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A 5-day mindfulness retreat in the Himalayas
A 5-day mindfulness retreat in the Himalayas
let's travel outside, to dive within.
What is ARTCATION all about?
What is ARTCATION all about?
ARTCATION with Project Aaina is a holistic retreat experience that merges art and vacation into one transformative journey, redefining experiential travel. It's about embracing creativity, connecting with oneself, and immersing in the beauty of nature, while exploring new destinations. Through a carefully curated itinerary, participants engage in various art forms, mindfulness practices, and outdoor activities, fostering self-reflection and growth. It's an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and create lifelong memories in the company of like-minded individuals.
Wondering if you have to be an artist to join us? Well, let us give you some awesome news, you already are one! You do not have to be a master of the craft to know art. We are here to inculcate artistic expression through the free flow of conversations and experiences. We help build a safe space for our guests to explore their creativity, build meaningful connections, and share their stories. With intense research and spiritual application, we have curated sessions that allow our guests to establish a deeper connection with their emotions, letting go of the self they have created to reach out to the self that sits within.
The sessions include art, movement-based activities, yoga, meditation, sound healing, breath work, music circles along with various recreational sessions.
NOTE: You don’t need to have any background in Art or be an Artist. It’s about flowing from one medium to another.
When is it happening?
18th to 23rd June 2025
Where is it happening?
Just a few kilometres away from the bustling town of Manali, nestled amidst the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain range, lies a hidden gem that has the power to soothe your soul - Sonaugi village. It's hard to describe the magic of this place, where the serene and tranquil air wraps around you, and the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar range tower above you. Located at an altitude of 1920 M / 6300 ft, Sonaugi is a world away from the crowds of Manali.
Legend has it that the land was named Sonaugi, or the "Land of the Golden Crop", after nearby villagers discovered fields of golden wheat growing here. Today, Sonaugi is a picturesque retreat for the senses, with towering Himalayan Cedars (Deodar) embracing the landscape on three sides, and lush apple orchards stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Where will we stay?
Indulge in a luxurious stay at The Sonaugi Homestead by Banjara Experiences, a charming and serene abode that promises to enchant you with its rustic allure. Painstakingly hand-built by Italian architect Eris Binda in the traditional Kath-Kuni construction style, this retreat seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of its surroundings, offering a tranquil haven for you to unwind after a day of exploration.
The Retreat boasts of well-furnished, comfortable rooms, enveloped by the verdant mountains and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Every room exudes a rustic charm, with its wooden decor and earthy color tones, ensuring a cozy stay. The panoramic views of the mountainside and snow-clad peaks in the distance will take your breath away.
What are you Investing in?
The fee includes a very comfortable four night and five days stay in a luxury accommodations on double and triple sharing basis so you can come with friends or make new ones
Nourishing meals throughout the day, catering to both body and soul
Hassel-free travel to and from Chandigarh (the meeting point) in comfortable Innovas
More than 15 transformative sessions that foster personal growth and well-being
A carefully designed yog nidra session
Extensive art sessions set amidst breathtaking views
An eco printing & block printing workshop
Expertly guided chakra meditation, find your energy blockages and get on a healing journey
Experience deep relaxation and aura cleansing with therapeutic sound healing sessions
Energizing movement circles, a unique blend of self-expression and connection
A thoughtfully designed immersive art session inside a forest
Connect with nature's serenity through scenic hikes, forging a deeper connection with the environment
Village walks and cultural experiences
Embrace vibrant evenings with music and captivating campfire
Retreat from the noise and chaos, finding solace and self-connection in the serene surroundings
Engage with the local community, discovering their rich traditions and stories
Create lasting bonds through engaging activities, fostering connections beyond the retreat
Think of this retreat as an investment in yourself <3
What is the price of investing in yourself?
You can experience this entire Retreat for a budget of-
Triple Occupancy- INR 58,500/- per person
Double Occupancy- INR 69,500/- per person (limited seats on first come, first serve basis)
COST BREAKUP-
Actual cost of Stay, Food, Transportation & Cultural activities for 5 days- INR 37k
Program, Experience, 15+ Workshops/sessions, Materials & Curation fee- INR 21k
A portion of this money is used to provide activities for underprivileged children & women
Why should you join these retreats?
