INDIA PILGRIMAGE
What to expect
Dragon Lineage invites committed seekers to the spiritual journey of a lifetime, a pilgrimage that will take you to the heart of Ancient India’s most sacred sites. This is an invitation to live as a wandering yogi, immersing yourself in the rich traditions, sacred practices, and transformative experiences that Ancient India grants us.Our journey will weave the diverse spiritual traditions of India with its stunning landscapes; from the sacred Golden Temple of Amritsar to the vibrant Sufi shrines of Kashmir; from the mystical mountains of Buddhist Ladakh to the holy temple complex of Pashupatinath in Nepal.In this retreat you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in each of these traditions’ ancient practices by visiting temples, meeting masters, and receiving initiations that will transform your spiritual outlook forever, while doing so alongside a group of like-minded seekers.
This retreat is one of the foundation stones of the Dragon Lineage. Nobody’s training is complete until one has traveled far through its spiritual visage, for in India the energy moves differently than in other places; yet it is not only the teachers who bless, but also its people and the compassionate hearts they hold.We refrain from explaining what cannot be explained. We hope that the design of our retreat and the photographs taken during previous journeys will inspire you; but do yourself a favor and abandon the thought that this is anything less than a discovery of cosmic proportions.You will not travel through Ancient India. Ancient India will travel through you.
What to expect
Dragon Lineage invites committed seekers to the spiritual journey of a lifetime, a pilgrimage that will take you to the heart of Ancient India’s most sacred sites. This is an invitation to live as a wandering yogi, immersing yourself in the rich traditions, sacred practices, and transformative experiences that Ancient India grants us.Our journey will weave the diverse spiritual traditions of India with its stunning landscapes; from the sacred Golden Temple of Amritsar to the vibrant Sufi shrines of Kashmir; from the mystical mountains of Buddhist Ladakh to the holy temple complex of Pashupatinath in Nepal.
READ MORE
In this retreat you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in each of these traditions’ ancient practices by visiting temples, meeting masters, and receiving initiations that will transform your spiritual outlook forever, while doing so alongside a group of like-minded seekers.This retreat is one of the foundation stones of the Dragon Lineage. Nobody’s training is complete until one has traveled far through its spiritual visage, for in India the energy moves differently than in other places; yet it is not only the teachers who bless, but also its people and the compassionate hearts they hold.We refrain from explaining what cannot be explained. We hope that the design of our retreat and the photographs taken during previous journeys will inspire you; but do yourself a favor and abandon the thought that this is anything less than a discovery of cosmic proportions.You will not travel through Ancient India. Ancient India will travel through you.
VISION
A pilgrimage is any length of distance covered by those who take the journey to be the goal rather than any particular destination. This most ancient spiritual practice denies not the fantastic climax of achievement, but it does not accommodate anxieties towards getting there: for the path is our only purpose.
The full pilgrimage is a one-month journey through West India and Nepal. Here we will have deep contact with the three main asian religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. We will meet the teacher that inspired the Lineage, Babaji Baldev Singh, as well as meeting saints, yogis and sadhus of different Hindu sampradayas.
This retreat comes from a vision Shar Khan had in Kumbh Mela. This festival celebrates the Churning of the Milky Ocean, the “Genesis” of Ancient Indian religion. In this version of the story, Gods and Giants churn the cosmic waters to retrieve from it the potion that made them deathless.
This myth shall frame our voyage also, for we too shall coil and stretch like the great Dragon, Vasuki, used as a cosmic rope tied to the churning pole, that from our effort the sacred might manifest. In our case, however, the pillar will by horizontal, as our churning will take us through the road that links Punjab, Himmachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Ladakh and Nepal.
In this way, in one fell swoop of devotion and wonder we will be experiencing side by side the magick of some of the most prominent religions in the world, discovering how the integration of their dogmas is not a feat for the mind to undertake but for the heart to resolve.
