Learn to experience your own greatness as the unchanging being, the immortal and blissful Self. Through Atma Vichar (Self-inquiry) and meditation, directly experience your true nature as pure consciousness, the Seer within, free from the dualities and delusions of the mind.

Learn how to see clearly. Learn how to live happily. Learn the simple, balanced life of a yogi, purifying the mind to let the light of your own Self shine through your whole being.

This is not philosophy. This is direct experience.

What this Retreat is about

What Is Self-Inquiry?

Atma Vichar - The investigation into the nature of the Self

The ancient practice of turning the attention inward to discover: Who is the one who is aware?

Not through belief or imagination, but through direct recognition of the consciousness that witnesses all experience: thoughts, emotions, sensations, the entire world.

The Approach

Discrimination (viveka): Learning to distinguish between:

• Self and mind

• Awareness and its contents

• The Seer and the seen

• Knowledge (gyan) and ignorance (agyan)

• Truth (satya) and illusion (maya)

Meditation as Witness (sakshi): Resting as the inner witness - the source of the mind and the world itself, and having a direct experience of your unchanging nature.

The Teaching: Atma Vichar

Gallery

Meditate within the serene mountains of the Himalayas

Daily teachings from the Gita, the essential text for understanding dharma, Self-knowledge, and the paths of yoga.

You'll learn to chant key verses in Sanskrit, allowing the vibration and meaning of these ancient words to fill your being.

The Foundation: Bhagavad Gita

Vishuddha Nath

Advaita Vedanta Teacher, Sanskritist, and Satsang Leader

Drawing on a lifetime of studies with his guru Swami Shyam, Vishuddha Nath shares his extensive experience with sadhana or the practice of self realization. He first met his guru at the age of 12, because his parents wanted their three sons to receive the blessing of meeting a Sadguru. He joined his guru after high school and spent the following 12 years as a full time resident. Daily, the Guru held satsangs where he helped his students find their true identities behind the myriad illusions of the mind, and Vishuddha Nath will share what he learned about these methods of liberation.

As a Sanskrit scholar with an MPhil from the University of Oslo, he also draws upon his knowledge of the great Indian wisdom traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism.

He has translated the Bhagavad Gita and Avadhuta Gita, and written a book about Nirvana.

The Teachers

Rashmi Sinha

Yoga Teacher & Meditation Guide

Rashmi bridges ancient techniques with contemporary accessibility. Her expertise in yoga practice, pranayama, and meditation creates the foundational stability students need to venture into the subtler realms of consciousness.

She holds space with warmth and firmness, supporting practitioners through the inevitable challenges that arise when the attachment to the ego begins to dissolve.

After a career as a news journalist and corporate executive in Mumbai, she chose to leave her hectic big city life and start her journey as a sadhak or seeker, eventually finding new meaning and joy as a yoga and meditation teacher in Goa.  

Together, they offer: Traditional wisdom transmitted with humour, clarity, compassion, and uncompromising dedication to truth.

7:00 - 8:30 AM — Pranayama, Asana, Meditation (Practice)
8:30 - 9:15 AM — Breakfast
9:30 - 10:30 AM — Bhagavad Gita Class
10:30 - 11:00 AM — Tea break
11:00 - 1:00 PM — Self-Inquiry Session  
1:00 - 2:00 PM — Lunch
2:00 - 4:30 PM — Rest / Personal Time
4:30 - 6:00 PM — Meditation
6:00 - 6:30 PM — Tea break
6:30 - 7:30 PM — Dinner
7:30 - 8:30 PM — Satsang

Schedule may vary slightly.

Daily Schedule

• 3 hours of meditation daily (guided and self-practice)

• Daily Gita study with verse-by-verse exploration and chanting practice

• Open Q&A sessions to address your personal practice and understanding

• Individual guidance when needed

• Simple, sattvic vegetarian meals

What to expect

Yoga Dham Ashram, Naggar

Nestled above the ancient village of Naggar in the sacred Kullu Valley, Yoga Dham sits at the threshold between earth and sky.

The Setting:

• Built beside the ancient Murlidhar Krishna Temple

• Surrounded by fragrant deodar forests and Himalayan peaks

• 2,000 meters above sea level, the air itself aids meditation

• Away from tourist areas, holding the energy of centuries of spiritual practice

• Kullu Valley is full of ancient legends. This land is blessed by many rishis and munis, gurus and sadhus. Padmasambhava travelled through the Kullu Vally bringing Buddhism to Tibet, and the Pandav brothers built the Krishna temple located at the retreat center

• The great rishi Vashishth meditated in the area after a conflict with sage Vishwamitra

• According to the legend, the great sage Ved Vyas, the compiler of the Mahabharata, created the Beas river running through Kully Valley. It is believed that Sage Ved Vyas took daily baths in the Beas kund

Why the Himalayas?

The rishis chose these mountains for a reason. The elevation, the purity of air, the proximity to the source, everything here supports turning inward. The Himalayas have been the laboratory for Self-realization for millennia. You'll know why. 

This is where the God of Meditation himself, Shiva, made his home. Known as Adiyogi or the first yogi, he sits absorbed in meditation on Mount Kailash. 

Facilities:

• Simple, clean accommodations (shared and private options)

• Shala overlooking the valley

• Traditional Indian architecture honoring the space's sacredness

• Basic amenities provided

The Location

WHAT'S INCLUDED 

• Teaching & Guidance:

  • 7 days of guidance and satsang with Vishuddha Nath and Rashmi

  • All meditation sessions, Gita classes, satsangs, Q&As

  • Personal guidance as needed

• Accommodation:

  • 7 nights lodging (arrival April 19, departure April 26)

  • Shared or private room options available

• Meals:

  • All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Herbal teas and filtered water

  • Sattvic food prepared with awareness

• Materials:

  • Retreat handbook with Gita verses and practices

  • Access to recommended reading list

• Travel:

  • Travel to/from Naggar will be provided by us

• NOT Included:

  • Personal expenses

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

What's included

Dates & Duration:

• Arrival: Sunday, April 19, 2026 (check-in anytime after 8 AM)

• Departure: Sunday, April 26, 2026 (check-out after lunch)

• Duration: 7 nights / 8 days

Pricing: 

• Private Room: $1199

• Double Occupancy Accomodation: $1099

• Dormitory (quadruple occupancy accomodation): $999

• Early Bird (register by January 30): $899 (shared) / $1099 (private)

• Student Discount: $899 (shared)

Payment Plans Available - Contact us for details

What This Contribution Supports: Your contribution sustains this sacred work: covering facility costs, meals, materials, and allowing us to continue offering authentic traditional teachings in the modern world. We are grateful for your support in keeping these ancient practices alive.

Practical Information

• Physically:

  • No special flexibility required, but sitting stamina will be helpful

• Mentally:

  • Journal your current questions about the Self and existence

  • Set a clear intention as to what you might be looking for within 

• Practically:

  • Arrange your responsibilities back home so you can be fully present

  • Inform family/friends you'll be largely unavailable

  • Clear your calendar for integration time after the retreat

• What to Bring:

  • Comfortable, modest clothing for meditation and yoga

  • Warm layers (Himalayan mornings/evenings are cool in April)

  • Meditation shawl or blanket

  • Personal toiletries, mosquito repellent, and any medications

  • Journal and pen

  • Water bottle

  • Flashlight/headlamp

  • Any extra props you need for sitting

  • Open mind and sincere heart

• What NOT to Bring:

  • Laptops, tablets, unnecessary devices

  • Intoxicants of any kind

  • Excessive clothing or belongings

  • Expectations of how enlightenment should look

How to Prepare

Location Details:

• Address:

  Yoga Dham Ashram
  Naggar, Kullu Valley
  Himachal Pradesh, India

• Travel Directions:

  By Air:

  • Fly to Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport)

  • 30 km from Naggar (1-hour drive)

  • Public transport available or we can arrange pickup for small fee

  By Road:

  • From Delhi: 520 km (10-12 hours by bus/car)

  • From Chandigarh: 280 km (6-7 hours)

  • Regular buses from Manali to Naggar

  Local Transport:

  • Taxis available from Bhuntar

  • Bus to Naggar village, short hike to center

Detailed directions will be sent upon registration confirmation.

