50-Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India

Upasana Yogshala's 50-hour Yin Yoga teacher training is a compact but thorough immersion into the slower, more meditative side of yoga. Where a typical retreat might focus on yang-style classes, this one spends six days on long-held floor poses that target the connective tissues, paired with the philosophy and anatomy that explain why they work. You will learn the full syllabus, from Yin Pranayama and a long list of asanas (Melting Heart, Banana, Caterpillar, Saddle, Dragon and many more) to Yin anatomy, meridian theory, meditation techniques and how to actually teach all of it. The teaching methodology sections cover class preparation, management, and communication, so by the end you'll feel equipped to lead your own classes.

Rishikesh itself is a huge part of the experience. The school sits in Tapovan, about three kilometres from the city centre, on the same sacred ground where yogis have meditated for centuries. The Ganges flows nearby and the mountains rise up around you, which makes the long sits and held postures feel grounded in something much older than a typical studio class. Instructors include Rajesh Ji, the founder, who brings seven years of Ashtanga teaching and a 500-hour Yoga Alliance certification, and Kalpendra Chauhan Ji, a 16-year veteran of yoga philosophy, pranayama and meditation with an ERYT 500. The teaching team also includes Ravi Bisht for Hatha and Iyengar foundations, and Shubham Uniyal, who studied Yogic Science and passed the UGC NET exam.

What sets this training apart from a holiday retreat is its structure. You practice at least twice a day, attend workshops, and do hands-on teaching practice with feedback. You'll also explore self-inquiry tools and discussions that tie the physical practice to broader spiritual questions. It's an intense six days, but the small group setting and the supportive community at Upasana keep it manageable, even if your hips aren't used to a five-minute hold. The food helps too – it's all vegetarian, mostly sattvic, and designed to support long hours of practice without weighing you down.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - vegetarian - Daily yoga practice at least twice a day - Certificate of Completion (50 hours) - Comprehensive training manual - Yoga props: mat, blocks, bolsters, belts, tennis balls - Basic yoga anatomy lessons - Meridian channel and Yin Yang theory - Pranayama techniques and theories - Interactive workshops on asanas and anatomy - Hands-on teaching practice with feedback - Self-inquiry exercises - Airport pickup from Jolly Grant Airport (DED)

What's not included

- Visa fees - Personal expenses - GST (Goods and Services Tax) - Flights costs - Airport pickup from Delhi (₹67 extra) - A/C room surcharge