Ashtanga Yoga Retreat

Set in Rishikesh, this 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week Ashtanga Yoga Retreat at Real Happiness India invites you into a focused and holistic yoga practice guided by a Meditation School in one of the world’s most spiritual destinations. The program is designed to help you learn the traditional, authentic knowledge of Ashtanga Yoga so you can continue self-practice after completing the retreat.

Whether you are looking for a meaningful retreat this year or want to deepen your understanding of this classical style, the experience combines disciplined learning with the peaceful atmosphere of Rishikesh. Surrounded by the city’s natural beauty, the retreat offers more than a simple getaway, especially when paired with spiritual practice.

No previous experience is required. Beginners are welcome to join, and yoga teachers may also benefit from the course by strengthening their teaching skills and supporting their professional growth.

What Is Ashtanga Yoga?

“Ashta” means eight and “Anga” means limbs, which is why Ashtanga Yoga is known as the eight-limbed path. These eight limbs, as described in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, are Yama, Niyamas, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

Yama and Niyamas form the ethical foundation of practice through abstinences, self-discipline, purification, contentment, austerity, self-study, and devotion. Asanas are steady and comfortable physical postures that prepare the body for yoga, meditation, pranayama, and other spiritual practices. Pranayama develops breath control, while Pratyahara supports the withdrawal of the senses inward.

Dharana is concentration, often supported by mantra chanting or meditation. Dhyana refers to meditation, a state of deep stillness and rest. Samadhi is contemplation, the highest stage of consciousness, where one connects with true nature, love, joy, and strength. When the first four external limbs are established, the remaining four naturally unfold.

Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga

The practice supports physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It may help increase concentration, calm the mind, regulate heart rate and blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, strengthen muscles and thinking power, ease pain, improve flexibility, and promote overall healthy well-being.

Why Join This Retreat?

Real Happiness India is located in peaceful Rishikesh, often called the Yoga Capital of the World. With mountains, a sacred river, and quiet greenery all around, the setting is ideal for yoga and meditation. The school is away from the city crowd, offering a calm environment filled with birdsong rather than traffic noise.

Classes are taught by experienced yoga teachers, and students are welcome to ask questions at any time. The course includes comfortable accommodation, delicious sattvic food, outdoor yoga sessions, and morning detox and pranayama practices. Learning is structured to feel engaging rather than overwhelming, with indoor, outdoor, and garden sessions offering variety throughout the day.

Price

USD 400
INR 38000

Duration

7 days

Course Inclusion

• Accommodation
• Daily Sattvic/Yogic Food
• Herbal Tea/Juices
• Meditation Techniques Study
• Yoga Stretching Class
• Pranayama Class
• Mantra Chanting Session
• Outdoor Yoga Sessions
• Satsang Once in a Week
• Daily Detox Session

Ashtanga Yoga Retreat Program

07:00 AM - 08:00 AM Morning Detox and Pranayama Session
The day begins with a required detox and pranayama session to prepare the body and mind for the practice ahead.

08:00 AM - 10:00 AM Outdoor Class
Morning Ashtanga practice takes place outdoors at one of Rishikesh’s beautiful locations, where a teacher guides you through the basic rules and core aspects of the style.

03:00 PM - 04:00 PM Indoor Yoga Class
The afternoon session is held indoors at the yoga school, with open windows for ventilation and fresh air during the warmer part of the day.

06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Evening Class at Garden
The final class of the day is held in the school’s lush green garden, allowing you to continue your practice in a peaceful natural setting.