Manthan - 4 Days Narrative Therapy and Self-Discovery Retreat

November 2025

12-15 Spots (by invite-only)

4 Days in the Mountains.
Like-Minded Strangers.
A Journey Within.

Manthan is a churning of your inner self — so that you return lighter, clearer, and ready to step into life anew.

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Manthan

noun

origin - Sanskrit

A deep process of contemplation, debate, or soul-searching that leads to insight or awakening; the inner churning of reflection, transformation, and discovery.

Every life holds layers — joy, silence, heartbreak, wonder, change. We play countless roles: child, partner, friend, guide, seeker.

And yet, without realizing, we often get trapped in one version of ourselves – and our life stories.

Manthan is an invitation to churn the ocean within you.

To stir what lies beneath the surface, to meet the parts of yourself you’ve long carried, to see the patterns that hold you back, and to find the gems — resilience, meaning, clarity — that are already within.

Just as curd, when stirred, gives both buttermilk and butter, so too does inner churning bring forth both the tender and the difficult parts of you. 

We are not here to label them good or bad — only to see them, honor them, and recognize that each has its place in your journey.

Through reflection, dialogue, silence, and shared presence, these 5 days are not about escaping life, but about returning to it with fresh eyes.

With the mountains holding space, and strangers who may soon feel like mirrors, Manthan is both a personal pilgrimage and a collective rediscovery.

This is not just a retreat.
It is a churning of your inner self — so that you return lighter, clearer, and ready to step into life anew.

🏡 Retreat Experience

  • Guided Journaling Sessions
  • Narrative Therapy Sessions
  • Collective Storytelling Circles
  • Forest Walks & Nature Immersions
  • Sound Healing & Meditation Sessions
  • Conversations Around the Bonfire (All 3 Nights)
  • Closing Rituals & Reflection Circles
  • Other Surprises Along the Way

🌿 What’s Included in Manthan

  • 3 Wholesome Meals Daily – A thoughtfully curated menu (more details below)
  • 2 Tea/Coffee + Snacks Breaks Each Day – Gentle pauses for warmth and conversation
  • A Riverside Property in the Mountains – Fully booked exclusively for the retreat to ensure privacy, tranquility, and a curated ambience.
  • Choice of Accommodation – Shared (double-occupancy) or private rooms, both cozy, and comfortable
  • Sessions Led by Specialists in Writing Therapy & Wellness – A team of experienced facilitators guiding you through each layer of the journey
  • Goodies & Takeaways – Carefully curated supplies, journals, and keepsakes you’ll carry home with you
  • Complete Immersion – No distractions, just you, the river, the mountains, and a carefully curated environment for 4 days of self-discovery.

Themes by Day - Chapters of the Journey →

Day 1 - Leaving the surface behind

Arrival. Settling in. Meeting the circle. Through guided reflections, you’ll take your first dive inward — into silence, into self, into the deeper waters of your own story.

Day 2 - Unmasking the roles and tracing the plot of your life

The critic, the child, the caretaker, the dreamer — all have their voices. Through expressive writing and dialogue, you’ll meet these inner figures, trace defining chapters, and uncover the hidden plots that shape your story. From role dialogues to timeline mapping, this day is about seeing how your story has unfolded and where the narrative still wants to move.

Day 3 - Choosing a new draft

Through narrative therapy and writing practices, you’ll step into authorship. What stories no longer serve you? Which ones need reframing? Which gems do you now see clearly? This is the day of rewriting and reclaiming.

Day 4 - Carrying the gems back to life

Like the churning of the ocean that brought forth nectar, you’ll gather what you’ve discovered and prepare to bring it home. The retreat closes with shared reflections, rituals of closure, and a renewed sense of your path ahead.

Know The Venue

The Sylvan Retreat, Dehradun — Where the forest speaks and the river listens.

Tucked into a mango-orchard framed by the Himalayan foothills in Hariyawala Kalan, The Sylvan Retreat, Dehradun offers a quiet sanctuary for your inner journey.

Spacious wooden-accented rooms and cottages open onto whispering pines and a gently flowing brook.


Here, nature becomes your companion — morning walks under canopies of green, evenings by the river, and every moment steeped in calm.


It’s not just a place to stay — it’s a space to pause, reflect, and return to yourself. You can check out their website here.

This retreat is for you if…

  • You’ve been feeling a quiet pull to pause, step back, and look within.
  • You sense that your life is made of stories — and some of them need to be seen, questioned, or rewritten.
  • You carry roles, patterns, or voices inside you that you’re ready to understand more deeply.
  • You’re navigating a transition — in career, relationships, or identity — and want clarity for the next chapter.
  • You’re not seeking escape, but a way to re-enter your life with fresh eyes.
  • You value honest reflection, authentic conversation, and being part of a small circle of fellow seekers.
  • You’re open to silence, to being with yourself, and to discovering both the tender and the difficult parts of who you are.

