Yoga means 'union' and ABC Retreats is rooted in a philosophy of interconnectedness – a universal, and ultimately spiritual, perspective that gives identity to the part while ensuring coherence to the whole. In practical terms, this means that:
So come and experience the true Yoga with us, it's as easy as ABC!
Nestling in beautiful, wooded surroundings overlooking Dal Lake and overlooked by snow-clad Himalayan peaks, Qayaam Gah embodies the diverse spiritual legacy of Kashmir. From the 10th century the area has been a stronghold of Kashmiri Shaivism, then from the 13th century onwards the saints, seers and poets of Sufism cast their spell, singing the same joyous song of the oneness of all life. As a result, the valley has retained a powerful atmosphere that is an ideal backdrop for the practice of yoga.
Qayaam Gah is a small but spacious property designed in traditional manner that highlights the local skills of intricate wood carving and rug-making. Style and comfort await the guest in one of the four luxury villas or three suites that offer a soothing balance of indoor/outdoor living and stylish luxury. A terrace with spectacular views provides the perfect site for yoga practice, and the wooded surroundings offer invigorating walks in the pristine mountain air.
Upcoming Retreats at Qayaam Gah...
The hotel is set in an area with a strong spiritual history. A couple of miles up the road in Hosdurg is the ashram built by the great yogi Swami Nityananda (whose disciple Muktananda became well known in the West) and just outside the town Papa Ram Das, a renowned saint from Mangalore, established his ashram. Both these institutions draw visitors from all over the world.
The Hermitage itself has a tranquil and settled atmosphere, ideal for the study of yoga. There are two areas set aside for practice: the Patanjali Yoga Hall, a light and airy structure, and the open-air Samadhi Terrace. Both overlook the sea and are well equipped with mats, blocks etc. Auxiliary benefits are also available – our chef is skilled at providing specially tailored yoga diets and the Priya clinic offers Ayurvedic treatments in beautiful traditional surroundings. In addition, our Cultural Director Alistair Shearer is well known on the UK yoga circuit as a lecturer on yoga philosophy and as the translator of the Yoga Sutras and author of the highly acclaimed ‘The Story of Yoga’. Alistair is happy to lecture to visiting groups.
Upcoming Retreats at Neeleshwar Hermitage...