How can we help you?

Yes. Hospitals and pharmacies in India offer comparable care, although the brand names of medicines may differ. Bring your prescription and enough of your own medicine to start with.

Our staff will arrange medical care for you, including transfer to a Western-style hospital if needed, and help you complete your course.

No specific vaccinations are required. We recommend bringing insect repellent and lotions.

The risk of malaria in Rishikesh is very low, so a malaria vaccination is not needed.

At the school our dedicated kitchen staff cook with fresh ingredients. Restaurants in Rishikesh are generally safe, but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Delhi is the most convenient international airport. First-time visitors may prefer to fly on to Dehradun (Jolly Grant), which is a short drive from Rishikesh.

The drive takes about 6 hours. Our transfer package costs US$120 for a round trip or US$60 one way, and we can advise on late arrivals and on train or bus options.

Yes. Many travellers come to Rishikesh alone. Local buses and trains can be challenging the first time, so we are happy to arrange transport for you.

Yes. With advance notice we arrange pickup from the airport, bus or train station, and we can give you walking directions from Rishikesh.

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available for your phone and laptop.

Our meals are vegetarian, not vegan by default. Vegan meals are available if you request them in advance.

Yes. We can prepare special diets for these conditions. Please tell us when you book.

Yes. Filtered drinking water is free and available 24 hours a day.

No. Food and accommodation are included in the course fee. You stay in a shared room with an attached bathroom, 24-hour water and hot water.

Yes. Private rooms are available for an extra charge.

Each course accepts up to 18 students, so teachers can give everyone personal attention.

Light colours, especially white, are recommended. Please avoid black and dress modestly.

No. A yoga mat is provided.

The teacher training courses are too physically demanding during pregnancy, so we cannot accept pregnant students on them.

There are breaks every day, and Sunday is a free day with no classes.

Only in an emergency, and you must tell your class teacher.

Yes. Couples are welcome to join the same course.

No. No previous experience is needed; the course starts from the basics.

Yes. Our teachers hold master’s degrees in yoga sciences. You can read about each of them on the Teachers page.

No. Most of our students speak English as a second language, and teachers are happy to support you.

A few books are assigned. You can start reading before you arrive or once you are here.

Arrive at least one day before the course for orientation. Classes begin at 10:30 am on the first day, and the graduation ceremony on the last day ends by 11:30 am. Plan to leave the day after graduation.

Complete a teacher training course and show that you can teach. Yoga Alliance publishes the minimum requirements on its website.

Yes. Rishikesh Yoga Association is registered with Yoga Alliance USA, and graduates can register with Yoga Alliance online.

Yes. You take a written test and a verbal test. Your performance, attendance and behaviour are also taken into account.

Apply for a tourist visa for a yoga or Ayurveda retreat. You can give the school’s address and phone number as your reference in India. Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before you travel and check the visa’s validity with your embassy.

Most daily necessities are available near the school. Bring any special personal-care items or favourite snacks you can’t do without.

Yes. A post office is a short walk away and there is a police station nearby. The school has 24-hour security and CCTV.

Yes, outside class times.

If you have a personal emergency, your course dates can be postponed or moved to a later batch. Otherwise the advance fee is non-refundable.

Yes. The booking deposit is paid by card. The balance can be paid in cash or by card on arrival; card payments carry a 6% transaction fee. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs in Rishikesh.

December to early March is cold, so bring warm clothes (rooms do not have heaters). April to August is hot and rainy, so pack light cotton. September is still rainy, so bring an umbrella or raincoat. From October to March the weather is pleasant to cold, so bring layers and woollens.