled me deeper. Under my guru Sh. Sharath Jois, Ashtanga became more than poses - it became my way. I wandered the Himalayas, trekked to Mt. Shivling, learned from Buddhist teachers, even studied Compassion at Stanford. Our shala, Ashtanga Yoga Sadhna, grew from a tiny idea to a real home. We’re not chasing perfection here, just showing up, learning, sharing. Grateful for this community, and for every teacher who’s lit my way.
My Work
Holistic Yoga & Mindfulness Classes - We offer Mysore style Ashtanga, gentle Hatha, Pranayama, daily meditation, kids yoga summer camp, kirtan, and more.
A Real Community, Not Just a Studio - Our shala is a kula - a home, not a gym. We honor each person’s journey, breath, and rhythm.
Yoga for All Bodies and Minds - Women-only yoga classes, fun kids programs, and special neurodivergent yoga workshops make sure everyone feels welcome.
Practice that Goes Deep - We focus on asana, pranayama, meditation, and discipline. Show up, move, breathe, repeat. Growth comes slowly.
Living Yoga Off the Mat - We do pilgrimages, solstice sadhanas, and raise funds for tribal kids. Yoga is more than exercise – it’s a way to live.
