- Yoga & Ayurveda Reisen
- Yoga Reisen
Overview
Mindfulness, meditation and encounters at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery
This special retreat takes us to one of the most peaceful places in the Indian Himalayas: the Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery, only about two hours from Dharamshala, near the small village of Bir. Surrounded by wide fields, small villages and the majestic mountains of the Himalayas in the background, this place offers an ideal setting to find peace, gain new perspectives and immerse yourself in the world of Tibetan Buddhism.
During our stay, we live directly on the grounds of the nunnery and have the rare opportunity to get to know the everyday life of the 120 or so Buddhist nuns who study, meditate and practise here. The nuns are very open and interested in exchanging ideas – encounters, joint activities and conversations arise quite naturally in daily interaction.
We take part in the daily monastery ceremonies, meditations and teachings and combine these experiences with modern mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, pranayama, forest bathing and coaching.
In addition to the joint activities, there is plenty of room for what is often most valuable on retreats:
Silence, time for yourself, walks through the fields, reading, writing and integrating your experiences.
This retreat is not a tourist trip, but an invitation to immerse yourself in a different way of life for a few days – decelerated, mindful and supported by a very special atmosphere.
Program
Day 1 – Arrival
- Arrival in Dharamshala
- Joint transfer to the Nunnery (approx. 2 hours)
- Check-in at Tara House
- Get to know the monastery and find your way around the grounds
- Dinner together
- Quiet evening to arrive
Days 2-7 – Retreat days
The days follow a mindful rhythm of monastic practice, encounters, meditation and free time.
Sample daily routine
06:00 – Morning puja (prayer ceremony) with the nuns
07:00 – Yoga
08:00 – Breakfast
Morning – free time
Time for walks through the surrounding villages and fields, reading, meditation, conversation or a visit to the Nunnery’s small café.
12:00 – Lunch together
14:00 – Meeting with the nuns
e.g.
- Exchange with the nuns
- Attending school lessons
- Painting or creative activities together
- Buddhist teachings
16:00 – Mindfulness practice in the group
alternating e.g.
- Meditation
- Breathing journey / Breathwork
- Pranayama
- Forest bathing
- Coaching and reflection
- silent practice
18:00 – Evening puja in the monastery
19:00 – Dinner
Evening
Free time for sharing, journaling, reading or quiet meditation.
22:00 – Night rest
Day 8 – Departure
- Breakfast
- Final round and farewell
- Transfer back to Dharamshala
- Individual onward journey
Optionally, further travel modules can be added before or after the retreat (e.g. yoga hikes near Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj or Himalayan hikes).
Included services
- 6 overnight stays
- Full catering
- German-language support
- Extensive monastery program and activities
Unincluded services
international flightVisaArrival and departure or onward journey (we will be happy to make you an offer)
Highlights
Prices and dates
Fixed dates:
18.10.-25.10.2026
25.10.-01.11.2026
from 3 to 9 participants
Shared double room with shared bathroom: 700 €
Shared double room with private bathroom: 750 €
Single room with shared bathroom 800 €
Single room with private bathroom: 850 €
Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery
The Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery is a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery near Bir in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
The convent is currently home to around 120 nuns aged between 6 and 50, who receive a comprehensive spiritual and academic education here. In addition to meditation and religious rituals, school lessons, philosophical studies and creative activities are also part of the community’s everyday life.
The atmosphere in the monastery is characterized by silence, friendliness and openness. Visitors are welcome to take part in the daily ceremonies, meditations and activities and thus gain an authentic insight into the life of a Buddhist community.
The monastery is nestled in a tranquil rural setting of fields and small villages – an ideal place for walks, meditation and experiencing nature.
The site also features:
- a small café
- a library with Buddhist literature
- Various meditation and prayer rooms
Accommodation – Tara House
During the retreat we stay in Tara House, a small guest house directly on the Nunnery grounds.
The house is simple, very clean and cozy – with a standard that is very pleasant for western guests.
Equipment:
- 6 guest rooms
- 2 beds per room (single or double occupancy possible)
- Shared bathrooms for the rooms on the upper floor
- Small kitchenette for tea, coffee and simple snacks
- Quiet atmosphere in the middle of the monastery grounds
Meals are prepared by the nuns and consist of simple, fresh vegetarian cuisine served three times a day.
Who is the retreat suitable for?
This retreat is open to women and men who:
- want to get to know Tibetan Buddhism
- want to experience meditation and ceremonies
- want to get to know life in a Buddhist monastery
- looking for a break from everyday life
- long for peace, nature and inner contemplation
No previous knowledge of yoga or meditation is required.
About the retreat leader
The retreat will be accompanied by Meike. She is a yoga teacher, coach and breathwork teacher and has been working in the field of mindfulness and personal development for many years.
In her sessions, she combines various methods such as yoga, meditation, breathwork and coaching to help people reconnect with themselves and find new clarity.
For the past three years, Meike has been spending several months a year in India, where she has become intensively acquainted with the spiritual culture and way of life. During this time, she also regularly accompanies our women’s trips, where she creates a protected space for encounters, reflection and personal experiences with her warm, calm manner.
Her work is characterized by mindfulness, authenticity and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of stillness, breath and presence.
