The Sadhanalaya is open for day-visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all days.

YSS and SRF Lessons students are welcome to stay in the Sadhanalaya to take a personal retreat or join us for one of the conducted retreats to recharge and rejuvenate themselves.

Duration of Stay:

• Conducted Retreats – Devotees may arrive two days before the commencement of the retreat and depart two days after its conclusion. The total duration of stay, inclusive of any extended stay before or after the retreat, should not exceed seven days.
• Individual Retreats – In addition to the conducted retreats, we encourage individuals to take personal retreats as well to deepen their sadhana and communion with the Divine. Devotees are welcome to stay for a maximum period of seven days, which can be further extended with the prior approval of the Managing Committee.

To foster an environment conducive to sadhana and also to make the most out of the retreat, individuals are encouraged to observe silence as much as possible. For a truly secluded retreat experience, devotees may choose to deposit their mobile phones upon arrival and may collect them at the time of departure. The Sadhanalaya phone numbers are available round the clock to receive emergent messages on behalf of the retreatants. Please click here to read detailed guidelines for making your retreat more rewarding and successful.

Request Accommodation
Reservations for conducted retreats are on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested devotees are encouraged to book their accommodation at the earliest by calling or sending an email (contact details shared below) with the following details:

• Full name
• Age
• Address
• Email and Telephone number
• YSS Lessons Reg. number (or SRF Membership Number)
• Dates and times of your proposed arrival and departure

For individual retreats, the request should be submitted at least 7-10 days before the arrival date.

Residential Facilities: The Sadhanalaya offers accommodation in three beautiful cottages, each distinctively designed with roofs carved from Himalayan stone, reflecting traditional Himachali architecture. These cottages house multiple well-appointed rooms across their various floors.

Each room is thoughtfully furnished with two comfortable beds, a study table with a chair, and a wooden wardrobe. All rooms feature an attached bathroom with a geyser facility, and heaters are provided for winter comfort. Designed for natural light and fresh air, each room also features a private balcony offering breathtaking valley views, ideal for morning bird-watching, appreciating the rich surrounding flora and fauna, and thereby helping one to feel close to Mother Nature.

There is also a well-equipped dining facility providing freshly prepared, sattvic and nutritious meals to the retreatants. YSS publications, including the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, are available for sale and private study in the Library.

Please note:

• Confirmation of an accommodation request is subject to availability.
• Should the retreat’s accommodation be fully booked (either for a specific event or general visit), or if you prefer to make your own stay arrangements, comfortable homestays offering essential amenities are also available as an alternative. For more information regarding this, please contact the Sadhanalaya.
• Male and Female devotees below 60 years of age will be accommodated separately. Family members may please plan and pack accordingly.
• Devotees are encouraged to stay for the full duration of the retreat. Part participation will not be possible.
• We advise checking the local weather forecast before planning your visit. The best time to visit is during the pleasant summer months of March-June. Monsoon season is from July to early September, and winter is from October to February.
• Seasonal essentials for Shimla include light woollens in summer, heavy woollens in winter, and an umbrella or raincoat during the monsoon.
• Since the retreat is situated on a hilly terrain, devotees experiencing physical disabilities, heart, or respiratory issues may find it difficult to visit and participate in the events.

Gurudeva’s retreats are open to all, regardless of an individual’s ability to contribute financially. However, we are very grateful to those who are able to make larger contributions that allow us to defray the costs of meals, lodging, maintenance, and upkeep of the retreat facility, thereby extending Gurudeva’s hospitality to all sincere seekers.