Himalayan Yoga and Sound Healing Escape in Rishikesh

Saptkaya Yoga School sits on Secret Waterfall Road in Upper Tapovan, about an hour's drive from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport. The property is surrounded by greenery, with mountain views from the rooms and a short walk to natural waterfalls. It's far enough from Rishikesh's busier tourist areas to feel quiet, but close enough that you can explore the town's temples, cafés, and shops on your free afternoon.

Each day follows a rhythm: early morning yoga (Hatha or Ashtanga, depending on the teacher), breakfast, then a mid-morning session covering pranayama and meditation. After lunch, sound healing sessions use Tibetan bowls and other instruments to work through tension and help you relax more deeply. Late afternoon is either free time or an excursion — the waterfall hike, Ganga Aarti, or the pre-dawn drive to Kunjapuri Temple for sunrise over the Himalayas.

The sound healing component is what sets this retreat apart from a standard yoga week. The sessions are led by instructors certified in sound therapy, including Tibetan bowl techniques, and are woven into the daily schedule rather than offered as an occasional extra. If you've never tried it, expect to lie down while the bowls are played around and sometimes on your body — the vibrations are meant to release physical and emotional tension.

The teaching team rotates through several instructors, all holding E-RYT 500 certifications from Yoga Alliance. Rohit Prasad Singh has over 30 years of experience and has taught across India, Europe, and Asia. Gurudev (Dhruvaji) holds a Master's in Physical Chemistry from IIT Bombay and a Master Diploma in Yoga Therapy, specialising in yoga philosophy and chakra work. Aishwarya brings a dual background in yoga and nutrition, holding degrees in both yogic science and food science. The variety means you'll likely experience different teaching styles across the four days.

Meals are Ayurvedic-style vegetarian, served three times daily. Breakfast might include fresh fruit, sprouts, porridge, or Indian specialities like paratha. Lunch and dinner feature roti, seasonal vegetables, rice or millet, daal, and salads. Afternoon tea with biscuits bridges the gap. The kitchen accommodates vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, keto, and other dietary requirements — just mention your needs when booking.

The retreat suits anyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. Classes are adjusted to the level of the group, and the small size means instructors can offer individual corrections. Solo travellers make up a good portion of guests, though couples and small groups are welcome. The vibe is quiet and focused rather than party-oriented — expect early starts and a tech-light environment designed for a proper digital detox.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in private or shared rooms - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes (Hatha and Ashtanga) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Daily sound healing sessions - Yoga Nidra session - Waterfall hike with guide - Ganga Aarti visit - Sunrise trip to Kunjapuri Temple - Free time for self-shopping in Rishikesh - Yoga by the Ganges - Transportation during the retreat - Pre and post retreat support - Free parking - Luggage storage - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Optional Ayurvedic massage and spa treatments - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Personal expenses