Mountains & Mantras: The Ganesha Path Retreat
Yoga, trekking & high-altitude discovery in the Himalayas
12–25 September 2026


About the Retreat...
A Journey Through the Himalayas
Step off the beaten path and into one of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes on earth.
This two-week retreat takes you deep into the Spiti Valley, India’s “Little Tibet,” where rugged mountains, ancient monasteries, and star-filled skies set the stage for inner and outer exploration.
Our adventure begins in Manali, where daily yoga, meditation, and village walks ease you into mountain life. From there, we travel across dramatic high passes into Spiti, a world of stark beauty, prayer flags, and timeless traditions.
You’ll:
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Trek to Chandertal (Moon Lake), a sacred site of shimmering blue waters at 4,300m.
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Explore Kye Monastery and meet the monks who keep Tibetan Buddhist traditions alive.
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Visit Kibber, one of the highest inhabited villages on earth.
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Fossil-hunt in Langza and wander through the quiet lanes of Komik, home to one of the world’s highest monasteries.
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Meditate at the 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO heritage treasure.
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Drive across vast valleys and high mountain passes where snow-capped peaks touch the sky.
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Experience a hawan (fire ceremony) with local priest in Manali
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Explore local Himalayan villages and learn about the local ancient mountain culture
Adventure Meets Stillness
Every day balances movement with mindfulness—morning yoga, breathwork, and guided meditations woven into hikes, monastery visits, and cultural encounters. Think spiritual practice under Himalayan skies and silent moments of reflection beside mountain waterfalls and views to awaken your spirit.
Your Hosts:
Theresa, founder of Better Life Yoga, transitioned from a corporate background to holistic wellness after experiencing the transformative benefits of yoga. She’s trained in Yoga, Ayurveda, Mindfulness, Meditation, Pranayama, Mantra, Sound healing, and Vedic wisdom, spending time in ashrams in India, the UK, and Australia. Passionate about sharing her love of yoga, travel, and other cultures, she’s explored over 35 countries and recently solo-travelled across the world, inspiring others to embrace new perspectives and experiences. Theresa has spent over 18 months living in India (in total) and is passionate about sharing its culture, wisdom and natural beauty.
Chhape Ram, founder of Open Lotus Yoga Retreats, is a Trekking and Tour guide with over 30 years experience, a qualified kundalini yoga teacher and owner of our mountain yoga hideaway in Manali. Chhape ji grew up in these mountains and he is enthusiastic to share the mountain peoples culture, and the wisdom of these ancient mountains and the secrets they hold!
Why Join?
This retreat is for adventurous souls who crave more than just sightseeing. It’s a chance to:
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Challenge yourself at altitude and on scenic treks.
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Connect deeply with the landscape, culture, and local people.
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Find stillness and strength through yoga and meditation in extraordinary places.
No advanced yoga experience is needed—just curiosity, courage, and a love for adventure.
The yoga asana classes will be gentle, suitable for all levels including complete beginners.
The trekking included is moderate, up to four hours a day. It suitable for people in good general fitness, the mountain paths can be a little hilly at times and a good head for heights is helpful when in the mountains!
GROUP SIZE - To ensure an intimate experience, the group size will be a min of 6, max of 12.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
Twin share or Single Rooms (additional cost) with attached bathrooms, in three star accommodation
Chandigarh 1 Night (Day 1)
Manali 4 Nights in Yoga Hotel (Day 2 to Day 5)
Kaza 3 Nights (Day 6 to Day 8 )
Tabo 2 Nights (Day 9 and 10 )
Kaza 1 Night (Day 11)
Manali 2 Nights in Yoga Hotel (Day 12 and 13) pictured below




