Why our first retreat is in Valmiki Nagar

Our first retreat will be in Valmiki Nagar, in West Champaran. The plan is for the last week of November 2026, with 20–25 founders. Here is why we chose it to go first.

Where it is

Valmiki Nagar sits in the far north-west corner of Bihar, where the state meets Nepal. The Gandak river comes down from Nepal and runs past the forest here, and across the border the same jungle continues into Chitwan National Park.

It is Bihar's only tiger reserve. The 2022 tiger estimation put the count at more than 50. By road it is about six to eight hours from Patna, which is close enough for a group to travel together in a day.

Why it fits the first retreat

The theme of this retreat is reset. Most early-stage founders we speak to are not short of ideas. They are short of time away from the daily noise to decide what matters for the next three months.

Valmiki Nagar makes that easy. There is no city around you, the phone signal is weak in places, and mornings start early with the forest. It is hard to keep answering messages here, and that is the point.

Why late November

According to the state tourism department, the best season to visit is November to February. Jungle safaris in the reserve close during the monsoon, so we planned the retreat for after the rains, when the forest is open and days are mild. Mornings can be cold, so bring a warm layer.

What the three days look like

• Day 1: we meet in Patna in the morning and drive up together. By dinner you know everyone's name and what they are building.
• Day 2: an early morning in the forest, time with a local business, and an evening conversation.
• Day 3: you write your 90-day plan, read it to your pod, and we drive back.

The final timings, the stay and the local visit will be confirmed with the forest department and our local partners before we share them.

If you would like one of the seats, join the Valmiki Nagar waitlist. We will message you on WhatsApp before we announce the dates anywhere else.