3-Day Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Rishikesh

The retreat takes place at a registered yoga school in the heart of Rishikesh, a town known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World' for good reason. The location itself is part of the experience—you're within a few minutes' walk of the Laxman Jhula market and 15-20 minutes from the riverbank, where evening Ganga Aarti ceremonies draw crowds of pilgrims and travelers alike. The school is a quiet, basic guesthouse-style building with room for the 10-16 participants who typically join these retreats.

Each day is built around the twin pillars of practice and study. Morning sessions focus on classical Hatha yoga, with an emphasis on proper alignment and foundational postures, so even those who have never done yoga before can follow along. The Ashtanga Vinyasa class in the late afternoon is more dynamic, and the teachers are skilled at offering variations for every level. In between, you'll attend short talks on yoga philosophy, drawing from the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, and learn about the concepts of pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), and dhyana (meditation).

One of the most memorable parts of the retreat is the 2-3 hour excursion on the second day. Past groups have visited the Vashistha Cave, a sacred meditation spot, or the Neer Gaddu waterfall, a local picnic favourite. The destination is chosen by the school, but always gives you a chance to see more of the natural beauty around Rishikesh. There's also an optional video lecture in the evening on some nights, featuring talks by Swami Rama and Swami Veda Bharati—two influential figures in modern Himalayan yoga.

The teaching team includes Subhash Petwal, who trained in Mysore and Kaivalyadhama Lonavala, and Ashish Painuly, a Rishikesh native with degrees in Yoga Science and Holistic Health. Both have extensive experience teaching international students and are known for their patience and clarity. They're supported by a team that includes an Ayurvedic doctor who contributes to the anatomy and physiology segments of the course.

Accommodation is in simple, non-AC rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers. You can choose a shared twin room with a same-gender roommate, a private single, or a private double for two people booking together. The price includes all three daily vegetarian meals, made fresh by a dedicated kitchen staff, plus filtered water, herbal tea, and snacks. It's a back-to-basics experience that lets the practice—not the amenities—take center stage.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in shared or private rooms - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Filtered water, herbal tea, and snacks - Daily Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga classes - Daily pranayama and breath awareness practices - Daily mantra chanting and meditation sessions - Introductory study of yoga philosophy - Basic yoga anatomy session - Local sightseeing excursion - Printed study handouts - Use of yoga tools (mats, blocks, etc.) - Wi-Fi connection - Course completion certificate

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Flights - Personal expenses - Laundry (available at extra cost) - Air-conditioning (available at extra cost) - Extra nights beyond the course dates - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Medical expenses