Kumaon Yoga Retreats & Nature Immersions
Slow down in the pristine Deodar forests of Sitla. Reconnect through movement, breath, and stillness in the heart of the Himalayas.
The Slow & Easy Vacation in Sitla, Kumaon, is an invitation to immerse yourself in nature, hikes, yoga, breath, and community. This is what it looks like to find your peace in the Himalayas.
Practicing Nadi Shodhana pranayama amidst the tall grasses of Kumaon. Mindful breathing is a cornerstone of my teaching, helping to slow down, reconnect, and find inner balance.
Finding my flow with Ardha Chandrasana in a meadow. My yoga sessions in nature are designed to help you connect with the earth and find your own natural rhythm.
A community circle during a cacao immersion in the forest. These retreats are about creating a space for shared experience, connection, and collective healing.
A montage from our Slow & Easy Yoga Vacation, showing moments of guided rest, fireside meditation, creative expression, and shared meals. It’s about finding joy in the simple, quiet moments.
A quiet moment of reflection on the veranda of one of our boutique homestays in Sitla. The environment is curated to encourage rest, reading, and simply being.
A glimpse into the Slow & Easy Vacation experience. From cooking over an open fire in the woods to quiet contemplation and group practices, every element is designed to help you reconnect.
About this collection
I limit these retreats to 9 participants. This isn't a workshop where you get lost in the crowd. It is about creating a quiet space where you can actually hear yourself think and build a sadhana that survives the trip home. We focus on daily micro-habits—small rituals like sunrise pranayama and forest bathing—that you can continue to practice long after you leave the mountains.
A Sanctuary at 6,500 Feet
These retreats are not about pushing your body to its limits. They are about allowing the rhythm of the Sitla forest to reset your own. I chose this location specifically because it sits at 6,500 feet, offering enough altitude to feel a shift in perspective, yet enough comfort to truly rest. You will be staying in boutique homestays surrounded by oak, cedar, and blooming fruit orchards, where the only wake-up call is the birdsong.
The Daily Rhythm
Our days follow a natural, unhurried flow:
- Morning: Sunrise Hatha or Vinyasa Krama sessions to wake the body, followed by guided pranayama.
- Mid-day: We immerse ourselves in Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). These guided hikes aren't about fitness; they are about sensory awareness and reconnecting with the earth.
- Afternoon: This is for leisure—reading, journaling, or simply watching the light change over the Nanda Devi range.
- Evening: Restorative Yin Yoga, Trataka, or meditation, often accompanied by the quiet of the mountain twilight.
Nourishment and Connection
What we put into our bodies matters as much as the movement we perform. Our meals are farm-to-fork, gut-friendly, and locally sourced. Expect millet-based dishes and modern Kumaoni flavors that leave you feeling light and energized.
Beyond the mat, we share conversations about Ayurveda, women's health, and the practical challenges of maintaining peace in a chaotic city. I facilitate these sessions to offer you actionable knowledge—simple wellness rituals and breathing techniques you can weave into your daily life. Whether you are seeking a deep reset or a gentle start to your journey, you will find a supportive space here to just be.
Mini Shastri
I'm Mini Shastri. I built these retreats because I know what it feels like to be restless in a city that never stops. My practice is simple: we use asana, pranayama, and the quiet of the mountains to help you reset.
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