7-Day Wellness Escape: Yoga, Meditation & Sound Healing in Rishikesh

Gurukul Yogashala is a traditional yoga school in Rishikesh, set on the banks of the holy Ganga River at the base of the Himalayas. The word 'gurukul' means 'family of the teacher,' and that's exactly the vibe here—a close-knit community where students live, eat, and practice together. The daily schedule balances two asana sessions, pranayama, meditation, and sound healing, all led by a team of experienced teachers.

Each day starts before sunrise with a Mysore-style Ashtanga and vinyasa flow, moving into pranayama and kriya to open the breath. After breakfast, there's mantra chanting and kirtan. The afternoon brings a Hatha yoga workshop, followed by meditation and yoga nidra before dinner. This rhythm is designed to reset your nervous system, and it works—the combination of early starts, regular practice, and simple living creates a real sense of calm by day three.

The teaching team includes Yogi Arvind Negi, who leads with a focus on the Yamas and Niyamas, Dr. Shikha Sharma for sound healing, Yogesh for anatomy-based yoga, and Dr. Bhagyashree for philosophy. Each brings a different strength, so you get a well-rounded week. Sound healing with Tibetan bowls is a standout session, and the two ayurvedic therapies—Abhyanga and Shirodhara—are genuinely restorative.

Located in Rishikesh, the retreat is about a 40-45 minute drive from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. The nearest railway station is at Haridwar, around 20 kilometers away, with easy connections to Delhi. The best weather is from September to July, when the skies are mostly clear and temperatures are pleasant for practice.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals with 1 afternoon tea and snack - Filtered purified water - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - 2 complimentary Ayurveda therapies (Abhyanga & Shirodhara) - Sound healing session - Cultural excursion around Rishikesh - Professional event photos - Pre and post retreat support - Luggage storage - WiFi connection - School t-shirt/tote bag

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Visa fee - Flights costs - Airport transfers (available at extra cost) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Towels, toilet paper, soap and personal care products - Bank charges (5.5% for credit/debit card payments)