Seva Yoga Retreat at the Himalayan Institute

in the rolling and scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania
June 1-3rd, 2018

Seva is the yogic notion that we can find our purpose in life through serving others.  Let's follow in the steps of the Himalayan Masters, as we spend time at an institute founded by the late Swami Rama, helping out with some spring projects on their beautiful 400 acres of rolling hills, ponds and trails.  There will be daily yoga sessions, delicious food, a tour of the Himalayan Institute's own Seva Project (a chocolate and coffee processing facility that produces some amazing hand crafted chocolate!) and an evening campfire, weather permitting.  There is also a lovely shop onsite where you can peruse the bookshelves and a sweet little cafe to do some reading, writing or socializing.   

12 people needed to make this retreat run!

Yoga:  Morning yoga sessions will be led by the skilled yoga instructors that live and teach at the Institute and are taught in the Hatha Yoga tradition.
Evening sessions will be lead by Astrid Jirka.  No previous yoga experience is necessary, though some will be helpful.

Meals are vegetarian.  Most diets can be accommodated.

Seva Projects are still being determined.  Likely candidates are clearing the trails on the 400 acres of land, re-building the campfire pit (for our later use!) and building meditation stations on the campus. 

Proposed Schedule:

Friday:

  • 4pm - Check-in begins
  • 5pm - HI led yoga class
  • 6pm - dinner
  • 7-9 pm - Retreat welcome and evening restorative yoga

Saturday

  • 7 am- HI yoga class
  • 8 am - breakfast
  • 9-12 am - SEVA project
  • 12:30 - lunch
  • 2 pm - Tour of  the Moka chocolate and coffee facility, followed by free time
  • 6pm - dinner
  • 7pm - Evening yoga or campfire

Sunday

  • 7 am- HI yoga class
  • 8 am - breakfast
  • 9-12 am - SEVA project
  • 12:30 - lunch

COSTS:  Prices begin at $298.00 for the weekend, depending on your bed/room selection as per below.

  • $108 Retreat Ree
  • $60 All meals
  • Room options and prices are as follows, per person:
     
    • Shared Room - $65/Night- Two twins, shared hall bath
    • Standard Room - $130/Night- Full or queen, shared hall bath
    • Deluxe Room - $175/Night - Two twins, full or queen, with private bath
    • Deluxe Suite - $250/Night - Full or queen with pull-out sofa and private bath
    • Guest House Suite - $285/Night - Chalet-style two-bedroom apartment with private bath
 

 

LOCATION:  - a 2 hour drive from Ithaca, NY
Himalayan Institute
952 Bethany Turnpike
Honesdale, PA 18431  

 

TO REGISTER:  Since I am looking for a minimum or 12 people for this retreat, you don't need to officially register until 12 have people have expressed interest.  Therefore, if you're interested, please let me know by sending me an email by April 15th! Once we have 12 people, the information below will apply.   I will let everyone know the situation on April 16th (or soon thereafter).

 

    Please read through the information below, click the button to register and pay the retreat fee.   Then call the HI at  (800) 822-4547 to reserve and pay for your room and meals.  

    REGISTRATION:

    HI Cancellation     Policy:  The Himalayan Institute will offer a full refund to guests who cancel their reservation more than two weeks in advance of the retreat's start date. There is a $75 processing fee if an order is cancelled less than two weeks (14 days) in advance.  They are unable to offer a refund of monies paid, if a guest is a no show or cancels within 48 hours of the program start time. 

    Vahana Yoga Payment and Cancellation Policy
    All registrations are final.  Refunds will be issued if a minimum of students (12) is not met.

    Vahana Yoga & Eco-Tours reserves the right cancel or to make changes to any and all aspects of this Retreat (which may include changes to the types and/or timing of activities during the Retreat, items and/or services included with the Retreat, and/or the itinerary) if it is deemed necessary to do so due to conditions that may be hazardous, dangerous, or otherwise adverse or threatening, or if an act or omission of a third party prevents any such aspects of the Retreat or any portion of the Retreat from occurring, or for any other reason considered commercially necessary.  Should cancellation be necessary due to any such unforseen circumstances, 50% of registration payments will be reimbursed to retreat participants as soon as possible.

    Vahana Yoga & Eco-Tours reserves the right to cancel the retreat prior to the start date if the minimum number of participants is not met.  100% of registration payments will be reimbursed to retreat participants if this should occur.  Additional travel expenses incurred by participants will not be reimbursed.

    It is highly recommended that you consider purchasing travel insurance to compensate you if you run into any travel problems such as lost luggage, weather delays, personal emergencies or other unforseen circumstances.

    WAIVER AND LIABILITY RELEASE STATEMENT

    In consideration of participating in this Retreat, I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, losses or damages, known or unknown, which I might incur as a result of participating in the retreat, including any and all activities done with the retreat group, or as an individual during the trip.

    I acknowledge that I will be participating in activities during which I will receive information and instruction about yoga, body movement and health and that yoga requires physical exertion that may be strenuous and may cause physical injury, and I am fully aware of the risks and hazards involved.

    I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding my participation in the Retreat. I represent and warrant that I am physically fit and I have no medical conditions that would prevent my full participation in the Retreat. I acknowledge that I will inform Astrid Jirka, in writing, of any medical conditions I have which are of concern to me, before the retreat start date.

    I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim I may have against Vahana Yoga & Eco-Tours or its staff for injury or damages that I may sustain as a result of participating in the retreat. I, my heirs and legal representatives forever release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue Vahana Yoga & Eco-Tours or its staff for any injury or death caused by their negligence or other acts.

    I give permission to Astrid Jirka and Vahana Yoga & Eco-Tours to use photographs or videos taken during this trip for promotional purposes.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    By registering for this retreat, I understand that my registration acts as my signature and thereby acknowledge and agree to all of the policies noted above.

    Thank you for reading through these details.  Now on to the fun stuff ...

    Official Registration will open on April 16th.

    Please contact Astrid Jirka with any questions at astrid@govahana.com