Awaken in the Himalayas

Thrive Breakaway in Rishikesh & Chopta Valley, Northern India

Oct 22 - Nov 1, 2025

AdobeStock_139020318.jpeg
 

Journey with us to explore Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, and reconnect with Nature and a simpler way of life while camping and hiking in the Himalayas.

Experience breathtaking vistas and traditional ways of life on a unique hiking adventure. Bring an open mind and moderate- to strong fitness levels for an unforgettable physical and spiritual journey. Visit legendary ashrams and temples, camp in the Himalayan foothills, and enjoy authentic vegetarian meals.

 
 

Oct 22 - Nov 1, 2025

 
 

Join co-leaders Ian O’Laughlin of Thrive and Chris Briney of Center For Iyengar Yoga on an unforgettable breakaway to Northern India that combines the best parts of yoga—from the spiritual side to the physical challenge, and the practice’s breathtaking, meditative, and healing qualities.

 

when

Oct 22 - Nov 1,
2025

where

Rishikesh on the Ganges
Chopta Valley in the Himalayans

cost

Pricing starts at: $3,290*
*does not include airfare

 

Accommodation

Where you’ll stay

Stay in a four star hotel, camp in a village, and experience Himalayan glamping—all in one breakaway.

ANTALYA HOTEL
Spend 4 nights (total) in a luxury 4-star hotel in Rishiskesh. Each room has a private bathroom. Breakfast and dinner is served.

6 NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS
3 Nights Camping in a Traditional Hindu village
3 Nights Glamping in Chopta Valley

 
Banner-4-images-1.jpg

pricing & fine print

Rooms, Rates, and Policies

Early bird price ends 6 months before retreat starts.

Balance on Standard booking is due 2 months before retreat starts.

 

Early Bird Pricing

Book a discounted spot either by paying in full or paying a deposit now and then the remaining balance 6 months before retreat. Visit our trusted partner, Create Space Yoga, using the buttons below for more information or to book your trip.

 

Early Bird Pricing ends April 24, 2025

Standard payment due by August 22, 2025


Important

Non-Refundable Payment Policy

If you would like to share a room, it's required that you fill the other space. If you’re a solo traveler and would like to share, please get in touch. We will try our best to find you a suitable roommate. Alternatively, the single room rate will apply.

All retreat payments are non-refundable and non-creditable.

Travel insurance is required for all retreat participants. Check with your credit card company if they provide, or go with an established company like IMG Global or Travelex Insurance.


FAQs

Why Rishikesh + Himalayas?

For thousands of years, Rishikesh, the World Capital of Yoga, has been one of India’s holiest and most spiritual centers. It is a magical city on the blue banks of the sacred Ganges river, nestled under the gaze of the mystical Himalayas. Filled with temples and surrounded by emerald jungles, hidden waterfalls, and pristine nature, Rishikesh is a jewel of an entry into the deep Himalayas and a gateway for those seeking to go deep into their meditative practice.

The Himalayas stretch across the northeastern portion of India. They cover approximately 1,500 mi (2,400 km) and pass through the nations of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal. The Himalayan range consists of three parallel ranges, often referred to as the Greater Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Outer Himalayas. While intimidating mountains like Everest and 2K tend to dominate our perceptions of the region, the Himalayas are rich in biodiversity.

Often referred to as “the third pole,” the climate ranges from tropical at the base of the mountains to perennial snow and ice at the highest elevations. These complex and diverse eco-regions are interconnected and revered for their sacred inspiration.

What does the schedule look like?

DAY 1
RISHIKESH | WELCOME TO THE YOGA CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the mother, Ganges, and a cup of chai. Relax, unwind, and put your bags down and feet up as we prepare you for the next ten days of breaking away. Kick off your Northern Indian adventure with an afternoon yoga session, followed by a vegetarian feast with the group.

DAY 2
RISHIKESH | ALL IN FROM THE BEGINNING

Start your day with morning yoga and a healthy breakfast. Then, we’ll explore the incredible town of Rishikesh. Take a walking tour through Lax Manjula and a tour through the ruins of the Beatles Ashram. After a day of exploring, unwind with a yoga class and a group dinner.

DAY 3
HIMALAYAS | AWAKEN WITH THE SUN

After breakfast, we set off by bus to the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. During our drive, we will make stops along the way until we arrive in a traditional Hindu village. There, we’ll take a short trek into this magical location. Our evening includes yoga, dinner, and tent camping overnight.

DAY 4
HIMALAYAS | WELCOME TO VILLAGE LIFE

Enjoy your morning yoga practice with the sounds of Mother Nature, followed by a hearty and home-cooked breakfast. Learn how the villagers live off the land, collect cattle food, and prepare their own meals. Village lunch, rest, and relaxation are followed by evening yoga and dinner.

DAY 5
HIMALAYAS | A DAY TO EXPLORE

Wake up with the sun and enjoy your morning yoga practice, followed by breakfast. Today, you’ll have the choice to hike to the village's highest point or unwind and relax with the locals. A group lunch using native ingredients will be followed by time to yourself and, later, evening yoga and dinner.

