100-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Retreat in the Himalayas, Rishikesh

The 100-hour training at Buddha Retreat is built for beginners and intermediate practitioners. You don't need to already be flexible or an expert—just consistent. The curriculum covers the foundations of Hatha and Ashtanga yoga, daily pranayama, meditation practice, and the basics of yoga philosophy and anatomy. Teachers focus a lot on alignment, giving hands-on adjustments, and explaining why each pose is done the way it's done.

A typical day starts with Shatkarma (cleansing practices) and pranayama before morning asana. There's a lunch break, then afternoon sessions on meditation, alignment, and often an Ashtanga/Vinyasa flow. Evenings are reserved for philosophy talks, chanting, and kirtan, with some free time built in for walks along the Ganga or sitting by the river.

What makes this place different is the flexibility. While there's a schedule, the school doesn't force you to attend everything. They say it's your yoga journey and you're invited to join sessions that appeal to you. Some guests use that freedom to rest when they need to, others dive into everything. The teaching staff have been doing this for years—several reviews specifically mention how knowledgeable the teachers are.

Buddha Retreat is also known for its Ayurvedic touches. Herbal teas and drinks are served through the day, and meals are prepared with digestion and balance in mind. Guests live together in a small community of international students, which makes it easy to make friends and feel less like you're doing a course alone. The whole experience is designed to feel more like an immersive introduction to a yogic lifestyle than a packed academic program.

What's included

- 11 nights accommodation in private or shared rooms - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - 100-hour yoga teacher training course and certification - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa) - Daily pranayama (breathing) sessions - Daily meditation classes - Group excursions and activities - Evening activities: kirtan, movie night, bonfire - Course manual - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - School t-shirt/tote bag - Luggage storage - Free parking - WiFi connection

What's not included

- International flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (available to book as an upgrade) - Optional treatments (e.g., massage) - Additional activities not in the itinerary