Expand the capacity of your mind and body and invigorate your spirit with this yoga-infused hiking intensive in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, home to 46 peaks above 4,000 feet.
Far removed from worldly distractions, reconnect with yourself through breath-coordinated movement and guided meditations along rivers, on mountaintops, and in between. While hiking, apply yogic tools to transform resistance and inertia into strength and confidence. After five days in this space, you’ll go home feeling inspired, refreshed, and determined to live your best life!
Excursion Overview
Transformation is at the heart of this excursion. With an emphasis on breath, we’ll re-establish a space for our minds to rest and bring comfort and stability back to our bodies. We’ll expand the limitations of that comfort and stability through breath-coordinated movement, and deepen our resting awareness through breath-focused guided meditations. On our hikes, we’ll seek to retain a steady breath and clear mind while our bodies strive to meet the demands of the mountains. These techniques will inspire a calm confidence and provide tools that can empower your day-to-day life and improve your well-being.
What's Included:
Key Highlights
Yoga
The yoga practice includes breath-coordinated movement, guided meditations, and yogic tools for observation and reflection that can be applied during your hikes. These practices will lead you toward effortless comfort and stability in body and mind, moments of deep stillness supported by our natural surroundings, and transformational hiking experiences that deepen your connection within and without. The experiences cultivated by our yoga practice will serve you long after the trip.
Hiking
Hiking in the Adirondack High Peaks is for adventurous souls. Most of the hikes include elevation gains and losses over 2,000 feet, and bouldering (rock scrambling) to reach the summits. However, the effort required to reach the top is rewarded with extraordinary views that fill the mind with awe and the heart with gratitude for persevering. These hikes will transform inertia and resistance into confidence and determination, and leave you light in spirit.
Adirondack Mountain Club
Nestled in the heart of the High Peaks is the Adirondack Mountain Club and their two lodges, the ADK Loj and Johns Brook Lodge (JBL). Easily accessible, ADK Loj is within driving distance of New York City, Boston, Albany, Burlington, Montreal, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester, to name a few places. ADK Loj is highlighted by Heart Lake, which offers stunning sunsets and swimming opportunities. JBL, only accessible by a 3.5-mile hike, is complemented by the beautiful flowing water of Johns Brook. These modest but charming accommodations include shared bunk rooms, delicious and freshly prepared breakfast and dinner, trail-packed lunches, and a community environment that allows for meaningful connections with others.
Community
At the heart of this excursion is a small community of like-minded individuals. Each determined to grow in their own unique way, we’ll practice yoga together, hike together, enjoy meals together, and bunk together. While there will certainly be time for personal space and practice, it’s the conscious community connection and opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships that adds so much value to a trip like this.
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive to ADK Loj by mid-afternoon. We'll begin with an orientation around 4pm, followed by our first yoga practice. Dinner at 6:15 and a bonfire by the lake at sunset.
- Day 2
Breakfast at 7:30, followed by a warm-up hike to nearby Mount Jo. Yoga practice at the top, and return to ADK Loj by late morning. Relax by the lake or explore the grounds before a Leave No Trace presentation by a member of the ADK staff. Transfer to Garden Trailhead and hike to Johns Brook Lodge (JBL). Enjoy a guided meditation by the river, followed by dinner at 6:30.
- Day 3
Morning yoga warm-up before breakfast at 7:30. Afterwards we’ll take our packed lunch and ascend one of the high peaks. Enjoy our lunch with a view, and return to JBL in time to relax, and have a gentle yoga practice before dinner. Dinner at 6:30.
- Day 4
Morning yoga warm-up before breakfast at 7:30. We’ll ascend another high peak on our way back to the garden trail parking for our transfer back to ADK Loj. Enjoy the late afternoon at ADK with a guided practice before dinner at 6:15. Bonfire at sunset.
- Day 5
Morning yoga warm-up followed by breakfast. We’ll depart with a packed lunch for our last hike, to the summit of Wright Peak or Algonquin (time and energy dependent). These offer two of the best views in the region and will be a great culmination to our trip. Return to ADK Loj for a bite to eat from their snack shack and say our goodbyes.
