Waterfall Hiking and Yoga Adventure Retreat in the Himalayan Foothills

From the moment you arrive, the schedule is full but relaxed. Each day opens with a Hatha yoga class at 6:30 AM, followed by a pranayama session focusing on breath control. After breakfast, the group heads out for an excursion – this is where the adventure part comes in. You might trek to a waterfall, visit the Vashist Cave, or explore some of Rishikesh's famous temples. The afternoons are yours to rest until the Ashtanga Vinyasa flow class at 4 PM, and the evenings close with meditation and chanting before dinner.

The retreat is designed to be accessible. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been practising for years, the teachers adjust the classes to suit the group. Aakash specialises in Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa, while Gaurav brings a background in yogic science from Uttarakhand Sanskrit University. Both are patient and encouraging, and they make a point of explaining the principles behind the poses rather than just guiding you through them.

What sets this retreat apart is the balance between yoga and adventure. You're not just doing yoga on a mat all day – you're out in nature, trekking, rafting, and exploring. This combination makes it feel more like an active holiday than a strict wellness retreat. The excursions are also a great way to see parts of Rishikesh that you might not find on your own, and the guides know the area well.

The food is another highlight. All meals are vegetarian, prepared fresh in-house, with options for vegans. Breakfast might include fruit salad, porridge, and poha, while lunch and dinner feature vegetable curries, dal, rice, and roti. There's a gap of six to seven hours between lunch and dinner, so it's worth bringing snacks if you tend to get hungry in the late afternoon.

Accommodation is simple but comfortable, with a choice of shared twin rooms, private rooms, and private couple rooms. The school has a yoga shala and a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The atmosphere is low-key and friendly, and you're likely to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world.

What's included

- Airport pickup from Jolly Grant Dehradun Airport (DED) - Accommodation for 6 nights (shared or private options) - Daily Hatha yoga classes - Daily pranayama (breathing) sessions - Daily meditation classes - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Transportation during the retreat for excursions - Water, tea, and coffee available throughout the day - Group excursions and activities as per itinerary - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Professional event photos - Luggage storage - Pre and post retreat support from the team

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Airport drop-off at the end of the retreat - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Snacks between meals