Travel programs - Vedic Yoga Centre

HIMALAYAN SACRED WALKS

The VYC is pleased to offer two different itineraries for those who are interested in joining us for a Sacred Walks in the Himalayas. We offer these options in alternative years – click here for dates. To learn about the details of the alternative options, please click on the links below.

Himalayn Sacred Wlak Option A

Rishikesh, Guptakashi, Kedarnath,
Badrinath.

Himalayn Sacred Wlak Option B

Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Gomukh, Yamunotri.

Joining us on either of these journeys will bring you in touch with the higher energy of the Himalayas, as these mountains have been charged with spiritual vibrations for thousands of years. The particular range of the Himalayas we visit has been favoured by yogis, sages and seekers for many years, and for those willing to make either of these pilgrimages, it will be a life-changing experience where you can trek the areas of the sacred mountains and places where the hallowed teachings of yoga were first imparted to the sages.

On a spiritual journey, the Himalayas are the ultimate destination for the soul.

General Information About the Himalayas

The Sanskrit word ‘Hima’ means ‘snow’ and the word, ‘alaya’ means ‘abode’, but the mighty Himalayas are more than just an abode of snow – they are nature’s biggest miracle, overwhelming us with their sheer size. Home to eight of the ten highest mountains in the world (with Mt Everest being the highest), the Himalayas are revered the world over. Climbing the mountains offers many people a personal challenge which helps them discover their inner strength. For others, the mountain ranges offer some of the most pristine and stunning landscapes in the world.

But for individuals on a spiritual journey, the Himalayas are the ultimate destination for the soul.

The ancient mountains are considered to be the spiritual centre of the world, and the abode of the Gods. There are hundreds of temples and shrines throughout the Himalayan foothills. It’s mist-shrouded, snow-capped peaks have given birth to many myths and legends that form the basis of Indian culture and religions.

The Himalayas are the home of India’s most significant spiritual places such as the Kailash Manasarovar, Amarnath, Vaishno Devi Temple, the Char Dhams (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri), and many beautiful monasteries. The Himalayas are also known as Giriraj or the ‘King of Mountains’, which is a deity by itself in the Hindu tradition.

A visit to the Himalayas is a treat for the senses and will show you some of the most breathtaking panoramas on earth, offering your taste sensations varying experiences - feeling the crisp mountain air, hearing the chanting of devotees along with the sounds of the wind, and smelling the fragrance of the mountain trees and flowers.

Three of the world’s primary river systems – the Indus Basin, the Yangtze Basin and the Ganga-Brahmaputra – have their origins in the Himalayas. Geological tests have proven that the Himalayas, covering an area of 612,0212 kilometres, across six countries — Bhutan, India, Nepal, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan — are geologically alive. The mammoth mountain range is said to be moving approximately 20mm every year!

The Himalayas have always been the source of immense peace, tranquility and enlightenment for countless sages, yogis and spiritual gurus. Every year, devotees from around the world undertake a holy trek to these sites in spite of all the challenges offered by the extreme geographical and weather conditions.

Our Himalayan sacred walks offers you the opportunity to soak up the sacred energies of these enchanting and majestic mountains and come back deeply transformed.

How to Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally

Both options involves trekking at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, over distances of up to 17 kilometers at a stretch. To make the most of this trek, we strongly recommend that you start an exercise regime at least a month prior to the trip, which includes:

• Daily walking or jogging for 5-8 km; and
• Daily pranayama and meditation practices.

Physical and mental fitness is necessary, since at times, participants may face difficulties due to limited facilities and extreme weather conditions. Horses or donkeys may be available for hire during parts of these treks at additional cost if required by individuals.

This trek is not suitable for pregnant women and those suffering from chronic health problems, such as epilepsy, heart ailments, uncontrolled blood pressure, asthma, psychological problems, physical disabilities and obesity.

Communication and Weather Conditions

Communication signals in the upper ranges of the Himalayas are weak, so those wishing to use their personal devices during the trek will need to arrange 3G connections prior to departure. Use of these devices is discouraged as this journey is a pilgrimage and we aim to bring the focus of the participants to their personal experience rather than the outside world. The range of temperatures during these times can move between -6° Celsius at night to +15° Celsius during the day. Check the weather forecast for daily weather conditions before leaving.

What to Pack

As we will be travelling by bus, it is advisable to make your pack as light as possible. A small backpack with waterproof cover is needed to carry one’s daily requirements and frequently used items inside the bus. The rest of the items can be packed in a waterproof, durable suitcase or backpack which will be stacked on the roof of the bus due to the confines of space within the bus itself.

It is important to carry a personal medical kit with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, bandaids, knee guard for support, medicines for fever, colds, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, and any other personal necessary medication.

If you are being treated for diabetes, please check with your physician if any change in medication is needed due to the altitude and trekking involved.

We recommend carrying the following items:

• Rain-proof jacket with hood and rainproof pants
• Overcoat/Jacket
• Warm T-shirts / sweatshirts and pants
• Regular clothing (please avoid saris /dhotis)6 sets
• Sweater and shawl
• Thermal underwear
• Wide rim hat
• Woollen cap and scarf
• Water-proof or water resistant trekking shoes with a good tread
• Woollen gloves
• Woollen socks
• Personal clothing
• Toiletries
• Inflatable pillow
• Sunscreen
• General footwear
• Towels
• Toilet tissues
• Water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Dry fruit/nuts
• Hand sanitiser
• Powerful flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Extra large plastic garbage bags – 4-5 (to protect your clothes from moisture)

UPCOMING TOUR.

Dates for this tour will be posted on our website as soon as the route through India to Kailash is opened. Negotiations are currently underway with the Chinese Government for this to take place.

It’s my second time at Vedic Yoga Center; this time we have been staying with my wife for a 6 days yoga retreat. We both practice yoga for many years but here we found something really special, not only practicing asanas (postures) but also learning with Shailendra, meditation, pranayama, mantras chanting and other knowledge to bring more peace, joy and focus in our life. Thanks! I highly recommend this perfectly located place and Shailendra family managing it with great care. It’s a very peaceful and quiet place, surrounded by trees and flowers, offering large, nice and very clean rooms with balcony. This year we took the room in the top floor with an amazing terrace with view on Temples & Ganga and unbelievable sunsets like we had this March 2018. If you are interested in learning Yoga or having Ayurveda healing here is the right place, people are highly qualified. Beginner or confirmed yoga student, Shailendra will teach you the whole traditional Yoga, from asana to pranayama, meditation, mantra and very helpful talks and sharings.  Enjoy holy Ganga, “stay with your breath...”

- Henri D, 2018

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