*Schedule subject to change
**Additional yoga and meditation will be included during our hikes as time and space permit.
Excursion Leader
Ransom Hare
Ransom has been actively involved in the Himalayan Institute’s Humanitarian and Excursion activities in India, Mexico and Cameroon for over seven years. Since 2012, he has been part of the Excursion team leading groups to Allahabad, Khajuraho, and various sacred sites in the Himalayas including Dharamshala, Manali, Har Ki Doon, Gangotri and Tungnath, in India and to Cameroon, West Africa. He has a passion for exploring sacred spaces and learning how they be a catalyst for deep transformation.
Ransom has been developing his yoga practice and studying with the Himalayan Institute since 2008. He completed his 500 hour teacher training certification in 2018 and currently serves as a faculty member contributing to the Himalayan Institute. He is also a certified Wilderness First Responder.
Registration
Registration Information:
- Dates: July 27–31, 2020
- Deposit: $500
Early Registration
- $1,150
- Closes February 5, 2020
Regular Registration
- $1,295
- Closes May 15, 2020
For more information or to make a balance payment:
- Use the balance payment authorization form or:
- Call: (800) 822-4547 x6
Email: excursions@himalayaninstitute.org
Two Ways to Register:
Online
Register online by completing the registration form below and make your payment (deposit or full) in order to save your space.
Register OnlineBy Mail
Download the Tour Participant Agreement (“TPA”). Print, read, complete, sign. Mail your signed TPA with deposit or full payment.
Download TPAIf mailing an application, send to:
Himalayan Institute Spiritual Excursions
Attn: Alat Shanti Tigunait
952 Bethany Turnpike
Honesdale, PA 18431 USA
Registration
*New dates to be announced*
We are currently working out new dates for this excursion.
For more information:
- Call: (800) 822-4547 x6
- Email: excursions@himalayaninstitute.org
Registration Notification
Please click below to receive priority registration notification.
A: This is a community-oriented yoga and hiking immersion in the outdoors. The hiking is intended for avid hikers, athletes, or anyone looking to push themselves physically. Our yoga and meditation practice will balance the rigors of our hikes to bring balance and stability to our bodies and stillness to our minds.
Q: How difficult are the hikes?
A: The hikes are rated as moderate to difficult. A high degree of physical fitness and/or thorough preparation is required to have an enjoyable experience on this excursion. There will be a mix of hiking and some bouldering (rock scrambling) on most hikes, with altitude gains and losses of over 2,000 feet.
Q: How many days are we hiking?
A: There will be guided hikes offered on 4 days, with the first day reserved for orientation.
Q: How long are most of the hikes?
A: We’ll hike 6-10 miles on hiking days.
Q: What are the hiking trails like?
A: The trails vary from packed dirt with roots, to rocks and boulders. Some sections will be steep and require hands and feet to traverse. Hiking shoes with good foot support and waterproofing are recommended.
Q: What will the weather be like? Should we expect rain?
A: The weather can be in the low 80’s during the day and low 40’s at night, or anywhere in between. Packing layers will be important. Rain is always possible, so having a good raincoat at minimum is encouraged.
Q: What is the highest altitude on the trek?
A: The highest potential altitude for this excursion is 5,344 feet.
Q: When should we arrive and depart? Where does the excursion begin and end?
A: The excursion will begin and end at the Adirondack Mountain Club’s ADK Loj. Plan to arrive in time for our orientation and first yoga class at 4pm on July 27, 2020. Plan to depart no earlier than 3pm on July 31.
Q: How do I reach the Adirondack Mountain Club’s ADK Loj? What about parking?
A: The ADK Loj is located at 1002 Adirondack Loj Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Lake Placid is easily accessible by car, Amtrak, or flights (to Adirondack Regional Airport/SLK). Parking is included in the excursion rate.
Q: How can I prepare for this hiking excursion?
