• Embark on the ultimate yoga retreat in Mother India with our high-vibe tribe
• Immerse yourself in a comfortable authentic ashram lifestyle in the birthplace of yoga
• Dive deep into the ancient philosophy of yoga
• Study and discuss profound spiritual wisdom
• Enhance your understanding of Bhakti yoga, also known as yoga of the heart
• Enjoy storytelling and kirtan music in the sacred Vrindavan forest
• Experience the transformative effects of sattvic nutrition and Ayurveda
• Engage in deeply healing yoga practices rarely shared in the West
• Cultivate or deepen your daily meditation practice
• Establish a daily spiritual practice to maintain the profound impact of the retreat in your life back home

Plus so much more...

Sadhana: spiritual practices

Sangha: high-vibe community

Svadhyaya: self-inquiry

Satsang: community sharing circles

Japa: mantra meditation

Kirtan: devotional chanting and music

Lila: yogic teachings through stories

Prasad: sanctified food made with love

Arati: prayers + worship

Puja: fire ceremony + offering

Harinam sankirtan parikrama: congregational chanting

Seva: selfless service (optional opportunities)

Bhakti: yoga of the heart

This week will transform your heart and soul through daily spiritual practice and community.

NOTE: since this is a retreat (not a teacher training), all sessions are optional. Therefore, students can sleep in for a session and are not required to be present at the daily 4:30 am program.

Typical Daily Schedule:

04:30 | mangala arati, narasimha prayers, tulasi plant puja

05:30 | yoga asana (HJY Hero's Journey)

07:00 | guru puja

07:30 | harinam sankirtan parikrama

08:00 | breakfast prasadam

09:30 | self-care and leisure time

11:00 | HJY session or GEV activity

13:00 | lunch prasadam

14:30 | self-care and leisure time

16:00 | HJY session or GEV activity 

18:00 | govardhan hill arati, yamuna river arati, maan mandir kirtan (evening prayers)

19:00 | dinner

20:30 | noble silence 

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**Note: the schedule is subject to change slightly each day according to activities and special events.

 Sample HJY Content:

• Bhakti Yoga Immersion
• Bhagavad Gita Course
• Mantra Meditation Workshop
• Yogic wisdom that will move you towards a deeper understanding of self, divinity, and your purpose in life
• Deep Self-Inquiry according to Vedic wisdom:
  • Who am I?
  • Does God Exist?
  • Search for Happiness
  • What's the purpose of my life?
  • Why do bad things happen to good people?
• Bonus sessions with Hanna: 
  • Restorative Yoga
  • Yin Yoga
  • Yoga & Therapy

ALL activities are included in the retreat price. 

GEV Activities:

• Care for animals at the Go Shala (cow sanctuary)
• Seva (service) initiatives at nearby rural villages
• Vrindavan Forest Tour
• Sustainability Projects Tour (Soil Biotechnology Plant, Rainwater Harvesting Pond, Vermi Compost Plant, Bio Gas Plant, Solar Plant)
• Kirtan (chanting) with monks in magical settings
• Mountain hike (2-3 hours round trip)
• GEV campus tour
• Opening and closing Nitya Homa Yajna Agni Hotra (Fire Ceremony)

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Free Time Activities:

• Ayurvedic spa treatments (one massage and 1-1 consultation included in your package)
• Opportunities to learn how to play kirtan instruments (harmonium, mridanga, and kartals)
• Rest and self-care
• Lap swimming pool
• Deity flower garden
• Swaram sound healing
• Govardhan Plant Nursery
• Talvan Animal Shelter (peacocks, horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cows, roosters, and hens)
• Hanuman ji Darshan
• Associate with humble monks and the high-vibe HJY community

Plus so much more...

