A beginner-friendly immersion to yoga, meditation, and spiritual community based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.
If you’re ready to explore meditation, take a break from the noise of the world, and reconnect with what truly matters, then this weekend is for you. Whether you’re totally new to yoga and retreats or simply looking for a peaceful reset, the First Timers’ Retreat will meet you right where you are—with warmth, wisdom, and joy.
Why This Retreat Might Be Just What You Need:
- You’re ready for a reset—and a peaceful place to simply breathe deeply.
- You’ve been craving meaningful connection—with yourself, with others, with something greater.
- You’re curious about meditation or spirituality, but not sure where to begin.
- You want time in nature to reflect, recharge, and remember what truly matters.
This retreat is offered multiple times
- At The Expanding Light Retreat
- 2-Day Retreat
- All Meals Included
- Twice Daily Yoga and Meditation
- FREE book!
- Accommodations and Prices
- Sample Schedule
I'm ready for a retreat!
What Awaits You During This Retreat:
Upcoming Dates
FEBRUARY 6-8
Your Retreat Hosts
Sambhava
Anjali
MAY 22-24
Your Retreat Hosts
Nayaswami Mantradevi
Nayaswami Krishnadas
JULY 2-5
Your Retreat Hosts
Anjali
Sambhava
SEPTEMBER 4-6
Your Retreat Hosts
Sundara Traymar
Nandadevi Traymar
OCT 30- NOV 1
Your Retreat Hosts
Bhawani
Yogesh
What's Included in Your Stay
Your Room
Choose for our varied accommodation options. From a cozy cabin, to a private ensuite room.
Your Meals
Relax and take a break from thinking about your next meal. All-you-can-eat meals are included in your stay!
Activities
Philosophy and experiential activities, including yoga and meditation sessions.
Free Book
All participants receive a free book from the “Wisdom Series” by Paramahansa Yogananda
Prices and Accommodations
Serenity House is an inn-style house with twelve rooms and four shared hallway bathrooms. Most rooms have two twin beds (queen or converted king available in limited availability and by special request). Each room has a bedside table, wardrobe, and a mini split heating/cooling unit.
Guests also have access to a centrally-located lounge equipped with a television, video player, and library of inspirational videos/books. There’s also a small kitchenette with tea and a refrigerator for personal items.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your shared or private room, a shared hallway bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Standard Shared $424
-
Standard Private $578
*Extra charge for additional people.
Each Harmony House room has a private entrance, a private bathroom, a desk, mini split heating/cooling unit, a ceiling fan, and a hairdryer.
Harmony House is dedicated to expressing Yogananda’s expansive approach to religion and his belief in celebrating God through beauty. Simply and elegantly appointed, each room is decorated in the theme of one of the great world religions.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your shared or private room, an ensuite bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Ensuite Shared $510
-
Ensuite Private $750
*Extra charge for additional people.
Cabins: Each cabin has one room, which is larger and more private than other standard rooms; cabin occupants share separate men’s and women’s shower houses about a minute’s walk away. All cabins have A/C.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your shared or private room, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Shared Cabin $408
-
Private Cabin $546
*Extra charge for additional people.
Tent camping is available on varied campsites. RVs are welcome year-round, but we do not have RV facilities or hookups.
All meals are included for tenters and RVers. Because of wild animals, food is not allowed in the tenting area, and tent spaces DO NOT include facilities for cooking or picnicking. We have a refrigerator on an outside deck behind our kitchen, which guests can use. Tenters are expected to bring their own tenting gear.
Please note: We are in fire country. No campfires are allowed. Tenters cannot use candles, kerosene lamps, or anything with an open flame.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including a tenting/rv space, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program
-
Tent/RV $346
*Extra charge for additional people.
Serenity House is an inn-style house with twelve rooms and four shared hallway bathrooms. Most rooms have two twin beds (queen or converted king available in limited availability and by special request). Each room has a bedside table, wardrobe, and a mini split heating/cooling unit.
Guests also have access to a centrally-located lounge equipped with a television, video player, and library of inspirational videos/books. There’s also a small kitchenette with tea and a refrigerator for personal items.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your shared or private room, a shared hallway bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Standard Shared $424
-
Standard Private $578
*Extra charge for additional people.
Each Harmony House room has a private entrance, a private bathroom, a desk, mini split heating/cooling unit, a ceiling fan, and a hairdryer.
Harmony House is dedicated to expressing Yogananda’s expansive approach to religion and his belief in celebrating God through beauty. Simply and elegantly appointed, each room is decorated in the theme of one of the great world religions.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your shared or private room, an ensuite bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Ensuite Shared $510
-
Ensuite Private $750
*Extra charge for additional people.
Cabins: Each cabin has one room, which is larger and more private than other standard rooms; cabin occupants share separate men’s and women’s shower houses about a minute’s walk away. All cabins have A/C.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your shared or private room, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Shared Cabin $408
-
Private Cabin $546
*Extra charge for additional people.
Tent camping is available on varied campsites. RVs are welcome year-round, but we do not have RV facilities or hookups.
All meals are included for tenters and RVers. Because of wild animals, food is not allowed in the tenting area, and tent spaces DO NOT include facilities for cooking or picnicking. We have a refrigerator on an outside deck behind our kitchen, which guests can use. Tenters are expected to bring their own tenting gear.
Please note: We are in fire country. No campfires are allowed. Tenters cannot use candles, kerosene lamps, or anything with an open flame.
All Inclusive Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person*, including a tenting/rv space, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.
-
Tent/RV $346
*Extra charge for additional people.
Extend Your Stay, Deepen Your Peace
Wish you had more time to trest, recharge, and go deeper? Arrive early or linger longer with a flexible Personal Retreat stay*—and give yourself the gift of unhurried time. Enjoy daily yoga, meditation, and nature’s beauty, all at your own pace.
*Add extra nights during registration
I'm ready to reset and recharge
FAQs
Do I need prior experience with yoga or meditation?
Not at all! This retreat is designed for all levels, including beginners.
What is included in my retreat price?
Prices stated above are per person and include:
- 3 vegetarian meals/day
- Tea, coffee, fruit throughout the day
- Twice daily yoga & meditation sessions
- Classes and activities
- Lodging according to your selection
What is not included in my retreat price?
- Airport transport
- Additional healing services (massage, spiritual counseling)
- Extra snacks (available in our community market)
If you need any of these services, please contact us in advance so we can help you to arrange it.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you cancel or reschedule on or before 7 days prior to your arrival date, we can refund your entire payment, less a $55 processing fee.
If you cancel or reschedule within 7 days of your arrival date, we will hold your deposit for one year as a credit for a future stay, less a $55 processing fee. If you have paid more than the deposit, we will refund the surplus amount to you.
To actually cancel your reservation call Guest Services at 800-346-5350 or 530-478-7518.
I'm coming from a distance. What is the nearest airport, and how do I get to The Expanding Light Retreat?
The best airport to fly into is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is also an option, but is less preferable.
Both airports are approximately 1.5 hours driving distance from us, so you’ll need to rent a car or hire a drive. If needed, we can share contact information for drivers who have helped our guests in the past.
Yes, our retreat is a little out of the way. And once you get here, you’ll be glad it is! Address: 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-In time: 3 pm – 5 pm
Check-out time: 11 am
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Our retreat kitchen offers thoughtfully prepared vegetarian meals. We are able to accommodate some dietary needs, including non-dairy, non-wheat, and egg-free options.
Due to the size and structure of our kitchen, we are not able to accommodate more specific or medically complex dietary requirements. If you have additional dietary restrictions, we kindly ask that you plan to bring any supplemental food you may need to support your well-being during your stay.
For your convenience, a small refrigerator is available in the Serenity House Lounge for guests staying there, and a full-size refrigerator is located outside our kitchen for storing personal food items. A local market near Ananda Village is also available should you need to purchase specialty items.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth and nourishing retreat experience for all guests.
What do I need to bring with me?
The atmosphere at The Expanding Light is casual. Consider bringing layers just in case (our elevation is 2,500 feet).
- For yoga postures and meditation, bring comfortable, loose-fitting attire.
- If you plan to attend Sunday Service, it’s ideal to bring something a bit less casual.
- Slip-on shoes are helpful, as we remove our shoes when entering the Temple and also the living quarters.
- If you enjoy walking, we suggest a good pair of walking shoes so you can enjoy our nearly 700 acres of beautiful grounds.
- You also might want to bring a bathing suit in summer to be able to enjoy the beautiful Yuba River (just a 20-minute drive from The Expanding Light Retreat).
We provide towels and unscented all-purpose liquid soap.
Do you have a dress code?
Expanding Light Retreat is first and foremost a spiritual ashram. In order to maintain our uplifting and inward atmosphere, please dress modestly. Examples include longer shorts and sleeved tee shirts are (preferred), though wide-strapped tank tops are ok. Aside from yoga classes, please add a modest cover-up with leotards, leggings, or swimsuits.
Can I bring my children?
Our personal retreat offerings are designed for adults, but older and/or mature children who will appreciate the experience are welcome to join.
Though younger children are welcome as well, they will need parental supervision at all times. We ask that you speak with us before making your reservation if it will include younger children.
Babies and toddlers, unless prone to a rather mild and calm temperament, can disrupt the retreat experience for other guests. As a general rule, we are not able to accommodate this age-group.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, though we are animal lovers, we are unable to accommodate pets on our facilities. Please leave your beloved pets at home with a family member or sitter and enjoy the peace and quiet.
How can I make a donation to The Expanding Light Retreat?
We appreciate your consideration, as The Expanding Retreat is part of Ananda Worldwide, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. You’ll have the opportunity to add a donation directly on your registration form, or you can donate using the button below.
Rooted in Timeless Teachings, Open to All
Here at The Expanding Light Retreat, everything we share is inspired by the universal spiritual principles of Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda. Their practical, uplifting wisdom is about living with greater peace, joy, and clarity—something anyone can benefit from.
While our roots are in this tradition, the practices themselves—yoga, meditation, and simple living in harmony with higher truths—are universal. Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll find inspiration and support to deepen your own connection with what is most sacred to you, in a way that feels natural and authentic.