3 Day Yoga and Sightseeing Escape in Rishikesh, India

The retreat is run by Rishikesh Yog Retreat, a local school that's been hosting yoga vacations for years. The program is designed to fit a lot into three days without feeling rushed. Mornings start with a Hatha yoga class, followed by a pranayama (breathing) session. After breakfast, you head out to explore – the included excursions cover the Ganga Aarti ceremony, local Rishikesh sightseeing, a temple and cave visit, and a sunrise mountain tour. For the more adventurous, there's also white river rafting and waterfall hiking, though these may depend on the season and weather.

What makes this retreat different from the many other yoga schools in Rishikesh is the balance. You're not doing eight hours of yoga a day. There's plenty of time built in for sightseeing, wandering the local markets, or just sitting by the river. The teachers, Aakash and Gaurav, are both experienced and certified – Aakash holds a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certificate, and Gaurav has an M.A. in yogic science. They teach a flexible style, so whether you're brand new to yoga or have been practicing for years, they'll adjust the practice to your level.

The accommodation is simple but comfortable, with twin shared rooms, private rooms, and couples rooms available. Some rooms are air-conditioned, and all guests have access to free Wi-Fi. The food is entirely vegetarian – traditional Indian meals with fresh fruit, vegetable curries, dal, rice, and roti. The whole experience is designed for people who want a mix of spiritual practice and actual tourism, all without breaking the bank.

What's included

- Airport pickup - 2 nights accommodation - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Excursions to sites of interest (Ganga Aarti ceremony, waterfall hiking, river rafting, cave visit and more!) - Transportation during the retreat - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Flights costs - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Airport drop-off