• Jack Boken | Harvard Divinity School MDiv Candidate, B.Eng, MBA, E-RYT 500, (Lead Facilitator)
• Hanna von Hafenbrädl, E-RYT 500 (Co-Facilitator)
• His Grace Gauranga Das, Director of GEV (Special Guest) 💙
• His Holiness Radhanath Swami, Founder of GEV (Special Guest) 💙
• Team of Brahmachari monks with expertise in yoga philosophy, traditional kirtan music, and spiritual life

Click here for full bios of Happy Jack & Hanna. 

You'll spend a week at Govardhan EcoVillage, an award-winning certified UNESCO green travel destination, a 70-acre sustainable farming community and retreat center on the foothills of the Sahyadhri Mountains, 108km north of Mumbai, created and directed by the monk disciples of His Holiness Radhanath Swami.

GEV is the perfect environment to release, refocus, and recalibrate the self. 

When you visit GEV, you'll experience a community that is a successful fusion between ancient Vedic wisdom and modern sustainability science.

This cutting-edge, environmentally savvy retreat center implements green technologies like permaculture farming, water harvesting, cob buildings, rammed earth buildings, gray water treatment, solar power, and bio-fuel energy systems.

Our hosts provide all the accommodations, bedding, and meals prepared with vegan and gluten-free options—and cooked with love.

GEV focuses on learning how to live in harmony with the environment and developing a ‘spiritual ecology’ that can bring about tangible, positive changes within ourselves and how we interact with the planet.

There is also an award-winning Ayurvedic Spa and Treatment Center available for appointments. Your investment includes a consultation with an Ayurvedic Doctor and an Abhyangam Ayurvedic oil massage.

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Please Note: For this retreat, we maintain traditional ashram and pilgrimage standards while also remaining respectful of the culture and the local village lifestyle in rural India. Therefore, for the duration of the retreat, we ask students to abstain from meat, fish, eggs, intoxicants, smoking, and sexual promiscuity.

To learn more about the incredible initiatives at GEV, enjoy this video. 

Nov 9th:

• Arrive at Mumbai Airport (BOM) early morning (before 8 am), or consider arriving the day before on Nov 8th
• Ground transportation from Mumbai Airport (BOM) or the nearby hotel will be scheduled according to your flight arrival time. Travel time to GEV retreat center is two hours (three hours with traffic)
• GEV check-in begins at 12 noon
• Retreat begins at 4 pm

**If you choose to arrive one day before the retreat starts, on Nov 8th, we'll recommend a hotel nearby the airport. For budgeting purposes, the price will be less than $100 per night per room. 

Nov 16th:

• Retreat concludes at 10 am
• Room check-out at 10 am, though you're welcome to spend the day on-site
• Ground transportation back to the Mumbai Airport (BOM) will be scheduled according to your flight departure time. 
• Return flight from Mumbai (BOM) in the evening

Room, board, activities, consultation, massage, and airport transportation (see What’s Included section)

• Shared Room (one roommate): $800 USD per person for the week
• Private Room: $1200 USD per person for the week

If you are new to attending a Bhakti Yoga retreat, it is customary to support the teachers by making a donation. Suggested donations are typically between $500 and $1000 per student. Please read on.

In yoga’s spiritual culture, a teacher shares the wisdom of yoga as an act of devotion rather than for profit. This is especially important in the Bhakti tradition. It also keeps this retreat affordable.

We honor these important principles of education and culture by not charging a set price for this retreat. So, how do the teachers survive? The answer is that pure teachers give generously of their time and wisdom, and good students honor that by sharing a donation from the heart and according to their means.  

We provide a suggested donation range. We humbly ask that you show your support for our teachers by giving generously according to your means, although we are grateful to accept whatever one can offer. For this retreat, we suggest a donation between $500 and $1000.

Total Pricing examples

• For a shared room plus a $500 donation: Total Cost - $1300 per person.
• For a private room plus a $750 donation: Total Cost - $1950 per person.

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Deposit:

$500 deposit is required to hold your spot.

