My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India (2025)

If you’re thinking about doing yoga teacher training in India, the birthplace of yoga, then Rishikesh, ‘the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ is the obvious choice.

Rishikesh lies on the banks of holy Ganges river at the foothills of the Himalayan mountains and is one of the best places in the world for authentic and affordable yoga teacher training (YTTC)

There are SO MANY ashrams and yoga schools offering yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, but it’s big business and sadly not all of them are good.

I did my yoga teacher training in India and know how confusing and overwhelming it can be trying to find the best yoga courses in Rishikesh, especially if you are a solo female traveller or it’s your first time in India. So I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to yoga teacher training in Rishikesh from my personal experience to help you out.

In this blog I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about yoga in Rishikesh. I’ll be honest about the pros and cons and challenges of doing yoga training in Rishikesh and give you some tips on how to choose the best yoga school and recommendations for the best Rishikesh yoga teacher training courses.

BTW: Most of the information online about yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is written by Rishikesh yoga schools purely to promote their own courses so be aware of the bias. In this blog you’ll find my honest opinion from my personal experience, research and reviews. I have used affiliate links that help to keep the site running and unbiased. 

Why Rishikesh is the Yoga Capital of the World

Yoga in India is so much more than a type of exercise. It originated in northern India 5,000 years ago and has it’s roots in an ancient discipline that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The Vedas, Sanskrit scriptures detailing spiritual rituals written between 1500–1000 BCE were the first texts to mention yoga. Rishikesh is also mentioned in ancient texts as a sacred place for achieving enlightenment.

Many saints and rishis (sages) are believed to have practiced yoga and meditation on the banks of the sacred Ganga river in what is now called Rishikesh and there are many ancient temples and ashrams on the river banks. The town’s name is derived from “Hrishikesha,” a name for Lord Vishnu which symbolizes the control of the senses — an important part of yoga.

The term “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means to yoke, unite or to join. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice to balance the body, mind, and spirit, with the ultimate aim of achieving inner peace and self-realization. So, although yoga has its roots in Hinduism, it’s a holistic practice that anyone can practice no matter their religion.

Many famous Indian yoga gurus have helped to shape it into the global phenomena that it is today. In about 400 BCE Patanjali, often considered the father of classical yoga, complied The Yoga Sutras and the Eight Limbs of Yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga.

The 8 Limbs include ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditative absorption (samadhi) and still form the basis of yoga philosophy today so you’ll learn more about this in any yoga teacher training program.

In the 19th Century, Swami Vivekananda brought yoga to the West, while T. Krishnamacharya, the “Father of Modern Yoga,” influenced contemporary yoga through his students B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Indra Devi. Modern yoga teachers and mystics, like Sadhguru founder of the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, combine traditional yogic teachings with practice for modern life and continue to spread yoga globally today.

Rishikesh has a long history of a place for yoga and meditation but it wasn’t until the 20th century when it  became internationally renowned for yoga after the Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1968 and sparked a global interest in Indian spirituality.

The town is now home to numerous ashrams and yoga schools and hosts the annual International Yoga Festival attracting yogis and spiritual seekers from across the world and earning it the nickname – ‘The yoga capital of the world.’

Reasons to do Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India

Know you know the history of yoga in Rishikesh you can see why it’s one of the most popular places to learn yoga and do yoga teacher training in the world.

Rishikesh is one of the most serene and spiritual towns in India and it’s connection with yoga, meditation and spiritualty goes back to ancient times.

There’s a very special energy in Rishikesh, the mountain scenery is simply soul stirring and when the temples and ashrams erupt with the hypnotic sounds of chanting and temple bells it’s just magical.

After The Beatles visited Rishikesh in the late 1960s it has become world famous as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and is a magnet for yogis and spiritual seekers so it’s easy to meet like minded people.

Rishikesh yoga courses are among the cheapest and most authentic in the world. As well as the traditional yoga ashrams there are also numerous yoga studios and schools with highly experienced teachers offering all kinds of yoga classes, retreats, workshops, healing therapies and yoga teacher trainings in Rishikesh.

