Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India: An Unbiased Guide (2024/25)

As the birthplace of yoga, India is one of the best places to do yoga teacher training if you’re looking to learn authentic yoga from the source and become a qualified yoga instructor without breaking the bank. 

And where better to study than Rishikesh? – a holy city in the north of India that sits on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, in the foothills of the Himalayas, and known as ‘the yoga capital of the world’.

There are many ashrams and yoga schools offering yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, and with so much choice it can become overwhelming trying to look through them all. 

Don’t worry. In this Rishikesh yoga teacher training guide I will explain why this holy city is the obvious choice for a YTT, reveal my recommended schools and courses, and share tips for visiting this inspiring yoga hub.

Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh: A Complete Guide

Pin this image!

Why Rishikesh is the Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh is an ancient city in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand with a long history of yoga and spirituality that has earned it the nickname of ‘the yoga capital of the world’

It sits on the banks of the sacred Ganges River (known locally as the Ganga) in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. The river plays an important role in Hindu philosophy as it is believed to be the personification of the Goddess Ganga. Indian pilgrims come to dip in the Ganges to wash away their sins and advance their spiritual practice.

Rishikesh is not just a sacred city because of the River Ganges, it has long been a place where sages, sadhus, and rishis found the energy conducive for meditation and spiritual practices. Rishikesh is considered to be where the ancient spiritual discipline of yoga originated over 3000 years ago.

As a part of the legendary land of ‘Kedarkhand’ in sacred texts, Rishikesh was visited by several prominent Hindu gods, including  Rama, Vishnu and Lakshman. It is said that a famous saint named Raibhya Rishi performed such penance on the banks of the Ganga River that Lord Vishnu appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh – and that is how Rishikesh got its name. 

Whilst Rishikesh has been a pilgrimage place for Hindus for centuries, Rishikesh was really put on the world map when, in 1968, the Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. 

After visiting, the band wrote many of the songs that would later appear on their masterful “White Album.” an LP which helped to spread the influence of eastern spirituality around the world. You can still visit the ruins of Maharishi’s ashram, which is also now commonly known as the Beatles ashram.

There are numerous temples, ashrams and yoga schools in Rishikesh which attract both Indian pilgrims and spiritual seekers from around the world, regardless of their religion or beliefs. Every night a puja (prayer ceremony) called the Ganga Aarti is performed on the banks of the river and is free for locals, pilgrims, and tourists to attend. 

The city also hosts the week long International Yoga Festival in March, while the neighboring holy city of Haridwar is one of the venues for the Kumbha Mela – the world’s largest religious gathering.

Nowadays, Rishikesh offers the largest choice of yoga schools and yoga teacher training programs in the world, including several renowned institutions and ashrams. It’s the most popular place to do yoga teacher training in India, offering authentic yogic teachings at affordable prices. 

The city is home to many of India’s (and the world’s) most authentic yoga schools and ashrams, and with courses of all durations covering all styles of yoga, it’s is the obvious place to train to become a yoga teacher. 

Attaining a yoga teacher certification in Rishikesh will look great on your resume when applying for yoga instructor jobs because it shows you’ve studied traditional yoga in the country where it originated. 

Types of Programs 

Rishikesh boasts a seriously impressive variety of yoga teacher training programs, as well as many yoga retreats and drop in yoga classes, covering all styles of yoga and all certification options.

The choice can get overwhelming so here’s a breakdown of the type of yoga programs you can find in Rishikesh

Styles of Yoga 

Many yoga schools in Rishikesh teach multiple styles of yoga. The most popular of which include:

• Traditional Hatha Yoga
• Ashtanga Yoga
• Vinyasa Yoga
• Kundalini Yoga
• Yin Yoga
• Ariel Yoga

As well as the physical yoga practice (‘asana’ practice) all Rishikesh yoga schools offer a holistic curriculum that also covers:

• Meditation, 
• Pranayama (breathing exercises)  
• Shatkarma and Kriyas (cleansing practices)
• Chanting
• Philosophy,
• Anatomy
• Teaching methodology and practice 

Many yoga programs in Rishikesh also include:

• Ayurveda
• Sound healing
• Emotional cleansing
• Detoxification 
• Reflexology
• Massage
• Sattvic food preparation
• Spiritual ceremonies, and more!

Duration and Certification Options

With so many different yoga programs, from 50 hours to 500 hours, it can be confusing figuring out which one is right for you, so let’s break it down. 

200 Hours: If you want to become a registered and certified yoga teacher you’ll need to complete a 200 hour yoga teacher training program. These courses usually take 20-30 days to complete.

100 Hours: If you don’t have time for the full 200 hours, or just want to learn the basics of yoga to improve your own personal practice and understanding, then you can opt for a 100 hour yoga teacher training program. This takes between 10 days – 2 weeks. The 100 hours is usually the first half of the 200 hour program – and schools will encourage you come back and complete the full 200 hour training at a later date if you plan to teach yoga professionally.  

50 Hours: These shorter courses focus on a specific style of yoga, like Yin, Ariel, Kids or Prenatal yoga, and are ideal as a top up after you’ve gained a 200 hour certification. 

300 Hours: These are advanced programs for those who want to further their study after completing the 200 hours. These are intense programs that are usually held over 4 weeks.

500 Hours: This is a combination of the 200 hour and 300 hour programs in succession for those who want to become fully qualified advanced yoga instructors. This normally takes at least 2 months.

Many Indian yoga schools will accept beginners but most prefer students that have been practicing yoga regularly for at least 6 months before embarking on teacher training. Check the level and entry requirements with the organizers.

Cost

However you look at it, yoga teacher training is a significant investment. 200 hour programs often run to several thousand dollars and require 3-4 weeks of dawn to dusk classes. With accommodation and meals included at most schools, it’s easy to see why they can get so expensive.

Fortunately, Rishikesh offers some of the most affordable yoga certification courses in the world. Average prices for residential training courses here range from US$700-$1200 depending on the course length, accommodation choices, and training facilities. 

This is well below the average prices in most other parts of the world making India the most affordable place for yoga training, but don’t forget to factor in the cost of flights, travel insurance, and an Indian visa into your budget.

What to Expect from Yoga Training in Rishikesh

Doing yoga teacher training is an intense and challenging yet rewarding and potentially life changing experience. Expect to wake early and be busy all day with yoga classes, theoretical workshops, and self study. Most courses have one day off per week.

200 hour YTTs should include twice daily yoga classes which contain meditation and pranayama as well as yoga asana practice. Yoga courses in India will teach you the traditional Sanskrit yoga words and introduce you to the body’s energy centres (chakras) yogic cleansing techniques (kriyas) hand gestures (mudras) and mantra chanting.

On the theoretical side you’ll receive lectures on the history of yoga and yoga philosophy, you’ll learn about the yoga sutras and the 8 limbs of yoga as well as anatomy and philosophy, alignment and the art of adjustment.

You’ll also learn teaching methodology and experience teaching practice. This is an important part of a yoga instructor course which prepares you to be a registered yoga teacher. 

You’ll also follow a yogic lifestyle, rising early and sleeping early, eating a vegetarian diet, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and practicing ‘ahimsa’ non harming actions. Attendance at all classes is mandatory, if you skip classes you risk failing your teacher training.

Many courses just have a practical exam where trainees teach a class to demonstrate what they’ve learnt at the end of the training, but some courses have written exams, or a combination of both. Ask the course organizer so you know what to expect.

Upon successful graduation of an approved 200 hour yoga teacher training course you will receive your yoga teacher certification. You will have the qualification needed to register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT 200 and start teaching yoga!

Daily Schedule

You can expect your daily schedule during yoga teacher training to look something like this:

• 5.30 AM – Wake Up Bell
• 6:00 – 7:00 AM – Shatkarma, Pranayama, and Meditation
• 7:00 – 9:00 AM – 1st Asana Practice (Physical Yoga Class)
• 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
• 10:00 – 12:00 PM – Yoga Philosophy / Anatomy Class
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Anatomy and Alignment
• 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
• 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Teaching Methodology / Techniques
• 4.00 – 5.00 PM – Teaching Practice
• 5:00  – 6:30 PM – 2nd Asana Practice (Physical Yoga Class)
• 6:30 – 7:30 PM – Vegetarian Dinner
• 7:30 – 8:30 PM – Evening Satsang (Chanting, Spiritual Discussion, Meditation)
• 8:30 – 9:30 PM – Study / Homework / Self-Reflection
• 10:00 PM – Lights Out Bedtime

Note that this is just a sample – the exact schedule of each school will vary 

The Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Rishikesh

With so many options for yoga teacher training in Rishikesh it can be difficult narrowing down your choices. To help I’ve broken down my recommendations into yoga styles and training types. There is a lot of overlap between programs, so check out any that appeal to you and compare what they offer overall.

All the programs recommended below receive rave reviews are with a registered yoga school (RYS). And will, upon completion, certify you to register with Yoga Alliance USA and begin teaching yoga internationally with an RYT-200 qualification.

Top 10:

• Comprehensive YTT – Vinyasa Yoga Shala
• Traditional YTT – Yogada In The Himalayas
• Spiritual YTT – Jiva Yoga Academy
• Multi Style YTT – Vidya Mandiram
• Pure Hatha YTT – Rishikesh Yoga Association
• Aerial Yoga TT – Ishavasyam Yoga School
• Best Reviewed YTT – Triguna Yoga
• Intensive YTT – Gyan Yog Breath
• Immersive YTT – Rishikesh Yogkulam
• Guru-led YTT – D’Vine Yoga School

Read on for more details about each course.

Spiritual Yoga Teacher training – Jiva Yoga Academy

• School: Jiva Yoga Academy
• Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh, India
• Duration: 24 Days
• Styles: Hatha, Ashtanga, Ayurveda
• Price: From approx. US$1,100 / €1,000 / £850

Jiva Yoga Academy offers an intimate, 200-hour yoga teacher training program that provides an authentic spiritual experience with small class sizes and respected instructors. Their 24-day course covers core yogic and spiritual practices, including asanas, pranayama, meditation, mantra chanting, and kriyas. Students also learn about mudras, bandhas, Ayurveda, yoga philosophy, anatomy, and ethical aspects of a yogic lifestyle.

Led by experienced Indian teachers who hold master’s degrees in yoga, the course emphasizes the importance of both technical skills and spiritual principles. Students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual yogic path.

Your accommodation here is close by to the sacred river Ganges and many of Rishikesh’s most famous sights. Superficial social interactions and romantic engagements are discouraged to help you focus on the purpose of this training, but you’ll still get to make life-long connections with other students as you all strive to master the fundamentals of becoming a yoga teacher at this world-class yoga school in Rishikesh.

Choose this yoga teacher training if spirituality plays an important role in your yoga practice, or if you want to understand how yoga can benefit your mind and spirit as well as you body.

More Info

Traditional Yoga Ashrams in Rishikesh

Several renowned yoga ashrams can be found in Rishikesh. Traditionally these are places for simple, disciplined living, focuses on spiritual practices, but some now also offer YTTs and spiritual retreats. 

Some of the most famous ashrams in Rishikesh include:

• Parmarth Niketan – the largest ashram in Rishikesh.
• Yoga Niketan – one of India’s oldest ashrams.
• Phool Chatti Ashram – known for blending Hindu spirituality and yogic teachings.
• Sivananda Ashram – an ornate ashram and birthplace of the Sivananda yoga system.
• The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) – a now ruined ashram where the Fab Four undertook their spiritual training.
• Rishikesh Yogpeeth – renowned yoga teacher training school in a serene forest setting.
• Himalayan Yog Ashram -an authentic Himalayan yoga teacher training ashram.

These schools have long established reputations for spiritual education, but often have stricter rules than schools catering to international visitors. Another thing to be aware of is that often conditions can be very basic so it may not be the most comfortable option for a YTT.

Choosing a Yoga School

To be honest, there is very little variation in the YTT curriculums offered – all the schools offer very similar classes to comply with Yoga Alliance’s requirements. 

So the most important thing is to find the best yoga school for you. One with experienced instructors that you feel comfortable with, high quality facilities, accommodation, food, and a peaceful environment that is within your budget. 

Considering the following factors will help guide you towards finding your best yoga school.

Certification

The first thing to check is that the course is offered by a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS), and prioritize programs offering RYT 200 certification. This qualification is recognized worldwide and is the minimum requirement for teaching yoga professionally as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). Verifying that the school is registered with Yoga Alliance ensures that their curriculum meets international standards.

Curriculum

Examine the course syllabus in detail. A well-rounded curriculum should cover asana practice, pranayama, meditation, yoga philosophy, and teaching methodology as a minimum.

Look for programs that offer a balance between theory and practical training. Understanding the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’ is essential for developing your skills as a yoga teacher.