And you may skip this for now if…

  • You’re looking for a quick fix, instant answers, or a checklist of “how to change your life.” That’s okay — there are other spaces designed for that kind of support.
  • If surrender feels difficult to you, and working on yourself feels more like a burden than a gift. That’s okay — it’s important to meet yourself where you are, and this retreat may not be the right moment.
  • You’re expecting a yoga/detox/nutrition-style getaway focused only on the body. That’s okay — there are many other beautiful retreats that offer exactly that.
  • You’re seeking luxury, indulgence, or a tourist holiday. That’s okay — there are other kinds of getaways made for rest and indulgence.
  • You’re not comfortable engaging in reflection, writing, or open group dialogue. That’s okay — inner work in community isn’t for everyone, and there are alternate paths for self-discovery.

Your Questions Answered

How much does this retreat cost?

Early Bird Prices starts from ₹49,999 (including GST) per person on twin-sharing basis and ₹58,999 (including GST) per person for private room (limited slots). Early bird prices available till 15/11/2025 (limited slots).
Regular prices after 15th November are ₹54,999 (including GST) per person on twin-sharing basis and and ₹64,999 (including GST) per person for private room Chat with us to know more.

What exactly is included in the retreat?

A rich itinerary which includes 4 days of guided journaling, narrative therapy, storytelling circles, sound healing, forest walks, and bonfire conversations. Includes all sessions, a private mountain cottage stay (shared or private room), 3 wholesome meals a day, tea/snack breaks (view the complete daily menu below), curated goodies, and full access to experienced facilitators. As a participant, you essentially just arrive – everything else is taken care of.

What is the venue like?

The Sylvan Retreat, Dehradun — a tranquil haven nestled amid mango orchards and pine-covered hills, fully and exclusively booked for our group. This is where the river hums softly nearby, and the grounds are spread over a sprawling 30+ acres. Here, silence deepens, nature heals, and every breath invites reflection, stillness, and inner renewal.

When should I reach the venue and when do I leave?

Plan to arrive around midday on Day 1 to settle in before we begin. The retreat ends by lunchtime on Day 4, so you can travel back comfortably the same day.

Are there any instructions to note?

Yes.
Come open — to silence, reflection, and honest sharing.
Be ready to disconnect — limited/no use of devices during sessions. Limiting social media will help you drop into presence more easily.
All logistics (exact schedule, packing list, etc.) will be shared after confirmation.

How many total people will there be?

We’re keeping this intimate; 12-15 participants at the maximum (carefully selected from the requested invites), with 4 facilitators, and 3 of our team members for support on the ground. The whole property is exclusively booked for the retreat. All of this helps us ensure deep connection, shared presence, and a safe space for honest reflection (even though it adds to our cost).

Do I need to bring anything along?

Bring yourself — as you are.
We’ll send a simple packing list after you confirm, but essentials include warm clothing, walking shoes, personal items, and a willingness to go within.

Have a specific question?

Other FAQs

What is included in the menu?

Food as Part of the Journey

In keeping with the spirit of the retreat, the menu for Manthan has been thoughtfully curated to nourish both body and mind — simple, fresh, and vegetarian, prepared with local ingredients. The intention is not just to eat well, but to eat with awareness — to feel the quiet joy of food made with care, served in silence, and shared in presence. You can view the detailed 4-day menu here.

While we encourage a vegetarian experience, those who prefer may order non-vegetarian dishes à la carte from The Sylvan Retreat’s kitchen (payable separately), available at an exclusive 20% discount for members of our group.

Yes, this retreat is for participants aged 18 and above. Since the retreat involves deep self-exploration and reflective writing, it is designed for adults who can engage with complex personal narratives and introspective exercises.

You’ll learn how to access and express personal experiences through storytelling. We’ll guide you with reflective prompts, help you shape your memories into meaningful narratives, and create a safe space for honest, heartfelt sharing.  You’ll also learn to slow down, reflect, and rewrite the stories you carry. This is not a skills-based experience, but a space for inner clarity and quiet shifts.

No. This is a deeply personal, introspective experience meant for adults only.  Think of this as your chance to do something for yourself alone!

We love animals – but this venue and retreat format are not suited for pets. We hope you understand.

Yes — group dialogue, storytelling circles, and shared rituals. That said, everything is invitation-based. You’ll always have space to step back and reflect on your own.

Not in the conventional sense. But you’ll connect with like-minded people in ways that go deeper than business cards.

We understand life happens. In case of change of plans, you can request a cancellation at least 2 weeks before the start of the retreat and you will be eligible for a full refund. You can request the refund or you can request an alternative date for the next upcoming event. Please refer to the detailed Terms & Conditions.

Yes, feel free to chat with us at +91-8264086712 and we’ll be happy to help.

Meet your Mentors

Harshit Bhatia

Writing Therapy Facilitator

MSc (CWTP), Metanoia Institute, London.
Introduction to Counseling, University of Oxford
Co-Founder, Namoham Retreats & Wellness

Sonia Chauhan

Award-winning author.
Corporate lawyer based in Chandigarh.
Published in The Wise Owl, The Muse, Unbound Script, and more.