Getting there

• Do I need prior meditation experience?

  Some meditation experience will be helpful. But complete beginners have nothing to worry about either. If you are a sincere practitioner and are mentally prepared for discipline, it will help enhance your experience. 

• Is this a silent retreat?

  Our teaching sessions and Q&As are based on open communication and interactions. But we will have hours of complete silence during meditation sessions. 

• What style of yoga will be taught?

  Traditional Hatha Yoga focused on preparing the body for meditation, not power yoga or fitness-oriented practice. The asana is in service of seated practice and opening the energy channels.

• I'm not Hindu/Buddhist. Can I still attend?

  Absolutely. Atma Vichar transcends religious boundaries. We teach universal principles of consciousness and Self-knowledge. Students of all backgrounds (or no religious background) are welcome if genuinely interested in the teaching.

• What if I have dietary restrictions?

  All meals are vegetarian. Inform us of allergies/restrictions when registering and we'll accommodate what's possible in a Himalayan retreat setting.

• Can I leave early if needed?

  The retreat is designed as a complete arc. Early departure disrupts both your process and the group field. Please commit to the full seven days unless true emergency arises.

• What's the refund policy?

  • 90+ days before: Full refund minus $100 processing fee

  • 30-59 days: 50% refund

  • Less than 30 days: No refund (you may transfer to future retreat)

• Will there be wifi/phone signal?

  Limited wifi for emergencies only. Phone signal is unreliable in the mountains. This is by design. Disconnect to reconnect.

• What if I have health concerns?

  Inform us of any physical/mental health conditions when registering. This retreat involves long sitting periods and emotional processing. Please be honest about your capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Past Students Say:

"This wasn't just a retreat—it was a complete dismantling of everything I thought I knew about myself, followed by the most profound recognition of what remains. Vishuddha Nath and Rashmi held space with such precision and compassion. I finally understand what the sages were pointing to."
— Michael K., Germany

"Seven days that changed the trajectory of my entire spiritual path. The teaching was uncompromising, the practices were intensive, and the space they created was absolutely sacred. I came seeking answers and left with a direct experience I can't unlearn."
— Priya S., Mumbai

"If you're tired of spiritual tourism and ready for the real work, this is it. The combination of Gita study, meditation, and daily Q&A gave me tools I'll use forever. The location itself is medicine."
— James R., United States

Testimonials

The Work Begins Now

If you've read this far and feel the pull, that's not random. Something in you knows it's time.

Self-realization isn't a weekend workshop. It's the most important work a human being can undertake. This retreat offers you seven days to dive deep, guided by teachers who have walked this path and know both its beauty and its challenges.

The question is: Are you ready?

REGISTER NOW

Step 1: Complete the application form (link below)
Step 2: We review and confirm your spot within 48 hours
Step 3: Secure your place with deposit
Step 4: Receive detailed preparation materials
Step 5: Arrive ready for transformation

[APPLY FOR ATMA VICHAR RETREAT →]

Limited to less than 20 participants to ensure intimate teaching environment. Spaces fill quickly.

We hope you are ready!

Feel free to contact us: 

Email: theatmainstitute@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +91 9819426644
Instagram: @atma_institute

We're happy to answer any questions about the retreat, teachings, or preparation. Reach out, we're here to support your journey.

Have Questions?

tat tvam asi — You Are That

The Self you seek is not somewhere else, waiting to be found. It is what you are, right now, reading these words.

But knowing this intellectually and recognizing it directly are entirely different. This retreat creates the conditions: the space, the teaching, the practices, the guidance, for that recognition to occur.

The rest is up to you.

We look forward to sitting with you in the Himalayas.

"When the student is ready, the teacher appears. When the student is truly ready, the student disappears." — Lao Tzu

Final word

With deep respect for your seeking

Vishuddha Nath & Rashmi