5-Day Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, India

Five days of yoga, meditation, sound healing, and sacred excursions on the banks of the Ganga — from $249, all Sattvic meals & accommodation included.

5 Days Mon–Fri Residential
All Levels No Experience Needed
4.9★ Google Rating
Batches 1st & 3rd Monday
5 Days Duration
All Levels Experience Required
Every Monday 1st & 3rd of Month
From $249 Per Person
Tapovan Rishikesh, India
Peaceful yoga practice by the Ganga during the 5-Day Retreat at Maa Ganga Yogashala, Rishikesh

Heal, Reconnect & Recharge in Rishikesh

Spend five days at Maa Ganga Yogashala and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul through yoga, meditation, and the sacred energy of Rishikesh. Set in the peaceful foothills of the Himalayas, just steps from the holy Ganga, this retreat is a soft but complete immersion into the living yogic world.

Every morning begins with yoga practice, followed by guided meditation and Pranayama sessions. Afternoons are devoted to personal reflection, nature, and visits to sacred places such as Vashistha Cave or the moving Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan. Evenings include Yoga Nidra and sound healing to help you fully unwind.

Daily Yoga & Meditation

Morning asana, Pranayama, guided meditation, Yoga Nidra, and Mantra & Kirtan — structured yet deeply restful.

Sacred Rishikesh Excursions

2 guided excursions included — Ganga Aarti, waterfalls, Vashistha Cave, river rafting, or Kunjapuri sunrise trek.

Sattvic Meals & Clean Accommodation

Three freshly prepared vegetarian meals daily, herbal tea, and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water.

Small Groups & Personal Attention

Intimate group sizes mean teachers can meet every participant where they are — beginner or experienced practitioner.

Who Can Join

No prior yoga experience is needed — just an open heart and a willingness to slow down.

Complete Beginners

Seeking a short wellness break — no yoga background needed. You will be guided step by step from day one.

Yoga Enthusiasts

Looking to deepen personal practice, reconnect with the roots of yoga, and experience traditional teaching in Rishikesh.

Conscious Travellers

Wanting a soulful, screen-free break in India — something more meaningful than a standard tourist experience.

Retreat Highlights

Daily Yoga Sessions (Asana & Pranayama)
Guided Meditation
Yoga Nidra & Deep Relaxation
Sound Healing & Mindfulness
Ayurvedic Sattvic Meals (3 times daily)
Sacred Ganga Aarti — Parmarth Niketan
2 Guided Excursions Included
Evening Ganga Ghat Walks
Time for Self-Reflection & Nature
Mantra & Kirtan Evenings

Retreat Programme

Four pillars of practice woven through each day — movement, breath, stillness, and sacred sound.

Yoga is at the heart of the retreat — practiced in an integrated, accessible way that respects both traditional lineages and your individual body.

  • Morning Asana: Guided yoga class covering foundational postures, alignment cues, breath coordination, and smooth sequencing — suitable for all levels.
  • Self-Practice: Dedicated quiet time for personal exploration on the mat, integrating what you have learned and developing your own inner compass.
  • Yoga Philosophy: Short introductory sessions on the context and purpose of yoga — what it is beyond the physical postures.

Sessions are held in our dedicated yoga shala with natural light and fresh air, metres from the Ganga.

Breath and stillness are practiced together — Pranayama prepares the body and mind for the deeper quiet of meditation.

  • Pranayama: Guided morning breathwork including Anuloma Viloma, Kapalabhati, and natural breath awareness techniques to calm the nervous system and focus the mind.
  • Guided Meditation: Structured sessions in awareness, concentration, and relaxation — accessible to complete beginners. No prior meditation experience needed.
  • Yoga Nidra: The practice of conscious deep relaxation — lying down, you are guided into a state between waking and sleep that is deeply restorative at a cellular level.

Sound Meditation is also practiced — a powerful combination of silence and resonant sound that quickly quiets the mind.

Mantra chanting aligns awareness with the inner self and quickly settles the mind into a meditative state. In the serene environment of Rishikesh, the resonance is felt deeply.

  • Core Mantras: Om, Ganesh Mantra, Guru Mantra, and the Maha-Mantra — learned with correct pronunciation and meaning, not just repetition.
  • Kirtan: Call-and-response devotional chanting with harmonium accompaniment. No musical experience is needed — the heart is the only instrument required.

Vedic tradition teaches that mantra directly addresses the subtle body — regular chanting, even for five days, leaves a tangible impression on the nervous system.

Beyond the yoga shala, two experiences connect you to the living spiritual landscape of Rishikesh.

  • Sound Healing Session: Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, and resonant instruments are used to gently shift your nervous system into a state of deep rest and rebalancing. Practiced lying down; no experience needed.
  • Ganga Aarti: Every retreat begins with the evening fire ceremony at Parmarth Niketan on the Ganga — one of the most moving spiritual experiences in India.
  • Second Excursion (based on season & availability): Waterfall visit, Sunrise Kunjapuri Trek, Vashistha Cave, or River Rafting — chosen to match the season and group preference.

Evening Ganga Ghat walks are a regular, informal part of most days — simply walking by the river after dinner, watching the lights on the water.

Daily Schedule

Retreat runs Monday (arrival) through Friday (checkout). Each day is structured to balance practice, experience, rest, and community.

12:00 PM
Student Welcome
Arrival at Maa Ganga Yogashala — meet the team and settle in.
01:00 PM
Check-In
Room allocation, orientation, and time to rest after your journey.
02:00 – 03:00 PM
Lunch
Your first Sattvic vegetarian meal — freshly prepared and served together as a group.
04:00 – 05:00 PM
Sound Meditation
A gentle opening session using singing bowls and guided awareness to release travel fatigue.
05:30 PM
Ganga Aarti — Parmarth Niketan
Leave together for the evening fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganga — the perfect first-night experience.
08:30 – 09:30 PM
Dinner
Evening meal together — a chance to meet your batchmates over food.
09:30 PM
Ganga Ghat Walk
An informal evening stroll along the riverbank — your first real feel of Rishikesh at night.
06:15 AM
Wake Up
An early but peaceful start — the Ganga morning mist is worth waking for.
06:30 – 07:00 AM
Herbal Tea
Morning chai served communally — grounding before practice begins.
07:00 – 07:45 AM
Guided Meditation
Structured morning meditation to settle the mind before physical practice.
07:45 – 08:30 AM
Self Practice
Personal time on the mat — integrate the morning meditation into gentle movement.
09:30 – 10:30 AM
Breakfast
Nourishing Sattvic breakfast with fresh fruit, porridge, and herbal tea.
11:00 AM
Guided Excursion
Waterfall visit / Sunrise Kunjapuri / Vashistha Cave / Rafting / Ganga Aarti Parmarth — based on season & availability.
08:30 – 09:30 PM
Dinner
Evening meal and time to decompress after the day's excursion.
09:30 PM
Ganga Ghat Walk
Evening walk along the river — a quiet, reflective close to the day.
06:15 AM
Wake Up
By day three, the early start feels natural — the body adapts quickly to the rhythm of the retreat.
06:30 – 07:00 AM
Herbal Tea
Morning chai before practice.
07:00 – 07:45 AM
Guided Meditation
Morning meditation session — deeper practice as the retreat progresses.
07:45 – 08:30 AM
Self Practice
Personal asana practice on the mat.
09:30 – 10:30 AM
Breakfast
Freshly prepared Sattvic breakfast.
11:00 AM
River Rafting (Excursion)
White-water rafting on the Ganga — exhilarating contrast to the stillness of morning practice.
02:30 – 03:30 PM
Lunch
Midday meal after rafting — hearty and restorative.
04:30 PM
Afternoon Excursion / Free Time
Based on season & availability — or personal time for rest, journalling, and exploring the local area.
08:30 – 09:30 PM
Dinner
Evening meal together.
09:30 PM
Ganga Ghat Walk
Quiet evening by the river to close the day.
06:15 AM
Wake Up
The second-to-last full day — savour the morning.
06:30 – 07:00 AM
Herbal Tea
Morning chai.
07:00 – 07:45 AM
Guided Meditation
Morning meditation — by now, settling into stillness comes more easily.
07:45 – 08:30 AM
Self Practice
Personal time on the mat.
09:30 – 10:30 AM
Breakfast
Sattvic breakfast — nourishing and calm.
10:45 AM
Waterfall Visit
A refreshing walk to one of the natural waterfalls near Rishikesh — a favourite among retreat guests.
02:00 – 03:00 PM
Lunch
Midday meal after the waterfall trip.
03:15 PM
Afternoon Excursion / Free Time
Based on season & availability — or personal time for shopping, reflection, or a last walk by the Ganga.
08:30 – 09:30 PM
Dinner
Final group dinner of the retreat — a natural moment for reflection and gratitude.
09:30 PM
Ganga Ghat Walk
A last evening walk by the river before checkout day.
04:00 AM
Wake Up
An early start for the final day — a pre-dawn walk to experience Rishikesh at its most peaceful.
04:30 AM
Waterfall Visit (Sunrise)
Leave together for a sunrise waterfall visit — a beautiful final morning memory.
09:00 – 10:00 AM
Breakfast
Final Sattvic breakfast together at the ashram.
11:00 AM
Checkout
Formal checkout — rooms to be vacated by 11:00 AM. The team is available to assist with luggage and onward travel arrangements.

Schedule is representative. Excursion days and timings may vary slightly based on season, weather, and group size.

Included & Not Included

Full transparency — no hidden fees, no surprises on arrival.

What's Included

  • 5 nights accommodation (choice of room type at booking)
  • Three freshly prepared Sattvic vegetarian meals daily
  • Morning and evening herbal tea
  • Daily yoga sessions (asana & Pranayama)
  • Guided meditation practices
  • Sound healing or Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
  • 2 guided excursions — based on season & availability (Waterfall visit, Sunrise Kunjapuri, Vashistha Cave, Rafting, or Ganga Aarti Parmarth)
  • Nature walks and self-reflection time

Not Included

  • Airfare or travel expenses to/from Rishikesh
  • Airport pickup and drop-off (available on request, additional cost)
  • Travel insurance or medical expenses
  • Personal items (toiletries, laundry, medication)
  • SIM cards, mobile data, or extra Wi-Fi outside campus
  • Optional massages or Ayurvedic treatments
  • Shopping or personal excursions not organised by the school
  • Entry fees to tourist spots visited during free time

2 Excursions Included

Chosen based on season & availability from the options below.

Sunrise Kunjapuri Trek
Ganga Aarti Parmarth
Waterfall Visit
Vashistha Cave
River Rafting

Dates & Pricing

Both room types include the same complete retreat experience. Choose the option that suits your comfort and budget.

Twin Sharing
$249
was $550

Double occupancy room — perfect for couples, friends, or solo travellers who enjoy a shared but private space.

  • Full 5-day retreat programme
  • 3 Sattvic meals daily
  • 2 guided excursions
  • Sound healing & Yoga Nidra
Secure your spot with deposit
Book — Twin Sharing

Upcoming Retreat Dates — 2026

Retreats begin every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

Start Date End Date Duration Availability Action
06 July 2026 10 July 2026 5 Days 4 seats left Book
20 July 2026 24 July 2026 5 Days 9 seats left Book
03 August 2026 07 August 2026 5 Days 11 seats left Book
17 August 2026 21 August 2026 5 Days 5 seats left Book
07 September 2026 11 September 2026 5 Days 10 seats left Book
21 September 2026 25 September 2026 5 Days 12 seats left Book
05 October 2026 09 October 2026 5 Days 13 seats left Book
19 October 2026 23 October 2026 5 Days 14 seats left Book
02 November 2026 06 November 2026 5 Days 12 seats left Book
16 November 2026 20 November 2026 5 Days 15 seats left Book

Seat counts are updated periodically. Contact us to confirm current availability before booking.

Deposit & Refund Policy

  • A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your spot in a retreat.
  • 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 retreat has started: No refunds are issued for any reason, including early departure.

What Our Retreat Guests Say

Five days leaves a lasting impression. Here is what past guests brought home.

“I booked the retreat on a whim after a particularly exhausting few months at work. I had never done yoga properly before — just a few YouTube videos. By day two, I was sleeping better than I had in years. The teachers are incredibly gentle with beginners. The Ganga Aarti on the first evening genuinely moved me to tears. Five days felt both short and completely sufficient. I came home a different version of myself.”

Laura Mitchell 🇬🇧 UK · 5-Day Retreat

“I practice yoga regularly at home but had never experienced it in India. The difference is hard to explain. When you practice with the Ganga a few metres away and the Himalayas in the distance, something shifts. The sound healing session on day one was unlike anything I had experienced before. The food was extraordinary — I asked for recipes. I am already planning to come back for the 200-hour training.”

Marco Ferretti 🇮🇹 Italy · 5-Day Retreat

“I live in Bangalore and have wanted to visit Rishikesh properly for years — not just as a tourist but to actually practise here. This retreat gave me exactly that. The schedule is well-balanced: enough structure to feel purposeful, enough free time to just breathe. The waterfall walk on the last morning at 4 AM sounds extreme but is genuinely magical. Small group, warm team, honest yogic experience.”

Priya Nair 🇮🇳 India · 5-Day Retreat

Frequently Asked Questions About the 5-Day Yoga Retreat

Everything you need to know before booking. Still have a question? Chat with us on WhatsApp.

The 5-Day Yoga Retreat at Maa Ganga Yogashala is a short residential immersion in Tapovan, Rishikesh. It runs Monday to Friday and includes daily yoga asana sessions, guided meditation, Pranayama, sound healing, Yoga Nidra, Mantra and Kirtan evenings, Sattvic vegetarian meals, accommodation, and 2 guided excursions to sacred and natural sites around Rishikesh. It is open to complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

No prior experience is required. The retreat is genuinely open to all levels — whether you have never stepped onto a yoga mat or you practise daily. Sessions are adapted to the group and teachers offer modifications so every participant can engage fully and safely. The retreat is not a training programme, so there are no assessments, no study requirements, and no pressure — only practice, rest, and exploration.

The fee covers 5 nights of accommodation in your chosen room type, three freshly prepared Sattvic vegetarian meals daily, herbal tea morning and evening, all daily yoga, meditation, Pranayama, sound healing, and Yoga Nidra sessions, and 2 guided excursions chosen from: Waterfall visit, Sunrise Kunjapuri Trek, Vashistha Cave, River Rafting, or Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan — based on season and availability. Not included: international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, airport transfers, and optional massages or Ayurvedic treatments.

Retreats begin every first and third Monday of the month and run Monday through Friday. Arrival and check-in is on Monday afternoon; checkout is Friday morning. Browse the upcoming batch dates on this page and apply for your preferred slot. A deposit secures your place. Our team will confirm availability and share all pre-arrival details once your booking is received.

2 guided excursions are included in the retreat fee — chosen from: Waterfall visit, Sunrise Kunjapuri Trek, Vashistha Cave, River Rafting, or Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, based on season and availability. The first excursion typically takes place on Day 1 evening (Ganga Aarti) and the second on Day 2, 3, or 4 depending on the session. The Ganga Ghat evening walk is a regular part of most days and is not counted as an excursion.

Absolutely. The majority of our retreat guests arrive solo. The residential format means you share meals and sessions with a small group of like-minded guests from around the world — connections happen naturally. Rishikesh is one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in India for solo travellers, including women travelling alone. Our team is available to assist with airport pickup (on request, at additional cost), local orientation, and any questions before and during your stay.

Other programmes and experiences at Maa Ganga Yogashala.

Retreat

3-Day Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh

A shorter immersion for those with limited time — yoga, meditation, Ganga Aarti, and one guided excursion in three days.

Learn More
Foundation Level

100-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

A focused 11-day foundation course — ideal for those ready to go deeper into yoga practice and study after a retreat.

Learn More
Healing

Sound Healing Session in Rishikesh

Therapeutic Tibetan singing bowl sessions to balance energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation — standalone booking available.

Learn More

Your 5-Day Retreat Begins in Rishikesh

Limited spots per batch. Book now to reserve your place — or chat with us on WhatsApp and we will answer every question before you commit.