DAY 6
HIMALAYAS | ADVENTURE AWAITS

After morning yoga and breakfast, we depart the village, with the blessings of the local people, for Chopta Valley (a 2-3 hour drive). After reaching our new camp, we will meet for yoga, a campfire, and a group dinner. We will spend the night in glamping-style tents.

DAY 7
HIMALAYAS | AS OUR MINDS START TO OPEN, OUR BODIES WILL FOLLOW

An early morning breakfast is followed by an optional 7 km hike to Lake Deoria Tal, situated at 2,500 m. Enjoy your packed lunch along the way. After returning to our “glamp,” we will meet for yoga, a campfire, and a delicious group dinner.

DAY 8
HIMALAYAS | A PLACE OF WORSHIP

After breakfast, we’ll trek 4,000m to India's highest Lord Shiva temple. After we reach the summit, we will stop at Tungnath temple for a chai and reflection. Later, we will enjoy our final night in the Himalayas under the stars with yoga, a campfire, and a group dinner. This will be our last overnight stay in glamping-style tents.

DAY 9
RISHIKESH | RETURN TO RISHIKESH

After our morning yoga practice and breakfast together, we make our way back to Rishikesh. We’ll enjoy a locally inspired lunch along the way before returning to the hotel. Check in, savor a warm shower, and spend the afternoon as you wish. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional group dinner.

DAY 10
RISHIKESH | YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Rejuvenate with a much-needed sleep-in. Enjoy your included massage and spend the day relaxing, shopping, or exploring. Collect some last-minute gifts, visit an ashram, and meet the group in the afternoon for the retreat closing circle and an Aarti fire ceremony on the river Ganges. Then, we’ll share one final dinner as a group.

DAY 11
RISHIKESH | WE LEAVE THE MOUNTAINS, BUT THE MEMORIES REMAIN

It's time to say goodbye. Enjoy our last breakfast as a group, and according to your flight schedules, we will chauffeur you back to the airport. Fly to your future destination with the sweet memories of Mother India.

What kind of yoga can I expect?

Depending on the weather, yoga will be held inside or outside on the grass overlooking the mountains.

Whatever your capability or level of experience, you are truly welcome. We strongly encourage beginner yogis to join us, as this is a wonderful opportunity to find inspiration for starting a personal practice.

For more experienced yogis, this is a great place to deepen your yoga practice and grow spiritually.

We will supply you with a simple yoga mat. If you are mat fussy, please bring your own.

What kind of hiking can I expect?

Hiking Grade: Moderate

The trails are generally suitable for beginner hikers who want a challenge. The terrain involves a moderate incline and some steeper sections. Please be aware that you are in the Himalayas, the highest mountain region in the world. The high altitude has a bigger impact on hiking than the grade. Training is highly recommended for all levels of fitness.

  • Small hike into our village camping: 0.6 miles (± 1 km)

  • Village hike day: 5 Miles (± 8kms)

  • Hike to Lake Deoria Tal: 4.5 miles (± 7 km)

  • Hike to Tungnath Temple: 8 miles (± 13 km

I'm intrigued. Can I get more information?

Of course! Click on the links below to reach out to the team at Create Space Yoga.

I’m interested 🇮🇳 💛

What will we eat?

All meals will be sattvic (vegetarian) to support your daily yoga practice.

Prepare to be nourished from the inside out with delicious and unique food experiences.

Special dietary restrictions? Let us know in advance, as they’ll be happy to accommodate.

*Included in this retreat are 2-3 meals per day. The third meal and snacks will be at your own expense. Please budget anywhere between $10 - $25 per meal, depending on your choice of restaurant and order.

How do I get there?

Flights are not included. Arrive via Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. Take a

  • Flights are not included.

  • Arrive via Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.

  • Take a domestic flight to to Dehradun Domestic Airport (also known as Jolly Grant), arriving no later than 4pm on the first day of the retreat.

  • If you choose to use our included transfer services (recommended), you will be collected from the airport and driven to Rishikesh, roughly 40 minutes from the airport (this may vary depending on traffic).

  • Ground transport to and from Dehradun airport included on the retreat start and end dates only.

How do I book?

Book your Thrive “Awaken in the Himalayas” Retreat for Oct 22 - Nov 1, 2025

Request a detailed digital brochure for here from our travel partner Create Space Yoga, a yoga travel agency, for our Northern India Retreat.

You can take advantage of Early Bird Pricing (EBP) by either paying in full or paying a deposit now and then the remaining balance 6 months before the retreat start date.

  • EBP ends April 24, 2025 (standard payment due by August 24, 2025)

Have additional questions about room options, payment, or booking? Please email the team at Create Space Yoga directly at: admin@createspace.yoga.

What if I need to cancel?

NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT POLICY & TRAVEL INSURANCE

All retreat payments are non-refundable and non-creditable. We require all participants get Travel Insurance either through your credit card company or an established company like IMG Global or Travelex Insurance. In the event that a participant needs to cancel their retreat plans, Thrive Hot Yoga will provide a letter to support the insurance refund claim process, assuming the circumstances are valid to make a claim.

Escape the Chaos.

Embrace the Calm.

Visit our trusted partner, Create Space Yoga, for more information or to book your trip.

Oct 22 - Nov 1, 2025

AdobeStock_384674173.jpeg