200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India
22 days of Ashtanga Vinyasa, Pranayama, Philosophy & Meditation on the banks of the Ganga in Tapovan, Rishikesh — from $399, accommodation & all meals included.
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training — More Than a Certification
The 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Maa Ganga Yogashala is one of Rishikesh's most comprehensive residential programmes. Set in serene Tapovan — just metres from the Ganga — every element of the 22-day curriculum is built around authentic transmission: from the classical roots of Hatha and Ashtanga to the depth of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bihar School of Yoga's meditation methods.
Whether you have never practised yoga or you come with years of mat time, you will leave with a Yoga Alliance RYT-200 credential, a personal practice that has been fundamentally strengthened, and a community of fellow seekers from around the world.
Yoga Alliance USA RYT-200 credential accepted by studios worldwide. All registration fees included.
Rooted in Shivananda, Satyananda, and Bihar School traditions — philosophy and practice given equal weight.
Accommodation, three Sattvic meals daily, herbal tea, materials, certification, and weekend excursions — all included.
No prior experience needed. Students aged 18–60+ from all backgrounds complete the programme every batch.
This Programme Is for You If…
There are no wrong reasons to join a yoga teacher training. Here are some of the people who thrive in our programme.
Yoga Roots
You're passionate about yoga and want to learn it from the root — beyond the physical postures and into its true philosophical and energetic dimensions.
Spiritual Growth
You're seeking personal transformation, inner peace, and a deeper spiritual connection — and you want a structured, authentic environment to pursue it.
Teaching Certification
You aspire to become a Yoga Alliance certified teacher and share yoga with students locally, internationally, or online.
Immersive Journey
You're a traveller or spiritual seeker looking for a meaningful, immersive experience in India — the birthplace of yoga — rather than just a holiday.
Advanced Practice
You have some yoga experience and want the structure, discipline, and expert guidance needed to take your practice to a new level.
Professional Integration
You're a wellness professional, fitness coach, therapist, or healer who wants to integrate yoga authentically into your existing work.
No age restrictions — students from 18 to 60+ have completed the programme successfully.
100-Hour vs 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Both courses are Yoga Alliance certified and run at Maa Ganga Yogashala in Rishikesh. This table helps you choose the right depth for where you are right now.
| Feature | 100-Hour YTT | 200-Hour YTT Current page |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12 days | 22 days |
| Starting from | $299 | $399 |
| Certification | Yoga Alliance 100-hr | Yoga Alliance RYT-200 |
| Level | Beginner-friendly | All levels |
| Asana depth | Hatha foundations | Hatha + Ashtanga Vinyasa |
| Philosophy | Introduction | Patanjali Yoga Sutras (in depth) |
| Teaching methodology | Basics | Comprehensive with practice sessions |
| Anatomy & physiology | Essentials | Full module (yogic + modern) |
| Accommodation & meals | ||
| Best suited for | Personal practice & exploration | Those ready to teach professionally |
200-Hour Curriculum
Eight integrated modules drawn from classical Indian traditions, taught by experienced resident faculty.
Traditional Yoga from the Shivananda and Satyananda traditions forms the physical and energetic backbone of this course.
- Week 1: Pawan Muktasana series (joint and gland exercises), Surya Namaskar — correct alignment, breath coordination, and energetic intention.
- Week 2: Vinyasa flows and smooth transitions between asana groups.
- Weeks 3–4: Static asana, advanced postures with modifications, contraindications, and therapeutic adjustment techniques.
Both dynamic and static asana approaches are explored, equipping you to teach safely and intelligently across all body types.
Ashtanga Vinyasa consists of six series; this programme focuses entirely on the Primary Series — Yog Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy).
- Led class: Teacher-guided practice emphasising Ujjayi breath, Bandha (locks), and Drishti (gaze points).
- Mysore style: Self-paced, individually supervised practice — the traditional method of the Mysore lineage.
- Three-part structure: Standing sequence → Sitting sequence → Inversions.
Regular Ashtanga practice develops lightness of body, focus of mind, and a moving meditation through synchronised breath and movement.
Pranayama is not simply breathing — it is the regulation of Prana, the subtle life-force energy that animates body and mind.
- Week 1: Distinction between the science of breath and pranayama proper; purification breathing techniques (Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, Anuloma Viloma).
- Week 2: Nadi Shodhan — purification of the pranic channels through alternate-nostril breathing with Kumbhaka (breath retention).
- Weeks 3–4: Advanced techniques to expand and steady prana through the physical and subtle bodies; integration with asana and meditation.
Yoga Anatomy goes beyond a medical textbook to encompass the full yogic understanding of the human system at three levels:
- Physical body: Respiratory, circulatory, skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems; joints and safe range of motion in asana.
- Mental body: The nature of Mind (Manas) and Chitta (the consciousness field) — how psychology and practice interact.
- Energy body: The Pancha Kosha (five-sheath) model, Prana Vayus, Chakras, and Nadis.
Understanding these three layers equips teachers to sequence intelligently, offer informed modifications, and prevent injuries.
Philosophy is taught before practice begins — understanding the goal accelerates every step of the journey.
- Week 1: The six classical Indian philosophical schools (Shat Darshana): Sankya Yoga, Buddhism, Vedanta, Charvak, Vaisheshika, and Mimansa — and where yoga sits within them.
- Weeks 2–4: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras in depth across all four chapters — Samadhi Pada, Sadhana Pada, Vibhuti Pada, and Kaivalya Pada. Understanding the eight limbs (Ashtanga) beyond asana.
Sessions are discussion-based and practical — philosophy informs every aspect of the physical and meditative practice throughout the course.
