Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama ashram in Rishikesh, India.

The trip is a long one. The culture shock can initially be, well, shocking. And you may have to share the road on the way with cows, monkeys, and the occasional elephant. But a pilgrimage to the peace-filled and profoundly nurturing Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama at the foothills of the Himalayas is worth any strain that it might take to get there. I’ve visited twice—each a transformational visit—and recommend its beauty (physical, spiritual, and social) beyond question, whether for a personal retreat or for unique training in hatha, meditation, and the other Yoga sciences as taught by the Himalayan Yoga tradition.

The next teacher training session is in November. For more info, email Maryon at hyt.ttp@gmail.com or read about the Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teacher Training Program here.

And when you have a minute, take a peek at a video of this amazing place.