Rishikesh, a spiritual mountain town on the holy Ganges river in northern India, is one of the most popular yoga destinations in India – the birthplace of yoga. As you’d expect, there are an almost overwhelming amount of ways to experience yoga in Rishikesh, which makes it difficult to decide.
Before my first visit, it was so confusing it was shifting through the hundreds of ashrams, yoga schools and yoga retreats in Rishikesh trying to find a good one that would safe for me as a solo female traveller.
So I wrote this post (and updated it for 2024) to help you narrow it down to just the 5 very best retreats. I now live in Goa, India, I did my yoga teacher training here and I have spent alot of time in Rishikesh, so I can guide you to having an experience that is memorable – for all the right reasons!
As well as my tips for how to plan your yoga trip to Rishikesh and what to expect, I’ll give you my recommendations for the best Rishikesh yoga retreats, based on my personal experiences, my friend’s suggestions and reviews from other guests.
My Guide to Yoga in Rishikesh, India – The Yoga Capital of the World
Pin me 😉
Reasons to join a yoga retreat in Rishikesh
India is the birthplace of yoga and Rishikesh is located about 5 hours north from India’s capital Delhi in the Indian state of Uttarakand, a place of myths and mountains known as ‘The Land of God’s’ by Hindus.
was made famous as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ after The Beatles stayed at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960’s to practice transcendental meditation. Their time in Rishikesh was one of the most creative periods in the group’s career.
A yoga retreat in Rishikesh can be a life changing experience for anyone looking to learn authentic, traditional yoga from the source and the philosophy that underpins this ancient practice. In Rishikesh you’ll go beyond just the physical poses ‘asanas’ and also get to explore the deep spirituality of India while soaking up the special energy and stunning nature of the mighty Himalayan mountains.
Rishikesh is a magnet for spiritual seekers so you meet lots of interesting and like minded people here. It’s not just the yoga that brings people to Rishikesh but also the soul stirring scenery with the beautiful holy Ganga River coursing through Rishikesh and the views to the Himalaya mountains beyond.
As well as yoga, Rishikesh also offers thrilling white water rafting and trekking opportunities and also has many cafes serving healthy western and local food, bookstores, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Don’t miss the nightly ‘Ganga Aarti’ ceremony and exploring the now abandoned ashram that The Beatles stayed at. See here to read my Rishikesh Travel Guide.
Rishikesh’s spiritual energy and atmosphere cannot really be explained in words – you really have to experience it and feel it for yourself. Rishikesh is always a soul stirring experience and a yoga retreat can have a transformational and positive impact on your body, mind, and soul, and is an experience that you’ll remember forever.
Here is my pick of the 5 Best Yoga Retreats in Rishikesh:
Deep Dive Yoga and Meditation Retreat
- Location: Yoga Vidya Mandiram, Tapovan, Rishikesh
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: From Approx. $ 399
If you’re looking to learn about yoga, meditation and also explore the best of Rishikesh and the surrounding mountains I recommend Yoga Vidya Mandiram – one of the most popular and top rated yoga schools in Rishikesh.
Suitable for beginners to experienced yogis, this is the perfect place to learn yoga in India – it’s birthplace. Here you’ll learn the basic yoga philosophy, practice your yoga poses (asanas) in the daily yoga classes and take part in guided mediation sessions with experienced gurus like Swami Omkarananda and Swami Atma Jnanananda.
This retreat, like most in India, offers a deep dive into everything yoga, far beyond the physical poses or asanas. The daily program begins at 6am with mantra chanting, satkarma (yogic cleansing practices) pranayama (breathing exercises) and a 90 minute hatha yoga class. You have plenty of free time in the afternoon to rest or explore Rishikesh though before the evening yoga class and meditation sessions.
The school is located in Tapovan, so you’ll be within walking distance from the holy Ganges river and all the ashrams, temples, shops and cafes. Another thing that makes this retreat stand out is the included excursions to explore the surrounding mountains and visit local shrines, temples, caves and waterfalls that surround Rishikesh.
The different yoga styles at this school include traditional hatha yoga as well as vinyasa and ashtanga yoga. They model traditional and ancient teaching practices, making it an excellent place to expand your spiritual roots through yoga and meditation practices, learn Indian philosophy, and explore the ashrams and temples for a well rounded Rishikesh experience.
You can choose between a single private room or a shared double room, both equipped with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Nutritious, healthy, vegetarian meals are also included. They also offer a short 3 day retreat package if you’re pushed for time and yoga teacher training courses.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!
Luxury Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat in the Himalayan Mountains
- Location: Veda 5, Neelkanth Temple road just outside Rishikesh town
- Duration: 6 days
- Price: From Approx. $ 834
If you’re looking for a relaxing luxury yoga holiday in Rishikesh look no further than Veda 5, a top rated and highly professional yoga and ayurvedic retreat centre located in tranquil nature in the hills just outside Rishikesh.
Ayurveda is an ancient life science that, like yoga, also originated in India. So take the opportunity to experience both and combine your yoga retreat with Ayurvedic treatments and massages for a holistic healing experience.
At this retreat centre you’ll have a consultation with a highly experienced Ayurvedic doctor and can take part in daily hatha yoga classes with pranayama, meditation, and mantra chanting.
You will also receive a daily Ayurveda treatment and vegetarian, Ayurvedic meals and an Ayurvedic cooking class so you can learn to make these healthy meals for yourself at home too.
If soaking up the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains from this spa resort is not enough and you prefer to be more active they also offer nature walks, trekking in the mountains and the chance to tour a local village.
There are not many luxury retreats in Rishikesh, so if relaxation and comfort is what you need then check out Veda5. Another bonus is that airport transfers are also included to get your trip off to a smooth and stress free start.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!
Traditional Yoga and Meditation Retreat
- Location: Yoganandham, Mohan Chatti, Rishikesh
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: From approx $ 299
If you’re looking for an authentic and traditional yoga retreat then Yoganandham is a great option. Led by Yogacharya Manish Arora, this is one of the best reviewed and most affordable Rishikesh yoga schools situated in a peaceful nature spot just outside the city.
As well as traditional Hatha yoga classes in both the morning and evening, you’ll learn the ancient yogic practices of meditation, pranayama, and shat karma (cleansing process.)
You’ll also have an introduction to yoga philosophy and Ayruveda and have plenty of free time to read, relax or explore. If the theory, philosophy and spirituality surrounding yoga interests you consider their special 9 day self awareness and yoga philosophy retreat.
You can also enjoy purification rituals, Ayurveda massages, camping, sunrise yoga and trekking, and white water rafting as part of this retreat, making it a wonderful, well rounded experience for every yogi whether you’ve been practicing for just a couple of months or a couple of years – the experience of practicing yoga in India will level up your practice.
Ayurvedic meals and accommodation is included in simple shared or private rooms with balconies and outside sitting areas with incredible views of the mountains.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!
Yoga and Wellness Retreat in Nature
- Location: Yogada in the Himalayas, Shivpuri, Rishikesh
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: From approx $777
If what you’re seeking is a relaxing overall yoga and wellness retreat in Rishikesh head to Yogada in the Himalayas. This peaceful haven in nature just outside of Rishikesh town offers relaxing retreats that combine yoga, meditation, ayurveda, nature walks and traditional yogic rituals.
You’ll start your day with a refreshing early morning nature walk and meditation and enjoy two yoga sessions, plus pranayama, kriya, and dhyana and then relax with an ayurvedic massage. The package also includes meals and accommodation in cosy cottages nestled in nature with a small pool and lush gardens.
What makes this retreat unique is the chance to experience a special evening Kundalini Shakti Pad Initiation and a traditional sacred cleaning vedic fire ceremony. You’ll also visit a scared cave for a special meditation session and be taken down the the ghats to experience the evening prayer or aarti ceremony.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!
Ashram Yoga and Spiritual Retreat
- Location: Yoga Niketan Ashram, Tapovan, Rishikesh
- Duration: 7 days
- Price: From Approx. $ 750
If you want to experience life in an authentic yoga ashram in Rishikesh then this is a great option. This retreat is run by Yogi Vimal, a local of Rishikesh, who will not only give you twice daily yoga, meditation and pranayama classes, but also introduce you to the philosophy of yoga.
Yogi Vimal lived in a cave alone for a year as part of his spiritual practice and he will also show you some hidden sacred spots and allow you to meet the babas (holy men) and experience traditional Indian ceremonies like pujas, the Ganga aarti and kirtan.
You’ll stay at Yoga Niketan Ashram, a reputable and long running ashram in Tapovan, in clean, simple rooms , receive 3 simple, yogic, vegetarian meals each day and one Ayurvedic massage. Go with an open mind and heart but don’t expect luxury – this is an ashram in India after all! If you want to discover yoga in India this could be an enlightening experience.
See more details, dates, prices, reviews, and book here!
Tips for choosing an ashram or yoga school in Rishikesh
Yoga in Rishikesh is big business nowadays and, because yoga in Rishikesh is so popular, there are few ashrams and gurus that are unfortunately not the real deal.
There are now hundreds of Rishikesh yoga retreat and yoga teacher training courses, but not all are good. So it’s very important to do your research before booking your yoga retreat in Rishikesh, especially if you are a solo female traveler.
There are so many different ashrams and yoga centers in Rishikesh, all offering different styles of yoga, meditation and other therapies and all with different prices, standards of teaching, accommodation and food. The trick is finding the one that is perfect for you.
Yoga Ashrams vs Yoga Retreats – Which is best?
Traditional yoga ashrams often have basic conditions and facilities and many have rules or a code of conduct you need to abide by – if you’re looking for the authentic Indian ashram experience then check out these recommended ashrams as well as tips about what to expect.
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort and relaxation then a yoga retreat is the best idea and I’m focusing on yoga retreats in this post as I prefer that environment more.
Just be aware that many yoga teacher training schools also offer retreats but you’re basically joining the teacher training program for a few days. The advantage of this is that you’ll learn some yoga philosophy and theory, but, depending on what stage they are in the course, it might be a bit overwhelming for someone new to yoga just wanting a relaxing yoga holiday! Just something to be aware of.
Things to check when picking a yoga retreat
Other things to consider are the type of yoga classes offered, the teachers and teaching style, and your experience level. Also check what’s included, some retreats also offer excursions and tours to nearby temples, waterfalls and spiritual sites.
Rishikesh yoga retreats are some of the most affordable in the world but accommodation and food quality and facilities can be a bit basic. Things like hot water, fast wifi, AC and a soft bed these don’t come as standard in India – so check and choose a place where you you will be comfortable.
Be aware that most retreats only serve vegetarian food. No meat, eggs, or alcohol is allowed in Rishikesh as it’s a holy place. Also try to get a retreat with an airport or train station transfer to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
How to check reviews
Reviews on a yoga schools website or social media pages may not always show the full picture. Try to find real reviews from other guests so that you have a better idea of what to expect.
A great site I use for checking reviews and testimonials is www.bookyogaretreats.com. Here you can also find out more about the classes, instructors, accommodation and food offered as well as booking your place.
Tips for planning your Rishikesh yoga trip
How to get to Rishikesh
Rishikesh is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in North India. The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehra Dun, about 30 minutes drive from Rishikesh. You can also get to Rishikesh by taking a bus or train to nearby Haridwar from New Delhi.
If you’re coming from abroad then you’ll need to fly into Delhi international airport first and then change there. Don’t forget that you’ll need an Indian visa too – read this post on how to get an Indian visa.
Best time to visit Rishikesh for yoga
The best time to come for a yoga retreat in Rishikesh is in October/ November or March/ April. The Rishikesh international yoga festival is held in early March so it’s a great time to come but can be busy – so make sure you book your travel and accommodation well in advance.
It can be quite chilly here in the winter (between Dec and Feb) and most budget accommodations generally don’t have heating. In Summer it can be boiling hot and monsoon season runs from July – September.
Other places to visit
If you want to explore other spiritual sites and places to learn yoga in India you also might want to check out my post on the best yoga retreats in India that are especially suitable for beginners and my post on the most spiritual places to visit in India.
While your in India, don’t miss the chance to explore a bit more of this fascinating and unique country – see my ultimate India itinerary for inspiration.
Get ready to experience yoga in Rishikesh!
I hope this post has helped you to understand the Rishikesh yoga scene and given you some useful tips to help you on your journey.
These Rishikesh yoga retreats are great places to calm your mind, work on your yoga and meditation practices, and learn about ancient Indian philosophy.
Just don’t forget time to explore and experience everything else this holy city has to offer and meet the interesting people it attracts.
Yoga has changed my life – how will it change yours!?
Read more India and yoga posts:
- My Rishikesh Travel Guide
- My Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
- 5 best yoga retreats in India for beginners
- Top Yoga and Meditation Retreats in India
- Best Yoga Retreats and Yoga Teacher Training in Goa
Do you have any more questions about yoga retreats in Rishikesh? Leave a comment below and I’ll try to help you out 🙂
2 comments
[…] Rishikesh, ‘the yoga capital of the world’ at the foot of the Himalayas, to luscious and laidback […]
[…] some people may recommend Rishikesh, dubbed the “Yoga capital of the world,” or the beaches of Goa, if you’re looking […]