Balance Due (includes teacher donation): August 9, 2025 (three months prior to the retreat)

Click here to make a $500 deposit and reserve your spot. 

Payment plans are available upon request.

There are a limited number of rooms. If you'd love to join us, be sure to save your spot with a deposit, or email us with questions to [email protected].

• Ground transportation from Mumbai Airport (or nearby hotel) on Nov 9th
• 7 nights ensuite room (private bathroom) with A/C at Govardhan EcoVillage
• 3 nourishing meals per day (vegetarian/vegan), prepared by monks with love and high consciousness
• 1-1 consultation with an Ayurvedic Doctor
• Abhyangam Ayurvedic oil massage
• All retreat activities and excursions
• Personal copy of His Holiness Radhanath Swami's autobiography, "The Journey Home"
• Free WiFi in rooms and yoga halls
• Return ground transportation to Mumbai Airport on Nov 16th

• Flights to Mumbai Airport (BOM)
• E-visa (approx $40)
• Travel insurance (optional, not required)
• Additional Ayurvedic spa treatments (one consultation and massage are included)
• Laundry services (available for minimal fee)
• Additional snacks/drinks at Govindas Restaurant or Srinathji Cafe

In the event you choose to cancel your participation in our HJY November 2025 India Retreat or are unable to join for personal reasons, we will credit the cost of your retreat package to ANY future Happy Jack Yoga program when you notify us on or before October 1, 2025. 

Credit may be used towards our annual retreats in Canada and India or HJY membership or courses online at Happy Jack Yoga University.

Q: Do I need any prior experience in yoga or Bhakti?

A: No, this retreat is accessible to ALL levels. If you have a sincere yearning to travel to the birthplace of yoga and connect to its deeper purpose, you're a perfect fit for this retreat. Expect to spend a week with a high-vibe community of spiritual seekers who are hungry for truth and meaningful conversations.

Q: Is everything included in the price?

A: Yes, once you arrive at Mumbai Airport (BOM), everything is included. Your investment includes accommodations, meals, ground transportation, workshop sessions, activities/excursions, an Ayurvedic massage, and even a 1-1 consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor. You will not need to spend any additional money while in India unless you choose to enjoy additional spa treatments, gifts at the gift shop, or snacks/drinks outside the regular meal times. 

Q: Do the facilitators have experience leading retreats in India?

A: Happy Jack spent more than a year in India, has been traveling there annually since 2012, and together with Hanna has been hosting retreats and teacher training in India for the past decade. Happy Jack also spent two months at GEV during the summer of 2024 cultivating deep relationships with the community. Plus, you'll be engaging with and learning from a team of Indian monks who have dedicated their entire lives to the practice of Bhakti yoga.

Q: How is the weather at this time of year?

A: This is the perfect time to visit India as the temperatures are nice and warm, but not too hot. You can expect daily highs of 88F (31C) and lows of around 72F (22C). It will be sunny with no rain. 

Q: Is the retreat center wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, the accommodations and most of the property is wheelchair accessible. Also, there are golf carts available to transport guests around the property 24/7 upon request. 

Q: Can I attend if I have physical limitations or an injury?

A: Yes, this retreat is accessible to ALL levels. Although there will be a Hero's Journey vinyasa yoga practice each morning, participation in the retreat program is possible with physical limitations. Also, during the yoga asana classes, variations and modifications are offered to accommodate ALL levels of practice.

Q: Is it safe to travel to India?

A: Having traveled there many times, and explored the entire country from north to south, our experience is that it is indeed safe. In particular, the GEV retreat center was created specifically to provide a soft landing for Westerners traveling to India to ensure a comfortable experience while still being exposed to the authentic culture and practices. 

Q: Is the food and drinking water safe?

A: The food at GEV is prepared to impeccable standards and caters specifically to Western yogis. All meals and drinking water are provided as part of the retreat. It's a great idea to bring a water bottle, as there are high-quality drinking water stations located all around the retreat center grounds. If you travel outside GEV before or after the retreat, drink bottled water and eat cooked food. However, if you follow our suggested itinerary, all meals and beverages are included. 

