Discover a sanctuary for deep rest, renewal, and spiritual awakening nestled on 72 acres of meditation gardens, rolling meadows, and pristine forest in California's Sierra Foothills. This transformative group experience invites travelers to awaken their highest potential through meditation, yoga, and community. Embrace inner stillness, find clarity, and reconnect with your authentic self in an environment where peace comes naturally.
Dates to book this experience for 2026 and 2027 will be available soon, stay tuned!
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After arriving at your designated transit hub and making your way to the foothills, settle into your accommodation. Take a moment to adjust to the peaceful rhythm of the Sierra Nevada environment and prepare for the journey ahead.
After arrival, the afternoon is yours. Read by a tree, hike the scenic trails, or practice personal reflection. This is a dedicated space for the traveler to simply "be" in nature’s lap.
Move your body and awaken your life force. This session combines physical postures with optional energization exercises to prep the traveler for deep evening meditation.
End your day with gentle movement and meditation, preparing the mind for a restful, restorative sleep.
Close the daylight hours with a warm feast designed to support a yogic lifestyle and foster deep communal bonds.
Enter the sanctuary of silence. The group will practice techniques to expand consciousness, finding a deep sense of belonging within the stillness of the early morning.
A breakfast designed to sharpen the mind and energize the body.
Immerse yourself in the local ecosystem. The traveler will explore winding trails and oak groves, finding "sermons in stones" and peace in the rustle of the pines.
Pivot from outward exploration to inward peace. This brief session serves as a spiritual anchor, keeping the group aligned with their personal growth goals.
A peaceful break to enjoy farm-to-table vegetarian flavors.
Whether you choose a challenging hike or a nap in the shade, this free time allows the traveler to integrate their morning experiences and recharge their spirit.
Harmonize your physical and spiritual energy. Through Hatha yoga and meditation, the traveler sheds the day’s weight and enters a state of expansive joy.
Gather for a meal that celebrates another day of purposeful living.
Sink into a deep, meditative state as the stars emerge. This session focuses on cultivating an inner light that stays with the traveler long after the retreat.
A deep dive into the self. This morning meditation encourages the traveler to listen to the whispers of their intuition in the crisp morning air of the foothills.
Start the day with a balanced, vegetarian meal to prepare for the inspirational wisdom ahead.
Join a soulful Satsang—a gathering for truth and inspiration—or choose personal free time. Engage with high-vibe teachings or enjoy the property’s quiet corners.
Reconnect with your center. This focused meditation ensures that the group remains grounded in peace, even as the day’s activities unfold.
Enjoy a vibrant meal featuring seasonal produce.
Use this window to deepen your own practice. Whether journaling, hiking, or resting, the traveler is encouraged to follow their own rhythm in this sacred space.
Recharge your internal battery with energization exercises and Hatha yoga. The traveler will feel a renewed sense of vitality and mental clarity.
A hearty, vegetarian dinner designed to ground and comfort.
Conclude the day with a focused meditation. The traveler will learn to carry the stillness of the Sierra foothills into their dreams and beyond.
Channel your focus and awaken your joy. This session helps the group clear mental clutter, making space for new perspectives and spiritual breakthroughs.
A breakfast that celebrates simplicity and health. The traveler will feel energized and light, ready to embrace a day of nature and connection.
A morning with no agenda. Use this time to explore the vast beauty of the property or dive deep into a book that resonates with your soul.
A brief, powerful pause. This meditation helps the group maintain a "portable paradise" of peace within, regardless of their external environment.
Savor nutritious, vegetarian dishes that support high-energy living.
Join an optional guided trek through the breathtaking Sierra landscape. The traveler will connect with the earth’s power while enjoying expansive views and fresh air.
Stretch your body and expand your mind. This session blends physical movement with deep meditation, leaving the traveler feeling balanced and empowered.
A nourishing vegetarian dinner to refuel after a day of exploration.
A final yoga and meditation session to lock in the day’s peace. The traveler will learn to transition from activity to deep, conscious rest.
Wake up to your highest potential. The group will explore techniques to cultivate a constant state of inner happiness, independent of outside circumstances.
Enjoy a nutritious spread that fuels the body for a day of personal growth.
Follow your intuition. Whether it’s a long walk or quiet contemplation in the chapel, this time is for the traveler to honor their own spiritual needs.
A short, effective session to center the mind. This helps the group stay aligned with their intention as they move into the weekend.
A flavorful vegetarian meal designed to ground your energy.
As the week winds down, use this time to reflect on your progress. Hike, rest, or engage in a personal practice to solidify your newfound peace.
Prepare for the weekend with Hatha yoga and deep meditation. The group will feel a sense of physical release and spiritual elevation as the sun dips below the hills.
A warm and inviting meal to nourish the group.
Dive deep into the silence. This meditation session is designed to help the traveler let go of the week and enter the weekend with a clear, calm heart.
