14-Day Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Wellness Retreat in Rishikesh

The Light in Himalayas Yoga Retreat runs a 14-day program that goes well beyond a standard yoga holiday. Each day is built around two yoga sessions—usually Hatha or Vinyasa in the morning and something gentler in the afternoon—with time set aside for pranayama, meditation, and philosophy talks. The teachers are experienced and happy to adjust poses for beginners, so you don't need to have any previous experience to join.

What really sets this retreat apart are the excursions. You'll wake early one morning to drive up to Kunjapuri Temple for sunrise and meditate with the Himalayan peaks in front of you. On another day, you'll visit Vashishta Gufa, an ancient cave where the sage Vashishta is said to have meditated, and sit in silence inside. The full-day trip to Devprayag is particularly special—you stand where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to become the Ganges. The retreat also includes a sound healing session and an evening of kirtan, where everyone sings and chants together.

Cultural experiences are part of the package too. You'll go to the evening Ganga Aarti on the riverbanks, a powerful ritual of fire and song that draws crowds every night. There are also opportunities to watch local Garhwali and Kumaoni folk dances and to wander through Rishikesh's markets and cafes. While the schedule is full, there's enough free time to journal, read, or just sit by the river.

The retreat is hosted at the Yogved Hospitality & Resort, a few kilometers from the center of Rishikesh. The property is set among trees, with a garden and a yoga deck, and the rooms are simple but comfortable, with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The team at Light in Himalayas handles all the logistics, so all you need to do is show up and settle into the rhythm of the place.

What's included

- 13 nights accommodation in private or shared room - 3 daily sattvic vegetarian meals - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes (Hatha & Vinyasa) - Daily pranayama (breathwork) sessions - Daily guided meditation - Sound healing session - Kirtan (Bhakti yoga) sessions - Ganga Aarti experience - Sunrise excursion to Kunjapuri Temple - Visit to Vashishta Gufa cave - Devprayag full-day excursion - Cultural workshop with folk dance - Nature hikes with a guide - Yoga philosophy talks - Use of yoga mats and props - Complimentary Wi-Fi - Parking and luggage storage - Pre and post-retreat support - Certificate of completion

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Airport transfers (available at an additional cost) - Additional treatments like massage or Ayurvedic therapies - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary - Personal expenses and souvenirs