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Shunyta: 11-Day Silent Meditation in Rishikesh

November 13 - 23, 2026

Taliyal Gaon, India

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Hosted By

Saurabh Kandwal

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10 nights, 11 days

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15 person retreat

Highlights

  • Natural Ashram Environment A peaceful setting away from the noise and distractions of city life.

  • Traditional Hatha Yoga Daily practices focused on awareness, stability, breath and conscious movement.

  • Pranayama & Meditation Progressive practices to develop concentration and inner awareness.

  • 7 Days of Complete Silence A dedicated period of Mauna for deeper self-observation.

  • 7-Day Chakra Meditation Journey Seven contemplative themes explored from Muladhara to Sahasrara.

  • Sattvic Vegetarian Food Simple, nourishing meals to support the retreat environment.

  • Sound Healing Meditative sessions incorporating singing bowls, gongs and chimes.

Details

A Journey from Outer Silence to Inner Awareness 🧘 11 Days β€’ 10 Nights β€’ 7 Days of Complete Silence β€’ πŸ•‰οΈ Traditional Yoga & Meditation Experience a transformative 11-day silent meditation retreat in Rishikesh at Abhyasa Yogmath, a traditional yoga and meditation ashram surrounded by peaceful natural forest landscapes. Shunyata is an immersive journey into silence, meditation, Hatha Yoga, pranayama, mantra and self-awareness. The retreat gradually takes you away from the noise and stimulation of everyday life and creates space for deeper inner observation. This is not simply a holiday or wellness getaway. It is a structured silence retreat in Rishikesh, rooted in yogic discipline, contemplative practice and traditional ashram living. THE INTENTION OF SHUNYATA Silence is not simply the absence of speech. It is an opportunity to listen more deeply. To observe the body. To become aware of the breath. To witness the mind. To observe emotions. To develop awareness without immediate reaction. The purpose is not to force the mind to become empty, but to cultivate the ability to observe without attachment. Through yoga, pranayama, meditation, mantra, sound healing and mindful living, Shunyata creates the conditions for deeper awareness, stillness and self-reflection.

Location

Taliyal Gaon, India

Uttarakhand is located in a scenic part of northern India known for its Himalayan foothills, forested landscapes, rivers, and strong spiritual traditions. The area offers a peaceful natural setting with access to yoga, meditation, temples, and outdoor activities, making it well-suited for retreats and restorative stays. Its combination of fresh mountain air, greenery, and a quieter pace provides a calming environment for reflection, wellness, and time in nature.

Venue

Abhyasa Yogmath

5 β˜… 174 Reviews

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At abhyasa yoga our aim is to provide you the diffrent types of yoga program and short courses for your healthy lifestyle. Our instructors are experiential, dedicated, and open minded. We have a studio space in Rishikesh where we teach our students with a clean and fun environment that focuses on individual attention. Our classes are all based on Hatha style yoga, however each student is encouraged to find what works best for their unique needs, at such time that's within reason. All our classes are taught using asanas (postures). Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India by going into deep states of relaxation through breathing techniques and meditation. Through a study of these techniques and practices we can gain control over everyday stressors while also building better mental discipline.

Yoga Studio

Yoga Studio

Garden

Garden

Accommodation

Private room with shared Bathroom

5 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$455 USD total

Private room with Attached Bathroom

5 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$518 USD total

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Stay simply, peacefully, and close to nature. At Abhyasa Yogmath, accommodation is designed to support your yoga and meditation practice rather than distract from it. Our rooms are comfortable, clean, and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills. We offer different accommodation options depending on the program, including double-sharing rooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms, and private rooms with attached bathrooms. The atmosphere is simple and traditional, reflecting the gurukul-style environment of our yoga school. You will wake up to the sounds of nature, spend your days practicing yoga and meditation, and return to a peaceful space for rest and reflection. Our ashram is located away from the busy center of Rishikesh, surrounded by forest and greenery. Reaching the ashram involves a short walk through nature, which is part of the experience of staying with us.

Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast Β· Brunch Β· Lunch Β· Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan Β· Vegetarian Β· Gluten-free Β· Dairy-free Β· Organic Β· Nut Allergy Friendly

Nourishment is an important part of the yogic experience at Abhyasa Yogmath. Our meals are fresh, vegetarian, sattvic, and prepared with simple, wholesome ingredients to support your yoga, meditation, and overall wellbeing. We grow seasonal vegetables at our own farm whenever possible, while fresh dairy comes from our Gaushala. Meals are traditionally prepared with care, including cooking on a wood-fired chulha, bringing a simple and authentic taste to the dining experience. Our food is light yet nourishing, with a focus on seasonal vegetables, dal, rice, roti, fresh dairy, fruits, and traditional Indian preparations. Our approach to food: πŸ₯— Fresh vegetarian & sattvic meals 🌱 Seasonal and locally grown ingredients πŸ„ Fresh dairy from our own cows πŸ”₯ Traditional wood-fire cooking 🍚 Simple, wholesome Indian meals 🧘 Food prepared to support yoga and meditation practice At Abhyasa Yogmath, meals are more than just foodβ€”they are part of the practice of living simply, consciously, and in harmony with nature.