FOOD INCLUDED
Mostly Indian (non spicy) Vegetarian
Breakfast x 13, Dinner x 12

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
£2,250 twin share (bring a friend/partner)
£2,600 single room
NEXT STEPS
Please email betterlifeyoga@yahoo.com for more detailed trip notes, these list the full inclusions/exclusions and further details, and if you are ready to book, please ask for the booking form and payment details when making contact.
We can also schedule a what's app chat if you would like to find out more.
I am working with a UK Travel Counseller who can help you book your flights and can also offer any add ons you might like. If you have more time, you might consider extending your stay in India. You could stay for camping/trekking option add ons or you might choose to take the toy train to Shimla, or visit Delhi, or Agra (for the Taj Mahal) these are all easily accessible from our finishing point.
Please note, it is a prerequisite of booking this trip that you have comprehensive travel insurance covering you up to an altitude of 4,600 M.
Substitute Teacher Policy
While every effort is made to ensure the advertised teachers lead the retreat, unforeseen circumstances such as illness or bereavement may arise. In such cases, we reserve the right to appoint a suitably qualified replacement teacher to ensure the retreat can proceed as planned.
All replacement teachers will be carefully selected and uphold the same standards of care, professionalism and experience.
Please note any changes will not entitle participants to a refund.




TESTIMONIALS
"This trip was absolutely incredible! From the moment I arrived, I felt safe. The itinerary was well-planned, with clear communication before and throughout the trip. I made amazing memories and friends." North India Retreat Participant
"The North India retreat introduced me to places I would have never explored without Theresa . I witnessed amazing sights, ceremonies, and sounds. The retreat truly shifted my perspective on life. It was so much more than I expected in the best possible way." North India Retreat Participant
"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience on the North India yoga retreat with Theresa. The tour was thoughtfully curated to ensure a perfect mix of yoga, meditation, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. With optional activities tailored to our energy levels, incredible food, and insights into local traditions, I always felt safe and heard. The program was flexible, adapting to our needs, especially when some of us needed a break" North India Retreat Participant
"Having never done a group trip or been to India, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The trip was well-organized, with plenty to see and do. You don’t have to be a yoga expert—Theresa’s approach is flexible and works for all levels. The sightseeing was incredible." North India Retreat Participant
"Theresa held space beautifully, sharing her knowledge and experience with such care and intention. Her gentle yoga practices, guided meditations, and thoughtful journaling sessions created the perfect balance of togetherness and time for personal reflection. The food was delicious and plentiful, complementing the peaceful surroundings of this stunning location." UK Retreat Participant
"I had a wonderful time on my first visit to India and my first retreat. Theresa is very organised and you are very well cared for. The experiences are well planned so you can adjust to the real India and the yoga and meditations are carefully thought out so you progress over the 2 weeks. The chosen accommodations are clean and welcoming and you see some amazing sights. You get the feeling that you are immersed in the real India instead of just a holiday. This is an experience and an adventure, and I am so glad I travelled to India with Theresa." South India Retreat Participant
"Theresa offers a very good balanced and well organised retreat with inner work, yoga and beautiful excursions to holy places and old temples. And also with good hotels, lovely food and a safe atmosphere." South India Retreat Participant
"Theresa is an experienced teacher with a passion for Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. This is evident in the reverence for the culture and the experiences she shares. Her retreat is organised and accessible, and I would recommend to anyone who wants to broaden their physical and mental horizons." South India Retreat Participant
"Having never been on a retreat I thought it was all great. Really impressed with how much work you did to make it happen. I came with an open mind & left with so much more. I had an amazing time, start to finish. I have seen & experienced things I would never have on my own. I wish I could join a retreat with Theresa on a regular basis!"
South India Retreat Participant
"The retreat was a an amazing experience. A perfect blend of yoga, meditation, thought provoking workshops and cultural experiences and sightseeing. From temple visits, sacred sights, cave meditations, to practicing yoga on a rooftop with a view, beautiful sunsets and fabulous tasty food. Theresa guided us with such care, support and wisdom." South India Retreat Participant
"It’s an incredible experience that will stay with me. Theresa introduced me to India in a lovely safe fun environment. Lots of interesting & incredible places to visit to immerse yourself into the culture & feel of South India." South India Retreat Participant
