India
Day One: Arrive in the Himalayas
- Arrival at the Dehradun Airport & transfer to the Retreat (Approx 1.5 hours drive)
- Check-in to hotel
- Lunch & Dinner at hotel
- Overnight at the Hotel Ananda in the Himalayas
Upon arrival in Dehradun airport you will be met and transferred in separate cars (max 3/4 in each car) along with your individual baggage. When you reach the hotel you will be welcomed and checked into your rooms as well as being briefed about your stay. Now time to enjoy lunch and relax yourself.
Dinner & Overnight at Ananda in the Himalayas Spa, Narendranagar
Meals included: Lunch; Dinner
Days Two-Five: Breathe and Relax
- Breakfast at the hotel Ananda in the Himalayas
For the next few days, you’ll wake every morning to a personalised tea selection and a fresh fruit bowl, then begin a soothing schedule of activities. Following your fitness, food and wellness consultations, you’ll have a uniquely-tailored plan of treatments to follow. On any given day, these will build on the knowledge and experience of Ananda’s staff to include yoga, pranayama breathing (the practice of controlling your breath), meditation and Hindu vedanta philosophy, as well as cookery demonstrations. Banish the last of your stresses and strains with Reiki, Thai massage, aromatherapy massage and reflexology – a session of each is included with your stay. As your days pass, you can relax in Ananda’s hydrotherapy facilities (including a steam-room, sauna and plunge pool) and keep track of your progress with the resident doctor and spa consultants. At mealtimes, you’ll savour a delicious blend of Indian, Asian and Western dishes, made from fresh and natural ingredients and based on Ayurvedic principles.
During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the incredible Ganga Aarti ceremony in nearby Rishikesh. Here, at the Parmath Niketan Ashram on the banks of the River Ganges, saffron-robed residents chant and incense burns, in a not-to-be-missed ritual that gives thanks to the sacred river, while an orange sun sinks into its waters. Before you leave Ananda, a debriefing session will help show you ways to bring your newly-found peace, health and happiness into your daily life.
Optional Extras
Trek to Kanjapuri Temple
(Free groups treks on Thursdays and Sundays; private treks can be arranged at additional cost, on request)
Take a guided trek with a spiritual bent, to the red and white Kanjapuri temple, four miles above Ananda. Located 1,676m above sea level and dedicated to the Goddess Sati, the temple has a stunning view towards Himalayan peaks and the nearby town of Rishikesh. Spa staff lead this three/four hour adventure at sunrise or sunset, when the views are at their most mesmerising. You’ll return to Ananda by car.
Rafting on the Ganges
Inject some adrenaline into your adventure, with a white water rafting experience along India’s holiest river. In the Himalayan foothills, the Ganges flows with force, and the two-hour trip along its waters makes for an exhilarating excursion. The white water rafting experience is managed by a professional rafting centre, 1.5 hours from the hotel.(See Extras tab for pricing. Please note, this excursion does not run between September and June due to monsoon season.)
Overnight at Ananda in the Himalayas Destination Spa, Narendranagar
Meals included: All
Day Six: Return Refreshed
After a final buffet breakfast, you’ll check-out in time for your private transfer back to Dehradun airport for your return flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overall meals included: Full board (soft and alcoholic drinks are not included)
What's included:
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Private transfers unless stated otherwise
- Meals as listed
- Mandatory taxes and service fees
- Personally-tailored programme
- Attend the spiritual Ganga Aarti ritual at sunset on the bank of the River Ganges
- A session each of Reiki, Thai massage, aromatherapy massage and reflexology during your stay
- Access to Ananda’s hydrotherapy facilities
What's not included:
- International flights to/from the start/end point of our experiences
- Optional extras listed
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff
- Any visa, customs, airport taxes or similar charges before or after the tour
- We cannot guarantee the included hotel breakfast for early departures
- Drinks during meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses, such as laundry
Be sure to bring: Yoga clothes; comfortable shoes for walking
For Home Office travel advice to this country, read more here
Children: This experience is not suitable for children.
GETTING THERE
Typical return Economy flights from London cost around £600 per person and take approximately 12 hours depending on exact flight configurations and layover times.
Experience start point: Dehradun (DED). Suggested arrival time by 2pm.
End point: Dehradun (DED). Suggested departure time by 11am.
All tour departures up to 31st December 2018 are part of our Pioneers Club promotion. Click here for more information about the Pioneers Club.