3-Day Riverside Sound Healing & Yoga Wellness Retreat in the Himalayas

Set in the Tapovan area near Lakshman Jhula, Buddha Retreat sits among the Himalayan foothills, with the Ganges flowing nearby. The setting itself is part of the experience—mornings are cool and quiet, the air is clean, and the sound of the river carries through the property. The retreat is designed to give guests a real taste of yogic living without the rigidity of a traditional ashram, so there is structure to the day but plenty of freedom to follow your own path.

Every morning begins with Pranayama (breathing exercises) followed by a Hatha Yoga class that emphasizes alignment and detailed explanation of each asana. After breakfast, there is time to rest or study, before a meditation session that may take place in the yoga hall, in the garden, or by the riverside. Afternoons bring a sound healing session—usually with singing bowls and mantras—and then a dynamic Ashtanga or Vinyasa class. The evening winds down with dinner and, often, an optional activity like ecstatic dance, storytelling, or a bonfire.

A key feature of this retreat is its flexibility. While a full schedule is offered each day, nothing is compulsory. This makes it welcoming for complete beginners who are curious about yoga, as well as experienced practitioners who want to deepen their practice in a supportive environment. The small group size, typically between five and fifteen participants, keeps things intimate and ensures personal attention from the teacher.

The food is vegetarian, with gluten-free and vegan options readily available. Ingredients are fresh and mostly organic, and meals are prepared with care to support the yoga practice and a sense of lightness. Between meals, guests are offered Ayurvedic drinks like madhuram, herbal teas, and fresh fruit or vegetable juices.

Buddha Retreat is a small, family-run operation founded by Devrishi, who leads most of the sessions himself. His background—growing up in a Brahmin family steeped in spiritual tradition, and later leaving an engineering degree to pursue this path—gives the teaching an authenticity that guests consistently mention in reviews. The retreat has earned a high rating from past visitors, who often highlight the peaceful atmosphere, knowledgeable teachers, and the personal attention they received.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in your choice of private or shared room - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Welcome drink on arrival - Daily Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga classes - Daily meditation sessions (morning and afternoon) - Daily Pranayama (breathing) session - Sound healing and mantra chanting session - Ayurvedic drinks, herbal teas, and fresh juices throughout the day - Evening philosophy and chanting sessions - Free Wi-Fi throughout the property - Secure parking and luggage storage - Access to the garden, library, and yoga shala

What's not included

- Flights to India - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Airport transfers (available for an additional fee) - Optional extra treatments and activities not listed in the itinerary - Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)