Step Into a New Version of You: This isn’t just a getaway-It’s a space to shed old layers and rediscover who you are beneath the noise
High quality and detail-With close attention to detail and intentionally small groups, everything is tailored to your personal journey and growth
Take Home 15+ Powerful Tools for Healing-From creative exercises to mindfulness practices, you’ll leave with a personal toolkit to support your growth long after the retreat ends
A Deeply Personal and Safe Space to Reflect-Surrounded by nature and like-hearted people, this retreat offers a gentle space to slow down, feel, and connect—with yourself and others
Travel (Meeting Point)
THE MEETING POINT WILL BE Chandigarh on 18th of June 2025 AT 10 PM
You should arrive by 10 PM on the 18th June 2025 at the meeting point. You can meet with your co-participants and get to know the team (the exact location will be shared later)
We leave from Chandigarh at 10:30 PM
We will be reaching our Retreat destination around 6 AM on the morning of of 19th June 2025 and will be leaving from Sonaugi post 2 PM on 23rd of June 2025
You should plan to return to your destination after 8:30 PM on 23rd June 2025
What’s the group size?
We keep the group size limited to 10 participants, to curate a personalized experience
What’s the day-wise journey like?
Note - This is just a brief overview of the itinerary. You are in for a lot of fun surprises.
DAY 1 - 19th June 2025
Morning: Arrive in the morning and immerse yourself in the exquisite surroundings of our location and proceed to complete the check-in process to access your accommodations
Introduction Session: Get acquainted with fellow participants and immerse yourself in the retreat's purpose and essence.
Introductory Pottery Session- A special hand building pottery workshop which is perfect for beginners
Reflection meditation- Indulge in a serene practice to foster deeper connections with both yourself and those around you
DAY 2 - 20th June 2025
Yog Nidra: Start your day with the ultimate relaxation technique that will help you de-stress and rejuvenate your mind and body
Immersive Art Circle: Reconnect with your creative spirit in a serene environment, free from city distractions
Rhythm Exploration: Engage in a mindful music circle to discover the art of sounds and rhythm.
Gratitude Meditation: Feel the transformative force of gratitude as you go on a journey of self-connection and relaxation during this rejuvenating meditation session
DAY 3 - 21st June 2025
Community Art Connection: Cherish the power of art and communication to understand community and connection in a thrilling and innovative way
A special Himachali lunch by a waterfall
Eco Printing & Block Printing: Unleash your creativity with intricate patterns and designs on fabric or paper
Guided Chakra Meditation & Sound Healing: Experience a rekindled sense of inner balance by soaking yourself in the transformative journey of chakra meditation and sound healing. Guided by a seasoned specialist, to lead you on this spiritual path
DAY 4 - 22nd June 2025
Movement therapy: Start the day by reconnecting with your body and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself through movement therapy.
Outdoor Art & forest bathing Session: Take a remarkable journey through nature and the enchanting art of painting in a forest with this session, providing you with an opportunity to connect with nature and yourself in this outdoor art session.
Self-Reflective Journey: Take a self-reflective journey in a meditative journaling session. Explore your inner thoughts, gain valuable insights, and create takeaways to cherish from this introspective experience.
Experience a traditional Himachali Nati Dance performance : Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rhythms of Himachal Pradesh.
Bonfire and Music Jam: Gather around a warm bonfire for a cozy evening filled with lively music & a jam session. Let the crackling flames and melodious tunes create the perfect ambiance for relaxation and camaraderie.
DAY 5 - 23rd June 2025
Hugs and pictures: Bid farewell to the splendid property and captivating environment as we transition to an enriching heritage tour
A tour of Naggar castle
A hearty lunch as we bid adieu to Sonaugi
Why should you join this retreat?
