Acem Travels 2026 – Practical information

The Tour
Acem Travels 2026 starts at Delhi Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport) Saturday morning, October 24, with bus departure to the retreat venue and ends before return to Europe or other destinations late Friday, November 6, or early Saturday, November 7. The tour features a 6-day retreat and an 8-day post-retreat tour.

Lecturer at the retreat: Dr. Are Holen, Acem’s founder.
Organizers: Acem Instructor Folke Gravklev, and Acem Meditation Initiators Torbjørn Hobbel and Øyvind Ellingsen.

Program details are included in the Day by day program.

Some important facts follow below.

Arrival and departure from Delhi Airport
Participants need to arrive at Delhi Airport early Saturday morning, in time for our joint bus departure at 11:00 am. It is recommended to plan flight arrival minimum 2-3 hours before, to allow for immigration including passport and visa control, luggage retrieval, and minor airline delays. Also, allow sufficient time from arrival at New Delhi Railway Station (at 14:00, according to current information) to your departure from India on Friday November 6. Transport from the railway station to the airport takes minimum 1 hour, depending on traffic, and it is recommended to check in 3 hours before international flights.

Accommodation will be in single rooms during the retreat, otherwise double room.
Single room accommodation on the post-retreat-tour may be available at extra cost, as described below.

Transportation to the retreat from Delhi and during the post-retreat-tour in Rajasthan is by coach (high standard buses), whereas the transportation from Agra to Varanasi and the return to New Delhi Railway Station is a comfortable train ride at high European standard in the Vande Bharat Express.

Registration fee
Full price of the retreat and the post-retreat tour combined is 3400 EUR before 1 May, and 3700 EUR thereafter. Registration will close on 1 July.

The fee covers full board at the hotels, transportation within India and entrance to scheduled activities. The registration fee may be subject to changes in case of major variations in currency rates, taxes and other expenses.

Hotel occupancy is in single rooms during the retreat and double rooms during the post-retreat roundtrip. A limited number of single rooms are available during the roundtrip for an extra charge of 400 EUR. This extra payment is due within one week after single room occupancy has been confirmed by Acem Travels.

Who can participate
The tour is open for those who have learned Acem Meditation and who want to practice long meditations at the retreat. For practical reasons, the tour is primarily aimed at European Acem meditators. Participants must be in good health to endure climate, culture and other travel challenges.

Dietary needs
Lacto-vegetarian food will be served at all meals. Most dishes are compatible with vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free diets. For practical reasons, other non-standard dietary alternatives are not available.

Priority by registration date
The number of places on the tour is limited. Priority is based on the date that the registration form and participation fee have been received in full. Confirmation of place and requested room occupancy will be given within 4-5 working days. Thereafter, the registration fee is non-refundable.

Flights to and from Delhi 

Travel from Europe to India (roundtrip) is NOT included in the registration fee. However, the Acem Travels organizers are available with advice for suitable flights. Some people may want to travel together for convenience and company. Contact Acem Travels if you have questions. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of the limited number of places, it is recommended NOT to book flights until the confirmation of participation has been received from Acem Travels.

Travel Insurance 

All participants must have valid travel insurance. In case you must cancel the trip due to illness etc, you need travel insurance coverage for the payment of the trip, medical services, home transportations and other standard expenses.

Language at the retreat and the roundtrip is English.

Vaccines
For visits to India: Check with your GP well in advance of departure.

Time difference
In 2026, India is 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Central European Time from Sunday October 26 (and 3.5 hours before that date).

Climate
October and November in Rajasthan and Varanasi are typically dry months with temperatures as pleasant summer days in southern and central Europe. However, a windbreaker or light rain gear is recommended, just in case. Hats and clothes that cover arms and legs are recommended to protect the skin against sunburn and insect bites.

Shopping
There are good opportunities for shopping bargains in India, especially in New Delhi. This applies, among other things, to traditional Indian goods, such as rugs, handicrafts, textiles and clothing. Also, western clothing etc. can be bought at reasonable prices. Passionate shoppers may want to add an extra day or two in Delhi after the post-retreat tour. Shopping advice will be provided.

How to sign up
Fill out the registration form.

Further information
For questions and more details, please contact Acem Travels.