VISION
A pilgrimage is any length of distance covered by those who take the journey to be the goal rather than any particular destination. This most ancient spiritual practice denies not the fantastic climax of achievement, but it does not accommodate anxieties towards getting there: for the path is our only purpose.
The full pilgrimage is a one-month journey through West India and Nepal. Here we will have deep contact with the three main asian religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. We will meet the teacher that inspired the Lineage, Babaji Baldev Singh, as well as meeting saints, yogis and sadhus of different Hindu sampradayas.
READ MORE
This retreat comes from a vision Shar Khan had in Kumbh Mela. This festival celebrates the Churning of the Milky Ocean, the “Genesis” of Ancient Indian religion. In this version of the story, Gods and Giants churn the cosmic waters to retrieve from it the potion that made them deathless.
This myth shall frame our voyage also, for we too shall coil and stretch like the great Dragon, Vasuki, used as a cosmic rope tied to the churning pole, that from our effort the sacred might manifest. In our case, however, the pillar will by horizontal, as our churning will take us through the road that links Punjab, Himmachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Ladakh and Nepal.
In this way, in one fell swoop of devotion and wonder we will be experiencing side by side the magick of some of the most prominent religions in the world, discovering how the integration of their dogmas is not a feat for the mind to undertake but for the heart to resolve.
Schedule
DAY 1-2
Arrival in Delhi
Pick up at the airport and transfer to our accommodation in Delhi. We will meet with Shashi Dubey, a revered Hindu guru who will grant Mantra Shaktipat as well as general spiritual advice in how to receive India’s deeper blessings.
DAY 3-4
Amritsar
We fly to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, the holiest site of Sikhism. We will spend a day immersed in the temple’s profound energy and meditating in its various groves.
DAY 4-10
Bulandpuri
We will then visit Bulandpuri, the main Gurdwara of our teacher, Babaji Baldev Singh. Here we will practice the principles of seva (selfless service) and Simran (devotion) in Sikhi style.
DAY 10-12
Srinagar
From here on we will be driving in our traveling bus. Once in Srinagar we will meet Sufi practitioners and explore the region and Islamic mystic religion.
DAY 12-14
Devi Vaishno Temple
We will be staying in Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the holiest shrines of the feminine divine principle nestled in the mountains of upper Kashmir. A 12km trek leads to the Himalayan plateau where the Temple lies.
DAY 14-18
Ladakh
Through the mountains we will reach the Himalayan plateau on its southern edge. This is one of the most prolific spiritual terrains of the world, and we will spend our time pilgrimaging from monastery to monastery.
DAY 18-21
Kathmandu
After flying from Ladakh to Khatmandu we will spend our days sinking in Buddhist temples and lore, aside from visiting one of the holiest shrines in all Hinduism: the Pashupatinath temple complex.
DAY 21-28
Annapurna
For a week then we will be hiking through the Annapurna circuit. Reaching a maximum altitude of six-thousand meters, encouraged by the Himalayan sentinels, this is the hike of a lifetime which will seal our previous teachings.
DAY 28-30
Back to Delhi
After a month of deep spiritual transformation, we return to Delhi, where we will conclude our pilgrimage, reflect on our experiences, and prepare for our flights home.
Beyond the first and last day of our gathering, please remember that events are flexible and subject to change based on various travelling conditions (i.e. weather, festivities, road closures, etc.)
See the full Itineray
DAY 12-14
Devi Vaishno Temple
We will be staying in Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the holiest shrines of the feminine divine principle nestled in the mountains of upper Kashmir. A 12km trek leads to the Himalayan plateau where the Temple lies.
DAY 14-18
Ladakh
Through the mountains we will reach the Himalayan plateau on its southern edge. This is one of the most prolific spiritual terrains of the world, and we will spend our time pilgrimaging from monastery to monastery.
DAY 18-21
Kathmandu
After flying from Ladakh to Khatmandu we will spend our days sinking in Buddhist temples and lore, aside from visiting one of the holiest shrines in all Hinduism: the Pashupatinath temple complex.
