Yoga, Meditation, Wellness

Retreat Center

Our Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance for more than fifty years.

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About Our Center:

Welcome

Welcome

Yoga & Meditation Retreat Center

For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance. As an Event Host and home to a vibrant community of yogis, it’s a place for seekers wishing to study the ancient tradition of yoga and to deepen the connection between themselves and the world around them. Here, you can enjoy our peaceful campus, taking time out from habitual distractions and the bustle of everyday life.

Amenities

Comfort & Convenience

The Retreat Center provides convenient guest amenities to make your stay even more comfortable and enjoyable. Treat yourself to a massage, meditate in our peaceful meditation shrine, or relax in one of the many attractive community spaces available on campus.

Whether it’s shopping for a book, hiking on our trails, or grabbing a healthy snack between lectures, you will find everything you need on-site, including high-speed campus-wide Wi-Fi. Also, our fully equipped classrooms are available for personal practice when classes are not in session.

Amenities at a Glance:

Daily morning or evening yoga classes Friday–Sunday
- Inquire about the weekday schedule with our reception team
High-speed WiFi Internet access
Sri Vidya Shrine (Meditation Hall)
Tea lounge with unlimited hot tea beverages
PureRejuv Wellness Center
MOKA Café
Sacred Grove Boutique & Bookstore
24/7 Business Lounge
400-acre wooded campus with five main hiking trails

Accommodations

Accommodations

Accommodations include your room, delicious nourishing meals, and full access to our stunning grounds and retreat center amenities.

Clean & Simple Rooms

To support your retreat experience, we offer clean and simple rooms with a minimal, peaceful design. Here, your mind can be free from distractions as you enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings that the Retreat Center has to offer.

Room Details & Pricing

Registration & Arrival

Registration & Arrival

Weekend seminars generally begin on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and conclude Sunday at lunch, unless otherwise noted in the seminar description.

Check-in:

Due to our limited staff, we have limited hours for check-in. Our staff is available to welcome you from 2 pm to 6 pm (Wednesday—Friday) and 12 pm to 3 pm (Saturday—Tuesday), so please plan to arrive between these hours. If your plans may require an earlier or later arrival, please contact Guest Services to make arrangements. However, regretfully, we are unable to accommodate arrivals after 10 pm. If you are not able to arrive before 10 pm, you may need to make alternative lodging arrangements for the night. Then you can check in the next morning.

Check-out:

Check-out time is 12:30 pm on the day of departure. We can extend your check-out time to accommodate your scheduling needs (pending availability) for a courtesy charge.

What to Bring:

The Institute provides bed linens and towels. Please bring your toiletries, including soap, toothpaste, bathrobe, slippers, shower shoes, hairdryer, etc. We also recommend bringing a flashlight, yoga mat, and umbrella.

Dress:

Modest, casual, and comfortable clothing is recommended.

Payment

The prices shown include the cost of accommodations, weekend yoga classes*, meals, use of the tea lounge, cafe, wifi, trails, public spaces, and all the amenities that the retreat center offers. Full payment is required at registration and can be made with VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.

Cancellations/Refunds:

We offer a full refund to guests who cancel their reservation before 7 days prior to arrival. A processing fee of 50% from the accommodations total will be refunded if a reservation is cancelled between 7 days and 48hr to check-in. We are unable to offer a refund if a guest is a no show or cancels within 48 hours of their check in time.

Off-Campus Fee

All guests staying off-campus pay an amenities fee of $40 per day to cover the cost that we incur to accommodate your meals and, if applicable, your participation in the seminar. The amenities fee includes meals, weekend yoga classes*, and full use of public guest facilities.

Financial Assistance:

The Himalayan Institute endeavors to make spiritual and educational programs available to everyone. We offer some financial assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to attend a program. Scholarships are by application only; deadlines apply. Call (800) 822-4547 to request an application or visit this page to apply.

Covid-19 Protocols

The Himalayan Institute holds the wellbeing and safety of our guests, staff and community as our top most priority. Learn about our COVID-19 Safety Protocols

*Weekend yoga class schedule is subject to change. Please check your program schedule for details.

Getting Here

For detailed information on driving times and directions, airports, taxis from Honesdale to the Institute, and driving service from the Wilkes Barre/Scranton airport, please view our Getting Here page.

Campus & Grounds

Campus & Grounds

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Poconos, the Himalayan Institute’s picturesque 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic trails, and peaceful spaces for reflection and contemplation. We invite you to come enjoy the natural beauty here on campus.

At a Glance:

400-acre Campus
Stunning landscape and wildlife
Groomed Hiking Trails
Sunset Pond
Sound of Music Hill
Moka Origins Factory
Sri Vidya Shrine

Explore Campus & Grounds

Dining

Food & Dining

Our nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals are consciously prepared with the intention to nourish body, mind, and spirit. We invite you to come enjoy our delicious food.

