Mountains, River and Stillness : Experience at a Yoga Retreat

During my Yoga Therapy program, I was blessed with an opportunity to attend a yoga retreat in Uttarkashi — a quiet town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. We stayed at the Purnavidya Ashram, right on the banks of the sacred river Ganga.

The six-hour drive from Dehradun up winding mountain roads was long, but the moment we arrived, fatigue dissolved. The sight of snow-kissed peaks, the sound of the river’s eternal flow, and the pure mountain air filled me with deep calm and quiet joy.

Nature here felt alive — towering trees, the chorus of birds, and the ever-present Mother Ganga, flowing gracefully as if whispering ancient wisdom.

A Day at the Retreat

Morning Silence by the River
Each day began with a silent walk along the river. The gentle rustle of leaves, the songs of birds, and the rhythmic sound of Mother Ganga reminded us to begin the day in stillness and gratitude.

Yoga and Practice
Our mornings continued with Yoga sessions, sometimes indoors in the hall, and other times on the riverbank itself. Practicing asanas to the backdrop of flowing water was both grounding and expansive.

Wisdom & Reflection
After a simple sattvic breakfast, we immersed ourselves in knowledge sessions. Teachers shared timeless insights from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, weaving philosophy with everyday life. Between sessions, we walked through the ashram gardens , quiet time at the rocks near Ma Ganga or visit the Gho Shala ( Cow Shed) and feed  the cows.

Sacred Dip
Before lunch, many of us would take a holy dip in the icy waters of Mother Ganga. The initial chill was intense, but soon it felt purifying and energizing. Afterwards, sitting on the rocks and watching the flow of the river is therapeutic. Its like telling me the message - just go with the flow of life, without resisting .

Afternoons of Renewal
Post-lunch hours were for rest, washing clothes, or simply sitting in silence. By mid-afternoon, we gathered for chanting and pranayama, carrying us gently into the evening.

Evening Explorations
Some evenings we walked to nearby villages and temples. Witnessing the modest and heartfelt lives of the locals, and occasionally joining in their temple celebrations, was a humbling and enriching cultural experience.

Nights by the River
The nights were perhaps the most magical. After dinner, we often returned to the riverside. On moonlit nights, the water shimmered like silver, reminding me of nature’s endless beauty and generosity.

This retreat was a blessing , an opportunity to learn from Ma Ganga, nature , from our teachers and from people in the Himalayan villages - immersion in simplicity, peace and inner stillness.

The Himalayas, the flow of the river, and the rhythm of life at the ashram reminded me that peace is not something we chase — it is always here. All it takes is to pause, breathe deeply, and listen within.