We have missed you!

It has been three years since we’ve gathered in person to sing, practice, and celebrate in community. Three life-changing and ground-shifting years since we’ve woken under the stars. . .or to someone snoring in the tent beside us . . . or under a blanket during morning sadhana. 😉

Three years since we’ve sat together in deep meditation, or feasted on a nutritious vegetarian diet, or stayed up late listening to music and poetry from the hearts of friends.

Someone, somewhere strike the gong please! Because we are officially opening registration for . . .

December 17 - 22, 2022
An intimate gathering to rebirth our in-person events, and an invitation to be in community

For the first time since COVID, we will gather in person for an intimate Winter Solstice Celebration in Northern California this year. You’re invited to the Santa Cruz mountains, overlooking Monterey Bay, to build from the heart-up what is better and stronger than ever before.

We’ll have an opening and closing ceremony, morning Sadhana, regularly scheduled classes and workshops, chanting, and evening gong. For those that are interested in a deep meditative experience during Winter Solstice, we will be offering the First Journey in the 21 Stages of Meditation.

This is a precious time for our global community. May we breathe this new world into being!

Registration is now closed for our in-person event. But it’s not too late to grab a virtual ticket. Sign up here for our Winter Solstice livestream opportunity!

The Basic Details

What It Is:
A 6-day Winter Solstice Celebration to reignite the flame of the communal heart. We are thrilled to reintroduce 3HO’s in-person Winter Solstice. This event, along with Summer Solstice, are the heart of our work and a chance to gather in loving community. Solstice this December will be a return of the old, a birth of the new, and a joyous celebration of connection, sangat, and Winter Solstice bliss.

When It Is:
December 17-22, 2022

Where It Is:
This year’s Winter Solstice will be hosted by the Mount Madonna Center, located on 380 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Monterey Bay. Learn more about the venue here.

For those that have attended events in the past, you may be wondering, why the change? A lot went into our decision to move locations and offer a smaller, more intimate Solstice this year.

For months, 3HO searched for a location where we could host our classes, Sadhanas, music, and more without the need to use large tents. After months of searching, we found a beautiful space in the magnificent Redwoods of northern California.

Winter Solstice has always been a cozy gathering and this year, yes, it will be a smaller, intimate event. While the sangat will be fewer in number, we look forward to the chance to reconnect and hold one another in peace, joy, and connection. 3HO International is dedicated to hosting larger events in the future, including at Summer Solstice 2023. 

Cost:
Program registration fee is $765. Please note: This registration fee does not include accommodations and meals, which are an additional fee. See more details below. 

Accommodations and Meals:
Accommodation options at the Mount Madonna Center include: economy, dormitory style, double, or triple guest rooms; rustic cabins; space for your own camper or vehicle; and developed campsites for your own tent camping. Learn more about the various accommodations and pricing below. Prices for accommodation are per person and include all meals, lodging, and facilities use. Children under the age of 4 are welcome free of charge; for 5-12 years old, fees are discounted 50%. Please register those ages 13 and older separately as an adult.

Travel:
Mount Madonna Center is approximately 2 hours driving time south of San Francisco, in the Santa Cruz Mountains of the Central California coast overlooking Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz to Monterey and Pacific Grove. The closest commercial airport to the Mount Madonna Center is San Jose International with San Francisco International being the second closest. Learn more about transportation and directions here

Come Home to Yourself at the Mount Madonna Center

The Mount Madonna Center aims to support your Winter Solstice experience – from the sustenance of the land itself, 380 acres set on the summit overlooking the Monterey Bay, to the energy of the multigenerational community residing here, a community deeply rooted in the Yoga tradition and dedicated to serving the world by holding space for personal transformation.

The property has miles of beautiful walking or jogging trails through redwood forests and still meadows with magic sunset viewing points and clear skies for stargazing. You’ll enjoy delicious and nourishing vegetarian meals in their spacious dining room or on the outdoor decks overlooking the lovely Pajaro Valley and Pacific Ocean.

Let the energy of the mountain help to restore stillness and balance within.

Mount Madonna Wellness Center and Ayurveda World

The Mount Madonna Institute Wellness Center, co-located on the Mount Madonna campus, offers various bodywork treatments, private yoga sessions, and Ayurvedic consultations. Ayurveda World, their onsite herb shop, specializes in compounded Ayurvedic herbal formulations, handcrafted tinctures, oils, and other traditional wellness products.

You can arrange for appointments prior to Winter Solstice by going to Wellness Center, calling 408-846-4075, or by emailing here. Please note: Wellness appointments are not included in the registration fee for Winter Solstice.

Accommodation Options for Winter Solstice

Pricing Notes:
  • Prices are PER PERSON and include program tuition, meals, lodging and facilities use.
  • Children 4 years and under are welcome free of charge; for 5 – 12 years old, fees are discounted 50%. Please register those ages 13 and older separately as an adult.
  • All guests must be registered.
  • When registering for the event, please select your top two housing choices. Housing will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Day passes are available for $222/day. If you wish to come for the day, please email [email protected] or call (408) 846-4090.

