A Pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Yoga

Join Katrina Baccetti and Tankut Denker for a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey through India — the birthplace of yoga. This deeply immersive experience honors a decade of devotion to practice, teaching, and community. Together, we’ll travel from the bustling heart of Delhi to the serene foothills of the Himalayas, reconnecting to the ancient roots of yoga and the wisdom that continues to inspire our modern practice.

Arrival in Delhi & Journey to Rishikesh

Our sacred journey begins in Delhi, where we’ll gather and spend one night in a comfortable hotel to rest and restore following our international flights. The next morning, we’ll set out on our journey toward Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas and the sacred heart of yoga.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy an excursion to the Red Fort, one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exploration offers a glimpse into India’s rich history, artistry, and spiritual heritage before we continue north along the scenic route to Rishikesh—nestled along the banks of the holy Ganges River at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas.

Stay at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Upon arrival in Rishikesh, we’ll settle into our home for the next five nights — Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of India’s largest and most respected spiritual centers. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves fully in the yogic way of life—living, breathing, and embodying ancient practices.

What makes our stay at Parmarth Niketan truly special is the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the divine rhythm of ashram life, culminating each evening with the sacred Ganga Aarti at sunset. This world-famous ceremony, held on the holy banks of Ma Ganga, is a moving expression of devotion and gratitude. Afterward, we may join a Satsang (spiritual Q&A) with Pujya Sadhviji or receive Darshan (blessings in the presence of a living saint) from Pujya Swamiji, whenever they are in residence.

Daily life at the ashram unfolds with morning prayers, asana and meditation classes, sacred rituals, and opportunities for selfless service through karma yoga. Guests are invited to dine in the on-site canteen, enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals, and embrace simplicity—disconnecting from the outer world to connect more deeply with the inner one.

Day Trip to Haridwar

During our stay at Parmarth Niketan, we will take a private bus to visit Haridwar, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage towns. On this journey, we’ll take the ropeway up to visit Chandi Devi Temple & Mansa Devi Mandir, two temples nestled in the Himalayas. Following our temple visits, we'll return to Haridwar to visit the iconic Har Ki Pauri ghat to participate in the powerful Ganga Aarti along the holy river, connecting with the devotion and energy that draws pilgrims from around the world. This excursion offers a profound opportunity to explore India’s sacred traditions, witness ancient rituals, and experience the heart of spiritual practice.

Yatra to the Birthplace of Yoga

The Sanskrit word yatra means “journey” or “spiritual pilgrimage.” Traditionally, a yatra is an act of devotion—undertaken for blessings, transformation, and honoring the divine. It calls us to travel both outward to sacred sites and inward toward awakening.

This retreat marks a meaningful milestone for Katrina. In February 2016, she traveled to India to complete her first yoga teacher training—a transformative experience that aligned her with her passion and life’s purpose.

In 2018, she returned once again, embarking on an Ashtanga Yoga Yatra through the Himalayas under the guidance of Sharath Jois. Now, ten years later, she returns to honor these journeys and to share the sacred sites, wisdom, and beauty of India with her students.

This retreat is both a pilgrimage and a celebration—of devotion, growth, and the power of yoga to transform lives.

Journey to Agra

After spending five nights immersed in ashram life at Parmarth Niketan and exploring the sacred sites of Rishikesh and Haridwar, we’ll embark on a scenic six-hour private bus journey to Agra — home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Upon arrival, we’ll settle into a beautiful five-star hotel for two nights, where we'll treat ourselves on the final days of our sacred journey.

We’ll experience a mesmerizing light and sound show at the Agra Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most impressive architectural masterpieces. Built primarily of red sandstone, the Agra Fort served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for generations.

After sunset, the fort comes alive with vivid lights and storytelling that bring its centuries of history to life — a truly magical way to immerse ourselves in India’s royal past.

