August 20 - 29, 2026
Śrīnagar, India
In-Person Pilgrimage
Kashmir Valley Pilgrimage Retreat
In this one of a kind pilgrimage and retreat, we will explore the sacred sites and lush landscape of the Kashmīr Valley while engaging in practices, teachings, and kīrtan.
From our home base in Srinagar we will take daily excursions to soak in the holy sites, temples, history, and sacred landscapes of the area where Tantrik masters like Abhinavagupta, Ksemaraja, and Utpaladeva lived.
The pilgrimage also includes a retreat component. Each day we will share two practice sessions together, one in silent meditation, and another guided by Hareesh. We will also enjoy one substantial teaching session per day as Hareesh dives into the history, religions, and spiritual legacy of Kashmir.
This is an incredible opportunity to absorb the sacredness of Kashmir, while deepening your practice in the company of others.
The pilgrimage schedule will be full and you are also expected to attend the teaching and practice sessions. There may also be a spontaneous additional satsang or activity on some days. As a result, personal excursion time during the pilgrimage is limited. Please plan an extra day or two for shopping and sightseeing after the pilgrimage dates if you want ample time for those activities.
PLEASE NOTE: Our India retreats and pilgrimages require an orientation of “going with the flow”. Daily schedules and outings can, and often do change at the last minute. If you’re looking for a neatly structured program with a set schedule, this may not be the trip for you.
Retreat Details
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Our retreats and pilgrimages are not structured in a way that guarantees a specific activity or outing on any particular day. The schedule is very fluid and can change wihtout much notice. If you are not comfortable with this lack of structure, this retreat is most likely not for you.
The typical schedule entails an early wake-up with a morning silent meditation. We then move to breakfast, followed by an excursion into the surrounding area.We usually come back to our home base for the afternoon where we will have our second practice session and teaching. Alternatively, we will have lunch on the road and enjoy our teaching session that evening after dinner.
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August 19 – Optional extra night in Srinagar (no formal program).
August 20 – All arrive to Srinagar by 2pm.
August 21-28 – Daily Schedule as outlined above.
August 29– Pilgrimage concludes at lunch – optional extra night available
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What’s Included:
–All accommodations
–All meals at the hotel and while out on excursions
–Admissions to monuments and temples
–All tips for hotel staff, restaurants, washrooms, and temples
–Fruit and snacks while in the bus
–All local taxes
What’s NOT Included:
— Cost of any special pujas at any of the temples
— Cost of any ordered drinks
— Any special entry fees for the inner sanctum of a temple
— Video camera or still camera fees at sacred sites
— Airfares and visa fees
— Arrival & Departure transfers
— Tips for our tour operator ($10 – $25 per day)
— Laundry services or phone bills
— Anything not specified in the list above
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CANCELLATION POLICY – There is a $1000 deposit for the trip, of which $500 is non-refundable. Additionally, You must cancel 60 days prior to travel or NO REFUND will be issued. There are no exceptions to this rule, including COVID or other pandemic related country closures. This is a risk you assume. Please read the full policy here.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date into India. Check as soon as possible and start the renewal process if necessary.
An Indian visa is required to enter the country. Please ensure that whatever passport you hold is eligible for an Indian visa. The process can sometimes take up to 3 months and require in person visits to your embassy, so please start this process immediately. No refunds will be issued after 60 days prior to travel, even for visa issues.
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CASH & CREDIT CARDS
Cash transactions can generally be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. The import and export of Indian Rupees is strictly prohibited unless you are a resident of India. So make certain to conduct any currency exchanges within India.
Major credit cards are accepted on a limited basis, mainly in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Access to ATM machines is widespread in cities and towns but limited in rural areas.
MONEY MATTERS
We recommend travelling with some cash, and at least two different major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations; many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may be required for exit.
KEEP CONNECTED
While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan options while travelling abroad.
GETTING ONLINE
Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout your journey, although Internet access may be poor to nonexistent in remote destinations. Note that some countries block access to social media sites or otherwise impose restrictions on what content you can view or send online.
“Do yourself a favor and book this retreat! It has been life changing for me. This was my first in-person experience with Hareesh, and this pilgrimage/retreat with him was beyond any possible expectation I could have had. I’m in awe of the level of care shown by the whole team, while at the same time offering the most profound teachings and excursions to precious sites. What a gift this has been!”
Our Sacred Outings
There is far too much beauty for us to capture in one trip! From the options below, we will choose those that most inspire and/or are available as access to sites changes frequently.
A variety of temples including:
– Śārikā-devī / Chakreshwarī on Hariparvat in Śrīnagar
– Rājñī (Khīr Bhavānī) at Tulmul
– Avantipor
– Shankaracharya Temple
– Bālā Temple
- Jyeṣṭhā Temple
Swami Lakshman Joo’s Ashram.
Shivotpala - the sanctuary where the rock on which the Shiva Sutras were revealed resides.
Parimahal - the area where Utpaladeva lived and wrote his transformative work.
Nishat Gardens
“An experience of a lifetime truly, Kashmir has been in my heart and dreams forever. I wish everyone studying Shaiva Tantra could come here and be engulfed by the energies of the land, the teachings, the shakti, the history and the people of this magical kingdom.”
Our Beautiful Venue
Our venue sits 40 mins outside of the Srinagar city center and provides the perfect base for our daily excursions. The hotel has all the required amenities and you can rest in the knowledge that you will be comfortable and taken care of.
The breathtaking view across the valley from the hotel.
Meet Your Guide
Christopher Hareesh Wallis.
“Where to start?! So profound. I can’t put into words; the depth, the tears, the joy, the connection with the Kula and the tradition! ”
Dates
20 - 29 August, 2026
(Optional additional nights available)
Location
Śrīnagar, Kashmīr
India
How Much?
Triple Shared Room: $3,000
Twin Shared Room: $3,950
Private Room: $5,000
PLEASE NOTE:
A deposit of $1,000 is required for the retreat of which $500 is non-refundable.
“Thank you for the trip of a lifetime! I am sooo deeply grateful for the chance to visit the sacred sites of Kashmir Shaivism with such an accomplished teacher of the tradition.”
For further information please contact support@tantrailluminated.org