Yoga Retreat in Ladakh
As our flight touches down in Srinagar, the rugged beauty of the landscape unfolds before us, setting the stage for a unique Yoga Retreat in Ladakh, that promises to be a transformative experience. This isn't just any retreat; it’s an 18-day journey into the depths of self through Yoga, meditation, circling and motorcycle riding, designed exclusively for men, seeking self-discovery, connection and spiritual depth. Upon arrival at our meeting point, the serene surroundings of Srinagar immediately instil a sense of tranquility. The Valley of Kashmir, with its stark mountains and clear blue skies, already feels worlds away from the daily grind. As we settle into the room, anticipation for the days ahead grows.
The spiritual retreat is curated by Inner Outer Journeys and led by Sankalparaja (Gonçalo Luz), a dedicated Kundalini Hatha Yoga practitioner and facilitator. His journey into this ancient practice began with profound dedication, including a nine-month retreat under the guidance of his teacher, Mukhi Acarya Dharma Bodhi of Trika Mahasiddha Yoga. Sankalparaja’s deep immersion in these teachings has prepared him to guide others on this transformative retreat.
Sankalparaja leads morning yoga with a practice of pranayama
Unveiling Kundalini Hatha Yoga
As soon as the retreat starts, a couple of days into our journey, we wake up to the pink glow of dawn breaking over the mountains, followed by morning Yoga practice. The practice of Kundalini Hatha Yoga is not just about bending and stretching but about engaging in a process of elemental purification. Through gentle movements, breath practices, and mindfulness, we embark on a journey of gentle purification and strengthening, preparing our minds and bodies for deeper exploration.
While many contemporary yoga practices focus primarily on physical postures, Kundalini Hatha Yoga offers a deeper journey. This practice traces its origins to its inaugural Master in both Śaivist Tibetan Buddhism Yogas - it’s Root Guru Śrī Macchanda Nātha. It transcends mere physical practices, integrating breath, movement, and awareness to recalibrate the body's elements and connect deeper within, in a journey of self-discovery.
Morning Yoga with Sankalparaja during a motorcycle retreat for men
A Band of Brothers
The retreat’s men-only setting fosters a unique sense of camaraderie. Our group of men, each from diverse backgrounds, shares a common goal: to escape the stressors of modern life and reconnect with deeper within. One of the first evenings, we gather in circle and start opening up through sharing. The atmosphere cultivates vulnerability and mutual support, laying the foundation for the deep connections that will form over the next couple of weeks.
The men’s circle is one of the most profound aspects of the retreat: we sit together and discuss experiences, challenges, breakthroughs. The silences, initially uncomfortable, soon become rich with unspoken understanding. It is a rare opportunity in a group of men to witness and support each other's emotional journeys without the usual societal masks we impose on each other.
Group of men in Thiksey monastery, during a Yoga retreat in Ladakh
Embracing the Elements
A significant part of our practice involves immersing ourselves in the natural elements of Ladakh. Whether it was plunging into icy streams for a bracing dip or meditating under the vast sky, these activities are designed to heighten our presence and awareness, deepening our connection to the elements. The cold water dipping, though initially daunting, becomes an exhilarating ritual of awakening, leaving us invigorated and more present.
Man dipping in cold Himalayan waters during a motorcycle retreat
Wisdom and Compassion
Sankalparaja's facilitation is infused with wisdom and compassion. His ability to transmit the ancient practices of Tantrik Yoga comes through in every session. Under his guidance, we delve into deep practice. By the end of the retreat, participants like René share words of gratitude: “All my expectations about adventure and brotherhood have been met and surpassed. Gonçalo is a great leader and yoga teacher. He knows his way around Ladakh.”
The experience is not just about physical well-being but about peeling away layers of societal conditioning and rediscovering one’s authentic self. The bonds formed with my fellow participants feel like a brotherhood forged in the crucible of shared vulnerability and growth.
Participants share about their experience with Yoga in the retreat.
Beyond the Retreat
As we say our goodbyes, there is a palpable sense of gratitude and renewal. We leave Ladakh not just as better partners, brothers, and fathers but as men who reconnected with their deepest essence. The practices and insights gained during the retreat continue to resonate in our daily lives, guiding us towards a more balanced and mindful existence.
In the end, this motorcycle retreat for men is more than just a retreat: it is a profound exploration of self, guided by ancient wisdom and embodied by dedicated participants. As we move forward, one key resolution stands out: to embrace pain and discomfort as part of our path, knowing that within it lies the way to true transformation.
As Richard puts it in his own words, after the retreat closes: “Truly an amazing adventure. On this trip i did not only discover the beautiful region of Ladakh, but also new things about myself. The journey was sometimes quite demanding, but also extremely rewarding.”
Brothers posing in between rides on NH1, during a motorcycle retreat in Ladakh