DAY 21-28
Annapurna
For a week then we will be hiking through the Annapurna circuit. Reaching a maximum altitude of six-thousand meters, encouraged by the Himalayan sentinels, this is the hike of a lifetime which will seal our previous teachings.
DAY 28-30
Back to Delhi
After a month of deep spiritual transformation, we return to Delhi, where we will conclude our pilgrimage, reflect on our experiences, and prepare for our flights home.
Beyond the first and last day of our gathering, please remember that events are flexible and subject to change based on various travelling conditions (i.e. weather, festivities, road closures, etc.)
Training
This pilgrimage offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the practices of meditation and devotion framed by the four main spiritual currents of Asia – Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. Our goal is not to syncretize them, but to understand their unity in direct experience.
Pilgrims will be introduced to the Japan of the Hindus, the zikr of the Sufis, the Shabda of the Sikhs and the mantras of the Buddhist. Each will receive a manual authored by Shar Khan containing the complete set of exercises, prayers, and meditations that we’ll explore in this adventure.
Regardless of what spiritual framework we are practicing under, all disciplines aim for the alignment of body, voice, and mind. Every tradition revolves around foundational practices of the dignity of posture, control of the breath, stabilization of the attention and the flow of sound in sacred names.
Every tradition has its own grammatical taxonomy to speak of these. In both Hinduism and Buddhism we speak of these elements as āsana, prāṇāyāma, dhyāna, and mantra. The confluence of these four is what we call tantra – so beware of interpreting this term in the light of western sexual fixations.
Our emphasis is not on performing yoga as a physical art, but on living yoga as a spiritual state. We respect the pace of each, for some will be inspired to bring this newfound peace back to their lives, whereas those seeking formal training will find in this retreat the same rigor that Shar Khan himself received in his formative years.
Schedule
DAY 1-2
Arrival in Delhi
Pick up at the airport and transfer to our accommodation in Delhi. We will meet with Shashi Dubey, a revered Hindu guru who will grant Mantra Shaktipat as well as general spiritual advice in how to receive India’s deeper blessings.
DAY 3-4
Amritsar
We fly to Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, the holiest site of Sikhism. We will spend a day immersed in the temple’s profound energy and meditating in its various groves.
DAY 4-10
Bulandpuri
We will then visit Bulandpuri, the main Gurdwara of our teacher, Babaji Baldev Singh. Here we will practice the principles of seva (selfless service) and Simran (devotion) in Sikhi style.
Training
This pilgrimage offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the practices of meditation and devotion framed by the four main spiritual currents of Asia – Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. Our goal is not to syncretize them, but to understand their unity in direct experience.
Full Itinerary
DAY 12-14
Devi Vaishno Temple
We will be staying in Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the holiest shrines of the feminine divine principle nestled in the mountains of upper Kashmir. A 12km trek leads to the Himalayan plateau where the Temple lies.
DAY 14-18
Ladakh
Through the mountains we will reach the Himalayan plateau on its southern edge. This is one of the most prolific spiritual terrains of the world, and we will spend our time pilgrimaging from monastery to monastery.
DAY 18-21
Kathmandu
After flying from Ladakh to Khatmandu we will spend our days sinking in Buddhist temples and lore, aside from visiting one of the holiest shrines in all Hinduism: the Pashupatinath temple complex.
DAY 21-28
Annapurna
For a week then we will be hiking through the Annapurna circuit. Reaching a maximum altitude of six-thousand meters, encouraged by the Himalayan sentinels, this is the hike of a lifetime which will seal our previous teachings.
DAY 28-30
Back to Delhi
After a month of deep spiritual transformation, we return to Delhi, where we will conclude our pilgrimage, reflect on our experiences, and prepare for our flights home.
Beyond the first and last day of our gathering, please remember that events are flexible and subject to change based on various travelling conditions (i.e. weather, festivities, road closures, etc.)
Training
This pilgrimage offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the practices of meditation and devotion framed by the four main spiritual currents of Asia – Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. Our goal is not to syncretize them, but to understand their unity in direct experience.
