TANTRIC BHAKTI RETREAT
INDIA & NEPAL RETREAT October 2026
Varanasi-Agra-Vrindavan-Kerala-Kathmandu, Nepal
VARANASI
We will commence our retreat in Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, the god of transformation, dance, and yoga in Hindu mythology. In Varanasi we will engage with the mystic Bhava of ancient tantric Goddess temples, exploring the Shiva Tattva, sacred essence in his holy city. Known for its clockwork of rituals, where one can observe Hindu traditions at their source, we will be transported back in time as we make our way around this remarkable city. In the words of Mark Twain, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
AGRA
We will transition from Varanasi to Agra, where we have an opportunity to take a morning tour of the Taj Mahal. Built during the Mogul Empire by Shah Jahan as a monument to honor his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Taj Mahal is a wonder of the world that will take your breath away.
VRINDAVAN
Sacred to Lord Krishna and his Divine Consort Radha Rani, Queen of the Gopis, Vrindavan offers us the opportunity to engage in the devotional practice of Bhakti. Visiting the ISKON Prem Mandir of the Hare Krishna tradition, we will chant, dance, and sing our hearts out, and witness the evening Arati in Devotion to the iconic God who teaches us through the Bhagavad Gita. Vrindavan offers us a sweetness to engage, inviting us into devotion through the practice of Divine Love.
CHERAI, KERALA
We will travel to Kerala’s backwaters at Cherai beach, an hour outside of Kochi. Soaking ourselves in traditional Ayurvedic treatments, we will explore the ancient traditions of this yogic science, while immersing ourselves in the serene surroundings of ocean waters and jungles. Located 10 minutes walk from the beach, Cherai will offer us an opportunity to unwind with supportive group practices, and rejuvenating massages and treatments.
KATHMANDU, NEPAL
From Delhi, we will take a 1.5 hour flight to Kathmandu. Home to the rich history of the Newari culture, the Kathmandu Valley welcomes us to explore Buddhist & Hindu sacred sites, amidst the bustling culture of this mountainous city, said to be protected by Naga (cobra) spirits. Pilgrimaging throughout our days, we will take in the blessings of sacred Stupas, stunning gilded doorways that lead to magnificent wooden pagoda style temples, and wander through the fascinating and bustling streets full of incredible history and culture. Our base in central Kathmandu offers a delightful marketplace full of worldwide cuisine, wonderful shops and galleries, and more.
TANTRIC BHAKTI RETREAT: 11 nights
COST: $4150 (includes registration fee)
1 night delhi (4 star hotel)
3 nights heritage hotel in Varanasi (3-4 Stars)
1 overnight train
2 night Agra (3-4 Stars)
4 nights Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala **Includes consultation & spa treatments
KATHMANDU ADD ON: 4 nights
COST: $1000
4 nights 4 star hotel in central Kathmandu
4 breakfasts in the hotel (other meals are on your own to enjoy the variety available in central Kathmandu)
Transportation on 3 outings
Monument tickets at Swayambhu, Boudhnath, Durbar Square, & Pashupatinath
TANTRIC BHAKTI RETREAT & ADD ON: 15 nights
COST: 4150 + 1000 =5,150 (includes registration fee to Jill)
1 night delhi (4 star hotel)
3 nights heritage hotel in Varanasi (3-4 Stars)
1 overnight train
2 nights Agra (3-4 Stars)
4 nights Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala (3-4 Star)
4 nights Kathmandu (4 Star Heritage Hotel)
RETREAT COST:
Registration Fee: $1000 Paid Directly to Jill ($800 early bird)
Retreat Fee: $3150 USD (double occupancy in Delhi, single occupancy throughout the retreat)
Cost: $4150 USD
INCLUSIONS:
-Loving guidance preparing for the retreat
-Support booking your flights & India/Nepali eVisas
-Consultation & massage treatments and therapies accordingly in Kerala
-All airport transfers
-All transportation per the itinerary throughout
-All meals in Varanasi & Agra
-Breakfast & Dinner in Kerala (Luncheons will be on your own, as you may be doing Panchakarma therapy)
-All breakfasts in Kathmandu (we are surrounded by fabulous cuisine you will want to explore on your own during our stay!)
-Yoga & meditation sessions
-All tours, entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the itinerary
EXCLUSIONS:
-International & Domestic flights (our India hostess Uschi will help you book to make arrivals and take off’s as easy as possible!)
-India eVisa & Nepali eVisa Fee
-Costs related to deviating from the itinerary
-Alcoholic beverages
-Dakshina: Customary offerings at temples & for our private Puja (about $50 USD total), that must be passed by you to the priest, or put in temple box.
-Excess baggage fees on any of the flights
-Customary tips for help with your luggage, room cleaning (About $5-10 each location)
ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival in India-Sept 29th
Arrival in Delhi airport. Rakesh & Uschi’s team pick you up at Terminal #3, and transition to nearby hotel for some much needed rest overnight.
Day 1: Transition to Varanasi-Sept 30th
Breakfast buffet in hotel. Depart for airport, flight to Varanasi (1.5hrs). Arrive in Varanasi. Taxi to hotel and check in. Walk to the Ganges for first welcome and setting intentions. Dinner, goodnight.
Day 2: Varanasi-Shiva’s Magic *Hanuman Jayanti-Oct 1st
Morning meditation & practice on hotel terrace. Breakfast in the hotel. Varanasi old city walk through Hanuman Gali to Panchaganga Ghat, seeing the magical doorways, paintings, ancient city life. View the city from it’s highest point at the Black Mosque. Special blessings at the Tripura Sundari & Shiva Temple. Cross the cremation ghats. Shopping for local textiles and visit a classical Indian music school where we will be treated to a jam session, and can explore the instruments there(they have Tanpura, Sitar, Tabla, Veena, Shruti Boxes, Harmoniums, and more), Dinner, goodnight.
Day 3: Varanasi-Oct 2nd
Morning boatride along the ghats. Meditation at Nepali Temple, and visiting the widows. Program in development.
Evening Arati & Puja at Gauri-Kedareshwar Temple. Dinner in the hotel, goodnight.
Day 4: Transition to Agra/Vrindavan-Oct 3rd
Morning yoga & meditation. Breakfast in the hotel. Walk to Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple for darshan. Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir (devoted to Saint Tulsi Das who composed the Hanuman Chalisa). Back to the hotel for check out. Come to Uschi’s house for some shopping of the womens co op. Lunch before we depart for the train station. Afternoon overnight train to Agra
Day 5: Agra & Taj Mahal-Oct 4th
Arrive Agra in early morning. Transition to the hotel for some refresh and rest. Breakfast. Optional afternoon visit to Taj Mahal visit for folks who have not been (Others can utilize the hotel rooftop for rest and refresh). Back to the hotel for lunch. Agra Fort excursion. Dinner, Goodnight.
Day 6: Agra-Vrindavan, Ecstatic Krishna Bhakti-Oct 5th
Morning Yoga. Breakfast. Downtime. Lunch. Drive to Vrindavan, seeing the Iskon Temple and soaking in the ecstatic Kirtan. Shopping for Tulsi beads in the Gopi market. Return to Agra, dinner, goodnight.
Day 7: Transition to Delhi-Kerala-Oct 6th
Quick Breakfast in hotel. Depart early for Delhi (3hr drive). Flights to Kochi. Arrival at Kochi airport, transfer to our retreat about 1.5hrs away. Arrival, check in, dinner and relax.
Day 8: Cherai, Kerala-Oct 7th
Morning practice. Breakfast at our retreat. Ayurvedic consultations. Ayurvedic treatments. Free time for resting, exploring, settling. Afternoon satsang gathering. Dinner, goodnight.
Day 9: Kerala-Oct 8th
Morning practice. Breakfast at our retreat. Ayurvedic treatments. Trip into town to see the local markets. Return to the retreat. Free Time. Afternoon practice. Dinner. Goodnight.
Day 10: Kerala-Oct 9th
Morning practice. Breakfast at our retreat. Ayurvedic treatments. Trip into town to see some local temples. Return to the retreat. Free Time. Afternoon practice & Retreat closing ceremony. Dinner. Goodnight.
Day 11: Transition Home OR to Kathmandu-Oct 10th
Breakfast at our retreat. Depart for airport, off we go!
