Himalayan Wellness Escape: 7-Day Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh with Waterfall Hikes and Ganga Aarti

The retreat runs at Shivoham Yogpeeth's center, a few minutes from the center of Rishikesh. Each day follows the same basic skeleton — early pranayama and yoga, breakfast, then a block of spiritual studies or an excursion, a long open afternoon, and an evening yoga session before dinner. The rhythm is steady, but there's enough variation in the outings to keep it from feeling same-y.

The instructors, Pranjal Ji and Vijay, both have serious credentials. Pranjal holds an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance and has taught for ten years, including stints at Yoga Vimoksha in Goa and Sanda Retreats. He trained in Mysore with Sri Ramesh Shetty for his 300-hour Ashtanga certification, studied Kundalini Yoga in Rishikesh, and leans on Osho meditation practices. Vijay brings five years of teaching plus a 500-hour YTTC. They teach in a mix of Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, and relaxation techniques, and they're known for translating the philosophy — Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita — into plain language.

Days three and five break the routine. On day three you'll walk to Vashisht Cave, a meditation cave associated with the sage Vasishta, and on day five you're up at 4 a.m. to drive to Kunjapuri Temple for sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. Evenings often include a trip to Ram Jhula suspension bridge and the Ganga Aarti, where the river fills with floating lamps and chanting. Between the early starts and the physical practice, the week has a proper traveler feel — you're not just at a resort.

The accommodations are straightforward but comfortable: twin or private rooms with attached bathrooms, air conditioning, 24/7 hot water, and Wi-Fi. The property has a yoga shala, a garden, a terrace, a restaurant, and a small spa for optional massages. For the price point, it's hard to beat the value — this is one of the more affordable ways to do a week of genuine teaching in Rishikesh with lodging and all meals included.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared or private room - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Sound healing session - Group excursions (Ram Jhula & Ganga Aarti, Vashisht Cave, Kunjapuri Temple) - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Free parking - Luggage storage - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Additional treatments (massages, spa packages)