The Freedom Retreat - 4 Days in Mukteshwar
This retreat is for those who feel the call of true freedom that cannot be found in books or videos, but only through direct experience. Mukteshwar, with its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the great liberator, holds a sacred energy that supports the shedding of old patterns and illusions. Here, in the embrace of the mighty Himalayas, you are invited to move beyond intellectual understanding and step into the living, breathing truth of yogic states. This is where freedom unfolds naturally, through mindfulness, movement, and connection with the profound stillness and power of mountain life.
Summary
Why ‘Freedom’ Retreat?
True freedom is when your mind no longer holds you captive to its worries, fears, and endless demands. It’s the moment you realise you are more than your thoughts, your roles, your stories. It's not an escape, rather a discovery of the vast, open space within.
The Freedom Retreat is designed to offer a taste of that inner space.
We gather at Ikai in Mukteshwar, surrounded by 360-degree Himalayan views, where the silence of the mountains reminds us of the silence within. Just a short walk from the sacred Mukteshwar temple, a place dedicated to Lord Shiva, the great liberator, the destroyer of illusion, this retreat invites you to slowly dissolve what no longer serves you.
It’s called Freedom because here, you learn to loosen the knots of the mind, shed old identities, and breathe freely in the pure, untouched air of the mountains. Through yoga, meditation, mindful walks, and simple conversations by the fire, you reconnect with the part of you that is already free, already whole.
Not a freedom that needs to be achieved. But one that needs to be remembered.
Features
Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Styles
Advait Vedanta, Non-religious, Self-enquiry, Meditation, Kriya Yoga, Nidra Yoga, General Yoga
Vegetarian, Organic
Food
Description
The Freedom Retreat by Mighty Himalayas unfolds in the peaceful Himalayan setting of Sitla, near Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand. Hosted at Ikai Retreat, a nature-inspired homestay, this sanctuary is designed for those who seek to reconnect with themselves through the beauty of the mountains and the calm of untouched nature.
Surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan views, the retreat offers comfortable accommodation, a spacious yoga and meditation hall, and wholesome, locally sourced meals to nourish your body and soul. Whether you come to slow down, breathe deeply, or explore mindful practices, this retreat invites you to unwind and rediscover freedom in every moment.
At Ikai, the atmosphere is one of gentle stillness and vibrant life, where the rhythms of mountain living inspire grounding and presence. The Freedom Retreat is an ideal space for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike to experience renewal, clarity, and a deep connection to the Himalayan spirit.
Benefits
❃ Stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas
❃ Spacious yoga and meditation hall
❃ Organic, locally sourced meals
❃ Provision for aerial yoga
❃ Comfortable accommodations in various categories
❃ Proximity to nature trails and cultural experiences
What Makes This Retreat Special
This program is carefully crafted by experienced yogis to guide you beyond theory into the direct experience of meditation and self-discovery. It supports spiritual seekers who long to deepen their connection with inner freedom and live from that place in daily life.
You will:
Cultivate clarity and calm that stays steady amid life’s challenges.
Learn practical ways to gently manage your mind and protect your inner peace.
Explore blissful states through meditation that open the heart and quiet the restless mind.
As a special addition, experience aerial yoga, a freeing practice that lightens the body and mind, inviting you to release tension and soar into a new sense of spaciousness and ease.
History:
Mukteshwar is a serene hill town in Uttarakhand, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Mukteshwar temple, believed to be over 350 years old, stands as a sacred sanctuary where devotees have long sought liberation and spiritual renewal. The name "Mukteshwar" itself means "Lord of Freedom," reflecting the temple’s deep connection to the divine power of release from bondage, both worldly and mental. Surrounded by dense forests and the mighty Himalayas, Mukteshwar has been a quiet refuge for seekers and travelers looking for peace and spiritual awakening.
Program
Typical daily program:
❃ Stretching exercises
❃ Break
❃ Morning session: Discourse / practices
❃ Brunch
❃ Break
❃ Afternoon session: Discourse / practices
❃ Break
❃ Subconscious mind training while awake
❃ Break
❃ Evening Kriya Yoga & 5 elements balancing
❃ Dinner
❃ Q&A
❃ Subconscious mind training during sleep
Additional Asana Practice Session:
Incorporating proper alignment and anatomical understanding of the body
Learning techniques to listen to your body while moving
Practicing techniques to maintain meditative awareness during asanas
Exploring techniques for proper breathing throughout asanas
Learning methods to release built-up emotions through movement
Practicing techniques to relax the mind and body during asanas
Understanding how to use asana as a spiritual practice
Food
We provide home-cooked, locally sourced vegetarian (Satvik) meals. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice.
Dates
Aug 21/08/25 - 24/08/25
Sep: 18/09/25 - 21/09/25
Nov: 05/11/25 - 08/11/25
Dec: 09/12/25 - 12/12/25
Jan: 23/01/26 - 26/01/26
Accommodation Types and Prices
Accommodation:
Prices include 2 meals a day for a 3 nights, 4 days package.
Deluxe Room with Mountain View (Double Sharing):
₹17,000/$199 per person in single occupancy
₹33,000/$380 for two in double occupancy (shared bed)
Only 3 rooms available. First come first serve booking.
Standard Room (Double Occupancy):
₹14,000/$164 per person in single occupancy
₹22,000/$257 for two in double occupancy (shared bed)
Only 3 rooms available. First come first serve booking.
Dormitory (4 Beds, Shared Washroom):
₹9,000/$105 per person
1 gender agnostic dormitory with 4 beds and a shared washroom outside
Alpine Tent:
₹7,000/$81 per person with double occupancy
₹11,000/129 per person with single occupancy
Only 2 tents available with a common washroom
Camping Tent:
₹6,000/$70 per person with double occupancy
₹9,000//$105 per person with single occupancy
Only 2 tents available with a common washroom
Additional Info
How To Get There (Flights, Airport Transfers, Buses, Trains)
Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), 139 km from Sitla.
Private taxis and shared cabs are available from the airport.
Venue
Visa Stuff
For international guests, an Indian tourist visa is required. E-visas are available online for many nationalities.
Travel Insurance Suggestions
We recommend purchasing travel insurance covering:
❃ Medical emergencies
❃ Trip cancellations or delays
❃ Lost or stolen belongings
Arrival by Train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, 2.5 - hour drive from Sitla.
Taxis and local buses connect Kathgodam to Sitla.
Arrival By Taxi
What to Bring
❃ Comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation
❃ Warm layers (especially for mornings and evenings)
❃ Trekking shoes or comfortable walking shoes
❃ Personal toiletries and eco-friendly essentials
❃ A reusable water bottle
❃ Sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat
❃ A journal for reflections and mindful practices
Most people prefer to board private or shared taxis from Haldwani / Kathgodam to Ikai Retreat.
If you need taxi service, please let us know during booking and we will share our trusted taxi service contacts with you.
Arrival By Bus
Regular buses run from Delhi to Haldwani and Kathgodam.
From Haldwani or Kathgodam, travelers can hire a taxi or take a local bus directly to Sitla.
Additional Information
Nearby Places of Interest
Mukteshwar Temple – A centuries-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering stunning mountain views. (8.7 km, 30 min drive)
Kapileshwar Temple – A revered temple set in a cave, ideal for spiritual seekers. (19 km, 45 min drive)
Bhalu Gaad Waterfall – A scenic waterfall with a short trek through the forest. (7 km, 20 min drive)
Kasar Devi Temple – A historic temple known for its spiritual energy and panoramic views. (40 km, 1.5-hour drive)
Syahi Devi Temple – A peaceful and lesser-known temple surrounded by forests. (50 km, 2-hour drive)
Kainchi Dham – Famous ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, a spiritual hub for devotees. (32 km, 1.5-hour drive)
Bhimtal – A picturesque lake town perfect for boating and relaxation. (55 km, 2-hour drive)
Naukuchiatal – A beautiful nine-cornered lake known for kayaking and paragliding. (60 km, 2-hour drive)
Activities Around the Retreat
Nature walks and hiking trails
Birdwatching and photography
Guided village tours
Bonfire and stargazing experiences
Movie screenings on a projector
River/water streamside day camping
Cancellation Policy
Full refund for cancellations made 30 days before check-in.
50% refund for cancellations made 15 days before check-in.
No refund for cancellations made less than 15 days before check-in.
Rescheduling may be possible in case of emergencies, subject to availability.
What people say ?
Minal Dave
It was a Divine experience! 😇The yoga and meditation sessions were excellent! The tranquility of the place and the scenery around created a perfect setting for a truly Blissful experience ! Looking forward to attending more such retreats!💖
Gautham Sathyan
First time ever doing a retreat of this sort - was exactly how I imagined it to be - from the venue/hall, programme structure, content delivered, interactions and food - it was all a positive nourishing experience.
Janet
I hope you like it, and please let me know if it was not submitted so I can send it again.
Alan
This retreat was pure pleasure. It has provided me with the tools and expert guidance to build my practice. With Aham's wisdom, I now feel equipped to realise my dreams and to lead a fulfilled life.
Kayla Pearson
I couldn’t speak more highly of this retreat. From the moment I arrived all of the leaders made me feel incredibly at home. The beauty of the location is unmatched. I especially loved how Nikita and Disha specially the entire program to our group. I felt seen and heard the whole time, well also being pushed to try things outside of my comfort zone. The food was incredible, and homemade with love. I was able to deep in my spiritual practice, and get back into a routine routines that will support both of my mind and body. I made friends for life, and couldn’t be more happy with the results. This is a magical place with an incredible team.
Madeline Fearnley
Linda
Wishing you, like always, all the best and looking forward to cross over the destiny again. Un abrazo, big thanks for all.”
Debbie Powell
Chris
So after so much trips and travels, finally I was able to write you the reference or recommendation you asked for.
Abigail
Thank you for bringing your truly magical retreat to Suffolk. I feel totally regenerated having discovered a new level of inner peace, tranquility and calmness. My sleep last night was deep and restful (unusual for me). Being immersed in Aham’s incredible teachings over the weekend has provided me with a new level of contentment, serenity and balance. It was amazing to share this beautiful and profound experience with such an inspiring group of people. Thank you. 🙏