Pilgrims will be introduced to the Japan of the Hindus, the zikr of the Sufis, the Shabda of the Sikhs and the mantras of the Buddhist. Each will receive a manual authored by Shar Khan containing the complete set of exercises, prayers, and meditations that we’ll explore in this adventure.
See the full training
Regardless of what spiritual framework we are practicing under, all disciplines aim for the alignment of body, voice, and mind. Every tradition revolves around foundational practices of the dignity of posture, control of the breath, stabilization of the attention and the flow of sound in sacred names.
Every tradition has its own grammatical taxonomy to speak of these. In both Hinduism and Buddhism we speak of these elements as āsana, prāṇāyāma, dhyāna, and mantra. The confluence of these four is what we call tantra – so beware of interpreting this term in the light of western sexual fixations.
Our emphasis is not on performing yoga as a physical art, but on living yoga as a spiritual state. We respect the pace of each, for some will be inspired to bring this newfound peace back to their lives, whereas those seeking formal training will find in this retreat the same rigor that Shar Khan himself received in his formative years.
Lineage Team
This pilgrimage is led by Shar Khan, founder of the Dragon Lineage, whose own spiritual journey unfolded through the ashrams, caves, and sacred rivers of this very land. Having received inspiration and guidance from yogis and saints across Ancient India, he now returns every year with seekers from around the world to walk the same paths.
READ MORE
Supporting him is Sara, the Seer, whose clairvoyant insight guides the subtle dimensions of the work. She is the intuitive mirror of the group, perceiving what moves unseen and tending to those in the midst of profound internal trances. Her gift is that of spiritual translation: she reads what others feel but cannot name and through her presence clarity is born.
Alongside them is Laura, the Sound Healer, whose work with voice and instrument helps to shape the invisible architecture of all rites. Her voice confers a much needed melodic range to palliate the masculine ubiquity of Shar Khan’s tone, and in her song all seekers find respite and comfort.
We might be accompanied and assisted by Dragon Lineage initiates, practitioners who embody all commitment to the mystic path. Their role is to help in the journey’s logistics and atmosphere, maintaining the sacred order of the group as we move through temples, mountains, and holy rivers.
Together we shall form a moving ashram, a vessel of learning that adapts to each landscape. Purpose is shared in spirit, for we all are students of the path, and all serve the same flame of awakening. Leadership doesn’t mean one is being followed; leadership means one goes first. This is what you can expect from the Dragon Team.
Lineage Team
This pilgrimage is led by Shar Khan, founder of the Dragon Lineage, whose own spiritual journey unfolded through the ashrams, caves, and sacred rivers of this very land. Having received inspiration and guidance from yogis and saints across Ancient India, he now returns every year with seekers from around the world to walk the same paths.
Supporting him is Sara, the Seer, whose clairvoyant insight guides the subtle dimensions of the work. She is the intuitive mirror of the group, perceiving what moves unseen and tending to those in the midst of profound internal trances. Her gift is that of spiritual translation: she reads what others feel but cannot name and through her presence clarity is born.
Alongside them is Laura, the Sound Healer, whose work with voice and instrument helps to shape the invisible architecture of all rites. Her voice confers a much needed melodic range to palliate the masculine ubiquity of Shar Khan’s tone, and in her song all seekers find respite and comfort.
We might be accompanied and assisted by Dragon Lineage initiates, practitioners who embody all commitment to the mystic path. Their role is to help in the journey’s logistics and atmosphere, maintaining the sacred order of the group as we move through temples, mountains, and holy rivers.
Together we shall form a moving ashram, a vessel of learning that adapts to each landscape. Purpose is shared in spirit, for we all are students of the path, and all serve the same flame of awakening. Leadership doesn’t mean one is being followed; leadership means one goes first. This is what you can expect from the Dragon Team.