Daily Schedule

2:00pm ~ Arrival and Set-Up Begins for Campers ONLY
3:00pm ~ Registration Begins
5:15-6:15pm ~ Dinner
7:00-9:00pm ~ Opening Ceremony

4:00-6:30am ~ Sadhana
6:30am ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
8:30-9:30am ~ Breakfast
10:00am-12:00pm ~ Morning Class – “Healing Ancestral Karma” with Dr. Haridass Kaur
12:30-1:30pm ~ Lunch
5:15-6:15pm ~ Dinner
6:00pm ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
7:00-8:00pm ~ Music/Chanting with Har Dev Singh
8:30-9:00pm ~ Evening Gong

4:00-6:30am ~ Sadhana with Dr. Haridass Kaur
6:30am ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
8:30-9:30am ~ Breakfast
12:30-1:30pm ~ Lunch
2:00-4:00pm ~ Afternoon Class – “Shabd Chanting Class” with Prabhu Nam Kaur
5:15-6:15pm ~ Dinner
6:00pm ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
7:00-8:00pm ~ Music/Chanting with Prabhu Nam Kaur
8:30-9:00pm ~ Evening Gong

* As concurrent programming, Day One of the First Journey of 21 Stages of Meditation will also be offered on December 19th.

4:00-6:30am ~ Sadhana with Mahanpal Kaur
6:30am ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
8:30-9:30am ~ Breakfast
10:00am-12:00pm ~ Morning Class with Seva Simran Singh
12:30-1:30pm ~ Lunch
2:00-4:00pm ~ Afternoon Class – “Preparing the Light Body” with Laura Paradis
5:15-6:15pm ~ Dinner
6:00pm ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
7:00-8:00pm ~ Music/Chanting with Mahanpal Kaur
8:30-9:00pm ~ Evening Gong

* As concurrent programming, Day One of the First Journey of 21 Stages of Meditation will also be offered on December 20th.

4:00-6:30am ~ Sadhana with Seva Simran Singh
6:30am ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
8:30-9:30am ~ Breakfast
10:00am-12:00pm ~ Morning Class – “Embracing the Sacred Darkness” with Vedya Amrita Kaur
12:30-1:30pm ~ Lunch
2:00-4:00pm ~ Afternoon Class – “Embody Virtues – Yoga of Living Truthfully”  with Guru Prem Singh & Simran Kaur
5:15-6:15pm ~ Dinner
6:00pm ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
7:00-8:00pm ~ Music/Chanting with Guru Prem Singh
8:30-9:00pm ~ Evening Gong

4:00-6:30am ~ Sadhana
6:30am ~ Ārati (Ceremony of Light) in Hanuman Temple
10:00-11:00am ~ Brunch
12:00pm ~ Check-Out

The 21 Stages of Meditation

Offered as Concurrent Programming on December 19-20, 2022

We are thrilled to be able to offer the First Journey in The 21 Stages of Meditation course at Winter Solstice 2022. If you are interested in The 21 Stages of Meditation course, you have likely already begun practicing some form of meditation. This course will give you dynamic experience and help you gain a greater understanding into the effects of meditation. You will feel confident to explore ways to go even deeper in your practice.

The First Journey is about the “Crystallized Self.” You can confront and overcome blocks that are encountered during the first stages of meditation. This stage involves frustration, being upset, boredom, and lack of focus. Learn how to navigate your awareness when thoughts and emotions distract you from realizing your Essential Self.

Where ever you are in your spiritual journey, The 21 Stages of Meditation course will be a welcomed partner on the path.

The First Journey fulfills the one day 6-hour requirement for Level 1 KRI Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Certification.

Your Lead Trainers for the First Journey
Dr. Japa Kaur
Vedya Amrita Kaur

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information/Logistics

The Mount Madonna Center offers a beautiful, rustic retreat experience run by a residential community of volunteers dedicated to service and spiritual/personal development. They are not a luxury facility.

The property is 380 acres, with the main campus area artfully developed. There are many hiking trails varying from quite easy to more challenging, and it is easy to get away from the developed area to beautiful redwood groves, meadows, wonderful views, and quiet. Trails are open to registered guests only.

There is WiFi in most guest rooms (not cabins), meeting spaces, and in the Mount Madonna community building and cafe. Cell phone reception can be spotty, though texting works well. Verizon works best, AT&T is decent, and Sprint and T-Mobile are limited.

In addition to being a conference and retreat center, the Mount Madonna Center is also a residential and spiritual community. They aim to provide a peaceful, healthy, and inspiring place for all residents and guests. To support this aim, they ask that all guests abide by Center agreements. The Center, in its best judgment, will either work to resolve a breach of the below agreements or ask the guest to leave our campus immediately.

  1. Quiet hours are observed 9:00 pm to breakfast. Activities may continue during quiet hours so long as they proceed at low volume and do not disturb other guests or residents.
  2. Nudity is not permitted where visible to the public.
  3. No pets, illegal substances, or alcohol (except for very limited ceremonial purposes). Smoking is not allowed on the property, except in one specific designated location.
  4. No financial adjustments will be made for missed meals or days in residence.
  5. Guests may not bring their own food to the Center. If you have special requests, please speak with Center staff and they will do our best to determine a solution.

