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Adirondacks

Yoga and Hiking in the High Peaks

with Ransom Hare & Aaron Luburich

July 28—August 1, 2024

5 days

From $1,450

Activity Level

Moderate-High For this trip, you must have the ability to hike up to 10 miles with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, while carrying at least 15 lbs in your backpack. Many of the trail conditions are rocky, uneven, and require some degree of rock scrambling along the way.

Excursion Type

Yoga & Hiking Yoga and Hiking is at the heart of this excursion. Participants should expect to practice breathing, relaxation, and meditation techniques daily to support hiking into extraordinary spaces; creating a powerful opportunity to harness the transformative capacity that these unique spaces offer.

Location

Lake Placid, NY

Group Size

Max 26 Our group of 26 will split into 2 groups of 13 for hiking, accompanied by 2 guides.

Register Online

or call 1-800-822-4547 x5

Register Online
Register Online

or call 1-800-822-4547 x5

Overview

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!

adirondacks meditation mountaintop - Himalayan Institute

Key Highlights

adirondacks ransom yoga mountaintop - Himalayan Institute
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.

adirondacks hiking down - Himalayan Institute
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.

adirondacks loj at heart lake - Himalayan Institute
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.

adirondacks sunset by lake - Himalayan Institute
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

This is a realistic sample itinerary to show what a potential schedule might look like. Considering the broad hiking possibilities, and leaving room to adapt to a variety of circumstances, the exact itinerary will unfold on a day-by-day basis, with the exception of our fixed arrival time.

Arrive to ADK Loj by 10am, followed by orientation and a Leave no trace presentation. After a yoga warmup, enjoy a packed lunch prepared by ADK and hit the trails toward Mount Jo and Rocky Falls! Your 1000 foot ascent of Mount Jo will provide an excellent introduction to ADK High Peaks hiking, along with fabulous views of the mountains we’ll explore in the following days. Your time at Rocky falls will provide an introspective space to settle into the Adirondack Wilderness. Return to the Loj for dinner at 6:15 followed by a bonfire and evening meditation.

Miles: 7.5

Elevation Gain: 1300 ft.

Yoga at 7:00am followed by breakfast at 7:30. Depart for your day hike to Mount Phelps, one of the 46 high peaks, with your packed lunch. Mid-way to Phelps, stop at Marcy Dam for magnificent views and some breath connected movement. On the summit of Phelps, enjoy more views and open space for yoga and meditation before having lunch. Return to ADK loj early-mid afternoon and take advantage of free time by Heart lake. Dinner at 6:15 followed by a Bonfire and evening meditation.

Miles: 9.5

Elevation Gain: 2,250 ft.

Morning Yoga before breakfast at 7:30. Hike to one of the most fascinating places in the Adirondacks, Avalanche Pass. If you’re feeling adventurous, swim across the refreshing water of Avalanche Lake and touch the towering rock of Mount Colden that emerges from the lake on the other side! Enjoy your packed lunch and return to ADK Loj for a free late afternoon. Dinner at 6:30 followed by a bonfire and evening meditation.

Miles: 10

Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft.

Morning yoga warm-up before breakfast at 7:30. Eat a good breakfast as we’ll attempt to Summit Algonquin today, New York’s second highest peak. This includes over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. At the summit, we’ll stretch breath, and relax while taking in panoramic views and enjoying our packed lunch. Return to ADK Loj for free time, dinner, a bonfire, and evening meditation.

Miles: 8-10

Elevation Gain: 3,000-4,000 ft.

Morning yoga warm-up followed by breakfast. With packed lunch in hand, we will pack our cars, and depart for the Cascade Mountain trailhead. With its expansive and open summit, we’ll have plenty of space for yoga, meditation, and a final breathtaking view of the Adirondack High Peaks. Back at the trailhead we’ll say our goodbyes until next time.

Miles: 5.6

Elevation: 2,280 ft.

**Additional yoga and meditation will be included as time and space permits.

**Packed lunches include 1 Hummus sandwich, 1 PB&J sandwich, Trail Mix, 1 piece of fruit, and 1 Large Cookie or Brownie. (Let us know dietary restrictions in the registration form).

What to Expect

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:
  • A curated experience with two Himalayan Institute excursion leaders
  • Shared accommodations at cozy, rustic mountain lodges built in the early 1900s
  • Daily systematic yoga and meditation practice designed specifically for this excursion
  • A small group experience with like-minded people intended to foster meaningful relationships
  • Pre-excursion opportunities to connect through webinars and a private Facebook group
  • Himalayan Institute Excursions branded merchandise
  • Delicious, freshly prepared home-cooked meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
  • Complimentary Parking at ADK Loj and transportation between ADK Loj and John’s Brook Loj
  • Leave No Trace and Environmental Presentation to learn about our surroundings

Accommodations

adirondacks excursion ADK Loj Indoors - Himalayan Institute

ADK Loj at Heart Lake

Built in 1927, our accommodations in include 4 Co-ed bunk rooms, separate bathing and toilet facilities for men and women, a large comfortable living room with stone fireplace, and a family style dining facility. A pillow, sheets, light wool blankets, and a towel will be provided on your bed.

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Excursion Team

Ransom Hare
Ransom Hare
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Aaron Luburich
Aaron Luburich
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Dates & Prices

Date Regular Registration
July 28—August 1, 2024

Register Online

 from $1,450

Closes May 15, 2024

Call 1-800-822-4547 x5 or email [email protected] for more information.

Packing List

Download Packing List

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What is the nature of this excursion?
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 by 10am on July 28, 2024 so we can begin orientation at 11. Plan to depart no earlier than 3pm on August 1, 2023.

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.

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.

Q) How do I register for this trip?
A) Register online or call 1-800-822-4547 x5.

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 non-profit we are unable to offer exceptions to our cancellation policy – we therefore require participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance in the event you need to cancel your reservation due to any reason.

Register Online