7-Day Himalayan Yoga & Wellness Retreat in Rishikesh

The retreat is run by Shivoham Yoga School, and it's held at their centre on the quieter side of Rishikesh, surrounded by forest and within sight of the Ganges. The week opens with a traditional welcome and an orientation over evening tea, then settles into a rhythm that most days starts at 6 a.m. with pranayama and a 90-minute yoga class. There are two yoga sessions on most days—one in the morning, one in the late afternoon—with meditation, yog nidra, or sound healing in the evening.

What makes it different from a standard yoga holiday is the local immersion. On day two you'll walk to Ram Jhula and join the evening Ganga Aarti, where hundreds of lamps float down the river. Day three is a trek up to Vashisht Cave, a meditation site associated with the sage Vashishta. Day five starts at 4 a.m. for a drive to Kunjapuri Temple to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. These aren't optional add-ons—they're built into the itinerary, so you get a genuine sense of the spiritual life of Rishikesh, not just the tourist version.

The teaching is grounded and practical. Pranjal Ji has trained in Ashtanga in Mysore and studied Kundalini and Osho meditation in Rishikesh; he explains philosophy with everyday examples and stories, which makes the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita feel relevant rather than abstract. The other teachers—Vijay and Shubham—bring their own strengths: Vijay focuses on balance and inner peace, Shubham on classical Hatha and anatomy. Between them, there's a lot of collective experience (over 15 years combined) and a genuine care for each student's progress.

The accommodation is basic but comfortable: air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, and most have mountain views. The food is Ayurvedic and sattvic—think porridge and fruit at breakfast, roti and daal with vegetables at lunch and dinner, plus a tea break with biscuits. It's simple, wholesome food that won't weigh you down during practice. If you're coming to Rishikesh to deepen your practice, this retreat offers a well-rounded, affordable week that mixes discipline with adventure.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared or private room - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water and tea served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily sound healing session - A yog nidra session - Group excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Parking - Luggage storage - Free Wi-Fi

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments (e.g., massage) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary