Advanced 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in the Himalayan Foothills

This is not a gentle retreat. The 300-hour course at Akshi Yogashala is an advanced training that assumes you've already put in the hours and have a solid foundation. The curriculum is built around deepening your asana practice—think intermediate Vinyasa sequences, advanced poses like Pincha Mayurasana and Karandavasana—alongside a serious study of pranayama, bandhas, mudras, yoga nidra, and philosophy from the classical texts.

A typical day runs from 5:30 in the morning until 10 at night. You'll practice Hatha yoga at sunrise, then move into pranayama. After breakfast, the focus shifts to anatomy and alignment, with time also given to mantra and adjustments. The afternoon brings yoga philosophy or Ayurveda, and the day ends with a Vinyasa flow and a meditation session. There's no half-day here—you're in it for the full month, and the schedule is intense but designed to give you complete immersion.

What sets Akshi apart is the teaching staff. Sri Vivek, who spent 15 years in an ashram and is now pursuing a PhD in yoga, leads the philosophy and meditation. Maya-ji handles meditation and yoga nidra, and she's also the Russian-language translator. Karamjit grew up in a family that built monasteries, and he brings a deep, traditional perspective to the teaching. Sandeep 'Pandey Ji' is an asana champion turned pranayama specialist, and Deepak Bhatt, with a Master's in Yoga and 500-hour certification, has been leading YTTCs since 2013. Together they cover a broad range of expertise, from anatomy to astrology.

The location, in the forested hills near Rajaji National Park, feels a world away from the bustle of Rishikesh town. It's quiet, green, and the Ganga is a short walk away. The small group size—capped at 20—means you get real attention during practice and in the classroom. It's a focused, immersive month for anyone serious about advancing their teaching and practice.

What's included

- 31 days / 30 nights accommodation - 3 vegan and vegetarian meals a day - Water and tea throughout the day - Daily yoga and pranayama classes - Yoga anatomy and philosophy lectures - Alignment and adjustment workshops - Mantra chanting and meditation sessions - Teacher training course and certification - Certificate upon successful completion - Weekly excursion to famous places in Rishikesh - Group excursions and activities - Evening kirtan, movie nights, and activities - Airport or train station pickup (optional, can be arranged) - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - School t-shirt/tote bag - Free wifi - Pre- and post-retreat support

What's not included

- Flights - Visa fees and charges - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Extra nights (unless booked as an upgrade)