200-Hour Hatha Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

The 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Nirvana Yoga School is a month-long immersion in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. The curriculum follows Yoga Alliance standards and is taught by a rotating faculty of experienced gurus and specialists. You'll study traditional Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa flow, pranayama (breathing practices), mudras and bandhas, meditation, shatkarma (cleansing techniques), mantra chanting, yoga anatomy and biomechanics, history and philosophy, an introduction to Ayurveda, and teaching methodology. Classes run six days a week with one day off for excursions.

What sets this program apart from smaller retreats is the depth and breadth of the faculty. Gurudev Dhruvaji handles philosophy, making complex concepts accessible; his background includes a Master's in Physical Chemistry from IIT Bombay and a Master Diploma in Yoga Therapy. Man Mahesh Harjai teaches pranayama and meditation, drawing on a Master's in Yoga from SVYASA. Amit specializes in alignment and Iyengar yoga. Aishwarya, a nutritionist and certified in Yin, prenatal, and aerial yoga, teaches anatomy and asana. Naveen, who has trained over 1,000 teachers, leads Ashtanga and Vinyasa. There are also specialist teachers for Ayurveda, sound healing, and music — one reviewer noted learning to play the harmonium and drums.

The daily schedule is full. Mornings typically begin with pranayama and meditation, followed by a lengthy asana practice. Afternoons cover philosophy, anatomy, and teaching methodology. Evenings may include mantra chanting or kirtan. The training is intensive and designed to prepare you to teach, with practical and written exams at the end. But it's also a spiritual retreat: you'll visit the Ganga for sacred dips, practice yoga on the beach, and join special ceremonies like full moon meditation. Rishikesh itself is a pilgrimage town with countless temples, the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges, and adventure activities like river rafting nearby.

The venue is a peaceful, garden-surrounded property with mountain views, about a 10-minute walk from cafes and daily conveniences. It's described as having a homely, welcoming homestay vibe. Meals are satvic — vegetarian, organic, and designed to keep you calm and energized. The school accommodates a mix of 200-hour and 300-hour students across a few buildings, creating a lively, international community. Alumni consistently rate the experience highly, citing the quality of teaching and the supportive atmosphere.

What's included

- Airport pickup - 24 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Teacher training course and certification - Certificate upon successful completion - Eligible to Register with Yoga Alliance USA - Acro Yoga/Aerial Yoga session - Group excursions/activities - Sound Healing session - Kirtan Evening - Full moon/New moon ritual - Weekend/day off excursions - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - Course manual - School t-shirt & a bag - Professional event photos - Free Lifetime Access to 200-Hour Online Yoga TTC - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Visa fee - Flights costs - Optional Ayurveda massage - Air conditioning and heater (available for additional charges) - Extra night after training - Extra night before training