Acomodations
Throughout our pilgrimage in India we will be staying in modest guesthouses, ashrams and monasteries depending on the city and the stage of our journey. Most of these are not touristic spaces but living spiritual institutions where pilgrims and students of the sacred come to rest, and so some rules must be placed on their behalf.
India is a land of immense cultural depth, and our presence there must always mirror humility. We will be dressing modestly, wearing traditional khurtas so as to blend into the spiritual landscape and be recognized not as tourists but as seekers. This will spare us unwanted attention and will also earn us the respect of the locals.
We will refrain from giving alms in the streets. In India, poverty and asceticism intertwine in ways unfamiliar to Western eyes. Many live from begging not because of need but because of a spiritual vow – a continuation of the old mendicant traditions. To give to all indiscriminately would therefore dishonor those who truly uphold that vow.
Our food will follow the sattvic principle: light, pure and conducive to meditation. Meals will consist mainly of rice, soups and fruits, avoiding excess spice, stimulants or intoxicants of any kind. This is not a punishment but an alignment — a way for our inner state to match the peace we seek outside.
We will live as a community, sharing rooms and keeping conversation minimal. Our way is to walk, not talk; to meditate, not debate. Silence will be our companion and our teacher. This journey is not one of tourism but of transformation, and its luxury is not one of comfort but of peace.
Acomodations
Throughout our pilgrimage in India we will be staying in modest guesthouses, ashrams and monasteries depending on the city and the stage of our journey. Most of these are not touristic spaces but living spiritual institutions where pilgrims and students of the sacred come to rest, and so some rules must be placed on their behalf.
READ MORE
India is a land of immense cultural depth, and our presence there must always mirror humility. We will be dressing modestly, wearing traditional khurtas so as to blend into the spiritual landscape and be recognized not as tourists but as seekers. This will spare us unwanted attention and will also earn us the respect of the locals.
We will refrain from giving alms in the streets. In India, poverty and asceticism intertwine in ways unfamiliar to Western eyes. Many live from begging not because of need but because of a spiritual vow – a continuation of the old mendicant traditions. To give to all indiscriminately would therefore dishonor those who truly uphold that vow.
Our food will follow the sattvic principle: light, pure and conducive to meditation. Meals will consist mainly of rice, soups and fruits, avoiding excess spice, stimulants or intoxicants of any kind. This is not a punishment but an alignment — a way for our inner state to match the peace we seek outside.
We will live as a community, sharing rooms and keeping conversation minimal. Our way is to walk, not talk; to meditate, not debate. Silence will be our companion and our teacher. This journey is not one of tourism but of transformation, and its luxury is not one of comfort but of peace.
Necessities
This journey is not a vacation but a spiritual pilgrimage that will challenge you both physically and mentally. Here’s what you should bring and be aware of:
A clear and pure intention is the most important thing to bring to this journey. Be certain that you will be challenged and take acceptance for a growth.
Spiritual Intention
Modest Clothing
Pack comfortable, modest clothing. For temple visits and long hours of meditation we ask that people purchase kurtas, two white and two of any other color.
Packing Essentials
Bring a water bottle, comfortable hiking shoes, thermal layers for the mountains, a journal for reflection and a yoga mat for yoga sessions.
Temple Rules
In every shrine or temple we expect everyone to follow the rules and respect the variations of tradition. Whenever feasible, remain silent.
Long Drives
Please note that, although we will be making stops on the way, we have to brace ourselves for hours on the road. To economize our time, we will sometimes need to drive at night.
Phone Use
To avoid distractions from our journey we will have a photographer in the group responsible for framing our memories so that we can all minimize screen use.
Group Dynamics
Though everyone will have solo time to explore freely, we expect people to journey always in company. Please be mindful to always respect people’s space and idiosyncrasies.
A clear and pure intention is the most important thing to bring to this journey. Be certain that you will be challenged and take acceptance for a growth.
Spiritual Intention
Modest Clothing
Pack comfortable, modest clothing. For temple visits and long hours of meditation we ask that people purchase kurtas, two white and two of any other color.
