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Yoga Retreat · Rishikesh, India

At the
Source.

Return to where yoga began.
Deepen your practice. Connect to the Roots.

Dates
Dec 8–14, 2026
Duration
6 Nights · 7 Days
Location
Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
CE Hours
20h YACEP
Group Size
Max 15
⚡ Early Bird — Save $100 Book before October 13, 2026 See Pricing

Most yoga retreats take you
somewhere beautiful.
This one takes you somewhere true.

Rishikesh is the source, the place where the tradition you practise originated, was refined, and has been passed down through the centuries. Practising here means experiencing a tradition that no studio can replicate.

“At the Source” is a 6-day, YACEP-accredited retreat for experienced practitioners and certified yoga teachers. A small group and a blend of intensive practice, foundational skills and authentic cultural immersion.

You will return home with a renewed practice, a connection to yourself and an understanding of yoga that only this place can impart.

20h
YACEP CE Hours
Max 15
Participants
6
Nights in Rishikesh
3+
Sacred Excursions
What You'll Experience

Practice. Learn.
Be Here.

Hatha, Vinyasa & Yin

Daily asana practice that covers the full spectrum — the strength and flow of Vinyasa, the precision of Hatha, and the deep release of Yin.

Daily · Morning & Afternoon

Thai Yoga Massage

A hands-on workshop in Thai Yoga Massage led by both Ankit and Hannah. Learn the foundations and principles of this ancient practice.

Workshop · Led by Ankit & Hannah

Alignment & Adjustment

A workshop into the key postures and the art of intelligent adjustment. How to see misalignment, what to do about it, and how to cue it verbally and physically.

Workshop · Led by Ankit

Philosophy in Practice

Yoga philosophy was never meant to stay in the texts. We'll explore key principles — how the mind forms patterns, where attachment shows up, what shapes our sense of self. Space for honest reflection, and for considering what you want to carry into the year ahead.

Workshop · Led by Hannah

Pranayama & Meditation

Pranayama and meditation in the morning to start each day feeling grounded. We will practise traditional techniques taught in their original context. Connecting with the breath and with oneself is a central part of the yoga practice.

Daily · Morning/Evening

Sacred Excursions

Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple, and the sacred confluence at Devprayag. Immerse yourself in the culture of Rishikesh and the Himalayas.

3 Excursions Included
Day by Day

Structured for Depth,
Not Density.

December 8–14 · Tap a day to see the schedule · Here is a provisional schedule (subject to change), which is intended to give you an overview of how the week will unfold.

December 8
Arrival & Opening
Settle in, meet the group, and set the intention for the week.
Arrival Day
Anytime
Arrival & check-in
We’d be happy to help and can arrange a pick-up service from the airport
17:00
Welcome circle
Introductions, intentions, and an overview of the week
18:00
Opening ceremony
Kirtan and Ceremony
19:30
Welcome dinner together
December 9
Foundation
The first full day. Establishing the rhythm of practice.
Practice Day
7:30
Pranayama & Vinyasa
Pranayama and Asana to open the day
9:00
Breakfast
11:00
Alignment & Anatomy workshop
Understanding the postures we teach — from the inside out
13:00
Lunch & free time
Rest, explore Laxman Jhula, or sit with the Ganga
17:00
Yin Yoga
Deep release — hips, spine and nervous system
19:00
Dinner together
December 10
Ganga Aarti
A shorter practice day — the evening is reserved for the fire ceremony on the river.
Excursion Day
7:30
Pranayama & Vinyasa
Pranayama and Asana to open the day
9:00
Breakfast
11:00
Thai Yoga Massage Workshop
Principles & practice
13:00
Lunch & free time
Rest, explore Laxman Jhula, or sit with the Ganga
17:30
Walk to Parmarth Niketan
10 minutes from the School
18:00
Ganga Aarti fire ceremony
The ancient evening ceremony on the banks of the Ganga
19:30
Dinner together
December 11
Kunjapuri Sunrise
We rise before dawn and drive to the top of the Himalayan ridge. Bring warm layers.
Excursion Day
4:30
Depart for Kunjapuri Temple
1,676m above sea level — panoramic Himalayan views
6:00
Sunrise at Kunjapuri
Watch the sunrise & enjoy the chai
8:30
Return to the School
11:00
Brunch & rest
Free afternoon
Explore, rest, journal
17:00
Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra
Connecting inward & reflection
19:00
Dinner
December 12
Deep Practice
The heart of the week. Full practice, study, and reflection
Practice Day
7:30
Pranayama & Vinyasa
Pranayama and Asana to open the day
9:00
Breakfast
11:00
Philosophy in Practice
Self-Reflection, choose what you want to carry into the year ahead
13:00
Lunch & free time
Rest, explore Laxman Jhula, or sit with the Ganga
17:00
Yin Yoga
19:00
Dinner
December 13
Devprayag
The sacred confluence. Where two rivers become the Ganga.
Excursion Day
7:30
Morning practice (short)
Gentle opening before the journey
8:30
Breakfast
9:00
Depart for Devprayag
~1.5 hours by road through the Himalayan valley
10:30
Devprayag — the sacred confluence
Where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga
14:30
Return journey & lunch en route
16:00
Return to the School
18:00
Closing ceremony
Honouring the week — sharing, gratitude, and intention
19:30
Farewell dinner
December 14
Departure
Carry what you found here back into the world.
Departure Day
7:30
Final morning practice
A closing practice to seal the week
9:00
Breakfast
10:00
Check-out
10:00+
Departures
We’d be happy to help and can arrange a transfer to the airport
Ankit teaching in the shala

"Return to the Roots. The Roots of Yoga and the Roots within."

