3 Day Yoga, Sound Healing & Meditation Retreat in the Himalayas, Rishikesh

Buddha Retreat runs a daily program that moves through several yoga traditions rather than sticking to one style. Mornings start with Pranayama at 06:30, then a Hatha class that focuses on alignment, adjustments, and Surya Namaskar, with the teacher explaining each asana and its benefits as you go. Mid-morning meditation happens in the yoga hall, by the Ganges, or in the garden depending on the day. After lunch there's a sound healing session, then an Ashtanga or Vinyasa class in the late afternoon. Ayurvedic drinks and fresh juice are served at set points through the day.

The flexibility is the standout feature. Unlike an ashram with a fixed timetable you're expected to follow, every session here is optional. The retreat makes space for rest and self-study between classes and explicitly encourages guests to join only what resonates. That said, if you're there to practice properly, the structure is there to support it — two yoga classes a day plus meditation and pranayama is a solid amount of daily practice.

The evenings are where the cultural side comes in. Most nights there's something optional on — kirtan and devotional chanting, talks on yoga philosophy, or more social events like ecstatic dance, storytelling, jam sessions, and bonfire gatherings. These are low-pressure and easy to dip in and out of.

The host, Devrishi, grew up in a Brahmin family with a deep immersion in spiritual practice from a young age. He left an engineering degree in his final semester to pursue that path, and after time as an entrepreneur, founded Buddha Retreat. He teaches with an emphasis on traditional techniques — asana, pranayama, meditation, self-inquiry — but keeps a modern, approachable tone. The retreat welcomes complete beginners through advanced practitioners, and the small group size means you get individual attention in class.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in private, double, or triple shared room - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes (Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Sound healing sessions - Ayurvedic / detox / herbal drinks and fruit or vegetable juice - Parking - Luggage storage - Free Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Airport transfers (available as optional extra)