Join us for a transformative six-day Advaita Vedanta & Yoga Retreat at Shambala Gatherings, a peaceful community nestled in the Swedish forest. This unique retreat weaves together the depth of Vedic philosophy, mantra chanting, and meditation with the healing power of yoga movement, breathwork and restorative practice.
Guided by Swamini Chidekarasananda Saraswati and Anji Gopal, this experience invites you to heal body, mind and spirit through timeless teachings and embodied practice. You’ll explore the essence of Advaita Vedanta — the non-dual philosophy of Oneness — and discover how to apply this knowledge in daily life for peace, clarity and self-realisation.
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just beginning your spiritual journey, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to study authentic Vedic wisdom and rejuvenate in a serene, nature-filled environment.
Swamini Chideka is a true guru who has had a profound impact on both my spiritual and daily life. Being a student of Swamini Ji, who is sharing these ancient teachings with joy and clarity, is a great privilege for me.
Swamini ji is a wonderful chanting teacher who inspire to feel bhakti and at the same time knowing deeply the meaning of the words while singing.
Anji’s yoga classes are amazing! I have found Anji’s teaching invaluable over the past couple of years.The classes are never dull – Anji has an empathetic and constructive way of making yoga accessible for everyone, reflecting her warm and vibrant personality.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- Advaita Vedanta Teachings: Profound daily teachings from Swamini Chidekarasananda Saraswati, including lectures, mantra chanting, and evening Satsang (Q&A).
- Sacred Rituals & Kirtan: Participate in Vedic Pujas and a joyful Kirtan evening of devotional music and chanting.
- Daily Yoga & Meditation: Accessible, healing yoga led by osteopath and teacher Anji Gopal, focusing on breath, alignment and finding comfort in the body you have today.
- Nature & Nourishment: Enjoy three wholesome vegan meals daily, walks in the forest, sauna sessions, and refreshing lake swims at Shambala Gatherings’ award-winning retreat centre.
- Rest & Reflection: Time each day for silence, self-inquiry and connection with the natural world.
ABOUT THE RETREAT
We invite you to heal body, mind and spirit with a unique combination of Vedic philosophy, chanting, yoga movement, breathwork and restorative yoga.
All of this takes place in the nurturing setting of Shambala Gatherings, surrounded by Swedish nature, wholesome food, and a supportive community.
It is rare to find such a harmonious blend of deep philosophical study and embodied yoga practice outside India — we very much hope you will join us.
This retreat is open to everyone. Whether you have experience in yoga or spirituality, or are just beginning your journey, you are warmly welcome.
ABOUT ADVAITA VEDANTA
Advaita Vedanta is the non-dualistic philosophy revealed by the sages of ancient India. It teaches that our true nature (Atma) is not separate from the absolute reality (Brahman).
Through study, contemplation and meditation, we come to see through delusion and free ourselves from suffering — realising the unity of all existence.
Vedanta offers a practical approach to life and purification of the mind, accessible to people of all backgrounds and faiths.
During the retreat you will experience:
- Daily teachings and guided study of Vedanta philosophy
- Mantra chanting and meditation
- Evening Satsangs (Q&A)
- A special Kirtan evening of music and devotion
OUR DAILY YOGA PRACTICE
Will be led by London yoga practitioner Anji Gopal. Our daily morning practice will be 90minutes and be suitable for all. Expect gentle movement, breathwork and relaxations, all informed by Anji’s deep knowledge of the body-mind complex and her work as a clinical osteopath. The exploration of physical and spiritual in a single retreat can have transformative effects.Â
Swaminiji and all the students who gathered
at Shambala in August 2025
Swaminiji and Anji at Shambala, August 2025
THE FOOD
Inspired by the Indian Ayurvedic health tradition, our kitchen serves delicious and nutritious food that is vegan, gluten-free, and made primarily with organic ingredients. Meals are often enjoyed on the sunny deck overlooking the lake. We are happy to accommodate dietary allergies—please inform us when making your booking.
LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION
At Shambala, besides a retreat space, we offer a way of living that is deeply rooted in yogic values of simplicity, presence, non-attachment, contentment, and communion with nature. Rather than luxury, what we offer is intimacy. A peaceful rhythm. A sense of belonging.
Accommodations are simple and shared, with a variety of twin rooms, triple rooms, and glamping tents. Our overriding ethos is one of community and sustainability. Our vibe is understated, welcoming, and easy. Little affirmations and deities adorn the rooms, and soon enough, it feels like home.
Our facilities are intentionally modest yet lovingly cared for. You’ll find two yoga shalas, a dining room, a yurt, a cozy library, a wood-fired sauna and a small lakeside deck, all nestled in the heart of the Swedish forest.
You can view our accommodation options below. Please note that bringing your own tent is also an option. For more information on our rooms and facilities, please visit our The Place page.
Own Tent
Triple Bedroom Shared
Twin Bedroom Shared
Glamping Tent
(single accommodation, with a double bed, heating and electricity)
RETREAT INVESTMENT
Please note that the amount paid via this website is for food and accommodation only.
The teaching fee is donation based, as Swamini Chideka ji’s wish is to perpetuate the ancient tradition of Guru Dakshina.
It is traditional for attendees to offer ‘Guru Dakshina’ (a voluntary offering) to their teachers for their teaching and costs. To avoid uncertainty and any inconvenience of carrying cash on your journey, we invite you to contribute this Dakshina at the time of booking. Â
The suggested amount is £250 for the full 5-night retreat.
Once you have booked your room through this event page and received confirmation of your accommodation, please make your dakshina payment via ‘Collection Pot’, our chosen secure payment app.
Please make sure you enter your full name. Thank you.Â
*As we wish to make these teachings as affordable as possible, Shambala and the teachers are able to make some financial concessions to support any students under genuine financial hardship. Shambala offers a range of accommodation options and we can reduce the dakshina as required too. Please contact either Lalita or Anji if you wish to receive sponsorship for your attendance.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Arrival: July 28th at 2:30 PM
Departure: August 2nd at 3:00 PM
Please note that we are usually unable to accommodate early arrivals or late departures.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your stay!
Tuesday, arrival day
2.30 – 5.00pm   Arrival, welcome tea
5.30 – 6.30pm   Evening Vedanta Lecture
7pm   Dinner
8:15pm   Satsang
Wednesday to Saturday
6.30 – 7.15am   Morning Puja and Vedic chantsÂ
7.30 – 9am   Morning Yoga
9am   Silent Breakfast
11am – 12noon   Morning Vedanta Lecture
12.30 – 1pm   Chanting
1.30pm   Lunch
Afternoon   Free time
5.30-6.30pm   Evening Vedanta Lecture
7pm   Dinner
8.15pm   Satsang, Q and A, kirtan and music / dance performances.
Sunday
On August 2nd, we will have a morning programme followed by departure & check out by 3pm.
meet the team
TEACHER’S BIO
Swamini Chidekarasananda Saraswati
Swamini Chidekarasananda Saraswati is a traditional renunciate (sannyasini) initiated into the Paramahamsa Sannyasa Ashrama by Swami Sakshatkrutananda Saraswati, Chief Acharya of Swami Dayananda Ashram, Rishikesh.
Her life is dedicated to sharing the wisdom and light of the Rishis — the seers of ancient India — with spiritual seekers around the world. Her teachings are joyful, clear, and grounded, blending chanting, philosophy and meditation.
You can explore her talks and teachings on her YouTube Channel.
ANJI GOPAL
Anji Gopal, M.Ost, BSc (Hons), is a London-based osteopath, back-care expert and yoga practitioner. Her approach focuses on making yoga accessible for everyone — using gentle, practical movements to improve spinal health, balance and wellbeing.
She brings warmth, clarity and humour to her teaching, creating an inclusive space for all levels.
MORE at Shambala
SOUL Space
We welcome you wholeheartedly to our place. Shambala consists of seven buildings in nature within which you can find two yoga salas, ten twin bedrooms, four triple bedrooms, one four-bed dormitory, three separate huts, a floating sauna and a lake!
GALLERY
How to get here
Shambala Gatherings
Borntorpet 1
Skinnskatteberg
Sweden
Located just two hours away from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden, the area is easily accessible by air, train and car, making a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
- Coming by air: The nearest airport to Shambala is Stockholm Vasteras. The second nearest airport is Arlanda airport, the main airport in Sweden. You can easily take a train all the way to Skinnskatteberg from both of them.
- Coming by train / bus: We are fortunate to have a train / bus station at Skinnskatteberg only 5 minutes ride from the center. We offer free pick up services from this station in summer.
- Coming by car: Simply open this Google map on your navigator and follow directions to Borntorpet 1 in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden.