Yoga in Rishikesh: a practical guide to classes and retreats
A practical guide to yoga in Rishikesh: neighbourhoods, drop-in classes, ashrams, retreats and teacher trainings, and how to choose a teacher.
Rishikesh calls itself the yoga capital of the world, and for once the slogan is not much of an exaggeration. In a small town on the Ganga, at the foot of the Himalaya, you find ashrams that have held this practice for generations, hundreds of shalas, daily drop-in classes in every style, teacher trainings and an evening aarti that people travel across the world to see.
The challenge is the opposite of scarcity: there is so much on offer that choosing becomes the real work.
The areas
- Tapovan: the busiest area for drop-in classes, cafés and longer courses. Lively, international, sometimes loud.
- Laxman Jhula: around the bridge, with many smaller shalas and guesthouses.
- Ram Jhula and Swarg Ashram: quieter and more traditional, with several large ashrams and the Parmarth Niketan evening aarti.
- Further upriver: retreat centres away from the town, for people who want silence.
What you can do
Drop-in classes
The easiest way to start. Most shalas offer morning and afternoon classes. Try a few teachers in your first days before committing to anything longer.
Ashram stays
Some ashrams welcome guests for a period of time, with a daily schedule of practice, chanting, study and seva. Expect early mornings, simple food and house rules. It is a commitment to a way of life, not a class.
Retreats and courses
From weekend intensives to month-long programmes. Many combine yoga with meditation, pranayama, philosophy, sound healing or kirtan.
Teacher trainings
Rishikesh is one of the most popular places in the world to train as a yoga teacher. Quality varies widely. Ask about the lead teachers' own years of practice and teaching, the daily schedule, the number of students per teacher and the certification offered.
Beyond yoga
Evening kirtan, meditation sessions, sound healing with singing bowls and satsangs are all part of life in Rishikesh. See kirtan in India and sound healing in India.
How to choose a teacher
- Take a few drop-in classes before booking a long course.
- Ask how long they have practised and taught, and where they learned.
- Notice how they adjust students: with care and consent, or with force.
- Prefer people who answer questions openly. Be wary of anyone who presents themselves as the only way.
When to go
The most comfortable months are roughly from late September to November and from February to April. Summer gets very hot, and the monsoon (July to September) brings heavy rain. The International Yoga Festival is usually held in March.
Respect the place
Rishikesh is a holy town. Alcohol and meat are generally not sold in the centre, temples and ghats have their own customs, and modest clothing is appreciated. Arrive as a guest.
Find yoga and spiritual events in Rishikesh
On Wanderer you can see spiritual events in Rishikesh and the profile of each practitioner, with their past gatherings.
If you teach or hold space in Rishikesh, you can create your page for free and share one link for your classes, retreats and 1:1 sessions.