Eight core mantras are learned with correct pronunciation, meaning, and purpose — chanted daily with harmonium accompaniment:
- Om (Pranava — the primordial sound)
- Ganesh Mantra (removing obstacles)
- Food Mantra (gratitude before meals)
- Guru Mantra
- Teacher–Student Mantra (Guru-Shishya tradition)
- Patanjali Mantra
- Mantra for Knowledge
- Realisation Mantra
Days 9–12 — Sanskrit: Origins of the Sanskrit language, root letters from the Shiva tradition, and the correct Sanskrit names of all asanas used throughout the course.
The meditation curriculum follows the Bihar School of Yoga methodology — one of the most structured and systematic approaches in the world. Six practices are covered across 18 structured sessions:
- Yoga Nidra — conscious deep relaxation and pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
- Trataka — concentrated gazing to develop one-pointed focus
- Kaya Sthairyam — stillness of the body as a gateway to stillness of mind
- Ajapa Japa — effortless repetition of mantra synchronised with breath
- Antar Mouna — inner silence; witnessing thoughts without identification
- Chidakash Dharana — visualisation in the space of consciousness behind the closed eyes
The 18-session programme concludes with Q&A and written assessments to ensure depth of understanding alongside lived experience.
The final module prepares you to teach — not just to practise. Topics include:
- The four instructional pillars: verbal instruction, observation, demonstration, and hands-on guidance
- Sequencing principles — building a class safely from warm-up through peak pose to cool-down
- Understanding individual body types and how the same asana looks different in different bodies
- Adjustment techniques — safe, effective, and consent-based assists for common postures
- Supervised teaching practice sessions in front of peers and faculty, with structured feedback after each session
Daily Schedule
A full residential immersion — each day is thoughtfully structured to balance practice, study, rest, and community.
Included & Not Included
Full transparency — no hidden fees, no surprises on arrival.
What's Included
- 22 nights accommodation (choice of room type at booking)
- Three freshly prepared Sattvic vegetarian meals daily
- Morning and evening herbal tea
- Training manual and all course materials
- Yoga Alliance RYT-200 certification (all registration fees included)
- 3 weekend excursions — based on season & availability (Waterfall visit, Sunrise Kunjapuri, Vashistha Cave, Rafting, or Ganga Aarti Parmarth)
- Sound Healing session (Deluxe room guests only)
- Ayurvedic Body Massage (Deluxe room guests only)
Not Included
- International flight tickets
- India visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Optional adventure activities (white-water rafting, bungee jumping, etc.)
Weekend Excursions Included
3 excursions included — chosen based on season & availability from the options below.
Dates & Pricing
All room types include the same full curriculum, meals, certification, and excursions. Choose the room that fits your comfort and budget.
Shared room for four — ideal for budget-conscious solo travellers and group bookings.
- Full 22-day curriculum
- 3 Sattvic meals daily
- RYT-200 certification
- All weekend excursions
Double occupancy room — perfect for couples, friends, or those preferring a quieter shared space.
- Full 22-day curriculum
- 3 Sattvic meals daily
- RYT-200 certification
- All weekend excursions
Your own private room — personal space for reflection, journalling, and rest after intensive practice days.
- Full 22-day curriculum
- 3 Sattvic meals daily
- RYT-200 certification
- All weekend excursions
Premium private room with two added healing sessions for the most complete experience.
- Full 22-day curriculum
- 3 Sattvic meals daily
- RYT-200 certification
- All weekend excursions
- Sound Healing session
- Ayurvedic Body Massage
Without Food & Accommodation
Ideal for students already staying in Rishikesh and looking to join the complete 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training curriculum without meals and accommodation.
Apply NowUpcoming Batch Dates — 2026
| Start Date | End Date | Duration | Availability | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 July 2026 | 22 July 2026 | 22 Days | 12 seats left | Apply |
| 01 August 2026 | 22 August 2026 | 22 Days | 14 seats left | Apply |
| 01 September 2026 | 22 September 2026 | 22 Days | 6 seats left | Apply |
| 01 October 2026 | 22 October 2026 | 22 Days | 9 seats left | Apply |
| 01 November 2026 | 22 November 2026 | 22 Days | 11 seats left | Apply |
Seat counts are updated periodically. Contact us to confirm current availability before applying.
Deposit & Refund Policy
- A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your seat in a batch.
- 30 or more days before start date: Deposit is transferable to a future batch within 3 months of the original start date.
- Less than 30 days before start date: Deposit is forfeited; rescheduling is not available.
- Once the course has started: No refunds are issued for any reason, including early departure.
What Our Graduates Say
Every batch brings together students from around the world. Here are a few of their stories.
“I arrived in Rishikesh with almost no yoga experience and a lot of self-doubt. By the end of the 22 days I had taught a full one-hour class to my batch — something I genuinely could not have imagined on day one. The teachers here have an incredible ability to meet you where you are. The philosophy sessions changed the way I understand myself. I left with a certification, but more importantly, I left with a practice that is genuinely mine.”
“As someone who had practised yoga for five years before joining, I was not sure how much depth I would find in a beginner-friendly programme. I was completely wrong. The Patanjali Yoga Sutra sessions alone were worth the entire trip — I had studied some philosophy before but never with this clarity. The teaching methodology module gave me the framework and confidence to start classes back home within weeks of returning. Highest recommendation.”
“Waking up at 5 AM every morning sounded extreme before I arrived. By day three it was the most natural thing in the world — you step outside and you are metres from the Ganga as the mist lifts. The community that forms in 22 days is something I did not expect. We were from ten different countries and became a family. I still practise with my batchmates online every week. If you are thinking about it, just go.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
Everything you need to know before applying. Still have a question? Chat with us on WhatsApp.
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