Q: Are vaccinations required to travel to India?

A: No, vaccinations are not required. We recommend doing what you are most comfortable with. Consult a health care professional, or act according to your values. Our team travels here annually and does not take any vaccinations, though this is a personal choice. Please do what feels right for you.

Q: What is the vibe of the yogis who attend HJY retreats?

A: Expect a high-vibe community that will love, care for, and support one another. Get ready to make friendships for life.

Q: What style of yoga will be taught?

A: The yoga asana class we'll practice each morning is a vinyasa flow sequence called The Hero's Journey, designed by Happy Jack Yoga. Also, since this is a Bhakti Yoga Immersion, you will certainly be exposed to the heart-centered practices of Bhakti. Additionally, you can expect some nourishing evening practices of Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga with Hanna. 

Q: Where will we practice yoga?

A: Our meditation, yoga asana, and Satsangs (community sharing circles) will be hosted in the various temple courtyards, under the trees of the Vrindavan Forest, as well as a dedicated yoga shala.

Q: Will we earn Continuing Education (CE) hours from the retreat workshops?

A: Yes, upon completion of this retreat, you'll be eligible for a total of 40 CE hours according to the various practice and theory sessions you'll engage in. Most commonly for yoga teachers, these hours can be requested through the International Yoga Alliance YACEP program. 

Q: Is there internet access at the retreat center?

A: Yes, you'll enjoy complimentary WiFi in your room and the yoga halls.

Q: If I choose the 'shared room' package, will you assign me a roommate?

A: Yes, we will match you with another beautiful soul (of the same gender) that we believe will be a great match. Often roommates at HJY retreats end up becoming friends for life. 

Q: Can you connect us with other participants to arrange traveling on the same flights?

A: Yes, this is very common for participants from major Canadian / American / European cities to arrange booking the same flights. You'll be connected with the group well in advance before booking flights to arrange this according to your comfort level.

Q: What is the noble silence each evening?

A: Noble silence is a practice often observed at HJY retreats. After 8:30 pm, we encourage yogis to remain in silence to integrate and absorb the teachings of the day. The purpose is to enhance the overall experience and benefits of the retreat. Here are some benefits of the noble silence: deepen inner reflection, enhance mindfulness, reduce mental clutter, create a tranquil environment, and promote detachment from daily habits. Overall, noble silence is intended to enhance the spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits of the retreat, helping you to achieve a deeper state of awareness and inner peace.

Q: Are children or families welcome?

A: It is common to bring a spouse along, even if they have limited or no experience with yoga. It is also possible to bring children if you feel comfortable with them spending some time on their own (or having one parent accommodating them). Children will love the GEV campus, enjoy many of the activities and excursions, and even get to meet and play with other local children who are attending an English-speaking school next to the ashram. There's also a Kid's Zone with playground equipment and a trampoline. Teenagers are welcome to join yoga classes; however, our Satsang (community sharing circles) are only for adults as this is a safe space for yogis to open up and share their hearts. Although the group will be predominantly adults (ages ranging from the twenties to the seventies), depending on the maturity level of children and the level of supervision required, it may be possible to bring them along. Note that the additional teacher's donation would not be expected for children. 

Q: What happens after I sign up?

A: Your retreat adventure begins the moment you reserve your spot with a $500 deposit. In preparation for this spiritual pilgrimage to Mother India, you'll be provided with some recommended inspirational reading (optional, not required). Also, the group of yogis will be meeting a few times over Zoom to get to know one another in advance. You'll also receive more details on what to pack, and of course, we'll continue to be available to answer your questions. Most importantly, please know that you are ready now. Although we'll share many resources to support your retreat experience, truthfully all you need to do is show up with an open heart for this life-changing experience.

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Further questions? Email [email protected]