CREATEPOSITIVE HIMILAYAN EXPERIENCE
Women’s Trek & Yoga Journey
18.10.-31.10.2026
Increase Wellbeing, Strength and Inner Peace
Step away from the noise of everyday life and into the quiet power of the Himalayas – where each step in the mountains becomes a conversation with your own heart.
Surrounded by a circle of other inspirational women you will have space to move, breathe, reflect, laugh and remember how deeply powerful you already are.
Held by the sacred landscape of Gangotri National Park, you will trek to the source of the Ganghes and possibly yourself.
Payment plans available. Full details at booking.
What to expect
Activities
After sufficient altitude preparation days, we trek along the upper Ganges from Gangotri through a sacred river valley to Gaumukh, with an optional ascent to Tapovan.
Supported by experienced guides, the days balance steady walking with yoga, breathwork, reflection, and shared evenings.
Spacious time allows for rest, connection, and quiet presence in the Himalayan landscape.
Fitness
This trek is suitable for women of different ages with a good base level of fitness. Most days involve 5–6 miles of walking, with one longer day of around 8 miles.
No mountain experience is required, however trekking at altitude can feel challenging. There is no technical climbing — expect a slow, steady uphill walk, at times on rocky terrain.
Walk at your own pace.
Pre-trip preparation is recommended and part of the overall journey. You’ll return feeling fitter, stronger, and deeply accomplished.
Wholesome Meals & Welcoming Facilities
You’ll be nourished with freshly prepared vegetarian meals inspired by the Himalayan region, designed to support steady energy on the trail.
Our caring kitchen team travels with us, providing warm drinks (you will love the chai), snacks, and hearty dinners. Dietary needs can be accommodated when shared in advance.
Accommodation varies from simple and comfortable hotels to mountain lodges and six nights in high altitude tents, always prioritising safety, cleanliness, and a welcoming, women-centred atmosphere, sometimes even with small comforts like a hot water bottle brought to your tent!
Community & Growth
The journey is limited to around 20 women, supported by experienced local guides and your retreat facilitators, creating a space that feels both safe and open.
You’ll travel with women seeking a meaningful reset, supported through reflection, storytelling, stillness, and community.
The small group size allows for shared courage on the trail, quiet conversations over tea, hearty laughter around the fire, and connections that often continue well beyond the journey.
Care beyond the track
Our journey begins before we set foot on the trail and continues after we return home.
You’ll be supported through with:
- three pre-trip live calls for practical and mental preparation, and
- three post-trip sessions to help integrate your experience into everyday life
- an online telegram connection group to connect with your other trekkers prior to the trip
- access to our online fun fitness group for training support.
Optional extra pre trip include:
- two rest days at our first lodge (2,000 m)
Itinerary: Sacred Steps
- Optional Pre-Trip Arrival & Acclimatisation : Oct 16 - Oct 18 – Sursingdhar
For those who would like to get a gentle start, putting distance between their busy selves and this trip, we offer an optional two-day arrival stay at a simple, eco-friendly, family-run mountain lodge in Sursingdhar. Set at around 2,400 metres with wide views over Tehri Lake and the Himalayan peaks, the lodge provides a calm, supportive environment to rest, acclimatise, and arrive slowly after international travel. Transport there, and full board with freshly prepared meals are included. Find time for stillness, connection, and gentle walks in the surrounding landscape.
(Please note there is an additional fee for the pre-trip. Choose at time of booking your place.)
- Main Trip Begins
- Day 1: Oct 18 – Dehradun to Rishikesh
Arrive at Dehradun airport and drive to Rishikesh (45 mins–1 hr). Check into a riverside hotel, explore lively markets together, then attend Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan (ritual of gratitude and reverence) and enjoy a wholesome meal by the river.
- Day 2: Oct 19 – Rishikesh to Sursingdhar
Early breakfast, then drive to Kaddukhal (2–2.5 hrs). Hike to Surkanda Devi temple for darshan (the experience of standing before something sacred), lunch and panoramic Himalayan views. Return to vehicles and continue to Sursingdhar, check in to the eco lodge, and unwind with guided yoga, dinner and our welcome circle.
- Day 3: Oct 20 – Sursingdhar to Gaja & Ghantakarn
Drive through forested hills to the village of Gaja, then trek through terraced fields and oak‑rhododendron forests to Ghantakarn temple. Enjoy packed lunch and sweeping mountain views, then return to Gaja and drive back to Sursingdhar for the night.