Plus, many of the best Rishikesh yoga schools are registered with Yoga Alliance USA so, once qualified, you’ll be a certified yoga teacher able to teach yoga worldwide!

And it’s not just yoga that draws people to visit Rishikesh, you can also visit the abandoned Beatles ashram and the local temples and shrines, go white water rafting down the Ganges and trekking into the Himalayas. Also don’t miss witnessing the Ganga Aarti that takes place every evening along the River Ganga in Ram Jhula.

Most yoga trainings include basic accommodation and vegetarian meals but if you fancy something different there’s an eclectic mix of delicious local Indian restaurants and Western cafes serving healthy, nourishing vegan and vegetarian food, many with fabulous views over the river and mountains. Note that, as it’s a holy city, no meat, eggs or alcohol are served in the restaurants in Rishikesh.

There’s also no shortage of places to shop in Rishikesh either, with affordable spiritual books, trinkets, jewellery, handbags, musical instruments, and hand-sewn clothing to choose from.

Check out my Rishikesh travel guide for more travel tips.

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Options for Yoga Training in Rishikesh

There are literally hundreds of yoga courses in Rishikesh listed on bookyogateachertraining.com offering different styles of yoga, certifications, and durations so it can be confusing figuring out which one is the best for you.

To narrow down the options think about which yoga certification you want to earn, how long you want to spend studying yoga in Rishikesh, which yoga style you’d like to learn (and teach) and your current experience level.

There are so many different yoga styles – from classical Hatha yoga and Ashtanga yoga, to more modern styles like Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, Kundalini, Sivananda, Yin, Restorative, Acro and Aerial yoga – whatever type of yoga you prefer you will find it in Rishikesh!

If you’re unsure which yoga style to specialise in then go for a multi-style program which will allow you to experience a bit of everything or a traditional Hatha yoga teacher training program to keep your options open.

Most Rishikesh yoga schools will expect students undertaking yoga teacher trainings to have at least 6 months of regular yoga practice although some courses will accept beginners so check the level the training is aimed at.

Most importantly, make sure you do a course that will earn you the yoga certification you need. Here’s the most common options;

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses

The intensive 200 hour yoga teacher training certification is the most popular yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh as it is the basic requirement to become a qualified yoga teacher and start teaching yoga professionally.

200 hour yoga courses in Rishikesh usually take between 15 – 30 days to complete. As it’s an intensive program I recommend taking the most time you can for the best experience. Some schools offer a hybrid program which allows you to complete some of the theoretical training online beforehand so the in person part of the training takes les time.

A 200 hour Rishikesh yoga teacher training course should contain twice daily yoga classes which include meditation and pranayama as well as yoga asana practice. To meet the requirements set by Yoga Alliance all YTT’s also have to include sessions on:

• yoga philosophy,
• the yoga sutras,
• yoga history,
• yoga anatomy,
• alignment and adjustment
• yoga teaching methodology
• yoga teaching practice
• the yogic lifestyle and ethics

Teaching practice is a really important element of a yoga instructor course to prepare you for being a registered yoga teacher (RYT.) So look for courses with plenty of teaching practice.

And note that you will need to pass an exam to get your yoga certification. Some schools have written exams, others just have a practical exam where the students teach a class at the end of the course.

Successful completion of the 200 hour yoga teacher training course will give trainees a yoga teacher certification and the qualification to register with Yoga Alliance, become a certified yoga teacher and start teaching yoga.

Short Yoga Courses (50 hours – 100 hours)

If you don’t have time for the full 200 hours training or you’re not sure if you’re ready for a full yoga teacher training program yet, you can opt for a shorter yoga course like a 50 hours or 100 hours.

100 hour yoga teacher training courses are usually the first half of the 200 hour course which will give you a good foundation in the basics of yoga. 100 hours is perfect if you just want to deepen your personal yoga practice and don’t plan to teach straight away.

Some schools may allow you come back later to do another 100 hours to complete your certification but check first as this isn’t guaranteed – if you want to be qualified to teach you need to do 200 hours.

There’s also options for 50 hour yoga courses but these are usually top ups in specific styles like yin yoga, ariel yoga, kids yoga, or prenatal yoga to expand your knowledge after completing a 200 hour course.

Even if you go for a short yoga course remember that authentic Indian yoga teacher training is not a relaxing yoga retreat holiday – it’s an intensive, challenging, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual life changing journey where you’ll be waking up early and be busy studying all day. You will be expected to attend every session to earn your certification and pass an exam at the end.

If you’d prefer a relaxing yoga holiday then you’d be better off going for a yoga retreat in Rishikesh. There are also many amazing ashrams and meditation centres you can visit in India and even stay in if you want to experience ashram life.

Advanced Yoga Courses (300 hours – 500 hours)

If, after completing the initial 200 hours YTT, you want to go deeper you can take a more advanced yoga course like a 300 hour yoga teacher training program. The 300 hour YTT usually takes 21 – 35 days and goes into more depth building on what you’ve already learned in the 200 hour course.

If you want to do both together then you could choose a 500 hour YTT. This is a intensive combination of the 200 hour and 300 hour yoga program in succession and takes about 60 days. This will qualify you to be a 500 hour RYT (registered yoga teacher)

Online Yoga Teacher Training 

If you can’t make it to India right now there is a still a way to gain your yoga teacher certification with one of the best Rishikesh yoga schools as some offer online yoga teacher training courses.

One of the best is World Peace Yoga School in Rishikesh who offer a comprehensive self paced multi-style online 200 hour yoga teacher training where you can earn your Yoga Alliance certification to work as a yoga instructor anywhere in the world.

Online yoga courses are generally the most affordable way to become a certified yoga instructor, but they do have some drawbacks compared to in-person trainings. Here’s more on the pros and cons of online yoga teacher training.

Cost of Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Rishikesh

Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is amazing value for money as it usually includes not only yoga classes but also accommodation and food. It’s one of the most authentic yoga experiences you can get and being able to immerse yourself in the timeless culture, heritage and spirituality of India is priceless!

Yoga teacher training course fees in Rishikesh are amongst the cheapest in the world – you can find a 200 hour YTTC for as little as INR 30,000 (that’s about $350 / £280 / €335 depending on the exchange rate)

Of course, you get what you pay for and often the cheapest is not always the best and it’s often worth paying a bit more for a better experience and more comfort.

The average cost of 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is about $600 / £ 477 / € 575 for a 1 month intensive course with twice daily yoga classes, yoga philosophy lectures, accommodation and vegetarian meals included.

Be aware that standards of accommodation and facilities in India might not be the same as you are used to at home. The electricity, hot water supply and internet can be erratic, beds can be hard, streets are noisy with honking horns and construction, and food hygiene is a real concern.

While it’s all part of what makes India such a transformative destination its often worth paying a bit more for more comfortable accommodation, tasty meals, smaller class sizes and extras like excursions and airport pick up.

Also don’t forget that you’ll need to budget for flights to India, transfers to the yoga center, and that you’ll need to get an Indian visa too. (More about this at the end of the article.)

Check Skyscanner to find the best deals – round trip flights from London to New Delhi can be found for under £400 while flights from New York to New Delhi can cost $600.

The Best 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Programs in Rishikesh

I know how overwhelming it can be to trawl through the hundreds of Rishikesh yoga courses that all sound similar. So to help you decide here’s my pick of the best 200 hour yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh – all of them are multi style and approved by Yoga Alliance.

• Rishikesh Yogkulam – 25 Day 200-Hour Multi-Style YTTC with Emotional Release Treatment
• Vinyasa Yoga Shala – 25 Day 200-Hour Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Acro and Iyengar YTTC
• Yoga Vidya Mandiram – 22 Day 200-Hour Hatha, Ashtanga, Ayurveda, Philosophy, Meditation YTTC
• Triunga Yoga School – 24 Day 200-Hour Hatha YTTC with Body and Emotion Detoxification Program
• World Peace Yoga School – 28 Day 200-Hour Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Yoga YTTC with Yin, Ayurveda, Sound Healing and Acro Yoga
• Rishikesh Yoga Teacher Training Center – 28 Day 200-Hour Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa Flow YTTC with Ayurveda, Trauma & Emotional Healing

I’ve put this list together from my own experiences as well as recommendations from friends and other travelers and from reviews from previous students on www.bookyogateachertraining.com.

Hopefully it will make it easier for you to choose. I’ve focused on 200 hour courses as this is the basic qualification to start teaching yoga, but many yoga schools also run 50 hour, 100 hour, 300 hour and 500 hour programs too.

Keep on reading to learn more about the top rated courses and yoga schools.

Rishikesh Yogkulam – 25 Day 200-Hour Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training Course with Emotional Release Treatment

• Duration: 25 Days 200 Hours
• Styles: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin
• Price: From USD $999

Rishikesh Yogkulam runs a top rated 200 hour multi style yoga teacher training program which takes place over 25 days and is located in a peaceful area near Ram Jhula.

One of the reasons this yoga school stands out from the others in Rishikesh is their dedicated teachers and commitment to smaller class sizes and creating a family like environment.

Yog kulam actually means ‘yoga family’ so you’ll feel at home here and like part of a family, not just students. They also limit their batch size to 15 students maximum in order to provide every student with personalised attention for the best learning experience.

After a traditional vedic fire opening ceremony the Yoga Alliance approved program focuses on traditional hatha yoga and you’ll also learn ashtanga, vinyasa, yin, and restorative yoga styles alongside meditation, pranayama, yogic cleansing and mantra chanting.

You’ll also dive deep into yoga philosophy and lifestyle, learn all about the chakras, yoga anatomy and physiology. Also included are sound healing, kirtan and an emotional release treatment – a powerful therapy combining the use of deep acupressure points with energized breathing to release stuck emotions and trauma for holistic healing.

Accommodation is provided in a new building with a garden and roof terrace in a peaceful and quiet environment near the green mountains and traditional ashrams in the Ram Jhula area. The vibe here is more tranquil and more suitable for yoga training than the busy centre of Rishikesh or Tapovan. Choose from a shared room or a private depending on your budget.

Freshly made, healthy vegetarian meals and a yoga kit are also included in the YTT package as well as white water rafting and excursions to local temples and waterfalls on days off. Airport pick up is also provided to get your time in Rishikesh off to a smooth and stress free start.

See more details, reviews, photos, dates, prices and book here!

Rishikesh Yogkulam also offer:

• Self paced online 200 hour YTT,
• 29 day holistic 300 hour YTT
• 60 day comprehensive 500 hour YTT

Vinyasa Yoga Shala – 25 Day 200 Hour Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Acro and Iyengar YTTC

• Duration: 25 Days 200 Hours
• Style: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Acro and Iyengar
• Price: From USD $650

Vinyasa Yoga Shala offers a comprehensive 25 day 200 hour multi style YTTC that combines traditional yogic teachings with innovative modern approaches and cultural experiences for an immersive and transformative experience.

This top rated Rishikesh yoga school is led by experienced yoga teacher Ashish, who studied at the prestigious International Vishwaguru School of Yoga Vedniketandham in Rishikesh and earned a master’s degree in yogic sciences from Sanskrit University in Uttarakhand.

This YTT teaches vinyasa flow, hatha, ashtanga, acro and Iyengar yoga. With such a varied yoga practice you will be able to get a well rounded experience of all types of yoga. You’ll study the movement and key systems of the body, and really go into depth with correct postures and alignment which will help you to become an accomplished yogi and successful yoga teacher.

The program is suitable for people from all walks of life and all levels, including beginners. You’ll receive twice daily yoga classes with detailed teaching on asanas (postures), pranayama, mantra chanting and meditation sessions.

You’ll also cover yoga philosophy, yoga anatomy and physiology, alignment-adjustment, teaching methodology. Another

the trauma and emotional healing sessions which introduce practices that help trauma survivors reconnect with their bodies in healthy and meaningful ways and the teachings on the fundamentals of Ayurveda.

And it’s not just about yoga – Vinyasa Yoga Shala also include many activities and excursions to help students understand more about the historical and cultural context of yoga. You’ll get to experience a Reiki session, Ayurvedic massages, astrology consultation, sound healing, classical Indian dance classes and visit ancient temples and caves, including the Kunjapuri Temple and Vashishta Caves.

You’ll stay and practice at a modern and clean yoga centre near Laxman Jhula which has a dedicated yoga shala, lounge and dining area with mountain views, and many accommodation options to choose from including shared, single, or double occupancy rooms. Fresh, healthy, and organic vegetarian meals are provided three times a day.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!

Vinyasa Yoga Shala have some of the most comprehensive range of teacher training programs in Rishikesh with courses for all lengths and all styles including Kundalini and Tantra.

Some of the most popular yoga and meditation courses are:

• Self paced online 200 hour YTT
• 50 hour yin yoga and meditation YTT
• 100 hour YTT
• 300 hour YTT
• 500 hour YTT. 

Yoga Vidya Mandiram – 22 Day 200-Hour Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa YTTC

• Duration: 22 Days
• Styles: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa,
• Price: From approx. USD $595

Yoga Vidya Mandiram is one of the most popular yoga teacher training schools in Rishikesh and Thailand. They offer a 200 hour Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa YTT which takes 22 days and is most suitable for beginners/ intermediate yogis with basic knowledge of yoga.

The course focuses on the eight limbs of yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga styles, as well as traditional Hatha yoga and Patanjali’s philosophy.

This comprehensive program includes asana practice and yoga classes, pranayama, meditation, history and philosophy of yoga, yogic anatomy and physiology of human body, mantra recitation, daily joints and glands practices, six cleansing exercises (shat karma) yoga energy locks (bandha), yoga gestures (Mudra), yogic sleep (yoga Nidra), basic principles of Ayurveda, asana alignment practicum classes, yoga teaching practice, and teaching methodology.

The training also includes 3 vegetarian meals a day and accommodation. The food here is a highlight – really tasty, nourishing, healthy and lots of it! They also cater for vegan diets.

The air conditioned accommodation is clean, comfortable and well maintained. It’s located in a quieter area, close to the banks of the Ganges but still just a short walk into town. There’s also a nice garden where outdoor yoga classes are sometimes held.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!

Yoga Vidya Mandiram also run trainings in Thailand and some great short yoga courses in Rishikesh including a 7 day 50 hour Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga training course for those wanting to cover the basics in one week and a 7 day breath and pranayama retreat. There’s also a full range of 100 hour, 300 hour and 500 hour yoga teacher training programs.

Triunga Yoga School – 24 Day 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with Body and Emotional Detoxification Program

• Duration: 24 Days
• Styles: Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Yin
• Price: From USD $1,053

Triunga Yoga offers a 24 day 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in a quiet and green location just outside the hustle and bustle of Rishikesh. Rishikesh has gotten quite busy in recent years, especially at the weekends, so if you want a really peaceful and tranquil setting to do your yoga training you’ll need to head a bit out of the tourist area.

Another reason why this is one the best yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh is because it focuses on using yoga’s role in body and emotional detoxification to help you discover the relationship between mind and body through yoga, meditation and breathing techniques.

So as well as becoming a qualified 200 hour Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher, you will learn how you can heal yourself physically, emotionally and mentally using the five elements, yoga asanas, meditation, breathing techniques and emotional detoxification kriyas.

The course starts with an opening fire ceremony in line with the traditional yogic culture and the teachers are very experienced and infuse profound traditional teachings and spirituality into the course.

As well as asana yoga classes, philosophy and anatomy studies and teaching practice you’ll also experience the emotional detoxification program, sufi meditation, mantra chanting, pranayama, meditation, mudras, yoga nidra, yogic cleansing and naturopathy which will give you skills way beyond just the yoga poses.

The location of Triunga Yoga School is one of my favourites in Rishikesh as the town itself can get a bit noisy but this school is located just outside town in a peaceful area at Dhyan Mandir Ashram. I especially liked the white domed circular open air yoga shala (studio), the spacious rooms and gardens.

3 daily home cooked tasty Indian vegetarian meals are also included and vegan options are also possible. On days off the school can arrange trips to the mountains and local temples.

See more details, reviews, photos, dates, prices and book here!

Triguna also have a 300 hour YTTC and an excellent 12 day meditation teacher training course

World Peace Yoga School – 25 Day 200-Hour Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga TTC with Yin, Ayurveda, Sound Healing and Acro Yoga

• Duration: 25 Days 200 Hours
• Style: Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa and Yin Yoga
• Price: From USD $ 1,399

World Peace Yoga School Rishikesh offers a 200-hour Hatha and Ashtanga YTT which takes place over the course of 25 days at Tapovan resort in the centre of the yoga area of Rishikesh.

The program draws on over 10 years of experience facilitating yoga teacher training and focuses on the art of traditional hatha yoga, ashtanga, yoga philosophy, anatomy, and Ayurveda and is held at one of the most authentic and oldest yoga schools in Rishikesh.

The course is lead by Guruji Vishnu Panigrahi is one of the longest running and most popular yoga teacher trainings in Rishikesh.  The program begins with a beautiful and magical fire ceremony for initiation and blessings. The course will transform your body, mind and soul with in-depth training and practices in meditation, pranayama and yoga asanas in a welcoming and loving environment with world class teachers.

World Peace Yoga School is located in one of the liveliest areas of Rishikesh, in Laxman Jhula, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, cafes, and bike rentals within easy reach. They also do yoga sessions on the beach of the holy river Ganges, have a Satsang twice a month and show movies in the cafe most evenings. Plus, every Sunday, you’re able to explore Rishikesh and the tourist destinations within the area.

Accommodation is clean, bright and colourful with a garden, library, cafe and three yoga studios nestled next to the River Ganga and surrounded by serene mountains and lush landscapes and views. 3 vegetarian meals a day are also included.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!

World Peace Yoga School Rishikesh also offer self paced multi-style online 200 hour yoga teacher training, the advanced 300 hours training and an epic 500 hour program

Rishikesh Yoga Teacher Training Center – 28 Day 200-Hour Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa Flow TTC with Ayurveda, Trauma & Emotional Healing

• Duration: 28 Days 200 Hours
• Style: Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa Flow
• Price: From USD $750

Rishikesh Yoga Teacher Training Center offer an inclusive 200 hour fusion YTTC at a really affordable price, starting at only $750. The course focuses on hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga and takes place over 28 days. They also delve into Naturopathy and Ayurveda and include a trauma and emotional healing session.

Because the course takes place over 28 days which means it will be more in-depth and less overwhelming than other courses that try to pack it all in to a shorter duration. This is why it’s one of the most popular yoga teacher trainings in Rishikesh.

One of the best things about this yoga center is that the YTTC has been specially designed so that it’s suitable for all levels – from beginner to advanced yogis so even if you are a beginner just wanting to learn more about yoga you will be welcomed with open arms here.

Another highlight is the teachers and staff – there’s a real family vibe here as they make you feel so welcome, loved and at home. The teachers at the Rishikesh Yoga Teacher Training Center are enthusiastic and well trained in teaching the spiritual techniques about yogic life, asana-pranayama, anatomy, mediation, and mantra-chanting.

Their main focus is their small and intimate yoga classes, so you really get to know your teacher and your fellow classmates during this program. They also try to individualize and personalize everything for you, so its suitable for all levels and you’re receiving the exact sort of help you need in order to expand on your knowledge of yogic practice.

The school is situated at Tapovan Nishant Garden Resort in the heart of the Rishikesh in Laxman Jhula, next to the famous hanging bridge and holy Ganga river so it’s within easy reach of all Rishikesh has to offer. Accommodation is included in single or double rooms with private bathrooms and balconies with nice views.

There are 2 yoga studios, roof top, a dining area and garden. Some excursions and activities like cooking classes, Ayurveda massage, reflexology session, white water rafting, trekking and sight seeing tours are also included making this one of the most fun, sociable and best value for money Rishikesh yoga teacher training programs with prices from $750.

See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!

Rishikesh Yoga Teacher Training Centre also offer courses in Bali and an epic 59 day 500 hour fusion yoga and holistic teacher training in Rishikesh.

How to Choose a Good Yoga School in Rishikesh

It’s easy to see why so many people flock to Rishikesh for affordable and authentic Indian yoga teacher training but with so many options and the plethora ashrams, yoga retreats and yoga schools it can be confusing to know which yoga teacher training in Rishikesh to choose.

Whether you just want to further your yoga practice or if you want to change your career and become a yoga teacher, yoga teacher training is a challenging and life changing experience. It’s also a big investment and time commitment so make sure you do your research and choose a YTTC that is right for you. Always make sure your YTT is with a registered yoga school that is Yoga Alliance approved.

Some of the most important things to consider when choosing a yoga training course include:

• the certification you’ll gain,
• the curriculum and quality of the yoga education,
• the style of yoga taught and how advanced you are in your own practice,
• the reputation of the yoga school and the instructors,
• the quality of the facilities and accommodation,
• the destination and location,
• the length and price of the program.

There are many SO places that offer yoga teacher training in Rishikesh and it’s become big business nowadays but sadly not all yoga schools are equal and not all gurus are the real deal.

Some places are like yoga teacher training factories with huge class sizes although some schools, like Jiva Yoga Academy, offer smaller groups with more personalised attention.

Also be aware that just because a school is number 1 on Google it doesn’t necessarily mean they offer the best yoga training – they are just the best at SEO and website design or pay for advertising…

Also, accommodation can be basic in India so its a good idea to check out photos and reviews of where you’ll be staying first, and the location.

In recent years, Rishikesh has also become very popular and pretty crowded with tourists at weekends. There’s also a lot of construction happening, so I’d recommend staying in a yoga school a bit out of the centre if you want a more peaceful experience.

If you’re a solo female traveller in India you need to take special care when traveling in India and to really check out the yoga schools and teachers, get testimonials and reviews from previous students to make sure that you have a safe and rewarding experience in India.

Make sure you thoroughly check reviews on unbiased sites like www.bookyogateachertraining.com as the reviews on a yoga school’s website or social media pages may not always tell the full story.

Solo female travellers who are nervous about visiting India might also want to consider Bali which is safer, cleaner, easier and more luxurious than India. Known as ‘the island of the gods’ Bali is still immersed in spirituality with the Hindu culture and religion and there’s a plethora of amazing yoga teacher training programs in Bali. 

Pros and Cons of Doing Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

While India, and in particular Rishikesh, is one of the best places in the world to experience an authentic yoga training and immerse yourself in the spirituality of this fascinating country, visiting India isn’t without it’s challenges.

Pros:

• Rishikesh yoga teacher training packages are among the cheapest in the world
• Learn authentic and traditional yoga in India – it’s birthplace
• Be immersed in a spiritual atmosphere of this holy town surrounded by temples and ashrams
• Connect with the vibrant community of yogis and spiritual seekers
• Experience the life changing adventure that comes with visiting India

Cons:

• Beware of fake gurus and yoga teacher training factories with huge classes sizes and low quality teaching and facilities.
• India can be challenging to travel in. Women’s safety, scams, garbage, pollution and poor food hygiene are challenges to consider.
• Accommodation can be basic and beds are usually hard in India. Winters can be cold in Rishikesh and most accommodation does not have heating or hot water.
• Noise from traffic, crowds of tourists and construction can disturb the tranquil atmosphere.
• You need to obtain an Indian visa beforehand.

But as long as you carefully research the school before you book, prepare yourself for the challenges and culture shock of visiting India and come with an open mind and heart, yoga teacher training in Rishikesh can be a truly life changing experience.

