Sacred Ganga: 10-Day Spiritual Yoga Retreat & Teacher Training in Rishikesh
About This Retreat
Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the sacred Ganges, is the birthplace of yoga and a magnet for seekers from around the world. This 10-day immersion offers an authentic, deep dive into the spiritual traditions of yoga.
Each day includes traditional Hatha and Vinyasa asana, pranayama (breath control), meditation, and yoga philosophy classes. You'll visit sacred temples, attend the evening Ganga aarti ceremony, and have the option for a day trip to the source of the Ganges.
This retreat serves as a foundation for those considering yoga teacher training, and provides 80 hours that can count toward a 200-hour YTT. Certificate of completion provided.
Highlights
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & Orientation
Arrive at the ashram and get oriented.
Check-in at Ashram
Settle into your room at the yoga ashram.
Welcome & Orientation
Meet your teachers and learn about the schedule and ashram guidelines.
Opening Ceremony
Traditional puja to bless the journey.
Evening Yoga
Gentle welcome practice.
Dinner
First Ayurvedic meal.
Day 2
Establishing the Routine
Begin the daily practice schedule.
Morning Asana & Pranayama
Traditional Hatha practice to start the day.
Breakfast
Ayurvedic breakfast.
Yoga Philosophy
Introduction to the eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga).
Self-Study & Rest
Time for journaling and reflection.
Lunch
Ayurvedic lunch.
Rest & Self-Study
Free time for study and rest.
Afternoon Asana
Vinyasa flow practice.
Ganga Aarti
Attend the sacred fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganges.
Dinner
Evening meal.
Guided Meditation
Evening meditation before bed.
Day 3
Deepening Practice
Continue the routine with deeper philosophy study.
Morning Asana & Pranayama
Daily morning practice.
Breakfast
Nourishing meal.
Philosophy: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
Study the foundational text of yoga philosophy.
Self-Study
Reflection time.
Lunch
Midday meal.
Rest
Afternoon rest.
Afternoon Asana Workshop
Alignment-focused practice.
Ganga Aarti & Meditation
Evening ceremony and meditation.
Dinner
Evening meal.
Day 4
Breath & Energy
Focus on pranayama and the subtle body.
Morning Asana & Extended Pranayama
Deeper breathing techniques: kapalabhati, nadi shodhana, bhramari.
Breakfast
Morning meal.
Philosophy: Prana & Chakras
Understanding the subtle energy body.
Lunch
Midday meal.
Rest
Free time.
Restorative Asana
Gentle, supported practice.
Evening Meditation
Guided chakra meditation.
Dinner
Evening meal.
Day 5
Sacred Sites
Visit local temples and sacred places.
Morning Asana
Daily practice.
Breakfast
Morning meal.
Temple Visit: Neelkanth Mahadev
Trek to the sacred Shiva temple in the forest.
Lunch
Packed lunch at the temple.
Return & Rest
Return to the ashram for rest.
Gentle Yoga
Recovery practice.
Ganga Aarti
Evening ceremony.
Dinner
Evening meal.
Day 6
Meditation Intensive
A day dedicated to meditation practice.
Early Morning Meditation
Extended sitting meditation at sunrise.
Asana & Pranayama
Morning practice.
Breakfast
Morning meal.
Meditation Workshop
Techniques: mindfulness, mantra, and walking meditation.
Lunch
Midday meal.
Silent Walk
Guided silent walk along the Ganges.
Afternoon Asana
Yin-style practice.
Evening Meditation
Guided practice.
Dinner
Evening meal (in silence).
Day 7
Philosophy & Bhagavad Gita
Study the great spiritual text.
Morning Asana & Pranayama
Daily practice.
Breakfast
Morning meal.
Bhagavad Gita Study
Explore key verses on karma yoga and selfless action.
Group Discussion
Reflect on how to apply the teachings in daily life.
Lunch
Midday meal.
Rest
Free time.
Afternoon Asana
Vinyasa practice.
Ganga Aarti
Evening ceremony.
Dinner
Evening meal.
Day 8
Day of Silence (Mauna)
A day of silence for deep inner work.
Morning Asana (Silent)
Practice begins a day of silence.
Breakfast
Silent meal.
Guided Meditation & Self-Reflection
Extended practice in silence.
Lunch
Silent meal.
Nature Meditation
Solo meditation in the ashram gardens.
Gentle Yoga
Restorative practice.
Evening Meditation
Closing the day of silence.
Dinner & Breaking Silence
Gentle return to speech and sharing.
Day 9
Integration & Practice Teaching
Learn to teach and integrate the practice.
Morning Asana & Pranayama
Daily practice.
Breakfast
Morning meal.
Teaching Methodology
Basics of guiding a yoga class — sequencing and cues.
Practice Teaching
Each student leads a short sequence for the group.
Lunch
Midday meal.
Rest
Free time.
Final Asana Practice
Celebratory flow practice.
Closing Ganga Aarti
Final ceremony on the Ganges.
Celebration Dinner
Farewell celebration dinner.
Day 10
Departure & Certification
Final ceremony and departure.
Final Morning Practice
Integration practice and gratitude.
Breakfast
Final meal.
Closing Ceremony & Certificate
Receive your certificate of completion and blessings from teachers.
Check-out & Transfers
Airport transfers to Dehradun.
What's Included
- 9 nights ashram accommodation
- 3 daily Ayurvedic meals
- Twice daily asana practice
- Daily pranayama & meditation
- Yoga philosophy classes
- Temple visits & Ganga aarti
- Course manual & certificate
- Airport transfers from Dehradun (DED)
Not Included
- International flights to India
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Personal expenses
Good to Know
Level
intermediate
Languages
English, Hindi, Sanskrit
Accommodation
Traditional yoga ashram with simple, clean private rooms on the Ganges
Food
Ayurvedic vegetarian (sattvic diet)
Group Size
Up to 16
Duration
10 days
Your Host
Anand Sharma
E-RYT 500 yoga teacher trained in the Himalayan tradition. 20+ years of experience teaching yoga philosophy, asana, pranayama, and meditation. Born in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world.
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