KATHMANDU ADD ON
Day 1: Kathmandu Transition-Oct 10th
Early afternoon flights from Delhi to Kathmandu (1.5hr flight). Arrive Kathmandu, cars pick us up at airport, and transition to our lovely hotel. Check in and landing. Gathering in the garden for tea. Out to a lovely restaurant nearby.
Day 2: Kathmandu-Swayambhu Stupa-Oct 11th
Morning practice. Breakfast buffet in hotel. Depart for pilgrimage to Swayambhu Stupa. Pilgrimage up the steps to the stunning stupa with view of the Kathmandu valley. Explore the grounds, meditation. Coffee and cake break overlooking the stupa. Make our way back down, taxi back to hotel. Free time exploring the market & shops, wonderful restaurants. Council/check in. Dinner on your own, goodnight
Day 3: Kathmandu-Pashupatinath & Durbar Square-Oct 12th
Morning Practice. Breakfast in the hotel. Depart by taxi for Pashupatinath Shiva Temple. Exploring the grounds, meeting Sadhus, observing the cremations and temple from the incredible Shiva Lingas. Taxi back to hotel. Lunch on your own. Cycle rickshaw to beautiful Durbar square, Bhairava temples. Walk back through the streets with Uschi to see some of the local life close up, and visit some other beautiful smaller temples along the way. Free time. Council/check in. Dinner on your own, goodnight.
Day 4: Kathmandu-Sankhu Pilgrimage & Bootnath Stupa-Oct 13th
Morning practice, breakfast in the hotel. Sankhu pilgrimage to Vajrayogini temple, high on a mountain outside of Kathmandu. Blessings at this shrine to the Tantric Buddhist & Hindu Goddess, as well as the caves where the Mahasiddha Milarepa meditated. Drive back from Sankhu stopping via Bootnath Stupa. Walking the stupa, time to explore shops in the area. Taxis drop us off at the hotel. Free time to explore. Council/Check in. Goodnight.
Day 5: Departing day-Oct 14th
Breakfast buffet in hotel. Goodbyes & Departures for Kathmandu airport. Chelo Home!
TANTRIC BHAKTI RETREAT
INDIA & NEPAL RETREAT October 2026
Varanasi-Agra-Vrindavan-Kerala-Kathmandu, Nepal
VARANASI
We will commence our retreat in Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, the god of transformation, dance, and yoga in Hindu mythology. In Varanasi we will engage with the mystic Bhava of ancient tantric Goddess temples, exploring the Shiva Tattva, sacred essence in his holy city. Known for its clockwork of rituals, where one can observe Hindu traditions at their source, we will be transported back in time as we make our way around this remarkable city. In the words of Mark Twain, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
AGRA
We will transition from Varanasi to Agra, where we have an opportunity to take a morning tour of the Taj Mahal. Built during the Mogul Empire by Shah Jahan as a monument to honor his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Taj Mahal is a wonder of the world that will take your breath away.
VRINDAVAN
Sacred to Lord Krishna and his Divine Consort Radha Rani, Queen of the Gopis, Vrindavan offers us the opportunity to engage in the devotional practice of Bhakti. Visiting the ISKON Prem Mandir of the Hare Krishna tradition, we will chant, dance, and sing our hearts out, and witness the evening Arati in Devotion to the iconic God who teaches us through the Bhagavad Gita. Vrindavan offers us a sweetness to engage, inviting us into devotion through the practice of Divine Love.
CHERAI, KERALA
We will travel to Kerala’s backwaters at Cherai beach, an hour outside of Kochi. Soaking ourselves in traditional Ayurvedic treatments, we will explore the ancient traditions of this yogic science, while immersing ourselves in the serene surroundings of ocean waters and jungles. Located 10 minutes walk from the beach, Cherai will offer us an opportunity to unwind with supportive group practices, and rejuvenating massages and treatments.
KATHMANDU, NEPAL
From Delhi, we will take a 1.5 hour flight to Kathmandu. Home to the rich history of the Newari culture, the Kathmandu Valley welcomes us to explore Buddhist & Hindu sacred sites, amidst the bustling culture of this mountainous city, said to be protected by Naga (cobra) spirits. Pilgrimaging throughout our days, we will take in the blessings of sacred Stupas, stunning gilded doorways that lead to magnificent wooden pagoda style temples, and wander through the fascinating and bustling streets full of incredible history and culture. Our base in central Kathmandu offers a delightful marketplace full of worldwide cuisine, wonderful shops and galleries, and more.
