Mountain Charcoal Retreat
Art • Meditation • Mountains • Wellness • Good Company
Science of Sketching brings you a rare, immersive retreat in the beautiful hills of Dharamkot, Himachal. Led by Rohit Kishan, the retreat revolves around charcoal sketching, from the fundamentals to advanced techniques, taught through an approach he has spent years perfecting.
But this is more than an art class. It’s a complete experience combining daily sketching sessions, guided yoga, meditation, sound healing, and nature hikes in the scenic surroundings of Mcleodganj and Dharamkot.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your creative skills or take a break to reconnect with yourself this retreat has been curated with deep care for both.
Retreat Dates 2026
March 15 – 21
(Open)
April 19 -25
(Open)
May 17 – 23
(Open)
June 14 – 20
(Open)
Oct 11 – 17
(Open)
Seats: 6–8 Participants per Retreat
Price:
– Single Participant: ₹62,550 per person (Incl. taxes, private stay & all materials)
– Two Participants: ₹107,100 (Incl. taxes, room for two & all materials)
– Early Bird Discount: ₹59,550/– p.p. (Limited to first 5 seats)
Learn the Science of Sketching with Rohit Kishan
Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or returning to your creative roots, this retreat will guide you through structured sketching sessions focused on observation, depth, technique, and expression.
Rohit Kishan’s teaching balances technical clarity with creative exploration, making charcoal sketching accessible, meditative, and rewarding. You’ll leave with not just artwork, but a deeper connection with your ability to see and express the world around you.
More than a vacation – a treat for soul
This is your chance to slow down truly. Wake up to the quiet rustle of trees, sip tea before morning yoga, and stretch your body into the day. Engage in guided meditation at the Tushita Centre, unwind with sound-healing, and explore short nature hikes to nearby forests and waterfalls. You also get a guided tour to the town.
This blend of structured art learning and organic wellness activities offers a rejuvenating, meaningful pause from the rush of everyday life.
Connect with nature, connect with yourself
Set amidst peaceful deodar forests and fresh mountain air, the retreat creates the perfect space to reflect, reset, and create. Whether you’re planning your next project, seeking clarity, or just wanting to nourish your soul, this setting gives you the stillness to listen inward.
Many participants describe it as “creative therapy in nature.” It’s your space – to draw, breathe, walk, and just be.
Meet like-minded people
The retreat welcomes people from all walks of life: artists, entrepreneurs, designers, educators, and seekers. Each day includes moments of learning, sharing, and connection.
You’ll sketch together, eat together, explore together and through it all, find resonance in shared stories, challenges, and discoveries. Many leave not just with art, but with friendships that outlast the mountains.
Details
What You Will Learn
9 sessions: 26 hours
From foundation to flow, each session builds your skill and deepens your connection to charcoal as a creative and meditative medium.
Session 1: Foundations of Charcoal Sketching (3 hrs)
Theme: Warm-up, posture, tools & techniques
The Technical Class is your first step into the world of Science of Sketching. It’s designed to challenge your assumptions about what you’re capable of and introduce you to the foundational tools and techniques of our method. You’ll experience structured hand correction, proper posture and seating alignment, and get a feel for the studio environment.
The session includes guided warm-ups, circle drills, eye formation practice, and concludes with an object sketch, giving you a clear sense of the process.
Session 2, 3 & 4 : Start of Technical Portrait (9 Hrs)
Theme: Proportion of the features, fabric textures and background perspective.
Structured and personalised journey into the world of human portrait sketching. Across three sessions, you’ll dive deep into facial structure, proportion, expression, and emotion – all through the lens of charcoal and the dry-brush technique.
Move beyond objects and begin understanding the human face, not just technically, but as a living, expressive form. You’ll explore soft vs. hard edges and render textures like cloth and facial hair adding tactile depth to your work.
Session 5, 6 & 7: Start of personal portrait
Theme: Application of facial proportions, hair structure, fabric textures, and capturing the emotion.
Learn how to build facial structure step by step, understand facial proportions from different angles, and sketch realistic eyes, noses, lips, and ears. You’ll dive into bone structure, facial volume, and how to bring out mood and softness in features. Use dry brush technique to give the final touches to your piece.
Session 8 & 9: You’re free to choose your subject (5 hrs)
Theme: You can choose an object, landscape or continue with your third portrait.
The goal is to give you the freedom to experiment and apply everything you’ve learned over the past sessions – so you leave with the belief that you can create.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday – Arrival & Introduction
- Arrive before 2:00 pm. Check-in and settle into your mountain home.
- Our team member will meet you and brief you.
- SOS (Science of Sketching) Session 1: 4:00 to 7:00 PM
- Evening walk to Dharamkot town, dinner at your stay.
Day 2: Monday – Deep Dive into Drawing + Sunset Hike
- Wake up at your own pace. Soak in the morning sun, enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee, and if you feel like it, take a gentle stroll around your stay.
- SOS Session 2: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Break: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM – We advise you to have lunch and just rest.
- Sunset Hike: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Light trek through the forest to reach the sunset point.
Day 3: Tuesday – Sound & Sketching
- Sound Healing: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- SOS Session 3: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Lunch and Rest: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- SOS Session 4: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Take an unhurried walk through the winding lanes of Dharamkot, or spend your evening as you please in quiet reflection, or at a cozy café in good company.