Schedule

DAYS 1–3 ARRIVAL β€’ ADJUSTMENT β€’ PREPARATION The first three days help you settle into the ashram, establish your practice and prepare for Mauna. These days include guided interaction, orientation, yoga, meditation, chanting and practical preparation for the seven-day silence period. 🌱 DAY 1 β€” GROUNDING & ARRIVAL Theme: Arriving in the Present 🏑 Welcome & ashram orientation 🧭 Introduction to retreat discipline 🎯 Setting personal intentions 🧘 Gentle Hatha Yoga 🌬️ Breath awareness meditation πŸ•‰οΈ Traditional prayers & chanting πŸ”” Introduction to sound healing 🌿 Introduction to mindful living 🌬️ DAY 2 β€” BODY & BREATH AWARENESS Theme: Establishing Awareness 🧘 Hatha Yoga 🌬️ Pranayama πŸ‘οΈ Body awareness meditation 🌿 Mindful breathing 🧠 Understanding mental activity πŸ”” Sound healing 🀫 Preparation for silence πŸͺ· DAY 3 β€” PREPARING FOR MAUNA Theme: Turning Inward 🧘 Hatha Yoga 🌬️ Pranayama 🧘 Focused meditation πŸ•‰οΈ Mantra practice 🚢 Walking meditation 🀫 Understanding Mauna πŸ“Ώ Preparation for the seven-day Silence Sadhana By the end of Day 3, participants are ready to enter the deeper phase of the retreat. DAYS 4–10 SILENCE SADHANA β€” MAUNA πŸŒ‘ Seven Days of Complete Silence From Day 4 through Day 10, participants observe complete silence. This is the heart of Shunyata. During these seven days, participants step away from: πŸ“΅ Phones & digital devices πŸ—£οΈ Speech & casual conversation πŸ“± Social media πŸ“š Reading & entertainment 🎡 Personal music πŸ’¬ Unnecessary communication Instead, attention is redirected toward: 🌬️ Breath 🧘 Body 🧠 Mind ❀️ Emotions πŸ‘οΈ Awareness 🌿 Nature πŸ•‰οΈ Practice Silence becomes the space in which observation deepens.

Testimonials

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I joined the 10 day silent meditation retreat in April and it teuky was life changing. it is hard to fully express how special this place is - stunningly beautiful and the Ashram community are wonderful, including the gorgeous dogs. The facillitators are incredible and the programme is very well structured to offer deeply transformative practices in a holistic and supportive way. They are really knowledgeable, kind and very good at what they do. Loved Sumit’s yoga sessions - great asanas, instruction and adjustments. He is such a natural, intuitive and inspired teacher. Suarev’s pranayama and meditation sessions are so impactful and his voice resonates with beautiful energy. Ishani’s sound healing and karma yoga were really beautiful and powerful too. A talented bunch and their sense of purpose and dedication is very apparent. A very genuine and incredible experience and would highly recommend this place - a very special experience.

Jo, United State of Amarica

WOW, what a magical place!! Such a beautiful energy and stunning environment! So much nature, so much peace. Saurabh, Sumit, Ishani, and the ashram team made the experience so special. Not to forget Tommy their wise and kind ashram dog. I did the Vipassana where I felt so safe and held, it was challenging (of course) and also a transformative experience, I highly recommend!! The meals were so clean and delicious, the staff put their heart and soul into everything served! The Meditations, Yoga, Pranyama and Sound Healing sessions were all so intentional and creative. I loved the walk to the waterfall and the devotion each day to prayer, it’s truly from the heart. I left feeling refreshed, calm and more connected than ever. Thank you so much, very grateful πŸ™πŸ»πŸ§‘!!

Ruby serle, United KIngdom

I attended the 11 days Vipassana silent retreat and was grateful on how considerate, attentive, and experienced my instructors were πŸ™πŸ» They were dedicated to their craft, always considered the safety and needs of students, and always willing to help/offer help. Not to mention the sattvic food they serve is so delicious and wholesome! If you are looking for an authentic retreat experience in the Himalayan forest and to learn from some of the most dedicated yoga and meditation teachers, then you are in the right place. Do expect to embrace a simple lifestyle and challenge yourself mentally / spiritually / physically!

Kim Tong, Hong Kong

I did the 11-day silent retreat at Abhyasa Yogmath in January and it was such a special experience. The space is beautiful and peaceful, and the whole environment feels really supportive from the moment you arrive. I learned so much during my time there , not just through the practices, but from the quiet, the routine, and having the space to really observe my mind and habits. All of the teachers hold the space with care, and I personally felt especially supported by Saurabh, whose presence and guidance really helped me feel grounded and safe throughout the retreat. Also, a very important mention to Tommy, who may just be the best little prayer buddy / therapy / yoga dog to ever exist, such a sweet and calming presence to have at the Ashram It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly worthwhile. I left feeling clearer, more present, and with tools I know I’ll keep using in everyday life. If you’re looking for somewhere to properly disconnect and go inward, this place is truly something special.

Nolly Weeks, Australia

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Host

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Saurabh Kandwal

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

His spiritual journey began at a young age, when his Guru initiated him into a life of renunciation at the age of six. From childhood, he was introduced to yoga and meditation in the ashram, where his...

1 language

English

Teaching for 8 days

Joined Insight Timer in Sep 2026

What's Included

10 nights / 11 days accommodation at Abhyasa Yogmath

Comfortable accommodation according to the selected room option

Three sattvic vegetarian meals daily

7 days of guided silence as part of the Shunyata experience

Access to the peaceful natural surroundings of the ashram

Nature walks and selected hikes included in the program

Guided meditation sessions

Not Included

Flights or train tickets to/from Rishikesh

Airport / railway station transfers

Visa and travel insurance

Any expenses arising from early departure from the program

Additional accommodation before or after the program

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • Open for all level

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 7 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 7 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 7 days before the retreat begins.