Experience the power of group meditation. The collective energy helps the traveler reach deeper levels of stillness and connection with the divine within.
A breakfast that feels like a celebration. Nourish yourself with wholesome food while preparing for a day of deeper retreat activities and community.
Engage in a scheduled weekend retreat activity to sharpen your skills, or enjoy the freedom of the property. Expand your knowledge or your sense of peace.
A mid-day moment to return to the breath. This keeps the traveler’s energy elevated and focused on their inner transformation.
A communal feast that delights the senses. This vegetarian meal is a time to bond with fellow travelers and celebrate the joy of the retreat lifestyle.
Spend your afternoon in the great outdoors. The traveler is encouraged to use this time for movement or rest that honors their unique journey toward wellness.
Release any remaining tension through conscious movement. This session prepares the group for a powerful evening of meditation and spiritual connection.
Enjoy a delicious meal that honors the body’s needs.
A profound opportunity for inner quiet. The group will sit together in the stillness of the California night, finding peace that passes all understanding.
Anchor your practice one last time this week. This session focuses on how the traveler can take their inner peace back into their daily life and the wider world.
A final morning meal to ground and nourish.
A final mid-day meditation to seal your intentions. This session helps the traveler prepare for the transition from the retreat back to their everyday world.
Attend an optional Sunday Service at the nearby Village for a dose of inspiration, or stay on-site for a final walk through the peaceful Sierra landscape.
Share a final, heartfelt meal with the group.
On our departure day, we offer a selection of optional mindfulness activities tailored to your travel schedule, ensuring you leave California feeling fully centered and refreshed.
A gentle session to balance your energy for travel. The group will focus on gratitude and the tools they have gained to maintain a high-vibe life anywhere.
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Gentle Hatha to relax the body and prep the traveler for deep, mindful meditation.
Learn the foundational techniques the group uses to cultivate lasting inner stillness.
Wander through historic streets filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Free
A weekly guided walk exploring the intersection of spirituality and sustainable gardening.
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Explore 72 acres of lush meadows and secret meditation nooks at your own pace.
Dive into soul-stirring discussions and chanting with the community's long-time seekers.
Visit the Temple of Light, gardens, or spiritual sites in the nearby community.
Total freedom for journaling, reading, or quiet reflection in the Sierra Foothills.
Cozy up for weekly screenings of films that spark deep reflection and higher purpose.
Join the group in joyful devotional singing that opens the heart and stills the mind.
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Grab organic snacks and local coffee while soaking in the community's cozy atmosphere.
No entry fee
Explore a charming Gold Rush-era town full of crystal shops, cafés, and local vibes.
Free
Walk through 17,000 seasonal tulips and find quiet canyon views for meditation.
$10–$20 depending on season.
Dip into world-renowned clear waters and relax on sun-drenched granite boulders.
$5–$10 depending on location.
Trek through miles of trails ranging from gentle forest paths to scenic ridge climbs.
Free
Reset with a day pass to natural pools, cold plunges, and a peaceful mountain sauna.
Day pass approx. $40–$50
Enjoy the calm waters of Scotts Flat Lake for a seasonal, high-vibe afternoon.
Rentals $20–$40; parking fee $10.
Vibe with local live music, seasonal farmers' markets, and indie film screenings.
$10–$30 per event.
Brazil
The Center is one of the most special places that I've ever been. 🧘♂️☮️❤️ The Center itself is magical. The people are wonderful and lovely. The volunteer experience is well structured and balanced with our own abilities. ✌🏽😎 You'll have the opportunity to take yoga / meditation sessions and taste an amazing food that all the members help to cook. My sincere regards to all the members of the Center, I love you all, thank you for everything.😍 And a big special hug 🤗 for the master Mitradas for taking care of us all the time !
17 days ago
United States
The Center is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature and the Center. I very much enjoyed my time. I had a great little cabin to sleep in and there was nourishing food prepared everyday. The work is easy enough and if you show a liking or talent for something in particular it is noticed and often encouraged. Everyone was super kind and helpful. Lots of love and understanding. A very peaceful experience. I'm inspired and will most likely return when life allows.
over 3 years ago
United States
This experience has changed my life in ways I can't explain. From the moment I arrived, I felt Love. And I mean that sincerely. Everyone, in their own unique ways, inadvertently taught me what family truly means. They have all created an open and emotionally safe environment with kindness, compassion, and respect as the foundation. This app doesn't allow enough words to explain how this has impacted my life. In short: Spiritual values, how to meditate, amazing yoga postures, the ability to work in a team and much more, are all things I have learned from this experience. I am forever grateful.
over 3 years ago
Chile
My experience at "the Center" was beautiful. I felt very welcome when I first arrived, I remember that as soon as I arrived, Anandi wanted to make sure I felt as comfortable as possible, and I'm very thankful for this. Also, the place is magical and full of good energy, I was able to learn a lot from Paramahansa Yogananda and his teachings. What I loved most about this place is the people that I met there. All the staff members are very good people, they all helped me answer any question that I had, not only regarding the tasks, but about life as well! I'll definitely come back!
almost 4 years ago
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Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
For those seeking added privacy, the group can stay in traditional cabins nestled within the peaceful forest. Each cabin is equipped with heating and electricity, ensuring a cozy stay regardless of the weather. These simple, hermitage-style spaces allow the traveler to focus on their inner journey without leaving the cabin for essentials, offering a modest yet well-cared-for home base in the heart of nature.
