Shatkriyas — Purification
Retreat Highlights
Swadhyay Retreat Fee
10 DaysTen days is enough time to slow right down and turn your attention inward. The 10 Day Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh at Rishikesh Yog Kendra, known as the Swadhyay Yoga Retreat, is built around exactly that. Swadhyay means self-study, one of the guiding principles of yoga, and this retreat gives you the space, the practices and the setting to explore it.
This is a retreat rather than a course, so there is nothing to pass and no experience required. It suits complete beginners looking for a strong foundation just as much as practitioners who want to go deeper, and it draws on years of experience running yoga teacher training to shape a calm, thorough programme.
Over ten unhurried days you take part in daily yoga, cleansing practices, breathwork, meditation and yoga philosophy, alongside quiet time to rest and reflect. The retreat sits on the hillside above Rishikesh, with the Ganga Valley in view, away from the noise of the city.
There is also time to explore beyond the yoga hall. Excursions take you to watch the sunrise at the Kunjapuri Temple, to trek to the Neer Waterfall, and to visit the Vashistha Cave, along with the evening Ganga Aarti and a walk through the colourful local market.
Taught in English and Hindi, with accommodation and Sattvic meals included, the retreat is kept small, with only fifteen places, so the atmosphere stays calm and personal.
If you are looking for a longer yoga and meditation retreat in Rishikesh built around self-reflection, gentle practice and time in nature, the Swadhyay Yoga Retreat is made to give you exactly that.
The Swadhyay Yoga Retreat is a ten-day residential yoga and meditation retreat at Rishikesh Yog Kendra in Rishikesh, India, built around the yogic idea of self-study. It includes daily asana, cleansing practices, pranayama, alignment and anatomy, yoga philosophy and meditation, with excursions to the Kunjapuri Temple, Neer Waterfall, Vashistha Cave and the Ganga Aarti. It welcomes beginners and intermediate practitioners, includes accommodation and Sattvic meals, and leads to a Certificate of Completion.
The word Swadhyay means self-study, and it gives this retreat its purpose. To bring body, mind and spirit into balance, yoga asks for steady practice, honest self-awareness and a little discipline, and these ten days are arranged to support exactly that. You practise, you rest, and you reflect, so you return home not only relaxed but with a clearer sense of yourself.
The programme is complete without being rushed. Mornings begin gently with cleansing and asana, the middle of the day turns to alignment, anatomy and philosophy, and the evening settles into meditation. Along the way there is space to absorb what you are learning and to enjoy the peace of the surroundings.
Your retreat includes:
The retreat runs for ten days and is fully residential, taught in English and Hindi, with only fifteen places on each retreat. On completion, you receive a Certificate of Completion from Rishikesh Yog Kendra. Because it is longer than a typical short break, it gives you the time to settle properly, and many guests leave feeling rested, clearer and reconnected with a calmer pace of living.
This retreat suits anyone who wants a longer, gentler reset: people who need a genuine break from a busy life, complete beginners building a foundation, solo travellers seeking a calm and safe experience in India, and experienced practitioners who want time for self-reflection and deeper study. No previous experience is required, and there is no fitness level to meet.
A ten-day retreat is a real commitment of time, so it helps to know whether it fits what you are looking for. The short answer is that it is built for depth and rest rather than for pushing hard.
This retreat is likely a good fit if you recognise yourself in any of these:
A few days never feels like enough, and you would rather give yourself ten days to genuinely slow down and reconnect.
The theme of Swadhyay, or self-study, speaks to you, and you want a retreat that makes room for looking inward as well as practising.
You are curious and want to begin properly, with cleansing, breath, asana and philosophy taught from the ground up.
You want a calm, safe and welcoming place to spend your days, with a small group and a settled routine.
You have a yoga or meditation practice and want the time and quiet to deepen it, and to study its philosophy and anatomy more closely.
The retreat is taught in English and Hindi, and with only fifteen places it stays calm and personal. Because everything is gentle and open to a range of levels, people of very different ages, backgrounds and fitness settle in easily together.
If a longer, restful and reflective retreat in a peaceful setting is what you are looking for, the Swadhyay Yoga Retreat is very likely a strong fit.
Choosing the right yoga retreat is an important decision. Speak with our Retreat Advisor to discuss the itinerary, daily schedule, accommodation, fees, and everything you need to know before joining. We're here to make your journey simple and stress-free.
Connect on WhatsApp Chat with our retreat advisorGet a reply within 15 minutes during working hours
Rishikesh Yog Kendra offers a longer, ten-day yoga and meditation retreat built around self-study, in a peaceful hillside setting above the Ganga Valley. It brings together daily asana, cleansing, pranayama, philosophy, meditation and meaningful excursions, in a small group of only fifteen, with everything included, and it is run by a traditional yoga school rather than a commercial resort.
There are many retreats to choose from, so it is fair to ask what makes ours worth choosing.
Many retreats last only a few days. The extra time here lets you genuinely settle, so the rest, the practice and the reflection go deeper than a short stay allows.
