4 Day Sound Healing and Yoga Retreat in the Himalayan Foothills

The retreat unfolds over four days and three nights at Swara Yoga School, a clean, comfortable center in the heart of Tapovan, Rishikesh's main market area. This is a working yoga school, not a resort—you'll be staying in simple, air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, and the focus is firmly on the practice. What makes it different from the dozens of other yoga retreats in Rishikesh is the integration of sound healing into the daily schedule. Most afternoons include a dedicated sound healing session where singing bowls and other instruments are used to guide you into a deep state of relaxation. It's not a gimmick—it's a legitimate technique that complements the yoga and meditation work, and it's something you're unlikely to find in many other places at this price point.

The teaching team brings different strengths. Maayaa, the host, is described as a healer and meditator who emphasizes a serious, committed approach to practice. Ambika Arya holds an M.A. in Yoga and focuses on weaving yoga into everyday life. Rishi, a mind therapist with ten years of experience, uses hypnosis, pranayama, and meditation to work on subconscious patterns. Jitendra, a teacher with an M.A. in Yogic Science from Uttarakhand Sanskrit University and a 200-hour TTC from Guru Yog Peeth, leads Hatha, Ashtanga, and Iyengar-style classes. Between them, you're getting a well-rounded team that can cater to beginners and more experienced practitioners alike.

Rishikesh itself is a character in this story. The town sits on the banks of the Ganges, and it's magnet for spiritual seekers from all over the world. There are ashrams everywhere, the air smells of incense and marigolds, and the sound of temple bells drifts across the river. The retreat makes the most of this. You'll walk to Ram Jhula, a famous suspension bridge, to witness the evening Ganga Aarti—a fire ceremony performed by priests on the riverbank as the sun goes down. It's a genuinely moving spectacle, even if you're not religious. The school is also a short walk from Laxman Jhula, another iconic bridge, and you're right in the middle of Tapovan's shops and cafes when you want a break.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily sound hea ling session - Group excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage - Parking - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Flight costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Airport pickup/drop-off (available at extra cost)