Yes, of course! We are pleased to welcome children of all ages to our event. Children under the age of 4 are welcome free of charge; for 5-12 years old, fees are discounted 50%. Please register those ages 13 and older separately as an adult.

Please Note: There is no official Children’s Program being offered during this event. To ensure everyone’s health and safety, children (anyone under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children may not take part in the 21-Stages of Meditation Program.

  • Flashlight
  • Alarm clock
  • Travel mug for tea or coffee
  • Your own yoga mat and/or meditation cushion
  • Bathing suit for pond
  • Journal
  • A good book
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Camera
  • Layered clothing (the weather varies quite a bit on the mountain!)
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body gel (all unscented) are provided.
  • The Mount Madonna Center does not allow outside food of any kind.
  • Please refrain from wearing fragrances and scented products so that all may enjoy their stay.
  • Please do not bring pets of any kind, including pets in your vehicle.
  • Alcohol and illegal drugs.
  • Candles, incense, or any fire hazards/flames. Smoking is in designated areas only.

White Tantric Yoga will not be a part of this year’s Winter Solstice. As an alternative, the First Journey of the 21 Stages of Meditation will be offered. This two day, deep meditation experience will be offered on December 19th and 20th. This course fulfills the one day 6-hour requirement for Level 1 KRI Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Certification.

Travel Information

The Mount Madonna Center does not provide shuttles or car service of any kind. See their Transportation and Directions page for more info.

San Jose (SJC) is the closest airport which is about a one-hour drive from the center (43 miles), given light traffic. San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) are both about 1.5 hours away (74 miles).

Health and Safety

After consultation on best practices for health and safety in these times of continuing impact of COVID-19, the Mount Madonna Center has implemented the following protocols:

  • Mount Madonna Center is open to registered day and overnight guests only. Reservations are required prior to your arrival on campus. Currently, they are unable to accommodate walk-in guests.
  • Vaccination is no longer required for guests.
  • Yoga mats, blocks, straps and other props are provided on request. Guests are asked to use the same supplies for their entire stay. All props are cleaned and disinfected after use.
  • All staff members are vaccinated against COVID-19. Staff are trained on best practices to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and other transmittable diseases.
  • Mount Madonna uses cleaning products that meet EPA guidelines and are effective against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Their cleaning practices exceed California State requirements. Common areas are frequently cleaned and sanitized. Guest Rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to guest arrival.
  • 3HO International will have COVID-19 test kits available on-site. If you are feeling ill and test positive during the event, we will ask you to depart the site. For this reason, you may want to consider purchasing trip insurance. 

Yes, all major facilities at Mount Madonna Center are handicapped accessible, and nearly all outlying ones as well. Please be sure to let the Mount Madonna Center know if you will need a handicapped accessible room, so they can place you accordingly. They have rooms with and without bath, and accessible public restrooms.

Mount Madonna Center permits service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered.

Housing and Food

The Mount Madonna Center will provide linens to all guests occupying indoor accommodations including sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, and towels. Guests must supply all camping needs if they are registered in the campgrounds.

Room rates include accommodations, all meals, applicable state and local taxes, liability insurance, use of grounds, and recreational facilities.

The Mount Madonna Center will provide lacto-vegetarian meals (no eggs), with non-dairy and non-gluten alternatives at each meal. For more information, please click here. For sample menus, please click here.

The Mount Madonna Center does not allow any outside food. Their chefs prepare three delicious vegetarian meals daily, and tea and fruit are available 24 hours per day.

Please note any dietary restrictions on your registration form and we will do our best to accommodate you.

There will be three meals a day, at 8:30-9:30am, 12:30-1:30pm, and 5:15-6:15pm. Please plan to arrive at the dining room at least 15 minutes before the end of a meal.

Cabins are located in a lovely oak grove and have electricity and heat, but no indoor plumbing. A separate bathhouse with flush toilets and private shower rooms is nearby. The cabins are a 10-minute walk from most meeting spaces and community buildings. If this sounds too rustic for you, please consider booking a room. Rooms are in hotel style buildings (no phones or TVs in rooms, however) and feature one or more single beds. Some rooms include a private bathroom with shower while others share bathrooms just down the hallway.

When going through the registration process, please be sure to select your top two housing choices. Housing will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. The sooner you register, the more likely you will receive your first choice.

Yes – camping, either in your tent or in a personal vehicle, is $82/day.

Developed campsites are available for people who wish to bring their own tent. Sites offer access to showers and flush toilets and are available year-round. Please be aware that we can receive significant amounts of rain from November through May.

Spaces are also available for your van, camper or other vehicle. Some have access to electricity, but no other hookups. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings.

Can't Join Us This December?

Be sure to sign-up for our email list and be the first to know about registration for Summer Solstice 2023 in New Mexico!

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on this website.

Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.