Are you interested in permaculture, but are frustrated at the difficulties associated with accessing a large amount of farmland? Do you dream of owning your own home, but are disillusioned at the steadily rising costs of housing around the world? Or maybe you own a home and small plot of land, but want to discover ways to live more sustainably and balanced within this place you call home?
Join our (un)retreat in the Indian Himalayas on Oct 24-31, 2025 for a one-week (7 days, 7 nights) certificate course led by Tobias Roberts.
The Permaculture Design Certificate is internationally accredited and administered by Alma Oasis. Become a recognized professional worldwide! You may opt to complete the certificate program on your own pace online with 24-hour access.
Shared rooms or private suites available
See Program fee
Early bird discount
10% OFF until August 13 or 5% OFF until September 13
FREE WELCOME GIFT BOX* for registrants while supplies last
This workshop is designed specifically for people who are interested in designing permaculture homesteads on a small and approachable scale. We believe that one of the main obstacles to the adoption of permaculture-inspired lifestyles is the increasing price of land and housing for people around the world. In this workshop, we will be taking a deep dive to look at how permaculture principles, ethics, and approaches can be used to create thriving, sustainable landscapes on the scale of mini-homesteads that are financially feasible for people in all walks of life.
Throughout the seven days of the workshop, we will be looking at different natural building strategies that allow for the creation of affordable, sustainable, and beautiful hand-crafted homes using natural and locally-available building materials. We will also be looking at regenerative strategies for integrating that home into the local landscape in a sustainable manner. Lastly, we will also be touching on how to turn the land around your home into a productive and ecologically thriving landscape for you to dwell.
Tobias and his family purchased a small, two-acre (0.8 hectare) piece of land in the mountains of El Salvador in 2014. Since then, they have built their family home and four separate eco-cabins as part of a community eco-tourism collective. They have also been constantly in the process of creating a diverse, sustainable, and regenerative landscape focused on agroforestry practices and intensive horticulture. Tobias also writes about permaculture and natural building for many different websites, and organizes yearly natural building and permaculture courses.
The (un)retreat™ rhythm: optional 9am meditation, group work, chai breaks, activities, and chef-prepared group dinners.
Most activities, including meals, are customizable and expertly facilitated.
The program is inclusive of breakfast + group meals + lodging + experiences. See Program Fee.
Read more about the (un)retreat philosophy.
The first few days focus on establishing the (un)retreat™ rhythm, introducing permaculture, natural building and purposeful service.
Full or multi-day activities, workshops, or tours to find your flow.
Our approach encourages each cohort member to see this not as an end but as a new beginning, a conscious return to their daily lives with new learnings or perspectives.
Optional background reading & cohort conference calls
Advanced planning, for example:
Request to have audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama) or any other high lama or field expert
Multi-day treks or any specialized activities
Registration and preparing for optional courses
Sample Itinerary
Mcleodganj hotel check-in
Begin your day by gently awakening your mind, body, and nervous system with a one hour meditation session, yoga, a morning walk or the practice that feels best for you.
Visit various sites for hands-on learning about permaculture and natural building.
Every day will also offer a different afternoon or evening activity to get to know the community through learning and service.
A guided kora circuit & walking tour around McLeod Ganj
Cold plunge at waterfall hike [video]
Volunteering as a English conversation group partner with Tibetan nuns, monks, refugees and disadvantaged communities
Introductions to different local NGOs and institutions
The (un)retreat methodology provides the scaffolding and support for deep dives into any topic or curiosity that may arise.
For example, in this (un)retreat with Tobias, we dedicate several full days to exploring permaculture and natural building practices.
Alternatively, we fully encourage your exploration of other interests or activities. Some activities require advance planning & registration.
By now, you've mastered the (un)retreat™ rhythm, or you're even riffing off this beat:
9am meditation, group work, chai break, deeper explorations of Dhasa and surrounding areas, and a final group dinner.
...the story continues in the cohort's whatsapp group!
Alma Oasis course creator, educator & farmer
Dharamshala resident & group facilitator
The program is inclusive of breakfast + group meals + lodging + experiences. See Program Fee.
Certificate in Permaculture Design, approved by 2 accreditors & worth 40 CEU credits
Contributing towards Non Profit Organizations
Online training at your own pace and in your own time
Monthly live online class (FREE)
Unlimited lifetime access
10 downloadable pdf and audio modules
Facilitated meetings with locals, experts and global leaders, including guidance when requesting or having audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Indian SIM card (bring your own device)
Transportation, such as:
Airport taxi transfers from/to Kangra Airport (DHM) & terminal concierge services in Delhi (DEL)
Optional morning shuttles to Tushita Meditation Center
Group outings
BONUS 1: Daily 20-mins massage
BONUS 2: Up to 2 one-on-one yoga sessions
BONUS 3: Insider pass for discounts and freebies at local shops and restaurants
Pre-, during- and post-retreat concierge services, including:
Support for Indian tourist visa
Travel extension planning
Health & wellness appointments (ie, beauty/spa, medical, dental, dermatology, ayurveda, etc)
Transportation for group outings & activities
Welcome Box for booking! For deposits paid by September 13.
Thank You Box for referring a friend who books! Until supplies last.
Pictured: Box made from Handmade paper at the Tibetan Paper Unit in Dharamshala. Each Welcome and Thank You Box we purchase, filled with beautiful handmade products, directly effects the Tibetan mission for refugees.