Rather than yoga alone, the retreat covers cleansing, asana, pranayama, alignment and anatomy, philosophy and meditation, shaped by years of teaching experience.
The theme of Swadhyay gives the days a reflective focus, so the retreat offers understanding and self-awareness alongside relaxation.
Sunrise at the Kunjapuri Temple, the trek to the Neer Waterfall, the Vashistha Cave, the Ganga Aarti and the local market take you into the natural, spiritual and everyday life of Rishikesh.
The retreat looks out over the Ganga Valley in the Himalayan foothills, away from the noise of the city.
With only fifteen places, and accommodation, Sattvic meals and all activities included, the retreat stays personal and there is nothing to arrange once you arrive.
A retreat is really about trust: trusting that you can put your days in careful hands and simply rest. We aim to earn that through a calm, well-run experience, rooted in tradition, rather than any promise.
The retreat covers Shatkriyas (yogic cleansing), asana, pranayama, alignment and anatomy, yoga philosophy and meditation, along with time for self-study. Practices are drawn from the traditional teachings and taught at a level that suits beginners and intermediate practitioners, so you leave with a rounded and well-grounded experience of yoga.
The retreat follows a clear structure, moving from cleansing and movement in the morning to study and stillness later in the day. The areas below make up the heart of what you practise.
The days begin with the Shatkriyas, the traditional purification practices that prepare the body for yoga. You are introduced to Jal Neti for the nasal passages, Jihva Dhauti for the tongue, and Netra Shudhi for the eyes. Gentle and carefully taught, these practices support the breath and leave you feeling clear and refreshed.
Each day includes asana, the physical practice of yoga. Mornings are given to the Pawanmuktasana series, a gentle, systematic sequence that prepares the body, and the practice is taught with alignment, adjustments and modifications that keep it safe and support healing rather than strain.
You learn pranayama, the practice of working with the breath to steady the mind and regulate energy through the body. The retreat focuses on well-known, effective techniques including Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari (the humming bee breath) and Ujjayi (ocean breath).
Good alignment is what allows a posture to be both safe and effective, so the retreat gives real attention to it. You learn how the body should be positioned in each asana, how misalignment can create tension, and enough practical anatomy and physiology to understand why alignment matters and how to protect the body.
On the reflective side of the retreat, you are introduced to the philosophy of yoga through the classical texts, including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita, and to the wider cultural roots of yoga in India. Taught simply, this gives your practice meaning and context beyond the physical.
Because the days are full, the retreat makes room for meditation to settle the mind and turn the attention inward. You are guided through practices such as trataka (yogic gazing), ajapa japa (silent repetition), yoga nidra (yogic deep relaxation) and sound healing, all of which help you rest and find a sense of stillness.
Shatkriyas are a set of purification methods that prepare your body for the yogic journey ahead. During our 10 days yoga retreat, we introduce Jal Neti, Jihva Dhauti and Netra Shudhi for cleansing the nasal passages, the tongue and eyes. These techniques harness the full potential of the breath, amplify the sensitivity of taste buds and nurture vision to radiate with a vibrant glow.
Asana, the physical aspect of yoga, is noticeably integrated into modern fitness regimes to master advanced postures. However, its primary purpose has always been to develop the necessary ability for meditation: sitting comfortably in one position for an extended period of time. At our 10 days yoga retreat, we honor this tradition by dedicating the mornings to the Pawanmuktasana Series, which serves as a preparatory exercise for laying a firm foundation in yogic life. In the afternoons, we lead multi-style classes to explore the spectrum of yogasanas, ranging from classical (Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar) to modern (Vinyasa, Yin) practices.
Pranayama, defined as the control of the breath, offers methods to activate and regulate the energy flow throughout the body in order to attain a higher state of consciousness. Among the various exercises, Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari (the humming bee breath) and Ujjayi (ocean breath) stand out for their therapeutic effects. At our retreat, we prioritize these techniques, emphasizing awareness of the respiratory process to establish correct breathing habits.
Alignment in yoga refers to the precise positioning of the body to derive maximum benefits from each pose. When the body is not properly aligned, such as leaning to the left or right, it can create blockages in the energy channels. Therefore, finding a neutral state in asanas is crucial, as it enables the mind to turn inward and fully inhabit the physical form. At our 10 days yoga retreat in Rishikesh Yog Kendra, we conduct interactive classes aimed at observing and addressing common imbalances that may arise during asana practice. Through these sessions, we discuss and apply exercises to improve body awareness both on and off the mat.
Exploring Hinduism is essential for comprehending yoga philosophy, as both accentuate the pursuit of self-realization, inner peace, and harmony with the universe. During the retreat, we delve into the rich tapestry of Hindu literature and cultural heritage, which thrives in India, the birthplace of yoga. As yoga spreads across the globe, it naturally evolves to better suit the needs of contemporary society. At our 10 days yoga retreat, we draw inspiration from this transformation, yet remain firmly committed to preserving the traditional spiritual roots through authentic teachings.
