What airports are close by?
The Tenaya Lodge is approximately 1.5 hours from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (KOA), 3.5 hours from the Oakland International Airport (OAK) and 4 hours from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Taxi and ride sharing services are both available at the airport and are recommended.
How should I get to the hotel from the airport?
Hertz is offering discounted rates for Chopra guests. To book, visit the Hertz Website and select Enter a Promo or Discount. In the box labeled Convention Number (CV), enter code CV04UW0008. Taxi and ride sharing services are also available at the airport if preferred.
Will there be parking available?
Complimentary valet service is available at Tenaya Lodge. Just drive your car into our porte-cochere and let the valet staff take care of you and your vehicle.
How do I book my hotel at the Chopra discounted rate?
Contact your Program Consultant for specific details.
What time is hotel check-in?
Standard check-in at Tenaya Lodge is at 4:00 PM. The hotel will allow early check-in upon arrival if rooms are available.
What time is hotel check-out?
Standard check-out at Tenaya Lodge is at 11:00 AM. The hotel will provide storage for your luggage at the valet if needed.
What amenities are available at the hotel?
What meals are included at this event?
What kind of food will be served?
You will enjoy fresh, locally-sourced, primarily-vegetarian meals curated by the Executive Chef in partnership with our nutritionist following the main principles of Ayurveda. There will be meat options on occasion and served at the Celebration Luau Dinner. Vegan and Gluten-free options will be available at all meals.
I have food sensitivities. What kind of food will I be able to eat?
All meals will be clearly labeled for easy reference. Please contact your Program Consultant if you have restrictions beyond that. In addition, Tenaya Lodge has detailed procedures in place to ensure safe food preparation to accommodate guests with allergies.
What restaurants are on the property?
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing for meeting spaces and resort wear for activities. We recommend layers as the temperatures can vary in the meeting space. Many guests have blankets or jackets for their comfort inside. You’ll also want to have clothing for yoga and additional excursions on hand if you so desire.
Do I need to bring a yoga matt?
Yoga mats are not provided. If you prefer one, yes bring it. We do provide towels.
What time is event registration?
Early event registration for Silent Awakenings will take place Sunday, September 20th, from 4:00 to 5:00pm. Event registration will also be offered the day-of on Monday, September 21st, from 8:30 to 9:30am.
What’s included in my ticket?
What event seating is available?
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and changes daily.
What’s a typical day like?
Your day will follow a basic structure. The meditations will be led by Deepak and Chopra Certified Instructors.
To learn more about what a typical day would look like, view the schedule on the retreat page (near the bottom).
Are there any additional materials I need to prepare myself for this event?
Paid tuition to Chopra’s Primordial Sound Meditation Master Class is included as part of Silent Awakenings to enrich both your experience at the retreat and also the quality of your life.
If you have not already received your Primordial Sound Mantra, this course is a supplement to the event and will prepare you to fully understand the teachings offered at Silent Awakenings. If you have already received your Primordial Sound Mantra, you can use this course as a refresher or gift it to a friend.
Click HERE for instructions on how to access your Primordial Sound Meditation Course.
We also suggest that you read the following book(s) prior to attending so that you can get the most out of your experience:
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda means “the science of life.” Developed over thousands of years through studying different mind and body types, Ayurveda provides a roadmap to whole-body, personalized health.
The two main guiding principles of Ayurveda are:
Who will benefit from this retreat?
Silent Awakenings is for committed Primordial Sound Meditation practitioners who want to take their meditation and spiritual awareness to a deeper level. A silent retreat isn’t suited for everyone, yet for those who are ready to take a deep inward journey, many gifts await.
Silent Awakenings is perfect for anyone who wants to:
What happens during personal time?
You will have time every day to be alone. You can exercise, write in your journal, walk in nature or do anything that is nurturing for your experience.
Are there any requirements to attend?
Silent Awakenings is an advanced retreat, limited to guests who have previously attended any Chopra program, workshop, or taken our Primordial Sound Meditation online course. This is a unique opportunity for an extended experience of meditation, silence, and contemplation that will help you dive deeper and be more present in your life.
We ask that participants fulfill the following prerequisites before coming to Silent Awakenings:
What is the local climate like?
Tenaya Lodge is situated at 5,288 feet in elevation on the southern border of Yosemite, above the heat of the Central Valley. In winter you may encounter snow on the last few miles to Tenaya Lodge.
September is one of the best months to visit Yosemite National Park. The climate during this time of year in the National Park is dry; it hardly ever rains. Temperatures in the mid 70s°F are pleasant for hiking and a lot of the summer crowds have left by this time. The average maximum daytime temperature in Yosemite in September is a comfortable 64°F. The average night-time temperature is usually a cold 36°F. There are usually 10 hours of bright sunshine each day.
What are the highlights of the area?
Many more options exist both in Yosemite National Park and in the vast Sierra National Forest. Speak with the concierge for suggestions and maps.
How long does the park stay open?
The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
How much does it cost to enter Yosemite?
Non-Commercial Vehicle: $35 per vehicle
Motorcycle: $30 per motorcycle
Individual (bus passenger, bicycle, walking): $20 per person
I only have a few hours. How do I see the park?
Yosemite National Park is vast and you will only be able to see a small portion of it in a few hours, but you can still see some of the most famous sites and most breathtaking scenery.
Some things to do during a short visit include:
Where can I drive my car inside the park?
There are many scenic areas that can be reached by car. A number of these areas will have turn-outs and/or informational signs. Popular destinations such as Yosemite Valley, the Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows suffer from traffic congestion. Visitors are encouraged to use free shuttle bus transportation provided at these locations.
Areas restricted from vehicle traffic are:
Free parking areas exist in proximity to these areas.
Are pets allowed in the park?
Only service animals with appropriate documentation are permitted in Chopra retreat meeting spaces. However, dogs are welcome at Tenaya Lodge and the Sierra National Forest around the lodge provides miles of roads and trails to explore with your pet. Please be aware that your pet will be less welcome inside the park gate and subject to the following rules: