12 Days of Sacred Journeying Through Magical India with Lucy Hill and Mischa Varmuza
We invite you, from our hearts, to a pilgrimage.
A lovingly curated, devotional, journey through the heart of India.
Guided by Navratri, the nine nights of the Goddess, this is a celebration, a prayer, and an homage:
To the divine feminine in all her forms.
To beloved Mama India.
And to life itself.
Ālaya means a temple, a sanctuary, a place of deep refuge. A dwelling of the divine - and a return to our own inner home.
Yātra is a sacred journey through the outer world that mirrors the one within.
THE JOURNEY
Over 12 days, we’ll weave our way from the vibrant pink city of Jaipur, to the desert lake haven of Pushkar, and finally retreat into the lush Himalayan foothills of Rishikesh. Here we will stay in two private Ganga-view villas, nestled beside the holy, magnificent river.
Expect colourful bazaars, ancient temples, golden light, heart-stirring music, potent ritual, and poetic storytelling. Alongside incredible food and daily yogic and tantric practices, this is an immersion into the high-contrast, heart-awakening energy, that is India.
Experience a true feast for the senses: incense and chai in the morning air, honking rickshaws and temple bells, silks and spices, calm and chaos - all set against desert, sacred lake, and mountain.
Every step of this journey has been crafted with care and reverence - to honour India, her mysticism, her beauty, and the deeply magical lands she holds.
With over 40 years of combined experience living and working in this incredible country, Lucy and Mischa are honoured to guide and hold you through this once-in-a-lifetime, culturally rich, and transformational experience.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This journey is open to those drawn to depth, adventure, beauty, and meaning. You are warmly invited if you feel ready to:
• Travel consciously and reverently
• Immerse in India’s culture, colour, and chaos
• Explore the Navratri story, within and around you
• Honour beauty, ritual, and the sacred feminine
• Reconnect with your own, innate joy - and life's magic
DATES & FLOW
19th March - Arrive into Jaipur
Private transfers to Niravi, our tranquil boutique base nestled in the pink city’s quieter lanes.
20th–23rd March - Jaipur
Explore sacred temples, vibrant bazaars, and the golden glow of Rajasthan.
23rd–25th March - Pushkar
Travel to one of India’s most mystical towns - experience the sacred lake, ancient temples, and desert magic, staying in a pretty boutique farm-to-table guesthouse.
25-26th March - Overnight Train to Rishikesh
Board the Yoga Express, our sleeper train north to the Himalayas.
26th–30th March - The Foresterie, Rishikesh
Our peaceful riverside sanctuary in the Himalayan foothills. Integration and deep rest by the sacred Ganga.
This entire journey is held within the rhythm of Navratri - the nine nights of the Goddess - weaving devotion, myth, and magic through every day.
NAVRATRI
Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', is one of India’s most sacred and widely celebrated festivals, devoted to the Goddess in her many forms. Each day honours a different aspect of the divine feminine - from fierce protectress to compassionate mother - symbolising a powerful inner journey of transformation, renewal, and remembrance.
Rooted in ancient mythology and rich with ritual, it is a time when devotion really comes alive in temples, homes, and hearts across the country. Aligned with this sacred festival, our retreat will gently honour the energy of each day, through our practices, inviting deeper connection to the Goddess within and around us.
YOUR GUIDES
LUCY HILL
Lucy Hill is the founder of Chaya Yoga Retreats, established in 2011 with a clear vision: to offer beautiful transformative experiences rooted in ancient traditions, travel and conscious living. Over the past 15 years, she has immersed herself in a wide range of practices within the worlds of holistic healing and wellbeing.
Now based in Ibiza, Lucy draws these threads into soulful, grounded offerings, that meet each person exactly where they are - emotionally, physically, and energetically. She creates inspiring, alchemical spaces, that are both nurturing and joyous; gently guiding people back to a place of self-trust, coherence, and embodiment.
Having lived and worked in India for much of the past 20 years, Lucy feels deeply honoured to share this journey through a land that has profoundly shaped her path. A place for her of healing, inspiration - and truly - one of the great loves of her life.
MISCHA VARMUZA
Yoga has been a part of Mischa’s life for almost 20 years - a path of devotion, discovery, and continual return. For over a decade, she has guided transformational retreats across UK, India and beyond, weaving the wisdom of yoga, traditional Tantra, and transpersonal coaching into immersive, soulful experiences.
Trained extensively in India and the UK, and initiated into a traditional Tantric lineage, Mischa offers over 13 years of experience in holding space that is both grounded and expansive. Her approach integrates her extensive study and practice of yoga, embodied philosophy, sacred ritual, mantra, and personal inquiry and much more - creating containers where true transformation can unfold.
Known for her sensitivity, strength, and presence, she invites each participant into a journey of remembrance - of wholeness, connection, and sacred aliveness.
OUR INTENTION
Our intention for this journey is to walk beside you every step of the way; to share our beloved India, in the way we’ve been so privileged to know her.
Every aspect of this experience has been lovingly curated to ensure you feel held and cared for throughout the entire trip. From your arrival transfer to your final chai, each detail has been considered.
All you need to bring, is an open heart and an adventurous spirit!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• 12-day / 11-night all-inclusive journey through Jaipur, Pushkar & Rishikesh
• Beautiful heritage stays and boutique guesthouses
• Cultural immersion - from palaces to markets and live music
• Daily yoga, movement & meditation practices
• Ritual, mantra, and storytelling inspired by Navratri
• Sleeper train journey to the Himalayas
• Full board: Abundant, satvic, vegetarian Indian meals
• 4-night riverside retreat in the Himalayan foothills
INVESTMENT
• Twin ensuite – £4,000
• Solo suite – £4,400
This is an all inclusive rate, except for arrival and departure flights. All accommodation, activities, meals and travel within the journey, are included.
Payment plans are available upon request.
We are currently keeping this journey intimate, with a maxiumum group of only 12 guests. Each place is offered by invitation and application. You are welcome however to extend this invitation to a friend or partner.
*A percentage of the retreat proceeds will be donated directly to a grassroots charity, supporting women and children affected by trafficking in India.
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
We’re here to assist with arranging your flights and any other travel elements you may need. Wherever possible, and if you’d like, we’ll coordinate your journey to align with fellow guests so you can share part of the travel experience.
SET UP A CALL
If you’d like to speak with Lucy or Mischa directly about this journey, feel free to WhatsApp or email to set up a call.
Lucy +447866368798
lucy@chayayogaretreats.com
We truly cannot wait to go on this adventure together!
All our love, Lucy & Mischa xx
