Yoga in Honesdale

Honesdale, in the rolling Pocono hills of north-east Pennsylvania, is home to a long-established yoga and meditation campus set on wooded land. Programmes include teacher trainings, meditation retreats and Ayurveda courses, typically with simple accommodation and vegetarian meals.

The area is quiet and rural, around three hours by road from New York City. Each season has its own character: snowy winters, green summers and vivid autumn foliage in October.

Why Honesdale is on the yoga map

Honesdale is a small town in Wayne County, and its place in yoga comes from one organisation. The Himalayan Institute was founded in 1971 by Swami Rama, a teacher from northern India, and moved its headquarters here in 1977, to a former seminary on about 400 acres of woodland outside the town. It has operated as a residential centre ever since, teaching yoga, meditation and philosophy in the tradition its founder brought from the Himalayas.

What you can study

The emphasis is on meditation, breathing practices and philosophy as much as on postures, and the pace is quieter than at a typical studio. Programmes include weekend and longer retreats, seminars on yoga texts, teacher trainings, and courses in Ayurveda, which is taught as a traditional system of health rather than as medical treatment. Some programmes are residential and some are offered online. The programme changes through the year, so check the current calendar and any prerequisites before you plan a visit.

What a stay is like

Accommodation is simple, meals are vegetarian and days are organised around practice and classes. The campus is surrounded by woodland with walking trails, and the atmosphere is quiet. It suits people who want time away from screens and busy schedules more than those looking for a resort. If you prefer more comfort or privacy, ask what room types are available before you book.

When to go

Programmes run all year, and each season changes the experience. Summers are green and warm, good for walking the trails. Autumn colour usually peaks in October and is a popular time to visit. Winters are cold with regular snow, which makes for a quiet retreat but can affect driving. Spring is cool and often wet. Bring layers and footwear for outdoor paths in any season.

Getting there

Most guests arrive by car. Honesdale is around three hours’ drive from New York City and a similar distance from Philadelphia. The nearest commercial airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International, about an hour away by road. Public transport to the area is limited, so if you are not driving, ask about transfer options when you book. In winter, check the forecast and road conditions before setting out.

Good to know before you book

• Check whether a programme is residential, online or a mix of both
• Ask what the fee covers: tuition, accommodation and meals may be listed separately
• The campus is rural; bring what you need, as shops are a drive away in town
• Read the guest guidelines before you arrive so you know what is expected on campus

Questions