For those of us who live in cities, nature often feels like a little escape we keep waiting for. We spend our days surrounded by concrete, traffic and noise, and somewhere in between the rush, we start longing for open skies, quiet mornings and the sound of something other than city life. So, when I heard about a yoga retreat in Ladakh byAmritwani Yog Kendra (AYK), I hardly needed a reason to go. Snow-capped mountains, clear blue lakes, ancient monasteries and endless landscapes were enough to draw me in.
What I thought would be a seven-day getaway turned into something much more meaningful.
From May 10 to May 16, 2026, I was a part of a journey that encompassed yoga, nature, culture and connectivity.
The retreat consisted of 32 participants from various regions of India ranging from an age of 12 to 78 years. All participants came with the same interest in yoga, providing everyone with the sense of belongingness as group members.
Our mornings began with therapeutic yoga sessions led by senior AYK teachers Anshu Ji, Amrita Ji and Yogi Bhanu. Each session had a specific focus, including spine health, gut health, stress and anxiety management, and other concerns connected to our modern lifestyle.
What I liked was that the focus was not only on doing the asanas. They taught us how important it is to take care of our bodies, watch the breath and do things mindfully. The instructors were gentle and taught us that yoga could be modified for different needs. Doing yoga in Ladakh made the mornings even more precious. The quiet atmosphere was hypnotic and created a feeling of calmness. Out of everyday life, it was convenient to concentrate on the body and mind.
Evenings had a slower pace. We gathered for the Trataka, Bhajan Chanting and Yoga Nidra. After the busy day, these activities helped us unwind and settle. Yoga Nidra allowed me to take a break and catch my thoughts. The evening practices allowed us to create balance during our day.
But the retreat was not only about yoga.
One memorable experience was a cultural programme organised with the Ladakh Cultural Academy. We watched traditional Ladakhi music and dance performances and learnt about the history, heritage and traditions of the region. It helped me understand Ladakh beyond its landscapes and gave me a closer look at its culture.
Our stay at Le Mentok Wellness Resort, Leh, beside the Indus River, added to the experience. The peaceful setting provided a comfortable space for yoga, meditation and wellness activities. Being surrounded by nature made the retreat feel calm and refreshing.
We also explored some of Ladakh’s beautiful places. Our visits included Nubra Valley, the Shyok River and Pangong Lake. The mountains, open skies and changing landscapes made every journey memorable. I often stopped to take in the view.
These excursions also gave us time together outside our yoga sessions. We shared conversations, clicked photographs and laughed together. By the end of the retreat, the group felt less like strangers and more like a small community that had shared something special.
One thing I will remember most is how different the retreat felt from my usual routine. We had time to practise, rest, talk and observe our surroundings. The mountains encouraged me to slow down. Meeting people from different age groups reminded me that everyone has something to learn and share.
What I enjoyed most was that yoga became part of the entire experience. It was present in our morning practices, evening sessions and even in the way we experienced nature. The retreat taught me that yoga does not have to remain limited to the mat. It can teach us to slow down, listen to ourselves and become more aware of the present moment.
As the retreat came to an end, we gathered for the valedictory session. It was difficult to believe that seven days had passed so quickly. There was happiness about returning home, but also sadness about leaving the peaceful surroundings and the people we had grown close to.
I returned home carrying memories of Ladakh and a renewed understanding of my yoga practice. The retreat reminded me that yoga is not only about flexibility or performing an asana correctly. It is about awareness, balance, discipline and presence.
I am grateful to Amritwani Yog Kendra, our teachers, Le Mentok Wellness Resort and the Ladakh Cultural Academy for making this journey meaningful.
Seven days may seem short, but this journey gave me memories, friendships, and lessons that I will carry with me for many years. It reminded me to appreciate simple moments and stay present in daily life too.
Jaishree Panwar
Jaishree Panwar is a yoga student, writer, and conscious traveller based in Mumbai. After trading the bustle of the city for the silence of the Himalayas during the Amritwani Ladakh Yoga Retreat, she found a deeper connection to her breath, movement, and mindfulness. When she isn’t on the mat, she writes about wellness, self-inquiry, and slow living. Inspired by her time in the mountains? The next Amritwani Ladakh Retreat takes place this October 2026—you can find details on the retreats page.
