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Kashmir Valley Retreat


August 21 - 30, 2024
Śrīnagar, India
In-Person Retreat

Kashmir Valley Retreat

In this one of a kind retreat, we will explore the sacred sites and lush landscape of the Kashmīr Valley while engaging in practices, teachings, satsangs and kīrtan.

From our home base in Srinagar we will take daily excursions to soak in the history, temples, holy sites and sacred landscapes of the area where Tantrik masters like Abhinavagupta, Ksemaraja, and Utpaladeva lived and roamed. Our afternoons and evenings will be spent in practice and teaching sessions as we integrate our experiences and immerse in the astonishing beauty of the Tantrik teachings.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a spiritual retreat and not a tourist experience. The schedule will be very full and includes mandatory practice times. There will be limited time for shopping and personal excursions.

 

 

Retreat Details

 
 
  • Early wake-up

    Self-guided meditation or Asana

    Breakfast

    Morning excursion

    Lunch

    Afternoon Practice and Teachings

    Light Dinner

    Early to Bed (or additional teaching and practice)

    *exact timings will change dependent on excursions and needs of the group

  • August 20 – Optional extra night in Srinagar (no formal program).

    August 21 – All arrive to Srinagar by 2pm.

    August 22-29 – Daily Schedule as outlined above.

    August 30– Retreat concludes at lunch – optional extra night available

  • What’s Included:

    –All historical and spiritual talks and guided meditations with Hareesh

    –All accommodations

    –All meals at the hotels and en route

    –Admissions to the monuments

    –Our local tour guide, Yusuf, accompanies us always.

    –All tips for hotel staff, restaurants, washrooms, and temples.

    –Fruit and snacks while in the bus

    –All local taxes

    What’s NOT Included:

    — Cost of any special pujas at any of the temples

    — Cost of any ordered drinks

    — Any special entry fees for the Main sanctum of any temple

    — Video camera or still camera fees

    — Airfares and visa fees

    — Arrival & Departure transfers

    — Tips for our guide ($10 – $25 per day)

    — Laundry services or phone bills.

    — Anything not specified in above

  • You are required to purchase travel insurance for this trip, no later than 10 days after registration. Please send us proof of travel insurance ASAP. The level of coverage you choose is up to you, ensure to obtain travel insurance that covers the risks you are unwilling to assume.

    CANCELLATION POLICY – There is a $1000 deposit for the trip, of which $500 is non-refundable. Additionally, You must cancel 60 days prior to travel or NO REFUND will be issued. There are no exceptions to this rule, including COVID or other pandemic related country closures. This is a risk you assume. Please read the full policy here.

    Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from our entry date to India. Check today and start the renewal process now if necessary.

    An Indian visa is required to enter the country. Please ensure that whatever passport you hold is eligible for an Indian visa. The process can sometimes take up to 3 months and require in person visits to your embassy, so please start this process immediately. No refunds will be issued after 60 days prior to travel, even for visa problems.

  • CASH & CREDIT CARDS

    Cash transactions can generally be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. The import and export of Indian Rupees is strictly prohibited unless you are a resident of India. So make certain to conduct any currency exchanges within India.

    Major credit cards are accepted on a limited basis, mainly in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is widespread in cities and towns but limited in rural areas.

    MONEY MATTERS

    We recommend travelling with some cash, and at least two different major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as confirm any foreign transaction fees.

    When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations; many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may be required for exit.

    KEEP CONNECTED

    While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan options while travelling abroad.

    GETTING ONLINE

    Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout your journey, although Internet access may be poor to nonexistent in remote destinations. Note that some countries block access to social media sites or otherwise impose restrictions on what content you can view or send online.

 
 

Experience a transformative retreat combined with daily excursions in the heartland of Shaiva Tantra.

 

Our Sacred Outings

This is far too much beauty for us to capture it all in one trip! From the options below, we will choose those that most inspire and/or are available as access to sites changes frequently.

  • A variety of temples including:

    – Śārikā-devī / Chakreshwarī on Hariparvat in Śrīnagar

    – Rājñī (Khīr Bhavānī) at Tulmul

    – Avantipor

    – Shankaracharya Temple

    – Bālā Temple

    - Jyeṣṭhā Temple

  • Swami Lakshman Joo’s Ashram.

  • Shivotpala - the sanctuary where the rock on which the Shiva Sutras were revealed resides.

  • Parimahal - the area where Utpaladeva lived and wrote his transformative work.

  • Nishat Gardens

 
 

 

Our Beautiful Venue

 

Our venue sits 40 mins outside of the Srinagar city center and provides the perfect base for our daily excursions and extended practice and retreat immersion.

 
 

The breathtaking view across the valley from the hotel.

 

Meet Your Guide
Christopher Hareesh Wallis.

See full Bio


Dates
21 - 30 August, 2024
(Optional additional nights available)

Location
Śrīnagar, Kashmīr
India

How Much? (Pricing will be confirmed once opened for booking)
Triple Shared Room: $2,800
Twin Shared Room: $4,100
Private Room: $5,300

PLEASE NOTE: A deposit of $1,000 is required for the retreat of which $500 is non-refundable.

For further information please contact india@tantrailluminated.org

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Awakening the Inner Power: Teachings on Spanda & Kuṇḍalinī

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August 30

Sacred Pilgrimage Trek