A: Physical fitness and overall good health are important elements for an excursion like this. If you haven’t already, we suggest that you begin a regular practice for conditioning your body. Aerobic exercise is especially helpful to prepare for these hikes. One method is fast-walking, building up to a steady pace on inclines, hilly terrain, or stairs, and increasing distance. We highly recommend walking regularly with your day pack (filled) and pushing yourself on some longer hikes whenever possible. Also, the yogic breathing technique (pranayama) of nadi shodhanam (alternate nostril breathing) and 61 point relaxation will help cultivate internal awareness and turn your mind away from external distractions, while the practice of agni sara will support vitality and reduce stress as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system. These practices are best done regularly, starting with a few repetitions and progressing gradually according to your capacity. If you don’t know these techniques, we recommend that you take a pranayama or hatha yoga class with a qualified instructor. The Himalayan Institute’s Wisdom Library provides instructional articles and videos on these techniques, including contraindications, as do the books Path of Fire and Light, Vol. 1, by Swami Rama, and Science of Breath, by Swami Rama, Rudolph Ballentine, MD, and Alan Hymes, MD. These can be ordered through the Himalayan Institute Press at 800-822-4547, press 4, or online.
A: Our four nights will be split between the Adirondack Mountain Club’s two lodges, ADK Loj at Heart Lake (built in 1927), and Johns Brook Lodge (built in 1925). Our accommodations at both are co-ed dorm style. At ADK Loj there are separate bathing and toilet facilities for men and women, a large comfortable living room with stone fireplace, and dining facilities. At Johns Brook Lodge there is a common dining room with fireplace and spacious deck with Adirondack chairs; however, there are only toilet facilities (no bathing facilities), as it is a backcountry lodge with minimal water and no electricity, and requires a 3.5-mile hike to access. A light wool blanket will be provided at both lodges.
Q: What type of meals can I expect?
A: Freshly prepared and delicious breakfasts and dinners, with trail-packed lunches that include 2 sandwiches of your choice (peanut butter and jelly, or hummus, or meat-based), a homemade power snack, and a piece of fruit. The food is excellent!
Q: Will I be able to do laundry?
A: You will be able to hand-wash laundry provided you bring your own detergent.
A: Our group size will be capped at 13 participants.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: For this hiking excursion it is very important to be properly equipped with appropriate mountain gear.
The following items are essential:
- Soft-shell duffel bag or something similar (non-wheeled preferred)
- Bedsheet, sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag (at JBL a pillow with case and light wool blanket will be provided)
- Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes/boots
- 2–3 active wear T-shirts
- 1–2 long sleeve trekking/activewear shirts
- Lightweight base layer
- 1 heavyweight fleece jacket or down jacket
- Rain jacket
- 2–3 trekking pants
- Warm hat
- Hiking socks
- Lightweight travel or pack towel
- Two 1 – liter or one 2 – liter water bottle or hydration bladder*
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal toiletries, including soap and shampoo
- Wet Wipes or other hand sanitizer
- Prescription medicine, if required
- Day pack with rainproof cover
Other things to consider:
- Vest (down or fleece)
- Slip-on shoes and/or rubber sandals
- Rain poncho
- Extra Zip Lock or plastic bags
- Midweight fleece
- Camera and accessories
- Power bank (portable charging device)
- Pocket knife
- Toilet paper and/or pocket tissues
- Laundry soap (for hand laundry)
- Earplugs
- Electrolyte drink mix
- Snack bars, trail snacks
Q: Will we have access to a phone or internet?
A: Phone connection in the high peaks region is generally unreliable. At ADK Loj there is limited internet access, and at Johns Brook we will be off the grid. In general, plan to be disconnected throughout our excursion, with the opportunity to touch base from ADK Loj if necessary.
A: Register online or download and mail the Tour Participant Agreement with your deposit
or full payment.
Q: What if I need to cancel?
A: Requests for cancellation must be made in writing to the Tour Organizer. See the Tour Participant Agreement for complete terms and conditions and applicable cancellation charges. As a nonprofit, we are unable to offer exceptions to our cancellation policy — we therefore highly encourage participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance in the event you need to cancel your reservation for any reason.