TANTRIC BHAKTI RETREAT: 11 nights
COST: $4150 (includes registration fee)
1 night delhi (4 star hotel)
3 nights heritage hotel in Varanasi (3-4 Stars)
1 overnight train
2 night Agra (3-4 Stars)
4 nights Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala **Includes consultation & spa treatments
KATHMANDU ADD ON: 4 nights
COST: $1000
4 nights 4 star hotel in central Kathmandu
4 breakfasts in the hotel (other meals are on your own to enjoy the variety available in central Kathmandu)
Transportation on 3 outings
Monument tickets at Swayambhu, Boudhnath, Durbar Square, & Pashupatinath
TANTRIC BHAKTI RETREAT & ADD ON: 15 nights
COST: 4150 + 1000 =5,150 (includes registration fee to Jill)
1 night delhi (4 star hotel)
3 nights heritage hotel in Varanasi (3-4 Stars)
1 overnight train
2 nights Agra (3-4 Stars)
4 nights Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala (3-4 Star)
4 nights Kathmandu (4 Star Heritage Hotel)
RETREAT COST:
Registration Fee: $1000 Paid Directly to Jill ($800 early bird)
Retreat Fee: $3150 USD (double occupancy in Delhi, single occupancy throughout the retreat)
Cost: $4150 USD
INCLUSIONS:
-Loving guidance preparing for the retreat
-Support booking your flights & India/Nepali eVisas
-Consultation & massage treatments and therapies accordingly in Kerala
-All airport transfers
-All transportation per the itinerary throughout
-All meals in Varanasi & Agra
-Breakfast & Dinner in Kerala (Luncheons will be on your own, as you may be doing Panchakarma therapy)
-All breakfasts in Kathmandu (we are surrounded by fabulous cuisine you will want to explore on your own during our stay!)
-Yoga & meditation sessions
-All tours, entrance fees to monuments mentioned in the itinerary
EXCLUSIONS:
-International & Domestic flights (our India hostess Uschi will help you book to make arrivals and take off’s as easy as possible!)
-India eVisa & Nepali eVisa Fee
-Costs related to deviating from the itinerary
-Alcoholic beverages
-Dakshina: Customary offerings at temples & for our private Puja (about $50 USD total), that must be passed by you to the priest, or put in temple box.
-Excess baggage fees on any of the flights
-Customary tips for help with your luggage, room cleaning (About $5-10 each location)
ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival in India-Sept 29th
Arrival in Delhi airport. Rakesh & Uschi’s team pick you up at Terminal #3, and transition to nearby hotel for some much needed rest overnight.
Day 1: Transition to Varanasi-Sept 30th
Breakfast buffet in hotel. Depart for airport, flight to Varanasi (1.5hrs). Arrive in Varanasi. Taxi to hotel and check in. Walk to the Ganges for first welcome and setting intentions. Dinner, goodnight.
Day 2: Varanasi-Shiva’s Magic *Hanuman Jayanti-Oct 1st
Morning meditation & practice on hotel terrace. Breakfast in the hotel. Varanasi old city walk through Hanuman Gali to Panchaganga Ghat, seeing the magical doorways, paintings, ancient city life. View the city from it’s highest point at the Black Mosque. Special blessings at the Tripura Sundari & Shiva Temple. Cross the cremation ghats. Shopping for local textiles and visit a classical Indian music school where we will be treated to a jam session, and can explore the instruments there(they have Tanpura, Sitar, Tabla, Veena, Shruti Boxes, Harmoniums, and more), Dinner, goodnight.
Day 3: Varanasi-Oct 2nd
Morning boatride along the ghats. Meditation at Nepali Temple, and visiting the widows. Program in development.
Evening Arati & Puja at Gauri-Kedareshwar Temple. Dinner in the hotel, goodnight.
