YSS Shimla Retreat

Yogoda Satsanga Ananda Shikhar Sadhanalaya – Shimla

Himachal Pradesh

Welcome to the Shimla Retreat of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS). Officially known as “Yogoda Satsanga Ananda Shikhar Sadhanalaya”, its name, Ananda Shikhar, literally means ‘peak of bliss’. This beautiful retreat was inaugurated on May 10, 2005, on the avirbhav divas (birth anniversary) of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, the revered Guru of Paramahansa Yogananda.

The city of Shimla bears a deep connection with the lives of Swami Sri Yukteswar and Paramahansa Yogananda. As described in the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, this queenly city — resting like a jewel on the Himalayan foothills — served as their first stop on their journey to Kashmir in 1917. Sri Daya Mata, the late third president and sanghamata of YSS/SRF (Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship), also visited Shimla during her first trip to India in 1958.

Serene and Scenic Surroundings

Nestled amidst lush green deodar, ban oak, and pine forests, the Sadhanalaya offers devotees an ideal setting for a truly secluded and uplifting spiritual experience. The profound silence surrounding the retreat has an immediate, soothing effect on one’s being. The grounds abound with beautiful flowers, birds and fruit trees such as apricots, plums, and walnuts, among others. Along with participating in various spiritual activities, devotees can enjoy the breathtaking valley views, sunrises, and the surrounding wilderness, as well as go for walks, treks, and bird watching — wonderful ways to connect with Mother Nature.

Retreat Facilities

The Sadhanalaya comprises three beautiful cottages with roofs carved from Himalayan rock. The first cottage houses key amenities, including the reception and book sales area, a small dedicated library, and a dining hall. A naturally lit, well-ventilated meditation hall, equipped with audio-video facilities, sits at the heart of the retreat. Retreatants are accommodated in various rooms across the three cottages, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay. A spacious lawn provides an ideal space for practicing the Energization Exercises, engaging in spiritual study, quiet reflection, and meditation — or simply enjoying the pleasant weather.

Overview of Events

Theme-based retreat programmes are a unique highlight of the Sadhanalaya, with 10-12 such retreats being organized every year. The retreat schedule is thoughtfully designed to facilitate deeper sadhana and includes activities like group meditations, discourses, reading sessions from YSS publications, video shows, and bhajans. YSS sannyasi-led events comprising Kriya Yoga diksha are also conducted from time to time. In addition to these events, devotees are welcome to take individual retreats to recharge themselves in body, mind, and spirit.

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Testimonials

At Anand Shikhar, the spiritual ambience is so powerful that one can easily meditate even in their rooms; the temple and the green area around are immensely charged with spiritual energy. The sound of cascading water during the rains in the stream next to the green area is an added bounty.

Over a six-month period, I attended four retreats. After these retreats, I felt that some part of the gains had started to stick with me, and not everything was getting lost post the retreat. This experience kept me eagerly waiting for the announcement of the retreat schedule for next year.

One after the other, I could discern how each visit became instrumental in various facets of my life, and that of my family. Guruji's blessings flowed abundantly with every visit. The retreat centre could very well be spoken of as an ideal environment for pursuing one's spiritual sadhana.

The silence we maintained for three days at Anand Shikhar retreats helped to work on the relationship with God and Guru; it brought them closer to my heart and made me realize that they are always with us.

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உங்கள் வருகையைத் திட்டமிடுங்கள்

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.

The Sadhanalaya rooms are 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 views and ideal for bird-watching. A well-equipped dining facility provides 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.

Duration of Stay:

Conducted Retreats – Devotees are encouraged to stay for the full duration of the retreat. Part participation will not be possible. 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 – 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 emergency messages on behalf of the retreatants. Please click here to read detailed guidelines for making your retreat more rewarding and successful.

Please note:

Male and Female devotees below 60 years of age will be accommodated separately. Family members may please plan and pack accordingly.
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.

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 submitting the online form at least 10 days before the arrival date.