Day 4: Wednesday – Yoga, Sketch & McLeodganj Art Tour
- Morning Yoga Session 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
- SOS Session 5: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Guided Tour of McLeodganj: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Discover art, local monasteries, and markets with an experienced local guide
Day 5: Thursday – Intensive Studio Practice
- Start your day gently, no rush. Enjoy a slow morning with a peaceful walk or sip on tea or coffee at one of the charming local cafés nearby.
- SOS Session 6: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Lunch and Rest: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- SOS Session 7: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Spend your evening as you wish- sharing laughter with the friends you’ve made on the retreat, or retreating into the quiet warmth of your space for some well-earned rest.
Day 6: Friday – Reflection & Celebration
- Morning Meditation at Tushita Centre: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
(Please Note- 29 Nov will be the last session for Tushita Meditation. For Dec retreats, meditation will be organised at the studio). - Group Breakfast at Malka Café
Time: 11:00 AM - SOS Session 8: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Lunch and Rest: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- SOS Session 9: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Group Dinner at Joy’s Café (Pre-reserved farewell celebration)
- A warm closing to the creative and personal journey you’ve shared
Day 7: Saturday – Departure
- If you’re up for it, start your day with a happy little forest walk!
- Check-out and goodbyes by 11:00 AM
- Carry your sketches, memories, and mountain calm back with you
Meet your teacher
Rohit Kishan is a multidisciplinary artist and the founder of Science of Sketching. With over a decade of experience working with charcoal, Rohit has developed a unique, accessible teaching method that blends classical technique with mindful observation. His passion lies in helping people reconnect with their creative instincts, regardless of their background or skill level. Rohit believes drawing is not just about art – it’s about awareness, attention, and joy. His calm, intuitive guidance has made him a beloved mentor to hundreds of students, both in studios and retreat settings across India.
Stay
Nestled in the quiet charm of upper Dharamkot, the stay offers thoughtfully designed single-occupancy private rooms that balance comfort, simplicity, and natural aesthetics. Each room is equipped with all essential amenities – cozy bedding, clean bathrooms, and peaceful workspaces – ensuring a restful stay during the retreat. Surrounded by deodar trees and birdsong, it’s a perfect base to enjoy the mountains and unwind. With a focus on quietude and creative living, your hotel creates an ideal environment to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself. Step outside and you’re instantly in the heart of the forested village, just a short climb of about 50-60 steps from the main path enough to feel tucked away, yet easily accessible.
Meals
We’ve intentionally chosen not to include meals in the retreat package, so you have the flexibility to eat what you enjoy, when you like. Your hotel, right where you’re staying, offers a thoughtfully curated menu with fresh, delicious options you can choose from daily.
Beyond that, Dharamkot and McLeodganj are home to some of the best cafés in the hills, serving a vibrant mix of cuisines — Indian, Tibetan, Israeli, Mediterranean, Korean, Japanese, and more.
It’s your time to explore, taste, and discover your personal favourites.
Weather
- September is lush and mild (15 to 23 °C) with occasional rain.
- October brings clear skies and cooler evenings (11 to 20 °C).
- November is dry and crisp (6 to 17 °C).
- December is cold and serene (5–13 °C), with a chance of light snow, pack warm layers.
How to reach
Taxi: Direct taxis available from Dharamsala Airport, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Chandigarh or Delhi.
Comfortable and convenient. Contact us and we’ll arrange.
Train: Nearest major station: Pathankot Cantt (PTKC). From there, take a taxi to Dharamkot or bus to Dharamshala (~3.5 hrs).
Bus: Volvo and HRTC buses run from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar to Dharamshala. From Dharamshala, take a short taxi or auto to Dharamkot (20-30 mins), and charges INR 600/-
Air: Fly to Kangra (Gaggal) Airport – daily flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, Dharamkot is about 45 minutes by taxi. Price INR 1500/-
How to book
- Simply fill the Register Now form, and our team will get back to you
- Pick your retreat dates (Sept–Dec).
- You can also Text / Call us on +91 98056 94369 (Aniket) or Email us at retreat@scienceofsketching.com
- If you have any questions about the retreat, you can speak with Aniket before finalising.
- We’ll share the payment details. You have to deposit INR 20,000 per person to reserve your spot.
- We’ll share the booking confirmation post payment is received.
- Balance Payment to be made on the day of arrival.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
- Retreat bookings are non-refundable due to limited seats and planning requirements.
- However, we offer one-time rescheduling to any future retreat within the next 4 months – no extra charge. Rescheduling is not possible within 14 days of the retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to know how to draw or have any experience with art?
Not at all! This retreat is designed for both beginners and experienced artists. The sessions will guide you from the basics to more advanced techniques, with personalized attention throughout.
2. What materials do I need to bring for the sketching sessions?
We provide all professional-grade materials – charcoal, paper, fixative, boards, and more.
3. Are meals included in the retreat package?
Meals are not included intentionally. Dharamkot is full of incredible cafés serving Tibetan, Israeli, Indian, Mediterranean, and more. Plus, your hotel, where you’ll be staying, has a great in-house menu.
4. What kind of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay at a beautifully designed, peaceful property offering single-occupancy rooms with all essential amenities — cozy bedding, clean bathrooms, WiFi, and a café on site.
5. What is the cancellation or refund policy?
All bookings are non-refundable, but we offer a one-time rescheduling option to any future retreat within 4 months, at no extra charge.