Breakfast

Breakfast generally consists of hot cereals (cooked grains), dairy and non-dairy options, homemade yogurt, and fresh fruit.

Lunch

Lunch, the main meal of the day, typically includes white and brown rice, delicious legumes (dahl), vegetables (subzi), homemade yogurt, and a fresh salad bar.

Dinner

Dinner is the lightest meal of the day and generally consists of soup, fresh salad, a delicious side dish, and fresh fruit.

*Non-dairy, gluten-free, and vegan options are available at most meals.

Food & Dining Details

Event Hosting

Event Hosting

We’re Here to Support You

Over the last 50 years, we’ve become experts in hosting yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats. The HI Retreat Center has supported hundreds of clients in hosting private retreats, creating memorable experiences for all involved.

PLAN WITH EASE

Turn your ideas into action with our step-by-step support, marketing guide, and free planning tools.

SAVE TIME & ENERGY

Focus your energy on planning and teaching your next event supported by our experienced Event Logistics Team.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR PLAN

Enhance your package with add-ons like an evening campfire, a chai and cookie party, or an outdoor adventure.

Host Your Event Here

FAQ

FAQ’s

What is included in the price of accommodations?

For more information about accommodations, visit our Accommodations page. A detailed list of available guest amenities can be found here.

Where are you located?

The Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA® is situated in a serene wooded setting on a 400-acre campus near Honesdale in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Directions are posted here or can be obtained through Google Maps or similar services.

See this page for more information on how to get to the Himalayan Institute.

I’m new to yoga. Are any of the seminars appropriate for me?

Many of our seminars are appropriate for the beginner who’s interested in finding out about yoga as well as for the more experienced yoga practitioner who would like to enrich and inspire their yoga practices. For details on seminars, see our event calendar.

When are your seminars held?

Our seminars are generally held on weekends. They begin Thursday or Friday evening and end with Sunday lunch. You may check in any time after 4:00 p.m. on the day of your arrival; check-out is 12:30 p.m. on the day of your departure. See our calendar for seminars and additional details.

What is a typical weekend seminar schedule?

Please note: Actual times and schedules may vary.

Friday P.M.
5:00 Hatha yoga class
6:00 Group meditation and prayers
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Lecture
10:00 Silence observed until 7:30 a.m.

Saturday
7:00 Hatha yoga class
7:30 Breakfast
10:00 Lecture
12:30 Lunch
3:30 Practicum
6:00 Group meditation and prayers
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Lecture
10:00 Silence observed until 7:30 a.m.

Sunday A.M.
7:00 Hatha yoga class
7:30 Breakfast
10:00 Lecture
12:30 Lunch
Departure

What are your rooms like?

Our typical guest rooms are simply furnished with two twin beds, sink, desk, closet, and medicine cabinet. Toilets and showers are down the hall. We have a few rooms available with a private bathroom for an extra charge.

Are your rooms air conditioned?

The climate in the Poconos Mountains is temperate even in the summer. Select premium accommodations may have A/C, however most rooms do not have air conditioning. We maintain a schedule of opening and closing windows throughout the day to generate airflow. This acts as a passive cooling system.

What credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Is it possible to stay for an extra day or two before or after a seminar?

Yes, the extra days would be your own private retreat rather than a structured program. The cost includes accommodations, three vegetarian meals a day, morning yoga classes, and access to our 400 acre campus trails and public spaces.

Can I bring my young children along?

We love children, but at this time the Himalayan Institute is primarily an adult oriented education facility. Programs are open to adults 18 years and older, unless otherwise stated. Children are welcome on campus with their parents, and must be supervised at all times by parents or designated adults accompanying the family. Children’s accommodations rates are the same as adult rates. The Himalayan Institute does not provide childcare.

Can I bring my pet(s)?

The Institute does not have the facilities to care for your pet, but click here for a list of nearby kennels.

Are holidays visits permitted?

Guests are more than welcome to visit campus during the holidays! Please know that due to staffing, amenities will be limited on July 4th, Thanksgiving & Black Friday, as well as Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. Guests looking for self-guided quiet time may find these visits ideal. Depending on the season and staffing, please check with Guest Services for up-to-date information on days of interest. Accommodations will need to be reserved before these dates as the reception desk will be closed for the holidays.

What style of yoga do you teach?

The Himalayan Institute style of yoga has its roots in raja and hatha yoga. Each class is a blend of breath-centered postures, relaxation, breath practices, and ends in meditation. Modifications are offered to meet you where you are in your body and knowledge of yoga, making each practice about a direct experience of your own breath, body.

Does the Himalayan Institute offer Scholarships or Financial Aid?

We are committed to making our teachings accessible to anyone seeking to study yoga, meditation, and holistic health. We host both Himalayan Institute Mission Programs and private events hosted by a variety of teachers. Our Financial Aid and Scholarships are available for HI Mission Programs and Certifications.

Scholarships are made possible by the generous support of the Himalayan Institute’s patrons and donors.