- Day 4: Oct 21 – Sursingdhar to Gangotri
After breakfast, drive to Gangotri (7 hrs) along the Bhagirathi River, passing Uttarkashi, Harsil, and Bhairav Ghati. Check into a guesthouse, visit Gangotri temple for darshan, and stroll through the serene town by the mighty river.
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- Day 5: Oct 22 – Gangotri Acclimatization & Exploration
Morning darshan at Gangotri temple, then hike to Pandava Caves and Suraj Kund waterfall. After lunch, take a short acclimatization walk along the Chirbasa trail. Attend evening aarti by the Bhagirathi River and rest at the lodge.
- Day 6: Oct 23 – Gangotri to Chirbasa
After breakfast, trek to Chirbasa (4–5 hrs) along the left bank of the Ganga, with views of Sudarshan Peak. Arrive at the peaceful forest campsite beside the river, surrounded by Chir pine trees, and spend the night there in your cosy tents.
- Day 7: Oct 24 – Chirbasa Acclimatization Day
Relax and acclimatize at Chirbasa with short walks in the valley or simply soaking in the views. Use the day to rest, journal, or meditate in the tranquil forest setting beside the river.
- Day 8: Oct 25 – Chirbasa to Bhojwasa
After an early breakfast, trek towards Gaumukh, passing through Bhojwasa. Reach Gaumukh glacier, pay respects to Ganga Maa, then descend to Bhojwasa for the night in the pine‑scented forest camp.
- Day 9: Oct 26 – Bhojwasa to Tapovan / Bhojwasa to Chirbasa
Team 1: Cross the river by trolley and trek to Tapovan (4–5 hrs), a high and sacred meadow at the base of Mount Shivling with stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks.
Team 2: Trek back from Bhojwasa to Chirbasa (1.5–2 hrs) and rest there for the night.
- Day 10: Oct 27 – Tapovan to Chirbasa
Spend the morning exploring Tapovan meadow and enjoying the majestic views of Mount Shivling and surrounding peaks. Then descend back to Chirbasa (4–5 hrs) and spend the night in the forest camp.
- Day 11: Oct 28 – Chirbasa to Gangotri to Uttarkashi
After a relaxed morning, trek back to Gangotri town. Board vehicles for the drive to Uttarkashi (3–4 hrs). Check into a hotel, then visit Kashi Vishwanath temple and other shrines in the evening.
- Day 12: Oct 29 – Uttarkashi to Sursingdhar / Tehri
After a relaxed morning, trek back to Gangotri town. Board vehicles for the drive to Uttarkashi (3–4 hrs). Check into a hotel, then visit Kashi Vishwanath temple and other shrines in the evening.
- Day 13: Oct 30 – Sursingdhar / Tehri (Rest & Relaxation)
A full rest day at the eco lodge: enjoy yoga, a nature walk, or a quiet read on the terrace. Optional short activities like a local temple visit, birding, or a celebratory bonfire in the evening.
- Day 14: Oct 31 – Sursingdhar / Tehri to Dehradun (Departure)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (2–2.5 hrs). Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, concluding the Himalayan journey.
Our Team
We design experiences and support that meet you where you are:
Dr. phil. Elke Paul
Founder of CreatePositive Wellbeing, Mental Health & Group Facilitation
Dr. Elke Paul is the founder and CEO of CreatePositive, and a wellbeing and mental health specialist with extensive experience in professional development, yoga, and meditation.
Currently training as a clinical psychotherapist, she designs and holds the inner journey of the retreat, creating safe, reflective spaces where women reconnect with their inner strength, on and off the trail.
Georgie McIntyre
Director of Strategy & Operations Coaching, Leadership & Structure
Georgie McIntyre is Director of Strategy and Operations at CreatePositive, and an experienced coach supporting leaders and organisations to navigate complexity and change while staying aligned with their values.
Often described as the operational heart of the journey, Georgie brings structure, clarity, and flow to purpose-led work. She combines strategic insight with warmth and humour, helping clients turn reflection into meaningful, values-led action.
Tammy Jones
Trek & Gear Lead | Himalayan Experience & On-the-Ground Expertise
Tammy Jones is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher, experienced runner, and Himalayan trekker, with deep, lived knowledge of Gangotri and Tapovan.
As trek and kit lead, she supports participants to prepare confidently, from equipment choices to practical planning. On the trail, she guides with calm, confidence, and care, helping everyone feel safe, capable, and connected to the mountain landscape.
Why we offer this trip?
Our Trek Experts
We are partnering with GIO Adventures, an outdoor adventure company with more than 20 years of experience. GIO calls the sacred space in the Himalayas their home. They have an unmatched familiarity with the terrain, paired with uncompromising safety standards. Equally important, every member of the GIO team is treated like family with fair salaries and a lot of care. We have experienced their high level of expertise first hand and fell in love with their respect for the land, its people and our safety. Meet three of team members for our trip:
Nalin Khanduri
Founder & MD - GIO Adventures
GIO Adventures owes its genesis to Nalin Khanduri and his passion for adventure. With a germ of an idea and great love for the outdoors, he founded the GIO Adventures in 1999. An engineer with an MBA background, Nalin found his true calling in the Himalayas.
Under him, GIO Adventures has become a name to be reckoned with in the space of adventure travel in India. He has been leading trips for 25+ years.
Amit Dobhal
Head - Trekking Operations
Born and brought up in the
Uttarakhand Himalayas and with an experience of 20+ years of leading trips into the Himalayas, Amit is an inspiring leader at GIO Adventures.
His key responsibilities include supervising trekking operations at GIO and leading trips like ours.
Jagat Bahadur
Trek Leader
Our enigmatic trekking guide, a
Sherpa from the high mountains of Nepal, speaks the least and yet manages to be the most popular amongst our guests.
Jagat is an expert in managing and leading high-altitude treks and expeditions. He has been guiding for more than 20 years.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Am I fit enough for this trek?
A: If you are in generally good health and already enjoy regular walking, hiking, or cycling, you are likely in a good place to begin preparing.
Most trekking days are 5–6 miles (about 10 km), with one longer day of roughly 13 km (about 8 miles), walking at a steady, mindful pace. This is a moderate trek, but you are always encouraged to move at a pace that feels honest, with plenty of support and rest along the way. To be sure, we will also arrange an individual call with each participant to discuss any health considerations or hesitations. If, after this conversation, we jointly determine that the trip is not suitable for you, your first instalment will be refunded in full.
Q: How safe will I be on this trip?
While no journey can ever come up with a 100% guarantee of safety, this experience does involve more variables than a typical holiday. That said, safety is taken extremely seriously throughout the trip. We work with an exceptional local team. Our partner company, GIO, is based in the Himalayas, and all guides have an intimate knowledge of the terrain and many years of experience guiding international travellers. Their professionalism, attentiveness, and deep respect for the mountains have been consistently outstanding. Without these phenomenal people we would not offer this trip. We trusted them with our personal safety before and have been humbled by their high level of safety, service and care.
Q: How high will we go, and how will we acclimatize?
A: On this journey you will move gradually from around 10,000 to roughly 15,000 feet, traveling through Gangotri, Chirbasa, Bhojwasa, and Tapovan with intentional rest and acclimatization days built in.
Time in Rishikesh and Sursingdhar gives your body a gentle start, and lighter “practice hikes” help you adjust before the higher-altitude days. You will be guided to hydrate, move slowly, and share openly if anything feels off so that any adjustments can be made with care.
Q: What gear do I really need to bring?
A: You will receive a simple, clear packing list that outlines exactly what you need and what can be rented or sourced locally.
Core items include sturdy trekking shoes, warm layers for cold nights, a quality sleeping bag if you decide to bring your own, waterproof jacket and pants, a comfortable daypack, and any personal medications or essentials. The intention is not to overwhelm you with gear, but to help you feel warm, safe, and at ease so your attention can rest on the experience rather than your backpack.
Q: What are the meals and accommodations like?
A: The journey flows through simple, comfortable hotels, cozy eco-lodges, and supported alpine camps, with shared rooms or tents that offer both companionship and moments of quiet.
You will be nourished with freshly prepared vegetarian meals, warm breakfasts, packed or hot lunches, and satisfying dinners, along with tea and snacks throughout the day.
Most dietary needs, including gluten free and dairy free, can be accommodated with advance notice so your body feels as cared for as your spirit.
Q: Do I need to be an experienced yogi?