Check to see if the curriculum includes modules on human anatomy, physiology, and yoga therapy. This knowledge can be important for teaching yoga safely and effectively.

To enhance your learning experience, don’t hesitate to consider programs that incorporate additional elements like Ayurveda or workshops on subjects that align with your personal goals and interests in yoga. As long as the basics mentioned above are covered, the addition of specialized knowledge can help to break up repetitive elements in your training.

Yoga Style

Try to determine which yoga style you want to focus on during your training. Most yoga teacher training in Rishikesh offers instruction in traditional Hatha and Ashtanga-Vinyasa yoga styles (often referred to as Multi-Style Yoga), while some will also offer additional styles like Kundalini, Yin or Iyengar.

If at this stage you’re unsure which style is which, then choosing a pure Hatha or a Multi-style YTTC will give you the best foundation and allow you to diversify or specialize further along in your journey.

Location

Rishikesh has yoga schools all around the city, and in the nearby Himalayan foothills. Consider things like the proximity to local attractions and amenities when choosing your yoga teacher training course.

Remember that Rishikesh, and India generally, is modernizing very quickly and this means that ongoing construction noise can get very disruptive in the popular areas. It’s definitely worth inquiring as to whether there is likely to be construction nearby during your training.

If you want to surround yourself with likeminded people and international cuisine, consider areas like Tapovan and Swargashram where there are many international yoga schools and healthy-eating restaurants. Areas on the outskirts of the city are great if you prefer peace, quiet and access to nature.

Accommodation and Meals

Clean, comfortable living spaces are helpful for a positive training experience, but are certainly not the norm in traditional ashrams. Review the accommodation options offered by the school carefully and decide how much comfort you’ll need to get the most out of your time in Rishikesh. It can be worth spending a little more to have a private sleeping space or access to a quiet outside area.

Many residential schools provide basic vegetarian or vegan food options two or three times a day. While the food can be simple, it can also be healthy and delicious – this is India after all!

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences make sure you confirm with your chosen school that they can accommodate your needs. Most will be happy to do so if they can.

Reputation and Expertise

Whenever possible research the school’s history and standing in the yoga community before booking your yoga teacher training course. Look for institutions with a track record of satisfied students and qualified instructors.

Independent Reviews

Look for unbiased reviews and accounts of students’ experiences from independent travel and yoga websites like bookretreats and bookyogateachertraining. Pay attention to reviews that discuss the quality of instruction, living conditions, and overall value for money.

Be wary of overly positive or negative reviews – competition in Rishikesh is fierce and even yoga schools aren’t above buying reviews to artificially boost their ratings or harm a competitor. Ensure that the reviews show a balance of perspectives and provide a realistic view of the training.

Preparing for Yoga Teacher Training

Getting ready for your yoga teacher training in Rishikesh requires some planning and preparation.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Try to establish a consistent yoga practice before your training begins. Aim to be practicing yoga at least 3-4 times per week, perhaps focusing on foundational styles like Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga.

Build your meditation practice to enhance mental focus and emotional resilience. Start with 10-15 minutes daily and gradually increase the duration. Being able to keep calm under pressure will not only help you complete your training, but will be beneficial once you start teaching yoga to others.

Useful Knowledge

Reading yoga philosophy texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to familiarize yourself with key concepts can give you a head start on the theoretical aspects of your training. If reading is your thing, then have a browse of our article on books to read for Yoga Teacher Training.

What To Bring With You

Pack comfortable, breathable yoga clothing suitable for the conditions in Rishikesh at the time of your visit. Bring multiple sets to last between laundry days.

Remembering that loose fitting clothing is generally preferred over tight yoga wear, as yoga in India is more traditional and conservative than in the west.

Consider investing in a high-quality travel yoga mat that provides good grip and cushioning. Most yoga schools will provide mats for their students, but if comfort and cleanliness are important to you it may be worth bringing your own.

Other useful items to bring include:

• Refillable water bottle (example on Amazon)
• Notebook and pens (example on Amazon)
• Light blanket or shawl for meditation (example on Amazon)
• Ear plugs and eye mask for uninterrupted sleep (example on Amazon)

Bring an open mind and a positive attitude. Your willingness to learn and adapt could be your most valuable asset during your training.

