10-Day Immersive Training in Upper Bhagsu, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Transform Your Voice, Connect with Your Soul
Ancient Indian Music Techniques Meet Himalayan Serenity
May 5-15, 2026
Imagine waking up to mountain mist wrapping around Upper Bhagsu, spending your mornings discovering the divine power hidden in your own voice, afternoons exploring Dharamshala's spiritual energy, and evenings chanting mantras with fellow seekers from around the world.
This isn't just another music workshop. This is a 10-day journey into the heart of Indian classical music, held in one of the Himalayan most peaceful corners, designed for people who've never touched a musical instrument in their lives.
For 12 consecutive years, Krishna Music School has been running this transformative summer retreat in Upper Bhagsu. Now in 2026, we're opening our doors again to travelers, spiritual seekers, and curious souls who want something deeper than the typical tourist experience.
Retreat at a Glance
| Duration | 10 Days (May 5-15, 2026) |
| Location | Upper Bhagsu, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh |
| Daily Class Time | 2 hours (Morning 9 AM or Evening 5 PM) |
| Total Sessions | 10 Sessions (20 hours) |
| Investment | ₹25,000 (₹22,000 for groups of 10-15) |
| Experience Level | Complete Beginners to Advanced |
| Focus Areas | Singing, Mantra Chanting, Harmonium, Kirtan, Bhajan & Raga |
| School Legacy | 12 years in Dharamshala, 17 years teaching globally |
Why Learn Music in the Himalayas?
Upper Bhagsu isn't just a beautiful backdrop—it's an essential part of the learning experience.
Nestled above the bustling streets of McLeod Ganj, this peaceful mountain village carries the spiritual energy of both Tibetan Buddhism and Hindu traditions. The thin mountain air, the sound of waterfalls, and the quietness of early mornings create the perfect environment for discovering your voice.
May is arguably the best time to be in Dharamshala. Winter's chill has passed, the monsoon rains haven't begun, and nature is in full bloom. Temperatures hover comfortably between 15-25°C, perfect for morning practices and afternoon explorations.
While McLeod Ganj attracts crowds, Upper Bhagsu remains peacefully accessible. You're close enough to cafes, guesthouses, and fellow travelers, yet far enough to find silence when you need it. Many students combine this retreat with trekking to Triund, visiting the Bhagsu waterfall, or exploring ancient temples scattered across the hillside.
What Makes This Retreat Different?
The God-Gifted Teaching Philosophy
Here's something you won't find in online courses or music books: the experiential techniques we use to teach voice cannot be written down.
At Krishna Music School, we believe your voice is a divine gift. When you truly become one with your own voice, something profound happens—self-healing begins, balance returns, and inner clarity emerges.
Our first and most important lesson isn't about singing scales or learning songs. It's about teaching you to understand your own voice—how to use it correctly, naturally, and powerfully.
You'll learn how to consciously use:
- Your belly, chest, and throat for breath control
- Your jaw, mouth, and tongue for note placement
- Your hands, head, and eyes for expression
- Your breath for stability and flow
These aren't generic tips. These are god-gifted techniques developed through 17 years of teaching students from over 50 countries—techniques refined specifically for people who've never sung before.
Unlike tourist show performers who entertain, we teach. Unlike weekend workshops that scratch the surface, we go deep. Unlike online courses where you practice alone without correction, we give you real-time guidance that transforms your voice from day one.
Built for Complete Beginners
Let's be clear: 90% of our students have zero musical experience when they arrive.
Never held a harmonium? Perfect. Can't read music? Doesn't matter. Think you "can't sing"? You'll be surprised.
This retreat is specifically designed for the absolute beginner. We start with Sa—the single most important note in Indian music—and build from there, step by step, with the patience of teachers who've guided hundreds of first-timers to confidence.
Your 10-Day Journey: What Actually Happens
Days 1-2: Voice Foundation & "Sa" Perfection
Everything in Indian music begins with Sa—the root note, your home base, your anchor.
For the first two days, we focus entirely on perfecting Sa. This might sound simple, but it's the foundation of everything that follows. You'll learn how to place Sa with stable frequency, natural balance, and beautiful clarity.
We'll teach you how to sing Sargam (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa) slowly, moving from lower notes to higher notes and back again without strain. You'll discover where tension hides in your voice and how to release it.
By Day 2, you'll feel the difference in your voice. It will sound clearer, more stable, more like you.
Day 3: Body Awareness for Singing
Here's a truth most people don't realize: your voice doesn't exist in isolation from your body.
On Day 3, we dive deep into the physical side of singing. You'll learn exactly how to use your belly, throat, chest, hands, head, and eyes while you sing. You'll understand why body coordination is essential for expressive, soulful singing.
This is where the magic happens—where sound connects with feeling, where technique becomes art.
Our philosophy is simple: until you learn to use your voice with your body correctly, true feeling in singing cannot come. That's why we complete this crucial training within the first three days.
Days 4-5: Mouth Positions & Harmonium Integration
Morning Focus: The Secret Geography of Your Mouth
Here's one of those god-gifted techniques we mentioned: inside your mouth, there are seven distinct sound placement points. Each of the seven notes (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni) relates to a specific space.
Learning where to place each note—where to sing less, where to sing open—transforms your voice quality overnight. These are small adjustments that make enormous differences, and they're techniques you simply cannot learn from books or videos.
Afternoon Focus: Your Hands Meet the Harmonium
Now we bring in the harmonium—the portable keyboard that's the backbone of Indian devotional music.
You'll start with the basics: playing Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa while singing it. This coordination between voice and instrument is challenging at first, but incredibly rewarding.
We'll teach you about full notes and half notes, sharp and flat positions, and basic notation. By the end of Day 5, you'll be able to play and sing simple melodies on your own.
Day 6: Palta Practice – Advanced Group Phrases
Alankars are systematic note patterns. Paltas are more complex—repeated patterns that challenge your coordination and musical understanding.
Day 6 introduces structured and mixed note patterns that classical musicians use to build technique. You'll practice complicated group phrases that improve your vocal clarity, harmonium accuracy, smoothness, and overall musical finishing.
This is where your practice moves to the next level. You're no longer just playing notes—you're creating music.
Days 7-8: Mantra, Kirtan, Bhajan & Raga
Everything comes together in the final days.
You'll learn how to apply musical techniques to mantra chanting—for Shiva, Krishna, Kali, Radha, Hanuman, Rama, Guru, Ganesh, and the Gayatri Mantra. Each mantra carries its own energy and devotional feeling.
You'll discover how to sing bhajans and kirtans with proper sur (melody), taal (rhythm), and bhav (feeling). You'll understand how to lead call-and-response chanting while playing harmonium.
We'll introduce you to raga-based singing—the foundation of Indian classical music—showing you how different melodic structures evoke different emotions.
By this stage, you'll feel confident singing and playing harmonium for spiritual practice. You'll leave with skills that continue enriching your life long after the retreat ends.
Special Evening Sessions
Every second day, we gather for evening group mantra chanting and kirtan sessions. These aren't classes—they're celebrations, chances to practice together and bond through collective singing.
On the final day, we organize a full-day temple tour in groups, exploring sacred sites around Dharamshala and experiencing the spiritual culture firsthand.
What You'll Actually Take Home
Let's be practical. After 10 days, here's what you'll be able to do:
- Breath Control & Frequency Management: Use breath correctly for sustained notes without wavering
- The 7-Note Recognition System: Know where each note resonates in your body and mouth
- Harmonium Fundamentals: Play basic melodies, accompany yourself while singing
- Alankaar & Palta Mastery: Practice systematic patterns that build voice flexibility
- Mantra Chanting with Musical Understanding: Chant different mantras with proper pronunciation and feeling
- Kirtan & Bhajan Performance: Lead call-and-response singing, build devotional energy
- Raga Introduction: Understand basic raga theory and emotional qualities
But beyond technical skills, something else happens. Students often describe it as finding a meditation practice that moves. A way of connecting with themselves that's both ancient and deeply personal. A lifetime skill that requires nothing but their voice and presence.
Limited to 15 Students Maximum
To maintain teaching quality and intimate learning environment, we accept only 15 students per summer retreat.
