Himalayan Wellness Escape: Yoga & Sound Healing in Rishikesh

The retreat runs for seven days and six nights at Saptkaya Yoga School, located on Secret Waterfall Road in Upper Tapovan. The area is quieter than central Rishikesh, with greenery, nearby waterfalls, and a slower pace than the ashram-heavy parts of town.

Each day starts with pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation, followed by a 90-minute Hatha or Ashtanga yoga class. The teachers adjust their instruction for different levels, so complete beginners and more experienced practitioners can work in the same session. Afternoons include sound healing — lying down while the facilitator plays singing bowls and other instruments — as well as Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation) and occasional philosophy talks.

The week isn't wall-to-wall activity. Some afternoons are free for naps, walks, or exploring. Scheduled excursions include a hike to a local waterfall, attending Ganga Aarti (the evening fire ceremony by the Ganges), and a pre-dawn trip to Kunjapuri Temple to watch the sunrise over the mountains. There's also time set aside for wandering Rishikesh, shopping if you want, and sitting by the river.

The teaching team is large — eight instructors rotate through the program — so you'll encounter different styles and specialties across the week. Rohit Prasad Singh (E-RYT 500) leads much of the asana work, Gurudev (Dhruvaji) handles yoga philosophy, and Aishwarya brings expertise in yin yoga and prenatal work. Dr. Prateek Singh Rawat, an Ayurveda doctor, is on hand for consultations or questions about digestion, doshas, and lifestyle.

The sound healing sessions are a central feature. These use singing bowls, mantras, and other instruments to encourage relaxation and release tension. Sessions run daily and are positioned as a way to complement the physical yoga practice rather than replace it.

By the end of the week, you'll have covered a lot of ground — literally, with the hiking, and figuratively, with the range of practices. The retreat works well for people looking for variety and exploration alongside their yoga, rather than a silent, inward-focused experience.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared or private room - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink on arrival - Daily Hatha and Ashtanga yoga classes - Daily meditation sessions - Daily pranayama (breathwork) classes - Daily sound healing sessions - Yoga Nidra sessions - Waterfall hike with guide - Ganga Aarti visit - Kunjapuri Temple sunrise trip - Yoga session by the Ganges - Free time for self-shopping in Rishikesh - Transportation during scheduled excursions - Parking at the school - Luggage storage - Wi-Fi - 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 spa treatments or Ayurveda consultations - Activities not listed in the itinerary - Personal expenses