Awaken and Connect

Step away from the pace of everyday life and settle into four days of connection, renewal, and presence at the Himalayan Institute. Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Pocono Mountains, this retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel fully alive through yoga, meditation, music, and shared experience.

Inspired by the wisdom of the Himalayan Tradition, the program blends mindful movement, meditation, live music, and thoughtful conversations with practical tools for healthy living. Each day offers a balance of energizing practice and restorative stillness, creating space to ground the body, quiet the mind, open the heart, and nourish the spirit.

This is an opportunity to step away from noise and distraction, recharge in nature, and reconnect with yourself and others in a meaningful way.

You’ll Experience

• Renewal and balance: Begin the mornings with guided yoga and meditation to awaken body and mind.
• Connection: Share heartfelt discussions and meaningful moments with a like-minded community.
• Stillness and nature: Enjoy an evening fire celebration, a guided waterfall hike, and the restorative energy of the outdoors.
• Music and celebration: Experience live soulful music and shared sound as a thread of reflection, connection, and joy throughout the retreat.

You’ll Learn

• Relaxation techniques to calm the mind and body
• Tools to manage stress and support mental clarity
• Breathwork practices to energize, ground, and restore balance
• Foundational yoga postures for strength, flexibility, and inner harmony
• Meditation practices to cultivate focus and inner peace
• Practical lifestyle tips for healthy living, mindful eating, and self-care

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this retreat for?
Anyone seeking relaxation, personal growth, and connection through yoga, meditation, outdoor activities, and mindfulness practices.

Is yoga experience necessary?
Yes, you should have at least begun a yoga practice. That said, the sessions are designed to be accessible to practitioners at every level, even while offering a challenge for each individual.

Can I bring a partner or friend?
Absolutely. If you would like to share the experience with a partner or friend, choose the booking option for two people.

What types of outdoor activities will we do?
On Saturday afternoon, there will be a guided group hike to a nearby waterfall, taking about an hour each way with time to rest and enjoy the surroundings. On Saturday evening, the group will gather for a bonfire celebration with live music, and guests who play or sing are welcome to share their gifts. The campus also offers a peaceful swimming pond, four groomed hiking trails, and quiet walking paths throughout the weekend.

Where is the retreat located?
The retreat takes place on the 400-acre campus of the Himalayan Institute in the serene Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

What type of yoga will we practice?
The sessions primarily focus on Hatha Yoga, rooted in the Himalayan Tradition, and include mindful movement, meditation, and restorative practices. Fitness-style movements are also woven in to build strength, support vitality, and help you move beyond physical and mental blocks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, a yoga mat, suitable footwear for walking and hiking, and an open mind. A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.

What will a typical day look like?
A sample day includes guided yoga and meditation in the morning, breakfast, free time for personal practice or wellness services, a morning retreat session, optional group meditation and Sri Sukta recitation, lunch, more free time, an optional guided nature walk, evening meditation and prayers, dinner, and an evening retreat session featuring live music, fire celebration, and more. Silence is observed from 10:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., and all sessions are 100% optional.