An 18 Day Journey of Transformation
Embarking on an 18 day adventure through the majestic landscapes of the Indian Himalayas, Journey to Ladakh, a men’s retreat on motorcycles led by Gonçalo Luz, stands as a unique and empowering journey of transformation. As a seasoned facilitator and travel leader, Gonçalo focuses on guiding men towards self-reconnection, by exploring deep awareness of their bodies, mind and emotions.
A Journey of Transformation
Journey to Ladakh positions itself as a potent antidote to a myriad of modern challenges such as stress, isolation, disconnection and lack of direction. Far beyond mere escapism, this retreat serves deep transformative tools for personal awareness, self-growth, and spiritual deepening. The heart of this retreat lies in the motorcycle journey that winds through Ladakh's breathtaking landscapes. “The harshness of this journey is our teacher“, reminds Gonçalo. He curates a transformative journey that not only rejuvenates body, energy and mind, but also harnesses positive and healthy energy, tailored specifically for men. The retreat becomes a sacred space for self-discovery and reconnection, encouraging participants to slow down, explore within, and connect with fellow men.
Gonçalo Luz (right) takes a pause with his group, during a short break on the road.
Gonçalo Luz underscores the transformative power of retreating into Ladakh's harsh, yet serene environment. It serves an unparalleled opportunity for mental, physical, and spiritual recharge, reset, and recovery.
Testimonials, such as Tiago Lacerda's glowing endorsement, describe the retreat as “A life changing experience. I had never tried anything similar to yoga and realized the journey would be incomplete without both the yoga and the men circling. Gonçalo knows all the region and has friends all over the way, sharing his knowledge and special places I’d never dreamed of. I’m sure I’ll join one of the next trips.“ So far, Tiago has joined this retreat twice already.
Tiago Lacerda (bottom left) during morning Yoga, his second time with Journey to Ladakh
A Hero’s Journey
Drawing inspiration from the Hero’s Journey and the profound wisdom of both Indian and Tibetan spiritual lineages, such as Bön, Buddhism, and Shakta-Shaivism, participants engage in practices rooted in ancestral traditions. Hatha Yoga, men’s circling, and meditation are integral components of the retreat, aligning with it’s spiritual and self-development approach.
Embodied Practices
In a world where the need for body awareness, meditation, and deep connections often goes unnoticed, this tranformative journey emerges as a beacon of hope. Besides the riding, the retreat acts as a comprehensive tool provider, addressing prevalent issues like relationships, isolation, stress and emotional reactivity. Activities like yoga, circling, meditation, journaling, and of course, motorcycle riding, form the building blocks of this transformative experience.
Spanning 18 days, the journey of transformation fosters a safe and confidential space within a men's circle, encouraging participants to share their stories, struggles, wisdom and aspirations. Beyond the thrill of motorcycle riding, the program incorporates yoga, circling, and meditation, deepening inner exploration and enhancing overall well-being. Noteworthy is the fact that this is a sober retreat: The alcohol, drug-free, and highly recommended unplugged nature of the retreat, provides a respite from the buffering habits that permeate all other days of our life.
Gonçalo Luz, as the retreat's leader, seamlessly integrates his passions for yoga, men's work, meditation, Ladakh, and adventure. His extensive experience as an adventure travel leader, Yoga teacher and men’s work facilitator, enables him to create a safe and nurturing space for men to open up about their experiences.
Taking a break
The retreat places a strong emphasis on the importance of taking pauses, unplugging and going within, allowing the harshness of the high altitude desert and challenges of the riding days to guide the practices and inner work. Journey to Ladakh is not just a motorcycle retreat: it's a deep journey of transformation towards self-discovery and reconnection with self and others, in the heart of the Indian Himalayas.
Gonçalo Luz (left) and a few participants on the road