For a more extensive list of what to bring with you, check out our Essential YTT Packing List.

Post-Training Opportunities

After completing your yoga teacher training, exciting opportunities await! You can pursue international teaching positions, or continue training through longer or more specialized YTTs.

Teaching Yoga Internationally

As an RYT 200 certified yoga teacher, you’ll have the chance to share your expertise globally. Many yoga studios and retreat centers look favorably on instructors trained in India.

Yoga teaching jobs often come up in popular yoga destinations like Bali, Thailand, or Costa Rica. Also, cruise ships and resorts hire yoga teachers for guest classes and wellness programs.

You can try enquiring about teaching at you local yoga studio, gym, or leisure centre. Even if they are not currently hiring, there is a chance they can add you to their cover teacher list, or suggest vacancies they know of elsewhere.

Continued Education in Yoga

Your 200-hour certification is just the beginning. Once completed you can look at advanced teacher training courses to refine your skills and learn new ones.

Popular advanced courses include:

• 300 hour and 500 hour yoga teacher training.
• Meditation instructor courses.
• Ayurveda and yoga therapy programs.
• Workshops on specific asanas or pranayama techniques.

You can also explore niche areas like prenatal yoga, kids yoga, or yoga for seniors. Many schools now offer online courses, allowing you to continue learning from anywhere in the world.

Attending yoga conferences and retreats keeps you connected with the global yoga community and exposes you to new teachings and practices. They are also great places to meet potential employers.

Read our article on What to do after Yoga Teacher Training for more advice.

Tips for Visiting Rishikesh

Prepare for your trip to Rishikesh by considering the climate, transportation options, local attractions, and cultural norms.

Seasons and Weather

Rishikesh experiences distinct seasons. Winters (November to February) are cool and pleasant, with chilly evenings and temperatures ranging from 10°C/50°F to 25°C/80°F.

Spring (March to April) brings mild weather, usually between 15°C/60°F and 30°C/85°F, which is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer (May to June) can be hot, with temperatures reaching 35°C/95°F or more.

Monsoon season (July to October) can bring heavy rainfall. While the landscape turns lush, some activities may be limited.

Transport

Getting around Rishikesh is relatively easy. Auto-rickshaws (tuk tuks) are common for short distances. Their fares are usually very reasonable, but negotiate the price before boarding to avoid being overcharged.

There are two train stations; Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) and the newer Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK) that connect the city to Delhi and the rest of India via nearby Haridwar Station (HW). Public buses also connect Rishikesh to nearby cities but can often be crowded and off-schedule.

Jolly Grant airport (DED) at Dehradun is the closest airport. It has many daily flights to and from Delhi (DEL) and other major Indian cities.

Other Attractions and Activities

Rishikesh offers more than just yoga training and meditation retreats. There’s plenty of other activities to experience during your visit. Why not try some of these:

• Visit iconic temples and ashrams like the Beatles Ashram, where the band stayed in 1968. The now abandoned site features interesting graffiti and dilapidated meditation halls.
• Take a dip in the holy Ganges River at Triveni Ghat and attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan each evening.
• Try white water rafting on the Ganges. The rapids range from grade I to IV, and are suitable for both beginners and more experienced rafters.

There is plenty of nature to explore here too. Waterfalls like Neer Garh and Patna are a short trek from the main town, and the Himalayan foothills surrounding the city provide countless walks and stargazing opportunities.

Local Customs and Considerations

Please respect local customs and traditions when visiting Rishikesh. Dress modestly, especially when entering temples or ashrams. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering religious sites.

Avoid public displays of affection, and ask permission before photographing people, especially sadhus (holy men) to avoid misunderstanding.

Rishikesh is mostly vegetarian, and alcohol is largely prohibited. Smoking in public spaces is not allowed.

Use tap water only for cleaning. Use filtered water from trusted sources for drinking.

Lastly, learning a few basic Hindi phrases will help you connect with locals and others at your school. A simple “Namaste” greeting goes a long way in fostering goodwill.

Summing Up: Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

The best yoga schools in Rishikesh offer world-class yoga teacher training along with instruction in spirituality and philosophy. The history and devotional atmosphere in and around the city make it one of the best places in the world to do yoga teacher training.

Take your time choosing the right program for you, and remember to ensure that you’ll get a Yoga Alliance certified qualification upon graduation for the best start to your career as a yoga teacher.