500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India – 05 Nov - 27 Dec 2026

This advanced yoga certification brings together the 200-hour and 300-hour trainings into one complete journey, supporting students who want to refine their practice, deepen their understanding of yoga, and develop the teaching skills needed to qualify as an RYT 500 instructor.

Held at Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh, this intensive program offers a structured path into the broader study of yoga. After successful completion, participants become eligible to apply for Yoga Alliance registration as RYT 500.

How the training is structured

All courses are designed in line with Yoga Alliance standards and are fully residential. The 500-hour program begins with the 200-hour module, followed by the 300-hour training, with a short break of one or two days between the two parts. This format allows time for rest and reflection while maintaining the continuity of the learning process.

Course dates & fee

31 Mar - 22 May 2026

23 May - 14 Jul 2026 * (SUMMER OFFER: 10% discount)

21 Jul - 11 Sep 2026 * (SUMMER OFFER: 10% discount)

12 Sep - 03 Nov 2026

05 Nov - 27 Dec 2026

28 Dec - 18 Feb 2027

Twin Shared Room: $ 4250 USD

Private Room: $ 5670 USD

Fee inclusions

• Shower / AC / Hot Water / Wi-Fi
• Private or Twin-Shared Accommodation
• Three Vegetarian Meals Daily
• Course Material & Yoga Mat
• Access to hot water, Wi-Fi, and more

During free days, guests may explore Himalaya Darshan, trekking, river rafting, and the Rishikesh market at their own expense.

Accreditation and certification

Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram is a Registered Yoga School in India with Yoga Alliance, holding RYS 200 and RYS 300 credentials, which qualify it as RYS 500. These internationally recognized credentials are an important standard for training institutions offering yoga certification.

RYT 500 registration is granted only after successful completion of the full 500-hour training and the required certification process. In addition to assessments, students must meet participation requirements and attend the necessary number of classes. Those who fulfill all criteria receive a certificate from Abhayaranya Yoga Ashram accredited by Yoga Alliance and may then apply for RYT 500 registration. This registration is optional and requires a separate fee paid directly to Yoga Alliance.

Who can join

Age requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, provided the student is physically fit and mentally sound.

Skill level
This program is suitable for beginners through intermediate-level students. A committed attitude and willingness to learn matter more than advanced postures.

Language proficiency
All instruction is delivered in English, so participants should have a reasonable command of the language to follow lessons, take part in discussions, and complete assignments confidently.

Daily schedule

• 5:30 am Wake Up
• 6:00 am - 6.15 am Shakarma (Yogic Cleansing)
• 6:15 am - 6.30 am Mantra Chanting
• 6:30 am - 7.00 am Pranayama
• 7:15 am - 8.45 am Asana
• 9:00 am Breakfast
• 11:00 am - 12.00 Noon Yoga Anatomy And Physiology
• 12:15 pm Yoga Anatomy
• 01:30 pm Lunch
• 2:30 pm - 3.30 pm Swadhyaya (Self-Study)
• 3:45 - 4.45 pm Yogadarshan (Yoga Philosophy)
• 5:00 - 6.30 pm Asana
• 6:45 - 7.15 pm Dharna And Dhayana (Meditation)
• 7:30 pm Dinner

Please note: the daily schedule may change at the teacher's discretion.

Curriculum highlights

• Asana, pranayama, and meditation
• Yoga philosophy & history
• Anatomy & physiology
• Teaching methodology & class planning
• Yogic ethics and daily discipline

Life at the ashram

Set on a peaceful hilltop above the scenic Patna Waterfall in Rishikesh, the ashram offers a quiet setting surrounded by greenery and forest trails. This natural environment supports deep meditation, inner awareness, mindfulness, and self-study, while its eco-conscious approach adds to the sense of harmony throughout the training.

Daily routine: The day begins with early morning meditation, followed by yoga classes, workshops, and philosophy sessions with experienced teachers. Karma yoga, a practice of selfless service within the community, is also part of the routine, encouraging humility, presence, and discipline.

Residential setting: The living environment is designed to support focused practice and emotional and mental well-being. Comfortable rooms with essential amenities provide a restful space, while freshly prepared sattvic meals aligned with Ayurvedic practices help nourish the body and restore balance. Community living also creates a supportive sense of belonging.

Training focus

The curriculum follows Yoga Alliance standards and combines the full content of both the 200-hour and 300-hour trainings for a thorough, advanced study of yoga.

Yoga asanas (postures)
Students study common health conditions and how yoga practices such as asanas, pranayama, and diet may help manage them naturally. The training covers standing poses, forward bends, backbends, twists, and inversions, with attention to alignment, benefits, and purpose.

Asana practice
Three hours of daily practice help build strength, flexibility, balance, and alignment awareness, while also developing confidence in therapeutic and teaching applications.

Yoga anatomy & physiology
This module explores how the body moves in different asanas, the role of muscles, joints, and breath, and how to offer safe adjustments and corrections.

Yoga philosophy
Students study Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and key concepts such as dharma, karma, and yogic lifestyle, bringing the wisdom of yoga into modern life.

Pranayama, meditation, yoga nidra & chanting
This section focuses on breathwork, clarity, and inner awareness. Students learn pranayama, meditation for mindfulness, yoga nidra for deep relaxation, and traditional chanting. From the second week onward, hands-on practice helps build a personal routine and the confidence to guide others.

How to book your spot

Complete the online application form to apply. After acceptance, a 15% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your place.