If you are not sure if visiting India is right for you then why not consider yoga teacher training in Bali instead. This beautiful, tropical and deeply spiritual island in Indonesia is known as ‘the island of the gods’ and also follows the Hindu religion and has a plethora of high quality yoga centres.

Tips for Visiting Rishikesh

Once you’ve decided on which Rishikesh yoga training course to do you can start planning your trip to India. You’ll want to consider the best time to visit, how to get to Rishikesh, how to get an visa for India, what to pack and how to stay safe. Here’s my tips.

How to travel to Rishikesh

Rishikesh is located in the state of Uttarakhand in the north of India. The nearest international airport is New Delhi International Airport (DEL) which receives international flights from all over the world.

Don’t forget you’ll need to apply for an Indian visa before traveling. E-Visas are available for most nationalities including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries, but you still need to apply online before you travel to India. This is the official Indian visa website.

The quickest and easiest way to travel to Rishikesh is to take a domestic flight from Delhi to Dehra Dun Airport (also known as Jolly Grant Airport) which takes about 1 hour.

From Dehra Dun it takes about 40 minutes in a taxi to Rishikesh. Check if your yoga school offers airport transfers as this will ensure your yoga trip gets off to a smooth, safe, stress-free start.

You can also take a bus or train. The bus from Delhi to Rishikesh takes about 6 hours while the train to Haridwar takes about 7 – 9 hours and then you’ll need to get a taxi 30 mins to Rishikesh. Book your train well in advance as they get fully booked. You can book buses and trains in India easily online at 12Go Asia.

Once in Rishikesh you can walk or use local taxis and rickshaws (tuk tuks) to get around but make sure you agree on a price before getting in to avoid being overcharged.

Best time to practice yoga in Rishikesh

The best time to come for yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is in October – November or March – April.

Many people think that it’s always hot in India, but its a huge and diverse country with a varied climate. As Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas it can be quite chilly here in the winter between December and February. Be aware that most budget accommodations won’t have heating, hot water or power back up.

The international yoga festival is held in March so it is an exciting but busy time to visit. In Summer it can be boiling hot so you’ll need air conditioning and monsoon season runs from July – September.

What to wear for yoga in Rishikesh

While Rishikesh is a popular destination for international visitors it’s important to be aware that India is still a conservative country so female travellers should dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention.

Popular yoga clothing in the West like tight leggings, hotpants and crop tops aren’t really appropriate for yoga in India although some people still wear them. Even so, it’s not a good idea to wander around Rishikesh in tiny tight yoga clothes or sunbathe in a bikini by the Ganges. It’s better to wear light, loose fitting clothes to cover up and stay comfortable in the heat.

Most yoga schools have yoga mats you can use but for hygiene reasons I recommend having your own. You can buy basic yoga mats in many shops but if you prefer a higher quality mat you might want to bring it with you. See more packing tips and what to wear when traveling in India here.

Also make sure you have travel insurance covers you for yoga and all the activities you plan to do on your trip and for any covid related cancellations or illness.

Final Thoughts on Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

Wow that was a long post but there is so much to be aware off when considering yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, especially if you are visiting India for the first time or a solo female traveller.

Being immersed in the spirituality of Rishikesh and learning authentic yoga in it’s birthplace can be a truly amazing and transformative – just make sure to do your research! Don’t forget to check the yoga schools reviews before you sign up to ensure you have an experience that is life changing for all the right reasons!

I hope you found this guide useful and that this blog has helped to find your ideal YTTC. If you’re still undecided you might want to consider yoga teacher training in other parts of India like Goa or Kerala. Also check out my other blogs about India and this article about yoga teacher training abroad for more tips and recommendations.

Read More Rishikesh Blogs:

• My Rishikesh Travel Guide
• Best Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh
• Meditation and Yoga Retreats in India
• My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in India
• My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
• Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses and Yoga Retreats in Goa

Do you have any more questions about doing yoga teacher training in Rishikesh?

Leave your comments below the post and I’ll try and help you out.