Rishikesh

**A Pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Yoga**

Join **Katrina Baccetti** and **Tankut Denker** for a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey through India — the birthplace of yoga. This deeply immersive experience honors a decade of devotion to practice, teaching, and community. Together, we’ll travel from the bustling heart of Delhi to the serene foothills of the Himalayas, reconnecting to the ancient roots of yoga and the wisdom that continues to inspire our modern practice.

**Arrival in Delhi & Journey to Rishikesh**

Our sacred journey begins in Delhi, where we’ll gather and spend one night in a comfortable hotel to rest and restore following our international flights. The next morning, we’ll set out on our journey toward Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas and the sacred heart of yoga.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy an excursion to the **Red Fort**, one of **Delhi’s most iconic landmarks** and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exploration offers a glimpse into India’s rich history, artistry, and spiritual heritage before we continue north along the scenic route to Rishikesh—nestled along the banks of the holy Ganges River at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas.

**Stay at Parmarth Niketan Ashram**

Upon arrival in Rishikesh, we’ll settle into our home for the next five nights — **Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of India’s largest and most respected spiritual centers**. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves fully in the yogic way of life—living, breathing, and embodying ancient practices.

What makes our stay at Parmarth Niketan truly special is the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the divine rhythm of ashram life, culminating each evening with the sacred Ganga Aarti at sunset. This world-famous ceremony, held on the holy banks of Ma Ganga, is a moving expression of devotion and gratitude. Afterward, we may join a Satsang (spiritual Q\&A) with Pujya Sadhviji or receive Darshan (blessings in the presence of a living saint) from Pujya Swamiji, whenever they are in residence.

Daily life at the ashram unfolds with morning prayers, asana and meditation classes, sacred rituals, and opportunities for selfless service through karma yoga. Guests are invited to dine in the on-site canteen, enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals, and embrace simplicity—disconnecting from the outer world to connect more deeply with the inner one.

**Day Trip to Haridwar**

During our stay at Parmarth Niketan, we will take a private bus to visit Haridwar, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage towns. On this journey, we’ll visit the revered **Shri Maa Chandi Devi Temple** and the iconic **Har Ki Pauri** ghat, both of which hold deep spiritual significance. We’ll also participate in the powerful Ganga Aarti along the holy river, connecting with the devotion and energy that draws pilgrims from around the world. This excursion offers a profound opportunity to explore India’s sacred traditions, witness ancient rituals, and experience the heart of spiritual practice.

**Yatra to the Birthplace of Yoga**

The Sanskrit word **yatra** means “**journey**” or **“spiritual pilgrimage.”** Traditionally, ***a yatra is an act of devotion—undertaken for blessings, transformation, and honoring the divine***. It calls us to travel both outward to sacred sites and inward toward awakening.

This retreat marks a meaningful milestone for Katrina. In February 2016, she traveled to India to complete her first yoga teacher training—a transformative experience that aligned her with her passion and life’s purpose.

In 2018, she returned once again, embarking on an Ashtanga Yoga Yatra through the Himalayas under the guidance of Sharath Jois. Now, ten years later, she returns to honor these journeys and to share the sacred sites, wisdom, and beauty of India with her students.

This retreat is both a pilgrimage and a celebration—of devotion, growth, and the power of yoga to transform lives.

**Journey to Agra**

After spending five nights immersed in ashram life at Parmarth Niketan and exploring the sacred sites of Rishikesh and Haridwar, we’ll embark on a scenic six-hour private bus journey to Agra — home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Upon arrival, we’ll settle into a beautiful five-star hotel for two nights, where we'll treat ourselves on the final days of our sacred journey.

We’ll experience a mesmerizing **light and sound show at the Agra Fort** — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most impressive architectural masterpieces. Built primarily of red sandstone, the Agra Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for generations.

After sunset, the fort comes alive with vivid lights and storytelling that bring its centuries of history to life — a truly magical way to immerse ourselves in India’s royal past.

At sunrise on Saturday morning, we’ll gather together to witness the **Taj Mahal** in all its radiant glory — an awe-inspiring moment of serenity, reflection, and celebration of our shared adventures. We’ll take time for group photos and heartfelt gratitude as we honor the journey we’ve experienced together.

**Returning to Delhi**

After our time in Agra, we’ll travel back to Delhi for the final chapter of our Yatra. Our last night will be spent in a comfortable hotel, offering a chance to rest and enjoy one final taste of India’s vibrant culture. During our stay, we’ll explore additional sites such as **Humayun’s Tomb**, a stunning example of Mughal architecture, and **wander through some of Delhi’s lively markets** — the perfect opportunity to find beautiful textiles, souvenirs, and special treasures to bring home as reminders of this unforgettable journey.

This is more than a trip—it’s an invitation to step into the heart of yoga, experience India’s sacred beauty, and discover your own embodied transformation.

**RETREAT INCLUSIONS**

* **9 Nights Accommodation ⊹** 2 nights in Delhi, 5 nights in Rishikesh, 2 nights in Agra
* **Airport Transportation ⊹** Round-trip airport transportation from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
* **Daily Meals ⊹** Breakfast, lunch & dinner, mostly yogic/sattivic diet will be provided throughout the retreat
* **Retreat Transportation ⊹** Private bus hired for our group to tour India
* **Daily Yoga Classes ⊹** Classes led by Katrina Baccetti offering an integrative blend of asana, pranayama & meditation,
* **Delhi Tours ⊹** Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Markets & Bazaar
* **Haridwar Day Trip ⊹** Round-trip ropeway tickets to visit Chandi Devi Temple & Mansa Devi Mandir, plus Har Ki Pauri for evening Ganga Aarti
* **Agra Excursions ⊹** Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort & Sunrise at Taj Mahal

SEMI-PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE **⊹** $2999

This **9-night all-inclusive retreat package includes all transportation, meals, and tours while on retreat**. This **Semi-Private Accommodation Package** includes **private rooms while staying in Delhi & Agra**. Please be advised that **all accommodations at Parmarth Niketan Ashram are shared spaces**, as private rooms are not available.

**This package will include the following accommodations:**

* **PRIVATE ROOM** for 1 night in Delhi
* **SHARED ROOM** for 5 nights at Parmarth Niketan Ashram
* **PRIVATE ROOM** for 2 nights in Agra
* **PRIVATE ROOM** for 1 night in Delhi

Breathwork

Meditation

Yoga

Decade of Devotion ⊹ India Yoga Yatra

This 9-night all-inclusive retreat package includes all transportation, meals, and tours while on retreat. This Semi-Private Accommodation Package includes private rooms while staying in Delhi & Agra. Please be advised that all accommodations at Parmarth Niketan Ashram are shared spaces, as private rooms are not available. This package will include the following accommodations: PRIVATE ROOM for 1 night in Delhi SHARED ROOM for 5 nights at Parmarth Niketan Ashram PRIVATE ROOM for 2 nights in Agra PRIVATE ROOM for 1 night in Delhi

Decade of Devotion ⊹ India Yoga Yatra

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