Contact us now to secure your spot:
📱 WhatsApp: +91 99286 58520
📧 Email: krishnamusicschoolpushkar@gmail.com
Investment & What's Included
Standard Rate: ₹25,000 for the complete 10-day retreat
Group Discount: ₹22,000 (save ₹3,000) for groups of 10-15 students traveling together
What's Included in Your Retreat Fee
- 10 intensive sessions (20 hours total instruction)
- All teaching materials and handouts
- Use of harmonium and instruments during classes
- Evening mantra chanting sessions (every second day)
- Group temple tour (final day)
- Practice recordings for continued learning at home
- Certificate of completion
- Lifetime access to alumni WhatsApp community
What's NOT Included
- Accommodation: Upper Bhagsu offers options from ₹300-1,500 per night. We can suggest guesthouses near the teaching venue.
- Meals: Local restaurants serve excellent food for ₹150-400 per meal
- Special group dinners: Optional community meals organized during retreat (separate cost, announced during sessions)
- Temple tour transportation: Optional participation, cost shared among participants
Schedule Options
Choose the timing that fits your travel schedule:
- Morning Batch: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (perfect for afternoon exploration)
- Evening Batch: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ideal for morning trekkers)
Evening session timing may adjust slightly for special mantra chanting events—we'll inform you during the retreat to maintain flexibility.
Where to Stay in Upper Bhagsu
Upper Bhagsu caters to all budgets:
- Budget guesthouses: ₹300-600 per night (basic but clean)
- Mid-range hotels: ₹800-1,500 per night (comfortable with amenities)
- Homestays with local families: ₹500-1,000 per night (cultural immersion)
We suggest booking accommodation within walking distance of the teaching venue. Many students stay in the same area and naturally form a community, exploring Dharamshala together outside class hours.
Book your accommodation separately (not included in retreat fee). Contact us for specific recommendations once you've registered.
Your Questions Answered
Q: I have absolutely no musical experience. Will I be able to keep up?
A: Yes! 90% of our students are complete beginners. The retreat is specifically designed starting from zero level. Our teaching techniques help you understand your voice naturally, without requiring any prior knowledge. You'll see tangible progress from Day 1—that's not a marketing claim, that's our 17-year track record.
Q: I'm traveling solo. Will I feel comfortable?
A: Solo travelers consistently say this retreat is where they made their best connections. Small group settings (10-15 students) make it easy to bond. You'll meet international seekers from various countries, and many students form lasting friendships, exploring Dharamshala together and staying in touch for years afterward.
Q: Can I join for just a few days instead of the full 10 days?
A: The retreat is designed as a progressive journey where each day builds on previous learning. However, if you have genuine schedule constraints, contact us to discuss partial participation. We also offer private classes year-round at our main campus in Pushkar, Rajasthan, if shorter-term learning suits your travel plans better.
Q: What if I can't attend every single session?
A: We understand travelers have unpredictable schedules. While full attendance is ideal for maximum benefit, occasional missed sessions can be managed. Just inform teachers in advance. You'll still gain significantly even if you miss 1-2 sessions.
Q: What's the group size like?
A: We maintain intimate groups of maximum 15 students. This ensures personalized attention from teachers while fostering community energy. Each student receives individual guidance during practice—you're never just a face in a crowd.
Q: Is May a good time to visit Dharamshala?
A: May is excellent! You get post-winter clarity with pre-monsoon freshness. Weather is pleasant (15-25°C), nature is blooming, and tourist crowds are moderate. Perfect conditions for combining indoor learning with outdoor exploration.
Q: Can I bring my own harmonium?
A: Harmoniums are provided during class. If you already own one, you're welcome to bring it. Having your own instrument definitely helps with practice outside class hours. We can also guide you on purchasing affordable harmoniums locally in Dharamshala if you want to take one home.
Q: Will there be practice time outside of class hours?
A: Absolutely. The 2-hour daily classes give you techniques and structure, then you practice independently. Your accommodation becomes your practice space. Evening mantra sessions (every second day) provide additional guided practice and community connection.
Q: What language is instruction in?