The program at our retreat is very thorough, spanning from the break of dawn to dusk. Hence, we have deliberately included soothing meditation sessions, such as trataka (yogic gazing), apa-japa (silent repetition), yoga nidra (yogic sleep) and sound healing, to assist in shifting attention from the outside world inward, embarking on a journey towards Samadhi, the blissful state of mind.
A gentle rhythm — from first breath at dawn to stillness at night.
* Schedule may vary slightly depending on the programme and season
The retreat runs monthly, from the 24th, and takes fifteen people at a time. One fee covers your room, three sattvic meals a day, every session and every excursion. Places do go — the availability against each batch below is current.
Secure Booking • Only 15 Places • Small Group
One fee covers the whole ten days — your room, your food, all six subjects and every excursion with the transport to reach it. Here is the full list, and the short list of what sits outside it.
Everything covered inside your program fee
Good to know before you book
The retreat draws on the same faculty who teach our yoga teacher training courses, so the six subjects are led by people who teach them daily rather than for the odd retreat group. They take time to explain the reasoning behind each practice, correct you personally, and answer the questions a shorter class never has room for. Meet the team below.
Founder · Hatha, Aerial & Ashtanga
Founder of Rishikesh Yog Kendra, Vimlesh Ji has spent more than a decade teaching Hatha, Aerial and Ashtanga yoga in the Himalayan tradition.
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayan foothills, we welcome you to the tranquillity of our secluded campus. The gentle rhythms of the mountains and the view of the Ganga valley as it cascades down towards Rishikesh blend to create a rejuvenating atmosphere, away from the noise of the city.
Rooms are available as private or two shared, each with an attached bathroom, free Wi-Fi and the essentials you need for ten days — and enough space to sit and practise in on your own between sessions.
Food here is more than sustenance. Our chefs select the finest seasonal fruit and vegetables alongside wholesome grains and legumes, so each meal carries the essence of sattvic nutrition. Following Ayurvedic principles, the yogic diet cultivates mindfulness in eating by nurturing the doshas — pacifying Vata, soothing Pitta, balancing Kapha.
Our campus sits in the quiet foothills of the Himalayas — open practice halls, a rooftop terrace to sit out on, and the hills in full view from sunrise to dusk. Close enough to the Ganga for a morning walk, far enough for the silence a practice needs.
Clean, spacious rooms with an attached washroom and enough floor space to meditate or practise on your own. Housekeeping takes care of the rest, and you choose between a private or a shared room.
Three fresh vegetarian meals a day, along with seasonal fruits and herbal tea. Everything is cooked in the school kitchen and included in your course fee — no separate charges for food or stay.
We strongly believe that a student needs practical exposure apart from book knowledge to have a great career. For the same reason, we organise weekly excursions to various holy sites as well as picturesque sites in Rishikesh. The excursions are an important part of the curriculum. You can avail yourself of the opportunities to practice yoga and meditation in some of the serene and tranquil spots in the region.
Rishikesh has some famous spots, like Kunjapuri Temple, Ganga beach, Rishi Vasishta’s Cave, and the Beatles Ashram. Many tourists also throng the region for various pursuits. You can experience the heights of spirituality at such places. Moreover, you can establish a stronger connection with nature. So, it is important for you to go on such excursions as part of your training in Rishikesh.
Ready to begin your own practice? Apply for a course.
No. The retreat is open to complete beginners as well as intermediate practitioners. The yoga is multi-style and taught from the foundations, and everything, from cleansing to breathwork to philosophy, is gently guided. All you need is the willingness to take part at your own pace.
Swadhyay means self-study, one of the guiding principles of yoga. The retreat is named after it because these ten days are designed to help you look inward through practice, study and reflection, not only to relax but to understand yourself a little more clearly.
Your accommodation, fresh Sattvic vegetarian meals and all the retreat activities, including the daily yoga, cleansing, pranayama, philosophy, meditation and the excursions, are included. You can choose a private or shared room. Once you arrive, the essentials of your stay are taken care of.
Yes. The sunrise visit to the Kunjapuri Temple, the trek to the Neer Waterfall, the Vashistha Cave, the Ganga Aarti and the local market visit are all part of the retreat.
Yes. Rishikesh is a well-established destination for international visitors, and many people join this retreat alone, including many women. Because it is residential and the group is small, you are among fellow guests and staff in a settled, welcoming place.
Each retreat is limited to fifteen places, which keeps the group small and the experience calm and personal. Because of this, retreats fill quickly, so early booking is recommended.
From Delhi to your mat in Tapovan — by air, rail, road or bus, here is every way students make their way to us.
Jolly Grant Airport, about 25 km from Rishikesh, has daily flights from Delhi. We can arrange a cab from the airport to the school for an additional fee.
Daily trains connect Delhi to Haridwar railway station. Once you arrive at Haridwar, we can organise a pickup for you at a reasonable charge.
We can also arrange a cab to bring you the whole way from Delhi to the school in Rishikesh, for a reasonable fee.
Buses run from Delhi to Rishikesh bus stand through the day. On arrival we can arrange a cab for the short hop to the school.