Packing Essentials
Bring a water bottle, comfortable hiking shoes, thermal layers for the mountains, a journal for reflection and a yoga mat for yoga sessions.
See All
Temple Rules
We will be staying in Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the holiest shrines of the feminine divine principle nestled in the mountains of upper Kashmir. A 12km trek leads to the Himalayan plateau where the Temple lies.
Long Drives
Through the mountains we will reach the Himalayan plateau on its southern edge. This is one of the most prolific spiritual terrains of the world, and we will spend our time pilgrimaging from monastery to monastery.
Phone Use
To avoid distractions from our journey we will have a photographer in the group responsible for framing our memories so that we can all minimize screen use.
Group Dynamics
Though everyone will have solo time to explore freely, we expect people to journey always in company. Please be mindful to always respect people’s space and idiosyncrasies.
BOOKING
Please be mindful that spaces are limited. To apply, fill out the form below. If eligible, we will add you to the group message-board of the retreat to coordinate minutely. It is customary for the Dragon Lineage to hold preliminary zoom-sessions to both inspire everybody interested in this retreat as well as answering any questions that might arise.
OVERVIEW
Transport in our bus, all hotels, temple tickets and the flight from Ladakh to Kathmandu.
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
Arrival and departure flights, tuk-tuks (rickshaws), visas, medical expenses and all meals.
Integration
The journey does not end when the fire dies or the circle closes. Every retreat is a threshold, a passage into deeper awareness that continues to unfold long after our return home. True transformation takes root in the quiet days that follow, when visions settle into the heart and the body learns to carry this new light.
To support this continuity, we offer integration sessions, both in-person and online, where participants can revisit the teachings they gained from these experiences with guidance and clarity. These gatherings both public and private serve as bridges between worlds, a space to weave the insights of ceremony into daily life.
READ MORE
Those who wish to walk further may enter a path of ongoing mentorship or join the sessions we hold for the Dragon Lineage community, where fellow travelers share reflections, practices, and support each other as the work deepens. Anybody wishing to pursue this path should commit not only to retreats but also to their grounding.
Whether we dive into the integration period alone or accompanied, how we deal with coming “back to earth” seals the teachings we recieved. Such is why we ask of people not to book any other retreats or pilgrimages until the one they’re currently integrating has seeped into their habits.
We encourage all to honor their growth with daily journaling, periods of silence, and the application of whatever prayers or meditations they have learnt from this retreat. These practices help refine the energy awakened and drive wisdom into crystallization, for integration is the means by which we uphold the teachings.
Integration
The journey does not end when the fire dies or the circle closes. Every retreat is a threshold, a passage into deeper awareness that continues to unfold long after our return home. True transformation takes root in the quiet days that follow, when visions settle into the heart and the body learns to carry this new light.
To support this continuity, we offer integration sessions, both in-person and online, where participants can revisit the teachings they gained from these experiences with guidance and clarity. These gatherings both public and private serve as bridges between worlds, a space to weave the insights of ceremony into daily life.
Those who wish to walk further may enter a path of ongoing mentorship or join the sessions we hold for the Dragon Lineage community, where fellow travelers share reflections, practices, and support each other as the work deepens. Anybody wishing to pursue this path should commit not only to retreats but also to their grounding.
Whether we dive into the integration period alone or accompanied, how we deal with coming “back to earth” seals the teachings we recieved. Such is why we ask of people not to book any other retreats or pilgrimages until the one they’re currently integrating has seeped into their habits.
We encourage all to honor their growth with daily journaling, periods of silence, and the application of whatever prayers or meditations they have learnt from this retreat. These practices help refine the energy awakened and drive wisdom into crystallization, for integration is the means by which we uphold the teachings.
Testimonies
“I approached this experience with complete openness and curiosity, like an innocent child. I did not make a mistake! On the contrary! The energy I reclaimed, which had been scattered into many pieces in different directions, continues to sustain me. I would practice this experience at least two or three times a year”.
Laura