The reasons are simple:
Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
Reclaim your spiritual balance with Art
Connect with your inner self through music therapy and sound healing
Introduction to different meditative and therapeutic techniques that can help you kick start your self-reflective journey
Stay in a serene luxury homestay in the Himalayas
Have the much needed getaway you have been thinking of that is full of mindful and fun activities
Connect with a lot of fellow travelers and experience not just a trip but a memory to cherish
Let it all flow free and let go of everything you have been tied to by breaking patterns that no longer serve you stepping into a better version of yourself
For those of you who don't understand anything except bullet points, here you go:
Art sessions
Movement Therapy
Music circles
Meditation
Sound Healing
Live music
Naggar Heritage Tour
Forest bathing and hiking
All meals for the whole trip
Accommodation
Lots of fun, friendships and good memories.
Don't think about it too much, you deserve this break!
Contact us and book your slot right away.
The Location
The Location
Inclusions:
Accommodation for 4 Nights and 5 Days
Travel to and from Chandigarh in Innovas
Authentic meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner (All meals provided during the retreats will be vegetarian. The ingredients will be locally sourced with an aim of keeping meals fresh and nourishing, enhance the authentic cuisine experience)
Access to multiple intensive Art sessions
All the Art supplies & materials used during the sessions
Instruments for music sessions
Meditation, sound healing and movement therapy sessions
Guided tour of Naggar
Exclusions:
Personal expenses of any nature
Transportation to and from the venue
Additional beverages or food
Any additional activities during the retreat
Medical expenses of any nature
DISCLAIMER
* You are requested to respect Nature, the culture of the region, and the sentimental values of the locals. You must refrain from acts of littering, intoxication in public areas, and disrespecting people, animals, or any places of worship at all times.
* We at Project Aaina do not support the use of any kind of Intoxication since we’re here on a spiritual journey. The use of drugs, alcohol consumption and smoking is prohibited during the retreats.
*You have to be 18+ to attend our retreats. If you are below 18, we will require you to submit an NOC signed by your parents or guardian.
*All meals provided during the retreats will be vegetarian. The ingredients will be locally sourced with an aim of keeping meals fresh and nourishing, enhance the authentic cuisine experience.
* You are responsible for yourself and your belongings for the entire duration of the Retreat. The organisers are not responsible for any theft or loss of your personal belongings or for any personal injury caused to you.
*In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the organizers—such as natural calamities, government-imposed lockdowns, travel bans, or any other force majeure event—Project Aaina reserves the right to reschedule the retreat to a later date. In such cases, no refunds will be issued. However, the booking amount paid by the participant will be securely carried forward as a credit toward the rescheduled retreat. All participants will be informed of the new dates and provided with continued support to ensure a smooth transition.
*Uninformed movement by participants during the day and night outside the property is strictly prohibited; the host or the organizers will not be responsible for any unforeseen circumstances.
* Payment policy- You can temporarily book your seat by paying the registration fee online. Interested individuals are requested to pay the full payment inorder to secure their spot for the retreat.
* Refund policy- The registration fee and the advance payment is a non-refundable amount under any circumstances, however, we understand that an unexpected change of plans is always a possibility, so if you are unable to attend your Retreat, you can transfer your slot to someone else, do let us know at least two weeks before the start of the Retreat.
* If a Retreat has been postponed/cancelled due to Covid or any natural disaster, the payments shall be adjusted towards the rescheduled Retreat.
* A Covid - 19 negative test certificate is mandatory if you haven't got both doses of vaccine.
* If you have been previously tested positive, make sure you have completed the general self-quarantine time period of 7 days, and also given your body and mind time to recover. If your symptoms have subsided, you are most welcome. Take a test again, as the negative certificate is mandatory.
* Masks and personal sanitisers are mandatory on the trip. Make sure you carry them. It's for your own safety, and for the safety of your fellow co- travellers. Little precautions can go a long way. You are requested to help us in this, and be aware of taking necessary precautions.
*We don’t support any kind of mistreatment/bullying. Consent is a very important factor in the case of every participant and team member at Project Aaina. Happy hugs are always welcome.
*You will be asked to leave the retreat immediately if you fail to follow the above-mentioned policies.
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