At sunrise on Saturday morning, we’ll gather together to witness the Taj Mahal in all its radiant glory — an awe-inspiring moment of serenity, reflection, and celebration of our shared adventures. We’ll take time for group photos and heartfelt gratitude as we honor the journey we’ve experienced together.

Returning to Delhi

After our time in Agra, we’ll travel back to Delhi for the final chapter of our Yatra. Our last night will be spent in a comfortable hotel, offering a chance to rest and enjoy one final taste of India’s vibrant culture. During our stay, we’ll explore additional sites such as Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture, and wander through some of Delhi’s lively markets — the perfect opportunity to find beautiful textiles, souvenirs, and special treasures to bring home as reminders of this unforgettable journey.

This is more than a trip—it’s an invitation to step into the heart of yoga, experience India’s sacred beauty, and discover your own embodied transformation.

ASHRAM GUIDELINES

This ashram is open for the stay of only those pilgrims who are here to devote themselves to sadhana, meditation, seva and satsang. To fully take in the ashram experience we highly encourage you to engage yourself in sadhana, introspection, reflection, meditation, seva and satsang whilst you are here. In addition, here are some tips or guidelines that we recommend will be helpful to you during your visit and stay:

• The pilgrims staying in this ashram are required to observe and adhere to truth, non-violence, self-discipline, and polite etiquette.

• All pilgrims are expected to join in the Ganga Aarti (the light ceremony with devotional songs at sunset).

• Men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders (no sleeveless shirts), midriff, and calves (no capris, shorts, or short dresses). Ladies should be careful to cover their cleavage. Yoga Students are expected to wear white, a balance of the seven colors and the color of purity. Please avoid wearing tight clothing both for your own comfort and as a sign of respect for the local culture. Additionally, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering buildings or sacred places. If you are not dressed appropriately you may not be allowed to participate in yoga classes or other Ashram activities.

• In the event that the administration asks the pilgrim to leave, the pilgrim must vacate the premises immediately.

• No strangers or persons who are not mentioned on the admission form are allowed to be invited or entertained in the rooms.

• It is the pilgrim’s responsibility to keep his/her room clean and tidy. Rooms should always remain in the same condition as when they were assigned.

• Please refrain from picking flowers and littering.

• It is prohibited to use playing cards, radios, or TVs.

• No pets are allowed.

• The following are strictly prohibited: smoking, drinking intoxicants, using drugs, eating egg or other non-vegetarian foods, playing cards, watching television, playing radios/cassette players loudly. We also recommend that you refrain from eating onions and garlic.

• Please do not oblige anyone by directly providing money, clothes or tips of any kind. This affects the discipline and management of the ashram as well as negatively influences the divine, devoted feeling amongst the individuals here. Whatever help you want to give, please donate it to the office, and it will be distributed where it is most needed.

• Silence is appreciated at the Ashram from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

ASHRAM ACCOMMODATIONS

All rooms at the ashram have at least 2 beds, some with 3 or 4, with fans, coolers or AC and attached bathrooms with Western or Indian style toilets and hot water for bath. We have limited numbers of rooms of specific categories and they are allotted on a first-come/first-served basis. Your understanding and cooperation in the provisioning of accommodation is gratefully anticipated. We feel confident that the bountiful grace and inspiration that our Ashram provides will make any room that you inhabit a divine and restful space.

KARMA YOGA

Karma Yoga at Parmarth Niketan Ashram includes keeping your room clean and protecting the environment. Please put all garbage into the dustbins provided and turn off all lights and taps when not in use. To truly experience all the Ashram has to offer, all guests and retreat leaders are expected to regularly attend the Ganga Aarti at sunset on the holy banks of Mother Ganga; followed by Satsang (when offered) within the Ashram grounds; and practice karma yoga.

The Ashram does not have TVs, and we do not provide WiFi access. We find that the INNERNET works so much better, as it can transform your experience and initiate you on a new or expanded path of faith and devotion. We do provide the basic necessities, such as linens, towels and blankets. Anything else, we suggest you bring with you, or it is available in the nearby market.