YOGA AND MEDITATION RETREAT RISHIKESH, INDIA

Dates: Weds. 27 Sept – 8 Oct, 2025

Embark on a transformative journey to Spiritual India, the birthplace of yoga, guided by experienced New Zealand Yoga and Meditation teacher Susan Allen. This retreat is perfect for those who’ve always dreamed of experiencing the rich culture and spiritual essence of India. Susan has been to India over a dozen times. Under her expert guidance you will immerse yourself in an authentic yoga and meditation practice, explore sacred sites, and see the vibrant beauty of India in a supportive group of like-minded people.

Tour facilitated by Good Food Journeys NZ

Retreat held in Rishikesh, Himalayas, India – the birthplace of Yoga

This 11-day retreat begins in Delhi where we come together as a group and head to Rishikesh (via Haridwar) on the second day. The next 6 days, with the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, you will be immersed in the rich and transformative practices of yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is called the “Yoga capital of the World”, where ancient yogis and rishis have been practicing yoga here for millennia and there is a tangible energy and atmosphere that buoys any spiritual practice.

For the last 3 days of this retreat we head to Varanasi, the spiritual epicenter of India. Varanasi is believed to be the oldest continuous living civilization in the world, dating back 5,000 years. Hindus believe that if someone exhales their final breath here and is cremated in Varanasi, it will bring salvation (moksha) and break the cycle of death and rebirth. We will visit ancient Ghats (steps leading down to the river) and Temples built in the 12th century. We also have planned an exclusive fire ceremony in a temple performed by a priest for our group.

Let Susan share with you the magic and richness of yoga India.

– What you will learn –

The yoga asana sessions will have an emphasis on cultivating a deep connection with the physical body. You will be guided through carefully designed sequences where the breath is a central element, and the postures are performed slowly, mindfully and appropriately.

Meditation is the culmination of yoga practices. Through the practice of meditation, we can have a tremendous impact on our experience and appreciation of life. Everyone can meditate if given the right instructions, and when practiced properly, meditation can bring ease to the mind and joy to the heart. The practices we will do include both tranquility practices that quieten the mind as well as awareness practices that open the mind. They are very practical and accessible to all.

– Enrich your life –

The purpose of this retreat is twofold. Firstly, to share with you an unforgettable exotic adventure to the Himalayas, to the home of yoga, Rishikesh. The other part of the experience is to dive deep into the ancient practices of yoga and meditation, to learn a practice that you can take home with you for the rest of your life.

The practices will be taught in a personalised manner with structure and clarity. The sessions will be suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced. If you have any physical or mental limitations, you are welcome to get in touch with Susan before booking your spot on the tour. She is generous with her time and knowledge and will be available throughout the retreat to discuss your personal practice.

– The location –

Our retreat center in Rishikesh Atali Ganga is nestled amongst the majestic mountains beside the holy river Ganga. On one side is a forest reservation with plenty of wildlife, while on the other side you are a short walk to the sandy banks of the river. The views from the resort are stunning. Imagine yourself meditating at dawn on the banks of the Ganga, where holy men and pilgrims come to worship and the Himalayas as the backdrop. True mystical India.

– Susan’s connection to India –

Susan did her first yoga teacher training in 2002 in the home of yoga – Rishikesh, the location for this retreat. Since then, she has travelled to India over a dozen times both to study Yoga as well as Meditation under the guidance of some of India’s most prestigious teachers. She has a deep connection and love for the people, the culture and the rich spiritual heritage of India.

This will be her first retreat facilitated in India, and she is tremendously excited and passionate about sharing a mystical Indian yoga experience with others at the source, where it all started – full circle!

– Dates and Pricing –

Dates: 27 Sept - 8 Oct, 2025 (12 days)
Cost: This is a small group tour of 15 people.
NZD $5,350 per person (twin share)
NZD $6,650 (single supplement)
Price includes everything except flights - for a full list of what's included click here

Booking process

1. All bookings are done through Good Food Journeys on their website here.
2. Terms and Conditions of booking are on Good Food Journey’s website here.

Give yourself a gift, an immersion retreat just for yourself

Susan Allen who is leading the retreat is the founder of Yoga Ground, studios in Auckland and Wanaka, New Zealand. She also owns Entering the Stream, a world class online yoga and meditation platform and The Yoga Transition, a yoga teacher mentorship business. Read more about Susan here.

Retreats NZ | susan@theyogatransition.com | +64-21-222-6550

Retreats NZ susan@theyogatransition.com
+64-21-222-6550