4-Day Yoga and Sound Healing Retreat in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, India

Saptkaya Yoga School has been running retreats and teacher trainings in Rishikesh for years, and this four-day program is their attempt to compress the essential elements of their longer courses into a shorter, more accessible format. The days are built around a mix of Ashtanga and Hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation, and sound healing sessions, which gives the retreat a more varied feel than a single-style yoga holiday.

The sound healing component is a real point of difference. These sessions use singing bowls and other instruments to produce vibrations that are meant to induce deep relaxation and release emotional tension. Even if you're sceptical about the energetic claims, the sessions are genuinely calming and a pleasant contrast to the more active yoga classes.

There's also a strong sightseeing element to the schedule. A guided waterfall hike takes you to the natural pools near the school, and there's a trip to the Ganges for the evening Aarti ceremony, where priests perform a fire ritual on the riverbank. One morning is set aside for sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple, which means an early start but spectacular views over the valley.

The teaching team is drawn from the school's regular faculty, all of whom have substantial experience and certifications. Rohit Prasad Singh is the lead teacher and an ERYT-500, and he's typically supported by other members of the team depending on the group size. The retreats are kept small, generally under twenty-five participants, which means you get personalised attention in the classes.

One thing to be aware of is that this is a school, not a resort. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the food is good, but you shouldn't expect the kind of facilities you might find at a five-star wellness retreat. What you get instead is an authentic experience of what it's like to train at a serious yoga school in India, at a price that's hard to beat.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Daily sound healing sessions - Yoga Nidra session - Group excursions (waterfall hike, Ganga Aarti) - Sunrise visit to Kunjapuri Temple - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Pre and post retreat support - Transportation during the retreat - Parking - Luggage storage - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Airport transfers - Additional treatments (e.g. massage) - Activities not in the itinerary - Optional upgrades - Personal expenses