Wellness Escape with Waterfall Hikes and Daily Yoga in Rishikesh

The retreat runs on a set daily rhythm. Wake-up is at 7am, then there's a 90-minute Hatha yoga and pranayama session before breakfast. The rest of the morning is given over to that day's excursion – the waterfall hike is the big one, but you'll also go to Kunjapuri Temple for sunrise, explore Vashistha Cave, and do yoga on a beach by the Ganges. After lunch there's a second movement class (Ashtanga Vinyasa, Aerial Yoga, or Yin Yoga, depending on the day), then meditation with chanting. Dinner finishes the day, with your included Ayurvedic massage slotted in around 6pm. It's a full schedule but not a grueling one, and rest is built in.

What makes this retreat different from a standard hotel-and-yoga package is the setting. Hare Rama Institute is a dedicated yoga school in the foothills of the Himalayas, and Rishikesh is widely known as a yoga hub – the town is full of ashrams and ghats, and the Ganges runs right through it. The teachers here are locals who've studied at Uttarakhand Sanskrit University and trained under recognised gurus, and they teach in a traditional style – expect mantras, pranayama, and meditation woven into every class, not just asana.

The retreat also includes a 60-minute Ayurvedic massage every day, which is a real point of difference for the price. Alongside the yoga and hiking, you get daily vegetarian meals, airport pickup from Dehradun, and the option to book extra nights before or after if you want to extend your stay. The school can also arrange private classes, laundry, and other add-ons. It's worth noting the building is close to the town centre, so you can easily walk to cafes and shops, but the Ganges is a 20-minute walk – fine in the cooler months, less pleasant in summer heat.

What's included

- Airport pickup from Dehradun (Jolly Grant) Airport - 3 nights accommodation - 3 daily vegetarian meals - Daily Hatha yoga and pranayama classes - Daily Ashtanga Vinyasa / Aerial / Yin yoga classes - Daily meditation and chanting sessions - Daily 60-minute Ayurvedic massage - Daily excursions with a trusted guide (waterfall hike, temple visit, etc.) - Nature hikes and transportation during the retreat - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Free wi-fi - Pre- and post-retreat support from the team - Professional event photos - Luggage storage - Free cancellation up to 1 day before arrival

What's not included

- Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Additional treatments - Drop-off to airport (can be arranged for extra cost) - Alcoholic drinks or any non-vegetarian food