A: All instruction is in English. Our teachers have 12 years of experience teaching international students from over 50 countries. They understand how to explain Indian music concepts clearly to Western minds, using language that makes sense to beginners.
How to Secure Your Spot
Spaces are limited to maintain teaching quality. Here's how to register:
Option 1: WhatsApp (Fastest Response)
Message: +91 99286 58520
Mention: "Summer Retreat 2026 Dharamshala"
You'll receive booking confirmation within 24 hours
Option 2: Email
Send inquiry to: krishnamusicschoolpushkar@gmail.com
Include: Your name, country, preferred batch timing (morning/evening), any specific questions
Option 3: Website
Visit: www.krishnamusicschool.com
Fill contact form with "Dharamshala Summer Retreat" in subject line
Booking Process
- Early bird registrations now open
- 50% advance payment secures your spot
- Balance payable on Day 1 of retreat
- Cancellation policy: Full refund if cancelled 30+ days before start date
What Past Students Say
"I came as a complete beginner and left leading kirtan confidently. The teaching method is unlike anything I've experienced. By Day 3, I understood my voice in a completely new way. The combination of Himalayan setting and authentic teaching created transformation beyond music. I still practice every morning and the techniques have deepened my meditation practice immensely."
"I spent months traveling India doing yoga retreats and tourist activities. This 10-day music retreat was the most meaningful experience of my entire trip. I still practice harmonium daily and the mantra chanting has become part of my spiritual practice. Worth every rupee."
"Solo female traveler here. I felt completely safe and welcomed from day one. Met incredible people from 8 different countries. We bonded over struggling with tabla rhythms and celebrating small victories. We still have a WhatsApp group where we share our practice recordings. The friendships were as valuable as the music lessons."
What to Bring & How to Prepare
What to Pack
- Comfortable loose clothing for sitting practice (long sessions require comfort)
- Notebook and pen for taking notes (you'll want to remember specific techniques)
- Water bottle (mountain air is dry)
- Open mind and willingness to explore your voice
- Optional: Recording device to record sessions for later practice at home
Pre-Retreat Suggestions
- No musical preparation needed! Come exactly as you are.
- Arrive 1-2 days early to settle into Dharamshala and adjust to the altitude
- Explore Upper Bhagsu area before the retreat begins—familiarize yourself with cafes and walking paths
- Light meals recommended before morning classes (heavy breakfast can affect breathing)
- Well-rested mindset helps learning—don't arrive exhausted from intense trekking
After the Retreat
- Practice recordings provided for continued learning
- WhatsApp community group for staying connected with fellow students
- Personalized guidance for self-practice at home
- Open invitation to visit main campus in Pushkar for advanced training
- Alumni network for ongoing support and sharing
About Krishna Music School
Founded in 2007, Krishna Music School has been preserving and teaching authentic Indian classical music traditions for 17 years. Our main campus near Rangji Temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan, welcomes students from over 50 countries year-round.
The Upper Bhagsu Summer Retreat has been running continuously for 12 years, combining our proven teaching methodology with the spiritual energy of the Himalayas.
Our teachers are trained in the traditional guru-shishya (teacher-student) system, specializing in teaching complete beginners with patience, encouragement, and zero judgment. The god-gifted experiential techniques we use have been developed and refined through teaching over 500 international students during intensive retreats.
We also teach tabla, dholak, and guitar at our Pushkar campus, offering private lessons and long-term intensives (30-day, 60-day, 90-day programs) for serious students who want to go deeper.
Your Voice Is Waiting
Your voice is a divine gift that's been with you your entire life, waiting to be truly discovered.
In the peaceful mountains of Upper Bhagsu, surrounded by fellow seekers from around the world and guided by teachers with 17 years of experience, you'll begin a journey that extends far beyond 10 days.
This isn't just learning music. It's learning to listen to yourself, to connect sound with soul, to carry a practice that brings balance and beauty to daily life.
The Himalayas are calling. The retreat begins May 5th.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Only 15 spaces available
📱 WhatsApp: +91 99286 58520
📧 Email: krishnamusicschoolpushkar@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.krishnamusicschool.com
📍 Krishna Music School
Upper Bhagsu, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Main Campus: Near Rangji Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305001