Whispers of Mandal

Join us for an 11-night retreat nestled in the serene Mandal Valley of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, a region renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.

This immersive experience offers a chance to deepen your yoga practice through daily asana, meditation, and philosophical discussions in a supportive and grounded setting.
Beyond the mat, we'll explore the rich cultural tapestry of the area with visits to ancient temples, tranquil nature walks, and moments of reflection amidst the majestic mountain landscapes.
It's an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and the profound wisdom of the Himalayas.

Day 1:

• Meeting in Rishikesh

• Dinner with the group

• overnight stay

Day 2:

• Early morning leaving from Rishikesh to Dea Avnova, our beautiful retreat location in the Mandal Valley, ca. 6-7 hours drive by car

• Opening ceremony

Day 3-11:

• Daily classes of asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, yogic games, satsang (yogic philosophy, Q&A, ) and kirtan

• Nature walks

• Cultural experiences - local temple visits, exploration of traditional

  mountain villages, ...

• Free time to relax, rest, read, unwind, journal or connect with others

Day 12:

• last breakfast at Dea Avnova

• morning check-out

• travel back to Rishikesh

optional:

• Guided hike to Tungnath Temple, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world

• Private yoga sessions or sound healing with us during the retreat

• basic introduction into mantra sadhana wuth the use of Sadhana App (created by Om Swami ji) for those who are interested

Note: This is the planned schedule but it is subject to change due to weather, wishes of the group, etc. Please be ready and open for slight changes here and there. We are in India ;)

What is included?

• first night in Rishikesh + Dinner

• Transportation from Rishikesh to Mandal and back (by private mini van) + meals on travel day

• 10 nights at Dea Avnova, shared Twin or Double Rooms (single rooms only on request)

• 3 nourishing, wholesome, ayurvedic meals (vegetarian, fresh, organic, local) at retreat location

• all yoga sessions and cultural excursions (excl. Tunghnath track)

• Community support & personal space to simply be

What is NOT included?

• Flight tickets to India

• Transportation to Rishikesh

• Visa fees

• Travel (health) insurance

• Laundry

• Private yoga sessions or sound healing, only on request

Our Retreat Location - Dea Avnova

Dea Avnova is a Boutique River Retreat in the beautiful Mandal Valley in the state of Uttrakhand in the North of India.
It is a sanctuary for souls seeking an extraordinary space to have unforgettable experiences. Nestled on the banks of a crystal-clear blue river and bordered by the lush Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, it offers a harmonious blend of nature, serenity, and inspiration.
In Mandal Valley five goddesses along with Van Devi (Dea Avnova) watch over us and bless us with their divine presence.
Crafted with care using permaculture and natural building principles, every detail is designed to envelop you in unparalleled comfort and relaxation.
From the bespoke furniture to the soft embrace of the bedding and the delicate touch of hand-picked crockery, every element whispers the theme of nature's embrace.
Come, join us in experiencing the luxury of nature's embrace nestled within the majestic embrace of the Indian Himalayas!

Meet Your Facilitators -
Ashish Om & Marie Om

Ashish Om & Marie Om are the heart behind Mahaveer Yoga Shala and this retreat – two dedicated teachers brought together by their shared love for yoga, India and spiritual living.

Ashish was born and raised in India, where yoga is not a trend but a way of life. With over a decade of experience teaching yoga and a deep foundation in Ayurveda and traditional Indian practices, his presence brings an authentic connection to the roots of the yogic path and Sanatana Dharma.
His teaching is grounded, accessible, but also challenging (in a good way) and full of quiet wisdom — drawing not just from books, but from years of personal practice, ashram life, and guiding students from around the world.

Marie came to yoga in search of peace amidst a busy life — and never looked back.
Her journey led her from Europe to Asia, where she immersed herself in the ancient teachings of Hatha Yoga, Tantra, Yoga Nidra, and devotional practices. What she brings is a deeply heartfelt approach — one that is as much about inner transformation as it is about technique. Her ability to hold space with compassion and clarity makes everyone feel safe and seen.

Important Notes

We kindly ask all participants to dress modestly throughout the retreat. This means covering the knees, shoulders, and chest at all times. Clothing should be loose and comfortable, also during yoga classes and daily activities.

Our retreat takes place in a traditional Indian village, where cultural values and customs are deeply respected. Dressing modestly is not only a sign of sensitivity to the local community, but also an important way to honor the sacred spaces we will visit.

The weather in November will be nice and pleasant with sun shine during the day (around 20-22°C), but chilly in the nights. So please also bring some warmer clothes like socks, jacket, jumper, etc.

This retreat will be confirmed once we have a minimum of 4 registered participants.
We recommend to wait with travel arrangements until you have the final confirmation from us.

Want to join us?