A PILGRIMAGE TO
THE HIMALAYAS
MAY, 2025
यात्रा
यात्रा
yātrā यात्रा (Pilgrimage)
Join us for a transformative experience to the heart of Vedic wisdom and culture–the Himalayas. The Himalayas, often described as “heaven on earth,” is the highest and most majestic mountain range in the world.
A pilgrimage is more than just an adventure, it is a spiritual journey to sacred places for the purpose of receiving blessings and deep purification. We will be encountering ancient temples that are expressive of natural laws as well as holy mountains, rivers, waterfalls and locations found in ancient texts.
A pilgrimage involves surrendering our preferences, embracing discomfort and adapting to the journey in order to make way for profound experiences and personal expansion.
Let the spiritual vibrations of these powerful places reawaken your sense of awe, wash your spirit clean, and give you the clear vision for what your like can be.
May, 2025 | $2,900 per person | Limited to only 10 spaces
Travel & Accommodations
Our retreat takes place in Northern India, nestled at the foot and into the Himalayas, at the border with Tibet in and around Spiti Valley. Our journey involves travel by cars, and plenty of walking.
Our accommodations will range from comfortable hotels to camps.
The retreat starts on May 23rd. Fly into Delhi, then transfer to Chandigarh Airport. Our driver will pick you up and will take you to the Guesthouse in Naggar. It is about a 6-hour drive. Consider arriving a day early and staying in Delhi or maybe visiting Rishikesh to adjust to the time zone. We can assist with travel arrangements.
Prepare for high altitude, with a gradual ascent to allow acclimatization. Weather varies, so pack layers, sweaters, socks, puffy jackets, and comfortable shoes. Be ready for diverse conditions, and expect a few days for altitude adjustment.
Your passport MUST be valid up to 6 months after our finish date. You will also need a visa. You can apply for an E-Visa. Please check with the Indian Embassy in the country from which you have your passport.
Itinerary
DAY 1 & 2
Naggar & Manali
We begin our pilgrmage with visits to the ancient towns of Manali and Naggar full of old buildings and narrow winding streets. The towns are dotted with temples that date back to the 12th century including the four-story wooden Hidimba Temple built in the 1500s dedicated to the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. There is also Naggar Castle constructed in the 15th century full of beautifully carved woodwork and balconies overlooking the valley.
DAY 3
Jibhi Khanag & Saruvalsar Lake
Jibhi and Khanag are enchanting hamlets in the Tirthan Valley encircled by the lush green deodar trees, orchards, freshwater streams and ancient temples. Seruvalsar Lake is a high altitude lake in the Seraj Valley with beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains. It is also home of the Budhi Nagin Temple, one of the oldest temples in the valley, built in the 8th century to honor the serpant god.
DAY 4
Reckong Peo & Sangla Villages
Reckong Peo is a picturesque town famous for its apple orchards. We'll also explore villages along theSangla Valley, arguably the most romantic valley in Himachal Pradesh.
DAY 5
Kalpa Village & Monastery
We'll explore the visually stunning Kalpa Village, home to a small monastery and Durga Temple. Kalpa features traditional Himachali architecture with wooden houses and intricate carvings. What sets Kalpa apart is its views of Kinnaur Kailash from every part of the village. As per mythology, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati reside in this mountain.
DAY 6
Tabo Monastery,
Dhankar Monastery,
Pin Valley
Constructed in 996 AD, Tabo Monastery is among the oldest and important monasteries in the Himalayas. It is a surreal experience to visit and feels like you are traveling back in time. Dhankar Monastery, also one of the oldest monasteries in Spiti Valley is built on the edge of a high mountain spur overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers as they crisscross the valley below.
DAY 7
Kaza
Known as the world's highest village, Kaza is a beautiful town located at an altitude of about 12,500 ft. It is divided into two areas– old Kaza, called Kaza Khas and comprises king's palace, monasteries, gompas, and ancient buildings, the new Kaza is called Kaza Soma and houses government offices, hotels & restaurants.
DAY 8
Langsa, Gomik Khikim, Kewar Village, Key Monastery
Langza Villageis an offbeat, scenic and relatively unexplored village in Spiti Valley that is rich in fossils of marine animals and plants. Key Monastery, also known as the 'Monastery at the Center of the Mandala', is the largest monastery in Spiti and holds great spiritual significance.
DAY 9
Kunjam & Chandrathal
Chandratal Lake also called “The Moon Lake” in the Spiti Valley is one of the most enchanting lakes in the Himalayas. According to mythology, Chandratal is the place where Indra, the King of Gods, came down on his chariot to transport Yudhishthira, eldest of the five Pandavas, in his mortal form to Swarga (heaven).
DAY 10
Sirshu, Waterfall, Atal Tunnel
We'll explore Sirshu, take in the waterfall's beauty, then pass through the engineering marvel, Atal Tunnel, on our way back.
DAY 11
Return to Naggar
We return to Naggar and reflect on the journey and transformations this pilgrimage has brought to your spiritual path.
DAY 12
Goodbye
We say farewell to the Himalayas and each other with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed spirit.
About
Kristen Vandivier
Kristen Vandivier is an instructor of Vedic Meditation based in California. After completing an intensive curriculum of training under reknowned Master Maharishi Vyasananda Thom Knoles, including a three-month immersion program in the Himalayas, Kristen returned to found The Vedic Method. She also co-founded Meditation Without Borders with Isabel Keoseyan which brings meditation to those in most need around the world and the Being the Change Podcast. She lives near San Francisco with her husband and three children.
Our Guide: Vimal Barthwal
Born and raised in Rishikesh, Vimal’s journey as a yogi began years ago with his studies at the Bihar School of Yoga – founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati – and continued at the Sivananda Vedanda Academy in Rishikesh. Following his Guruji’s advice and as part of his sadhana (spiritual practice) Vimal lived alone for a year in a cave on the banks of the Ganga. Now Vimal (known as Yogi Vimal) runs Om Sampoorn Yoga in Rishikesh. Vimal also lives part time in Himachal Pradesh and has experience in leading pilgrimages through the high Himalayan Mountains.
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