Sacred Excursions

The Reason to Be
in Rishikesh.

01
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan
Every evening, priests perform the ancient fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganga. Chanting, flames, flowers on the river. One of the most moving things you can witness in India — and it happens 10 minutes from the School.
02
Sunrise at Kunjapuri Temple
A Shakti temple perched at 1,676m with panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. We rise early, drive up in the dark, and watch the sunrise and enjoy a cup of Chai. You will not forget it.
03
Devprayag — The Sacred Confluence
Where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga. One of the Panch Prayag pilgrimage sites, and spiritually significant in every tradition that flows through this valley. To stand here is to understand why this place matters.

Steps from the
Ganga.

The school is located just a few steps from the Ganga with a dedicated yoga hall, rooftop terrace, and views across the Himalayan hills. It's in the spiritual heart of Rishikesh — not an hour's drive from it.

For yoga practicioners seeking a real Rishikesh experience, this is exactly right. Charming and authentic, not sanitised and distant. The ashrams, the chai stalls, the sound of bells from the temples across the river — all within walking distance.

Dedicated yoga hall with natural light
Rooftop terrace with Himalayan views
Steps from Laxman Jhula & the Ganga
Meals arranged locally
Your Teachers

Led by People Who
Live This.

Ankit Chauhan
Ankit Chauhan
E-RYT 500 · Lead Teacher · Vinyasa, Hatha, Alignment & Thai Yoga Massage
Originally from Rishikesh, Ankit holds a Bachelor and Master in Yoga and has spent 8+ years teaching across India and Bali. His approach is functional, anatomy-informed, and rooted in tradition. This is his home territory — he grew up walking the same ghats you'll visit.
Hannah Pfeffer
Hannah Pfeffer
E-RYT 500 · Co-Teacher · Yin Yoga, Holistic Health & Thai Yoga Massage
Hannah is a Yoga teacher, Holistic Health Coach and Stress Management Trainer. Hannah trained in Rishikesh and has since taught Yoga Teacher Trainings in Bali. Her work centres on nervous system regulation, Yin Yoga, breathwork and helping people reconnect with their bodies. Founder of Chapter of Being.

Everything You Need
to Go Deep.

Not Included
Yoga Alliance YACEP
20h
Continuing Education hours upon completion. Counts toward your RYT renewal requirements.
A note on December in Rishikesh

Daytime temperatures are 19–22°C with clear skies and minimal rain — beautiful for practice. Nights drop to 7–10°C. We schedule morning practice after 7:30am when the air warms. Pack layers for evenings. The early December timing means we largely avoid the holiday crowds that arrive after the 20th.

Investment

Choose Your
Room.

All-inclusive — accommodation, meals, all sessions, all excursions, YACEP certificate.

Early Bird — Save $100
Shared Room (only for friends or couples)
Standard
$850
per person · early bird (before Oct 1st)
Standard price: $950

A deposit of $400 secures your place. Remaining balance due 4 weeks before the retreat starts. Payment via bank transfer (Wise). Max 15 participants — applications reviewed in order of deposit received.

Apply Now Ask a Question
FAQ

Common Questions

Practitioners and certified yoga teachers (RYT 200 or above) looking for connecting to their practice and a genuine cultural immersion. You don't need to be an advanced practitioner — you need to be open for a new experience and come with curiosity.
Fly to Delhi (Indira Gandhi International) then connect to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport, 45 minutes from Rishikesh) or take a taxi/train from Delhi (~6 hours). We'll send a detailed travel guide on booking.
This retreat is designed for yoga practitioners. Absolute beginners will find some sessions challenging. If you're unsure, reach out before applying, we are happy to guide you.
The school is located a few steps from the Ganga — comfortable and authentic, not a resort. Shared rooms have private bathrooms. We take over the whole property for our group.
Daytime temperatures are pleasant at 19–22°C. Nights are cold (7–10°C). The skies are clear and there's almost no rainfall. We adjust the schedule to avoid early morning cold.
Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund of the remaining balance. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable but we'll do our best to find a replacement participant.

Get the Full
Itinerary & Payment Plan.

Day-by-day schedule, what's included, travel logistics, and payment options — sent straight to your inbox, no obligation.

No spam, ever. Just the details — and the occasional update if a spot opens or the early bird deadline approaches.

15 Places.
One December.
The Ganga is Waiting.

This retreat runs once a year, in a property that holds fifteen people. When it's full, it's full.

Apply Now View Pricing