Pack that pile of unread books and enter our peaceful forest haven, where you can immerse yourself in stories and leave the to-do list behind.

Join us for 3 days and 2 nights of cozy reading nooks, mindful forest walks, soothing sound baths, and easygoing connection with fellow book enthusiasts.

Readers of all genres are welcome!

Who is this retreat for?

Most avid readers have 3 things in common:

1. We have more wish-listed books than time to read them all
2. We have broad interests that span multiple genres
3. We love to hear what other people think about various titles so we can find our next great read

Unlike a book club in which everyone reads and discusses a single agreed-upon book, this retreat is designed for folks from all backgrounds to come together and share a wide diversity of reading interests.

If you are a curious, open-minded person who enjoys learning and exploring new ‘information rabbit holes’ and stories, you will fit right in!

What to expect

Though you’ll have plenty of free time to lose yourself in a book without distraction, we’ll be doing much more than reading.

This retreat weekend offers a full range of sensory experiences, filled with delicious healthy meals, guided excursions to get you moving outdoors, restorative live music in the form of sound baths, mindful time to be still and reconnect to yourself in nature, and meaningful human connection around shared interests.

Every activity is entirely optional! You can join us for any (or all) of the following:

• Nighttime Sky Winter Walk: Grab a lantern and bundle up for a crisp winter stroll to the Sound of Music Hill, where you’ll have a sweeping, unobstructed view of the stars without light pollution.
• Restorative Yoga with Essential Oils: Stretch and relax in restorative postures that relieve tension. Taking in the scent of pleasant essential oils helps you stay present in your body during the experience.
• Guided Sensory Forest Bathing: Experience a mindfully guided walk into the winter woods. This sensory immersion practice helps you slow down and deeply connect with nature’s restorative energy.
• Sweet Reading Adventure at Moka Origins: Venture over to the on-property cafe, Moka Origins, where ethically-sourced cacao and coffee beans are transformed into delicious treats. Learn about the production process, sip hot drinks, savor cookies or dark chocolate bars, shop for tasty souvenirs, or all of the above! Bring your book along for a cozy reading session in a new setting and enjoy literary chat with fellow retreat-goers.
• Gong Sound Meditation: Settle in on your back on a yoga mat and cushion, nestled underneath blankets, and let the healing sounds wash over you. Instead of words guiding you to meditate, you’ll have sounds to bring you deeper into a restorative experience. You’ll hear chimes, a gong, singing bowls, and other healing instruments played live. It’s the perfect way to end a day of reading, nature, and human connection.
• Scenic Winter Hike: We’ll take the beautiful purple trail loop together which leads to the top of the property, pause for photos at the gazebo, and soak in the winter landscape together.

Plus, lots of opportunities to connect with other book lovers. Share what’s in your ’to read’ pile and discover new title recommendations. There’s no pressure, just friendly book talk!

How to join us

1. Book your event ticket for the retreat which includes classes, activities, supplies, and everything else provided by your guide.
2. Book your accommodations, which include meals and lodging. You can also choose to stay off-site and pay a campus day rate for your meals/amenity access.

Amenities

During your time at the Himalayan Institute Retreat Center, you’ll have access to the following:

• Simple, comfortable, quiet accommodations conducive to a peaceful stay and conscious simplicity
• 3 delicious, nutritious, and hearty vegetarian or vegan meals daily
• Tea lounge with unlimited hot tea beverages
• Complimentary Internet access
• Complimentary daily morning or evening yoga classes
• Independent meditation time at the Sri Vidya Meditation Shrine
• 400-acre wooded campus of the Retreat Center, including 4 groomed forest trails, pond, pavilions, Sacred Grove Cafe, and more

You can also peruse the MarketPlace gift shop with an extensive collection of books, ayurveda products, yoga clothing, and gifts.

Or, add on a message or wellness service at the on-site PureRejuv Wellness Center!

Join us on your own or bring a friend

This retreat weekend is designed to be inclusive for people of all backgrounds.

If you are new to the Himalayan Institute or have never attended a retreat before, this event is a wonderful, welcoming introduction. You can explore mindfulness, meditation, and nature-immersion practices in a laid-back environment with a supportive guide.

If you’re an avid retreat attendee, and have always wanted to have more free time to relax and enjoy the facility/grounds, this is a great low-intensity option. You’ll have access to all the yoga, sound bath, and mindfulness practices you enjoy on retreats, coupled with time for personal reading sessions and in-depth conversations with fellow book lovers.

If you have a book-loving friend you’ve been wanting to introduce to the world of wellness retreats without intimidation or overwhelm, invite them to join us!