A: Not at all. The yoga on this retreat is designed to be inclusive, gentle, and adaptable, meeting you right where you are. We will focus on grounding movement and breath to prepare for trekking, or soften into stretching, relaxation, and simple breathing practices to support rest.
Whether you are brand new to yoga or have practiced for years, you will be offered variations and guidance so everything feels accessible, kind, and sustainable in your body.
Q: Is it okay to come alone? How are rooms assigned?
A: Many women feel called to this kind of journey on their own, others enjoy making new friends in a shared room. Both are warmly welcomed. You will have the opportunity to connect with you trekking buddies online before the journey.
Rooms and tents are generally shared in double occupancy, and you can either request to room with a friend or be thoughtfully paired with another participant; where available, a limited number of single rooms are offered on a first booked bases. Please specific when booking.
From the moment you arrive, the group, guides, and local team will hold a supportive container so you feel safe, included, and free to enjoy both connection and intentional solo time.
Q: How do booking and payments work?
A: After saying YES, you will be invited to complete a short reservation form so the team can confirm your spot and answer any personal questions.
You can pay in full or in three instalments. Your fist payment secures your place, with the remaining balance due in clearly communicated instalments before departure.
Please note your international flights, personal gear, and optional extras are not included within this price. All pricing, payment options, and what is or isn’t included will be laid out in simple, honest language so your decision feels grounded and transparent.
Q: Can I pay in instalments or on a payment plan?
A: Yes. Where available, you may choose to pay either in full or via a three-instalment payment plan at the time of booking.
If you select the instalment option, payments are scheduled as follows:
40% payable at the time of booking
30% payable by 31 May 2026
30% payable by 31 August 2026
Please note that any optional pre-trip experience must be paid in full at the time of booking.
All payment options, amounts, and due dates are clearly displayed at checkout. By completing your booking, you confirm that you have reviewed and accepted the payment schedule shown.
Because this retreat requires advance commitments for accommodation, guides, transport, and permits, payments are subject to the cancellation terms outlined in the Retreat Participant Agreement. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect you in the event that your plans need to change.
Q: What weather can I expect, and what if conditions change?
A: October is one of the most beautiful times to be in this region, with clear mountain views, crisp air, and cool to cold temperatures—milder in places like Rishikesh and Uttarkashi, and often freezing at night in Gangotri and Tapovan.
You will be guided to pack layers for warmth, sun protection, and the possibility of wind or early snow, including a waterproof shell. Because the Himalayas have their own rhythms, the itinerary includes acclimatisation days and the flexibility to adjust routes, hiking distances, or camp locations if weather or safety requires, always with your well-being at the centre.
Q: What happens if something changes and I need to cancel?
A: We understand that life can be unpredictable, especially when planning well in advance. Our cancellation and refund policy is clearly outlined during the booking process so you can make an informed decision before committing.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect you in the event of illness, injury, or unexpected changes to your plans.
Q: What happens after I book?
A: Once you’ve booked, you won’t be left wondering what comes next. You’ll receive clear confirmation. In March you will receive a welcome pack with key dates, preparation guidance, training plan and next steps.
In the months leading up to the retreat, we’ll stay in touch with practical information, group connection opportunities, and gentle preparation support, so by the time you arrive, you’ll feel informed, grounded, connected to your fellow trekkers and ready.
Pre - Trip Offer
Participants choose to arrive two days before the main journey for rest and acclimatisation. This optional stay takes place at the beautiful, cosy eco-friendly, family-run mountain lodge in Sursingdhar (approx. 2,400 m altitude), overlooking Tehri Lake – a site you will revisit on the main trip.
The pre-trip includes transport from Deradhun airport to the accommodation, full board with freshly prepared meals, and light activity such as gentle walks. It is designed to support recovery after international travel and gradual adjustment to altitude before the trek begins. We also enjoy easing into the journey and will already be there to relax with you.
Registration & Pricing
Please note: international and domestic flights to/from Dehradun (start and end point of the trip) are not included in the programme fee.
Early Registration – Now Closed
Main Registration
- Shared accommodation: €3,800
- Single accommodation* €4,600
Closes 31.07.2026
Late Registration (to be paid in full)
- Shared accommodation: €4,200
- Single accommodation*: €5,100
Two Day Pre-Trip Pricing
- Single accommodation*: €500
- Double accommodation: €475
*Single accommodation is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.