From Soil to Soul: Life Lessons with Himalayan Farmers

“To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

What does it take for you to remember that you too, are nature? Have you ever thought about tending to the soil in your heart? What if planting new seeds of change, courage, and creation starts with being gentle with yourself? Do you give yourself the time to sprout, the water to stay soft, and the sunshine to nurture your dreams, desires, and aspirations? Are you creating the right environment for growth in every area of your life — work, relationships, play, and creativity?

This retreat offers you the opportunity to disconnect to reconnect, to tune out to tune in, and to open your wild heart to the precious lessons waiting for you. Over the course of 5 transformative days, you'll immerse yourself in the heart of the Himalayas, learning directly from the farmers who are the guardians of these breathtaking landscapes. You'll engage in hands-on activities such as farming, mud plastering, harvesting, and art, all while embracing a unique culture that is on the verge of extinction.

While being coached through your own journey, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical tools to turn these lessons into actionable change once you return home. The experience will leave you with a heart full of inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose — finally seeing what has been waiting for you all along.

Submit Interest

This experience is designed for you if…

• You feel the call to reconnect with nature and rediscover the wisdom it holds

• You're seeking a break from the noise of everyday life and are ready to experience deep, meaningful reflection

• You desire to cultivate more presence, creativity, clarity, and grace in both your personal and professional life

• You're ready to slow down, listen to your heart, and create space for inner growth and healing

• You want to learn practical tools for sustainable living and apply them to your own life

• You’re passionate about cultural & ecological preservation and want to contribute to protecting indigenous knowledge and traditions

• You are open to stepping out of your comfort zone, becoming one with the local communities who welcome you to stay in their homes, engaging in hands-on activities, and embracing new challenges

• You’re seeking inspiration on how to bring positive change into your life and the world around you.

Your Retreat Facilitators:

Isneesh Marwah (she/ her)

Co-founder & COO, Impact Investors

After a decade in software, Isneesh Marwah shifted to the social impact sector in 2017, engaging with farms and education spaces in India. She is passionate about community engagement in ecological restoration.

As a certified permaculture designer and member of the Ecological Restoration Alliance, Isneesh applies a systems-thinking approach to her work, influenced by her love for the Himalayas.

In 2023, she co-founded Impact Investors, focusing on community-led initiatives and making thoughtful, context-driven decisions.

As your retreat facilitator, Isneesh offers her lived experience and an intuitive approach to learning from the land and each other.

Click here to learn more about her.

Mani Mahesh Aurora (he/ they)

Life Design and Mental Health Coach, Founder & CEO, Impact Investors

A former journalist turned social innovator, Mani Mahesh has spent the last decade building regenerative tourism and agroforestry models in Himalayan villages. His work focuses on restoring culture, ecology, and dignity to rural economies.

Mani's facilitation blends coaching, storytelling, and grassroots experience. Certified in Life Design and Design Thinking, he’s committed to helping people reimagine their lives with clarity and purpose.

In 2021, he founded Impact Investors to support community-led ventures that challenge extractive systems and build equitable futures.

As your program host, Mani brings both presence and play, holding space for reflection, visioning, and meaningful connection.

Click here to learn more about him.

The Heart of Your Retreat: Activities and Highlights

Each day of the retreat will blend these components, offering you a diverse, enriching, and immersive experience.

1. Mindfulness and Reflection

• Meditations and Mindfulness Exercises: Daily guided sessions to cultivate presence, inner peace, and clarity.

• Forest Bathing: Immersing in nature to rejuvenate your senses and connect deeply with the environment.

• Facilitated Sessions on Discovering Your Personal Life Lesson: Reflective activities to uncover transformative insights each day.

2. Immersive Cultural Experiences

• Guided Heritage Tours into Abandoned Himalayan Villages: Explore the history and traditions of remote Himalayan communities.

• Interactions with Local School Children: Engaging in cultural exchange through education and play.

• Cultural Music and Dance: Participate in and experience the vibrancy of local cultural expressions.

3. Hands-on Sustainable Practices

• Permaculture Based Practices: Guild Plantation, Composting, Kitchen Gardening.

• Foraging and Harvesting Tours: Discover wild foods and traditional harvest techniques.

• Traditional Cooking: Experience local culinary practices, including the preparation of traditional meals.

• Mud Plastering with Hands: Engage in traditional building techniques using natural materials.

4. Creative Arts and Crafts

• Hands-on Traditional Art and Painting

• Learning About Traditional Food Processing

5. Community Connection

• Facilitated Sessions on Discovering Your Personal Life Lesson: Each day, reflect on lessons from your surroundings, integrating them into your life.

6. Enrichment and Leisure

• Solo Time in Nature

• Sharing Circles: Gather to share your experiences, insights, and emotions in a supportive, open environment.

• Movie Screenings: View films that align with themes of sustainability, cultural heritage, and personal growth, followed by group discussions.

Costs:

• With transfers from New Delhi (round trip): USD 660 / INR 56,000 (Includes stay, all meals, taxes, accommodation, scheduled activities, and transfers from New Delhi to the site and back)
  

• Without transfers: USD 550 / INR 47,000 (Includes stay, all meals, taxes, accommodation, and scheduled activities).

Booking: To reserve your spot, a non-refundable deposit of USD 100 / INR 8,500 is required at the time of registration.

Terms: The deposit is non-refundable and confirms your registration.

Submit Interest

About the community and village:

Tucked in the Kumaon Himalayan foothills in India, Dhanachuli is a small yet vibrant hamlet rich in wisdom and creativity. The community thrives on age-old, nature-based professions, terraced farming, horticulture, foraging, and herbal healing, all practiced with a deep ecological understanding. Life moves at a gentle rhythm, governed by the seasons, stories, and shared laughter over chai. In recent years, the village has embraced responsible tourism as a way to celebrate its culture and create livelihood opportunities, without losing what makes it special.

To register:

If this program interests you, please complete the interest submission form. This will help us schedule a call to explore whether the retreat is the right fit for you. During the call, we'll clarify your doubts, answer your questions, and help you reflect on whether this experience aligns with what you're seeking.

Alternatively, you can reach out to Shally (she/her) via WhatsApp at +91 99991 43088 or email at impactinvestors.in@gmail.com.