Ayurvedic Detox & Yoga Week in the Himalayan Foothills

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification process involving five treatments: Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting, though this one is rarely used). The idea is to clear toxins that have built up from diet, stress, or illness. At Saptkaya, the Ayurvedic doctor meets with you on Day 1 for a pulse diagnosis to work out your constitution and current imbalances, then designs your treatment plan around that. You won't necessarily do all five; it depends on what the doctor thinks you need.

Each day follows a similar rhythm. You wake up for pranayama and a yoga class — the styles taught here include Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa, depending on which teacher is leading. After breakfast, you have your first Panchakarma treatment, then lunch, then a second treatment in the afternoon. Late afternoon brings another yoga class, followed by meditation, Yog Nidra, or sound healing before dinner. The schedule says it stays flexible, so sessions might shift around.

The teaching team is large for a retreat this size. Rohit Prasad Singh is an E-RYT 500 who's been teaching since his university days and has worked across India, Europe, and Asia. Gurudev (Dhruvaji) focuses on yoga philosophy, pranayama subtleties, and sound therapy — he has a Masters in Physical Chemistry from IIT Bombay and three decades of teaching behind him. Aishwarya has an MA in Yogic Science plus a background in nutrition, and Amit has 12 years of experience including time teaching Iyengar yoga in Hong Kong. The Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Prateek Singh Rawat, holds a Bachelor's in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery plus a diploma in Panchakarma, and has been practising for over 15 years.

Beyond the daily treatments and classes, the week includes a sunrise trip to Kunjapuri Temple, a visit to Ram Jhula to watch Ganga Aarti on the riverbank, a nature hike, and an Ayurveda cooking class. The last day leaves time for you to explore Rishikesh on your own before the final dinner and checkout.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared or private room - 3 daily vegetarian Ayurvedic meals - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink on arrival - Daily Panchakarma treatments (personalised by Ayurvedic doctor) - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation sessions - Daily pranayama sessions - Daily sound healing sessions - Yog Nidra session - Ayurveda cooking class - Ayurveda doctor consultation and pulse diagnosis - Visit to Ram Jhula and Ganga Aarti - Kunjapuri Temple sunrise visit - Nature hike with guide - Group excursions and activities - Head and shoulder massage on Day 1 - Transportation during retreat activities - Free parking - Luggage storage - Free wifi - Pre and post retreat support from the team

What's not included

- Airport transfers (available at additional cost) - International or domestic flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional Ayurvedic or spa treatments beyond the programme - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary - Personal expenses