Those seeking a supportive atmosphere can choose the dorm, a warm communal space designed exclusively for women. The group will stay in shared lodge rooms with easy access to internal bathroom facilities—no need to go outside at night. The lodge fosters a quiet, respectful, and community-oriented vibe where the traveler can connect with others in a safe, peaceful setting. It’s an ideal choice for those who value shared experiences and the comfort of living within a dedicated, sisterly environment.
Six cabins with 2 vacancies each. All the cabins are uniquely decorated and tucked into nature, designed to offer a quiet, serene retreat. Some are remote and secluded, others closer to the gardens and central facilities.
Travelers will enjoy three wholesome, vegetarian meals daily, prepared by dedicated staff using fresh, local ingredients. Designed to foster clarity and well-being, meals are often inspired by global flavors. Breakfast offers light, nourishing options like oatmeal, fresh fruit, and herbal tea, served in a peaceful, silent atmosphere. Lunch and dinner feature hearty dishes such as lentil soups, stir-fries with tofu, pasta, curries, and vibrant salads. The culinary team is adept at accommodating vegan and vegetarian-friendly dietary needs, ensuring a supportive and mindful dining experience for all.
Your journey begins with an easy arrival process. The traveler should fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or arrive via the Sacramento Amtrak Station (SAC). From these hubs, the group can access a pre-arranged pick-up service or follow specific shuttle instructions provided by the host. Detailed travel directions will be shared to ensure you transition smoothly from the city into the peaceful elevation of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The spiritual community hosting this experience is part of a global movement dedicated to helping individuals awaken to their highest potential through meditation, yoga, and selfless service. Established in 1968, the retreat is guided by seasoned practitioners with over 50 years of Kriya yoga experience. A dedicated on-site staff of ten lovingly supports all aspects of daily life, from preparing nourishing meals and maintaining sacred grounds to offering classes and guidance. For over two decades, this community has warmly welcomed travelers, fostering an environment where seekers can deepen their spiritual lives and contribute with fresh energy and diverse experiences.
This transformative retreat is nestled amidst 72 acres of serene meditation gardens, rolling meadows, and pristine forest in the picturesque Sierra Foothills of Northern California. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, offering a peaceful backdrop for inner exploration and connection with nature. Located just a few miles from a vibrant spiritual village of over 200 residents, travelers will experience a unique blend of secluded tranquility and community warmth. This area provides an ideal sanctuary away from the hustle of modern life, inviting deep rest, renewal, and spiritual awakening.
This experience aims to cultivate an environment where individuals can deepen their yoga and meditation practice, fostering inner peace to spread harmony globally. Travelers, as 'Karma yogis', play a vital role, contributing with their enthusiasm for learning and service. For over two decades, the community has welcomed thousands, reinforcing a worldwide vision of high thinking and simple living. The group’s presence brings fresh energy, inspires residents, lightens workloads, and enriches conversations, embodying the ideal of World Brotherhood. Through shared service, meals, and community events, travelers integrate into a spiritual family, supporting a collective journey towards higher truth and well-being.
Immerse in practices that promote mental and physical harmony. Through daily meditation, yoga, and a serene natural environment, the group cultivates inner peace, reduces stress, and enhances overall vitality. This focus on holistic well-being empowers individuals with tools for lasting health.
Join a living example of an intentional spiritual community. The group experiences first-hand the principles of simple living, community support, and harmonious coexistence with nature. Their participation strengthens the collective spirit and sustainable practices of this inspiring village.
Offer practical teachings in meditation, yoga philosophy, and conscious living. Travelers receive guidance on self-awareness, personal growth, and applying spiritual principles to daily life. This 'Education for Life' approach provides invaluable tools for inner clarity and a more purposeful existence.
Short, curated trips designed for travelers who want more than just a vacation.
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Pay your Program fee to confirm your trip and submit the required documents.
Be a part of a life-changing group trip. Make new friends, learn, and make an impact.
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Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly - no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a support team and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
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Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips plans offer different cancelation & modification conditions, which are presented on the payment check-out page and on the Worldpackers Group Trips Terms and Conditions.
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips experiences offer different benefits, which may include volunteer certificates. All benefits are stated on the openings’ pages, and you can check what type of certificates are available in each of them.
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