Day 4: Transition to Agra/Vrindavan-Oct 3rd
Morning yoga & meditation. Breakfast in the hotel. Walk to Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple for darshan. Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir (devoted to Saint Tulsi Das who composed the Hanuman Chalisa). Back to the hotel for check out. Come to Uschi’s house for some shopping of the womens co op. Lunch before we depart for the train station. Afternoon overnight train to Agra
Day 5: Agra & Taj Mahal-Oct 4th
Arrive Agra in early morning. Transition to the hotel for some refresh and rest. Breakfast. Optional afternoon visit to Taj Mahal visit for folks who have not been (Others can utilize the hotel rooftop for rest and refresh). Back to the hotel for lunch. Agra Fort excursion. Dinner, Goodnight.
Day 6: Agra-Vrindavan, Ecstatic Krishna Bhakti-Oct 5th
Morning Yoga. Breakfast. Downtime. Lunch. Drive to Vrindavan, seeing the Iskon Temple and soaking in the ecstatic Kirtan. Shopping for Tulsi beads in the Gopi market. Return to Agra, dinner, goodnight.
Day 7: Transition to Delhi-Kerala-Oct 6th
Quick Breakfast in hotel. Depart early for Delhi (3hr drive). Flights to Kochi. Arrival at Kochi airport, transfer to our retreat about 1.5hrs away. Arrival, check in, dinner and relax.
Day 8: Cherai, Kerala-Oct 7th
Morning practice. Breakfast at our retreat. Ayurvedic consultations. Ayurvedic treatments. Free time for resting, exploring, settling. Afternoon satsang gathering. Dinner, goodnight.
Day 9: Kerala-Oct 8th
Morning practice. Breakfast at our retreat. Ayurvedic treatments. Trip into town to see the local markets. Return to the retreat. Free Time. Afternoon practice. Dinner. Goodnight.
Day 10: Kerala-Oct 9th
Morning practice. Breakfast at our retreat. Ayurvedic treatments. Trip into town to see some local temples. Return to the retreat. Free Time. Afternoon practice & Retreat closing ceremony. Dinner. Goodnight.
Day 11: Transition Home OR to Kathmandu-Oct 10th
Breakfast at our retreat. Depart for airport, off we go!
KATHMANDU ADD ON
Day 1: Kathmandu Transition-Oct 10th
Early afternoon flights from Delhi to Kathmandu (1.5hr flight). Arrive Kathmandu, cars pick us up at airport, and transition to our lovely hotel. Check in and landing. Gathering in the garden for tea. Out to a lovely restaurant nearby.
Day 2: Kathmandu-Swayambhu Stupa-Oct 11th
Morning practice. Breakfast buffet in hotel. Depart for pilgrimage to Swayambhu Stupa. Pilgrimage up the steps to the stunning stupa with view of the Kathmandu valley. Explore the grounds, meditation. Coffee and cake break overlooking the stupa. Make our way back down, taxi back to hotel. Free time exploring the market & shops, wonderful restaurants. Council/check in. Dinner on your own, goodnight
Day 3: Kathmandu-Pashupatinath & Durbar Square-Oct 12th
Morning Practice. Breakfast in the hotel. Depart by taxi for Pashupatinath Shiva Temple. Exploring the grounds, meeting Sadhus, observing the cremations and temple from the incredible Shiva Lingas. Taxi back to hotel. Lunch on your own. Cycle rickshaw to beautiful Durbar square, Bhairava temples. Walk back through the streets with Uschi to see some of the local life close up, and visit some other beautiful smaller temples along the way. Free time. Council/check in. Dinner on your own, goodnight.
Day 4: Kathmandu-Sankhu Pilgrimage & Bootnath Stupa-Oct 13th
Morning practice, breakfast in the hotel. Sankhu pilgrimage to Vajrayogini temple, high on a mountain outside of Kathmandu. Blessings at this shrine to the Tantric Buddhist & Hindu Goddess, as well as the caves where the Mahasiddha Milarepa meditated. Drive back from Sankhu stopping via Bootnath Stupa. Walking the stupa, time to explore shops in the area. Taxis drop us off at the hotel. Free time to explore. Council/Check in. Goodnight.
Day 5: Departing day-Oct 14th
Breakfast buffet in hotel. Goodbyes & Departures for Kathmandu airport. Chelo Home!
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