International Retreats
India: March 3-15, 2025
(Ashram not officially taking reservations until mid-summer. Names are being taken at no obligation. Trip ends 3/15 with flights leaving mid-evening)
International Yoga Festival!
Come, Connect, Embrace, and Evolve
Join us for the world famous annual International Yoga Festival in 2025 — uniting yogis of every culture, color and creed together in a one-world yogic family, expanding global consciousness, and bringing healing to the planet,
one person at a time!
Come to Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World and home of the ancient yogis, sages, and seers. Each year, the International Yoga Festival grows and expands, embracing more and more people from more and more countries around the world.
Connect with like-minded and conscious individuals from every part of the world. Whether you are already undergoing a personal transformation or are in search of transformation, whether you are already an active co-creator of your own divine life or you would like to become one – this festival is for everyone!
In the 7-day immersion and celebration, you have the opportunity to embrace every major style of yoga and learn from enlightened spiritual leaders, master yoga teachers, and wellness specialists from around the world. Awaken to the best version of yourself and ignite your inner light through this not-to-be-missed event at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the largest
interfaith yoga institutions in India. The program offers an extensive schedule of possibilities, starting with Kundalini sadhana at 4 a.m. for the intensely committed and ending at 9:30 p.m. with traditional cultural song and dance, kirtan, and enlightened entertainment on the
banks of Ganga. You can customize each day based on your personal needs.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the U.S. for New Delhi
Depart the U.S. for New Delhi
Day 2
New Delhi
Upon arrival in New Delhi, you will be met by our Peace through Yoga transportation representative and taken to the Haveli Dharampura Hotel located in the heart of the Old City. Built in 1887, Haveli is a UNESCO Awarded Heritage site. It is beautifully decorated with intricate designs of woodwork on the rooftops, sculptures and Hindu goddesses engraved in stone and steel, antique balconies that open to the chirpy pigeons and busy roads of Chandni Chowk. It took six years to restore the Haveli, using traditional artisans so as not to lose the essence of the original architecture. Relax and get acclimated to your new surroundings.
Day 3
New Delhi - FAITH TOUR OF NEW DELHI
The morning starts at 8 AM. This is a spiritual as well as a culinary exploration of Delhi’s diverse cultures and beliefs. You start at the magnificent Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque that was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the same emperor who built the iconic Taj Mahal for his beloved wife.
You walk through the bustling lanes of Chawri Bazaa listening to the fascinating tales of the courtesan culture that once thrived here and learning about the city’s culinary heritage. You stop for a cup of tea before continuing the conversation of the intersection of food and faith.
You will visit Sis Ganj Gurdwara that grew as an antithesis to the rituals of Hinduism. A religion signifying resilience of unity you learn about the teaching that focuses on the principles of equality and selfless service. The Church of the Courtesan is next on the tour, an intriguing place of worship that still has Bible readings in Urdu. The Jain temple and Bird Hospital to learn about a religion that has a commitment to non-violence and compassion for all living beings and the 800 year old Historic Hindu Temple round off this journey through the many faithsof India.
Day 3
New Delhi - FAITH TOUR OF NEW DELHI
From here, a short drive takes you to Delhi’s most historical necropolis – the neighborhood of Nizamuddin. This medieval settlement or “basti” named after Sheikh Hazrat Nizamuddin who belonged to a fraternity of Sufi mystics, the Chistis. Many of the saints and disciples including Amir Khusrau and Jahanara Begum (Shah Jahans daughter) are buried here. The most famous spectacular of the tombs of Nizamuddin is the Humayun’s Tomb. One of the earliest examples of a Mughal Garden Tomb, this mausoleum was designed by a Persian architect, and provided the prototype for future tombs, including the Taj Mahal. You will also visit the Hope Project while at Nizumuddin. A welcome dinner is
planned at the hotel for our first night as a group in India (B/L/D)
Day 4
DELHI – DEHRADUN – RISHIKESH
An early morning departure transfer is scheduled for the airport to take the one- hour flight to Dehradun. From the airport it is then a one hour drive to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is one of the most holy places in India. Rishikesh represents the Gateway to the Himalayas and abounds in natural splendor. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an amazing sight. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here. Enjoy the afternoon acclimating to Rishikesh as shops, restaurants, and a wonderful culture greets you
right outside the Ashram. Overnight at Parmarth Ashram. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Rishikesh
Enjoy yoga prior to breakfast then depart for a nice leisurely walk from the Ashram to Ramana’s Garden across the Ganges River. Ramana’s Garden is a home and school for orphans and destitute children in the remote mountainous villages of the Himalayas near Rishikesh. There are currently more than 70 children living at the orphanage, and the program provides education for 160 children, many who attend from the surrounding villages. Through past programs, we have started a new library and computer center to provide education, enrichment programs, tutoring, and access to information through the installation of computers.
