A four-day senior wellness retreat in the mountains — bringing 70+ elders together for cultural celebration, spiritual practice, and the kind of joy that sustains them all year long.
Support the Retreat
Every dollar goes directly to transportation, meals, accommodation, and activities. 100% volunteer-run — 0% platform fees.
Why This Retreat Matters
Many of our elders endured hardship and exile from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and India. In New York City, they often face loneliness, language barriers, and isolation. The annual retreat is more than a getaway — it is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
For four days, our elders regain a sense of community and belonging that sustains them long after they return home. Families report that their parents and grandparents are more energetic and optimistic after the retreat. This is why the picnic is called “the highlight of the year” for our community's seniors.
What began as a simple elders' picnic in 2012 has grown into our most impactful — and most expensive — annual program. Now in its 13th year, this four-day senior wellness retreat is truly the heart of everything we do.
See It in Action
From the 5th Annual Retreat (2016) — the joy, the community, and the traditions that make this event the highlight of the year.
Prayer sessions at the tranquil Palyul temple, folk songs, and storytelling from the homeland — nourishing the soul and preserving heritage in a sacred mountain setting.
Group games, evening dances, singing, and shared laughter. New friendships form, old ones deepen — combating loneliness and giving our elders the emotional support they deserve.
Nature walks in fresh mountain air, gentle exercise, and senior-friendly activities that keep our elders active and improve their mobility in a safe, supportive setting.
Delicious Himalayan cuisine prepared by cooks who know and love the tradition — momos, thukpa, butter tea, and plenty of warmth shared around communal tables.
Guided meditation, communal prayers, and the rare opportunity to immerse in Buddhist spiritual practice in a countryside setting that echoes the Himalayan mountains.
A team of 20+ volunteers — including registered nurses, care providers, and bilingual staff — on-site around the clock ensuring every elder is safe, comfortable, and included.
Full Transparency
HEP is a grassroots nonprofit with no big institutional funding. This fundraiser is our primary source of support for the retreat. Our budget is lean — many volunteers donate their time and materials — but we don't cut corners when it comes to elder care and safety. Every dollar raised goes directly toward the retreat.
All donations are tax-deductible. We document every expense and can provide receipts upon request. Should we exceed the goal, extra funds go toward enhancing the elders' experience or future senior programs.
Nestled in the green hills of McDonough, New York, the Palyul Retreat Center is a serene Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary — the perfect setting for our elders to feel close to the sacred Himalayan mountains in spirit.
Surrounded by fresh air, rolling hills, and the peaceful sounds of nature, our elders spend four days far from the noise of the city. For many, it is the only time all year they experience the countryside — a rare and precious gift.
Share this page with friends, family, and anyone who cares about senior care, Tibetan culture, or community service. The more people who hear our story, the closer we get to our goal.
Share on FacebookMail a check payable to Himalayan Elders Project at: 41-01 75th St, Queens, NY 11373. All offline donations count toward our goal.
Contact UsThis retreat is a celebration of our elders' resilience, our culture's endurance, and the compassion of those who support them. By donating, you become part of a tradition of caring for the elders as the cherished jewels of our community.
Your prompt donation ensures that no elder gets left behind due to lack of funds. HEP is a registered 501(c)(3) — all donations are tax-deductible.
Donate to the 13th Annual Retreat