Svatantra Yatra – October 2022
Join us for the experience of a lifetime for the Svatantra Yatra to the Himalayas from the 6th-17th October 2022.
A yatra (pronounced yAH-trAH) is much more than a vacation. It's a sacred journey where the outer reality of the site fuses with our inner experience of the divine, and transforms us on all levels. To go on a yatra is to embark on a path that is mysterious and adventurous. We return from a yatra changed, not only because of the novelty of traveling to exotic lands, but because we've been touched by the grace of these sacred sites. This journey is such a yatra.
Beginning and ending in Rishikesh, this 11-night journey will take us deep into Devī sādhanā at the seat of the Himalayas. We will return having imbibed the transformative resonance and power of this center of the great masters and the mother Ganga.
The trip will be led by Dr. Kavitha Chinnaiyan, and joined in portions by Dr. Sumit Kesarkar.
Places are extremely limited to preserve the sacred intention of the trip.
Informational video
Itinerary
6th – 17th October 2022
- 1 night - Rishikesh
- 1 night - Uttarkashi
- 4 nights - Gangotri
- 2 nights – Barkot, with a day trip to Yamunotri
- 3 nights – Rishikesh
All transport will be via car.
DISCLAIMER:
This yatra is a spiritual journey that is planned entirely around the experience. This is not a luxurious journey, it is a pilgrimage which will necessarily involve basic accommodations and facilities. The food provided will be simple and light, to aid in acclimatization. The weather can be extremely cold, which at elevation will be felt more intensely. It requires proper clothing and footwear to hike.
This journey involves long car-rides and an ascent to high elevation that requires sound physical health. Please do not underestimate this – please discuss with your doctor if this is suitable for you before signing up. If you suffer from chronic health conditions, please do not register as we will be in remote locations. By signing up, you are accepting all liabilities for your health and safety, and must take out health insurance.
COVID requirements are strict in India - you are responsible for ensuring that you are able to meet these requirements for travel and access to temples etc.
Cost
$5352 – shared double room
$5850 – single room (please note that in remote locations, you may have to share a room based on availability. Single rooms will be provided as much as possible.)
Included:
- Two meals a day
- Accommodation
- All transport beginning and ending in Rishikesh
- Pūjās and temple visits
This cost does not include travel to and from Rishikesh, personal expenses such as laundry or water, tips etc.
A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required upon signing up. This will not be refunded for any reason, including failure to procure a visa, contracting COVID, or flight limitations. Please ensure you have done your research before signing up.
Payment in full must be made before the 1st August 2022.
The only refunds will be if India closes their borders due to COVID. If this happens 30 days prior to the trip, you will receive an 80% refund. After that, no refunds will be made. Refunds will not be made if your country changes their restrictions, so please consider the appropriate travel insurance coverage. By signing up, you are agreeing to these terms.
Sign up for a single room (deposit of $2925) here
Sign up for a shared room (deposit of $2676) here
*Please note, if there are no single rooms left and you sign up for a shared room, there is the possibility to request a single room after sign-up with the additional cost.