Most of the day will be spent at Ramana’s Garden, including a wonderful lunch at the café on site, which is open to the public. Enrichment programs based on your interests, skills, and talents will be implemented in a few of the classrooms. Deliver books, educational materials, shoes, and clothes/shoes for the children.
Take your time heading back to the Ashram by shopping, enjoying the local cultures, or partaking in a massage. Dinner at the Ashram, followed by group processing. B/L/D)
Day 6-12
International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh
Participate in the 2025 International Yoga Festival including workshops on different yoga disciplines such as Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Reiki, Pranayama, Power Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Pranic Healing, Music Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Nada yoga, Meditation and special satsangs. Also, enjoy the local ambiance of the Ganges River by doing an optional river-rafting excursion, hiking the foothills of the Himalayas, taking a cooking class, having a massage, shopping for wonderful items from India, touring the “Beatles Ashram” close by, and so much more!
A group dinner will be served at Ramana’s mid-week, followed by singing and chanting during the children's evening ritual. (B/L/D)
Day 13
Return to Delhi
Return to Delhi where you will have day rooms at the Holiday Inn Express until your later transfer to the international airport. For those wishing to explore other areas of the country, there will be post excursions offered to the Taj Mahal and Jaipur. You will leave this enchanting land with memories you will never forget. (B)
Prices:
Double Per Person: $2999
Single: +$900
$500 deposit is due per person upon booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Checks made payable to Peace through Yoga Foundation. 3.5% added for credit card fees.
Cancellation fee is $500 prior to balance due and non-refundable after full payment. Trip Protection highly recommended.
(Names are being taken until exact dates are announced)
Documents Needed: Passport and Visa
THE PARMARTH ASHRAM
Parmarth Niketan is a true, spiritual haven, lying on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, in the lap of the lush Himalayas. It is also the largest ashram in Rishikesh. Parmarth Niketan provides its thousands of pilgrims - who come from all corners of the Earth - with a clean, pure and sacred atmosphere as well as abundant, beautiful gardens. The facilities are a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional, spiritual simplicity.
(Individuals needing roommates will be matched accordingly)
Intensity:
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Culture Shock - India is home to over a billion people. Prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything you ever thought imaginable. English is widely spoken and the major religions are Hindu and Islam.
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Physical Demands - This trip is planned during the International Yoga Festival so relax, meditate, and reflect on what you are experiencing in this amazing country.
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Food and Drink - If you have never experienced Indian food before, you are in for a treat! Vegetarian fare dominates.
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Accommodations – Hotel in New Delhi and an ashram in Rishikesh.
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Volunteer Work: Work directly one day with local children at Ramana’s Garden.
Inclusions:
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9 nights at Parmarth Ashram in Rishikesh
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3 hotel stays in New Delhi
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New Dehli City Tour and lunch
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Roundtrip airport transfers
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Inter-country flight to Dehradun
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Transfers to and from Rishikesh
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All meals at the Ashram
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Welcome and farewell dinners
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Private audience with His Holiness Swamiji
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Lunch and dinner at Ramana's Garden
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Activities with children in orphanage and school
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All taxes and gratuities
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Services of Trip Leader
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International Yoga Festival
Other Information:
A visa is required for travel to India. Please visit the Indian Embassy website for further information on how to obtain your visa, www.indianembassy.org.
For travel health information, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel or consult your personal physician.
If interested in pre/post tours in India
To book this yoga retreat, please contact our Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, at 317-544-8391.
Sally Bassett
Sally Bassett, Ph.D./E-RYT, has been teaching yoga for over two decades. As well as being a yoga instructor, Sally is a humanitarian, world traveler, seeker, and founder of Peace through Yoga Foundation.
Sally has led groups to over 120 countries as a result of her 40+ year career in the travel industry where she went from flight attendant to CEO. Sally’s yoga journey has included a 12-year ownership of two yoga studios before selling in 2014, teaching yoga and philosophy as an adjunct professor at Butler University for seven years and co-founding the Yoga and Spirituality program at Christian Theological Center in Indianapolis, IN. Sally teaches at Blooming Life Yoga in the village of Zionsville, IN and leads retreats around the world. Her favorite quote is by Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
Karla Becker
Karla Becker, E-RYT, has been a yoga teacher for over 20 years. She is a life-long yoga student, practicing and teaching Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga, and then Kundalini Yoga when she was introduced to it in 2001.
Karla felt she had returned to her youth when practicing Kundalini Yoga due to its intensive breath practice, energy work and dynamic movement that reminded her of being a kid again. She’s been trained by internationally renowned teacher, Gurmukh, and has been traveling back and forth to California over the years for training. Karla is a board member for Peace through Yoga Foundation and has been involved since its inception in 2005. She has a Master of Science degree from Indiana University in Education and has a life-long love of teaching. Karla looks forward to being part of helping make this trip to India a truly transformational journey.