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.

எங்களை தொடர்பு கொள்ளவும்

Yogoda Satsanga Ananda Shikhar Sadhanalaya – Shimla

Banuti Pahal Road

Village Panti

Shimla - 171011

Himachal Pradesh

எப்படி வந்து சேருவது

Shimla is situated in the lower Himalayas at an elevation of about 7,100 feet above sea level. The Ananda Shikhar Sadhanalaya is located on a gentle slope in the Village of Panti on the outskirts, approximately 18 kilometres from the Shimla main town.

While air connectivity to Shimla is limited, robust road and rail networks make it easily accessible from the rest of the country. Please read the details below to select the mode of transport best suited for your visit.

By Air
Shimla Airport (SLV):
The nearest airport is the Shimla Airport (SLV) at Jubbarhati, located about 22 kilometres from the Sadhanalaya. Upon your arrival at the airport, you can conveniently hire a taxi for the onward journey, which takes approximately 1 hour to reach the Sadhanalaya.

Since direct flight connectivity from other parts of the country to this airport is limited, you may consider the following two alternatives:

Chandigarh Airport (IXC): Located approximately 120 kilometres from the Sadhanalaya, a direct taxi typically takes about 3.5-4.5 hours.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi – DEL): The Sadhanalaya is approximately 360 kilometres from New Delhi Airport, with a direct taxi journey of 7-9 hours.

Another popular option from these two airports is to opt for a combination of road and rail by travelling to Kalka, followed by the picturesque narrow-gauge train journey to Shimla Railway Station (see rail section below for more details) for a scenic experience, from where taxis or buses are readily available for the Sadhanalaya.

By Rail
The primary rail access to Shimla is via Kalka Railway Station (KLK), which serves as the northern terminus of the broad-gauge Delhi-Kalka line and the starting point of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla line. If a direct train to Kalka is not available from your city, you may first travel to New Delhi (NDLS) or Chandigarh (CDG) and take a connecting train to Kalka from these places. Alternatively, direct taxis can also be conveniently booked from New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kalka railway stations to take you directly to Shimla.

From Kalka, you can take a beautiful and unique ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage ‘Toy Train’. This 96-kilometre journey, taking about 5-6 hours, offers a memorable experience through stunning valleys, lush forests, and over 100 tunnels and bridges. Travelling through this peaceful, natural environment amidst the serene Himalayan landscapes provides a very calming and soothing escape into nature’s embrace.

You can disembark at either Jutogh (JTO, 6 km from the retreat) or Shimla Railway Station (SML, 10-15 km from the retreat), from where taxis and local buses are readily available to take you directly to the YSS Shimla Retreat.

By Road
Intercity:
For travel to Shimla by road from major cities, National Highway 5 (NH5), including the Himalayan Expressway, is the primary route that makes Shimla easily accessible to the rest of the country. After reaching Shimla, take National Highway 205 (NH 205) and follow directions for Banuti, a key landmark. From Banuti, the YSS Shimla retreat is conveniently located on the Banuti-Pahal or Banuti-Sharada link road, providing direct access.

Direct bus services from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali are also available through a robust network of government and private operators.

From Shimla:
If you are travelling from within the Shimla city, you can hire a taxi directly to the Retreat. Alternatively, local buses are available, passing through the Baluganj-Totu-Hiranagar-Banuti route. From Banuti, the Sadhanalaya is located on the Banuti-Pahal or Banuti-Sharada link road. When taking a local bus, choose one specifically bound for Pahal or Sharda, as these routes directly stop at the retreat. For other bus routes, you may need to disembark at Banuti and then take a local Pahal/Sharda-bound bus or a short taxi ride.

Please note:

App-based cabs like Ola and Uber don’t operate in Shimla.
If self-driving, be mindful of narrow, winding hill roads, using low gear for descents. Avoid night travel, particularly during fog or snow, and ensure you reach Anand Shikhar before dark since it’s located beyond the main city.