7-Day Yoga, Ayurveda & Sound Healing Wellness Retreat in Rishikesh

Gurukul Yogashala runs this retreat from a traditional ashram in Rishikesh, a town that has drawn spiritual seekers for centuries. The daily schedule is built around two asana sessions—a Mysore-style Ashtanga and Vinyasa flow in the early morning, and a Hatha workshop in the late afternoon—plus pranayama, meditation, and mantra chanting. The structure is consistent, which is the point: you fall into a rhythm of practice, meals, and rest that's hard to replicate at home.

The retreat includes two Ayurvedic therapies at no extra cost. An Abhyanga massage uses warm oil to calm the nervous system and improve lymphatic drainage, while Shirodhara pours a steady stream of warm medicated liquid onto the forehead to relieve stress and improve sleep. There's also a single sound healing session with Tibetan singing bowls, led by Dr. Shikha Sharma, who holds a Master's in Yogic Science and has practiced sound healing for years.

The teaching team is a mix of local specialists. Yogi Arvind Negi, the founder, focuses on the Yamas and Niyamas as the foundation of practice. Dr. Bhagyashree brings formal academic training in Hindu Studies and Sanskrit, along with an 800-hour Hatha certification. Yogesh teaches anatomy-focused classes, and Atharva Deo offers Vedic astrology and mantra chanting. It's a deep bench for a one-week retreat, and guests often comment on the quality of the instruction.

The location adds a lot. The ashram is about 500 meters from the Ganges, and a nearby waterfall provides a constant natural soundtrack. The rooms are simple—guests describe the accommodation as basic—but the food is freshly prepared sattvic vegetarian, and the atmosphere is genuinely welcoming. Many guests extend their stay, and some go on to complete teacher training with the same school.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in private or shared twin rooms - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals with 1 afternoon tea and snack - Filtered purified water 24/7 - Daily yoga classes (Hatha and Vinyasa Flow) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - 2 complimentary Ayurvedic therapies (Abhyanga and Shirodhara) - Sound healing session with Tibetan bowls - Shatkarma (yogic cleansing) sessions - Mantra chanting sessions - One cultural excursion around Rishikesh - Professional event photos - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Luggage storage - Wi-Fi connection - School t-shirt/tote bag

What's not included

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