Retreats in India
In Rudraprayag, Himalayas
To practise yoga in India is to come close to its living source. Here, the ancient tradition is still present in daily life, in the rhythm of prayer, practice and pilgrimage.
A Sivananda yoga retreat in the Himalayas offers time to step away from familiar routines and return to the deeper purpose of yoga. In the pure mountain air, with the Ganges flowing below, practice becomes more inward and steady.
This is more than a yoga holiday. It is an opportunity to live the teachings for a while, supported by daily practice, spiritual guidance and the sacred atmosphere of India.
The Sivananda Yoga Retreats run alongside the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Course in Rudraprayag, in the Himalayas. Within the spring and autumn retreat periods, you are free to choose the dates of your stay.
Highlights:
Prices from €105/day or €665/week.
See details
21 October – 19 November 2026
23 October – 21 November 2027
20 February – 21 March 2027
19 February – 19 March 2028
A yoga retreat in India is not only a change of scenery. It is an opportunity to enter more fully into the spirit of yoga, close to the source of the tradition.
In the classical yoga path, the asanas prepare the body and mind for meditation. Physical practice remains important, but it becomes part of something wider: a way to steady the thoughts, deepen the breath and turn inward with greater awareness.
The daily rhythm of the retreat supports this inner work. Meditation, chanting, pranayama and yoga philosophy are woven into the day, so that practice is not limited to the yoga class. Morning and evening Satsang give a clear spiritual focus, helping the mind become quieter and more receptive.
For those who feel ready to move beyond a purely physical approach, this kind of retreat offers time to live yoga in a simple and traditional way. It is a chance to step back from familiar routines, renew your practice and reconnect with what is essential.
The Himalayas have long been associated with yoga, meditation and the search for inner knowledge. For centuries, seekers have come to these mountains to practise away from the usual demands of daily life.
The retreat takes place at Monal Resort in Rudraprayag, an ancient pilgrimage town in the Garhwal Himalayas. Here the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet, flowing onward as part of the sacred Ganges. At about 890 metres altitude, the retreat is high enough to feel the mountain atmosphere while remaining accessible and comfortable for daily practice.
The spiritual atmosphere of Rudraprayag is an important part of the experience. Each morning, Ganga Arati is offered to the river flowing below the retreat hotel. Traditional pujas with a South Indian priest and visits to nearby temples give participants a living connection with the devotional traditions of India.
The programme often includes discourses on the Bhagavatam with Sri Venugopal Goswami, accompanied by classical Raga music. These sessions open a window into the sacred stories and philosophical teachings of India, adding depth to the practice on the mat.
Practising yoga here is not about escaping the world. It is a chance to see life from a different perspective and return to the deeper purpose of practice. In the presence of the mountains and the sacred Ganges, the retreat rhythm supports a gradual turning inward – steadily and sincerely.
During the retreat, optional visits may be offered to nearby temples and sacred places, depending on the programme and local conditions. These excursions give participants a glimpse into the devotional culture of the Himalayan region.
Dedicated to Kartikeya, the son of Lord Siva, this temple is reached by a 3 km walk from Kanak Chauri village, about 38 km from Rudraprayag. On clear days, there are wide views of the Himalayan range.
Koteshwar Temple is situated in a cave on the bank of the Alaknanda River, about 3 km from Rudraprayag. It is traditionally associated with Lord Siva, who is said to have meditated here before going to Kedarnath.
Located near the river confluence in Rudraprayag, Rudranath Temple is connected with Lord Rudra, an aspect of Siva. According to tradition, Lord Rudra taught music here to the sage Narada.
The retreat is guided by the living tradition of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and his disciple Swami Vishnudevananda, who brought these teachings from India to the West. Since 1957, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres have shared the practice of classical yoga as a path to health, inner peace and spiritual growth.
Swami Sivananda taught a universal yoga of service, devotion and meditation, expressed in the simple instruction: “Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realise.” Swami Vishnudevananda carried this message across the world, making the ancient teachings accessible to modern students while preserving their traditional depth.
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Europe bring this long experience of teaching to the sacred Himalayas. At Monal Resort in Rudraprayag, the retreat follows a classical daily rhythm with asana practice, pranayama, meditation, chanting and spiritual study. The emphasis is not on performance, but on steady practice and gradual inner transformation.
In this way, the retreat offers more than time away. It is an opportunity to practise within a tradition that has supported students for generations, in a setting closely connected with the spiritual heart of India.
The retreat follows a traditional daily rhythm that helps body and mind gradually settle into practice. The day begins early, before sunrise, when the atmosphere is quiet and meditation comes more naturally.
Early morning – Satsang
The day opens with silent meditation, mantra chanting and an inspiring talk on yoga philosophy.
Morning – Asana and pranayama
The first yoga class awakens the body and prepares the mind for the day ahead.
Midday – Vegetarian meal and rest
A nourishing vegetarian meal is followed by time to rest, read or enjoy the retreat surroundings.
Afternoon – Practice or programme activity
The afternoon may include a second yoga class, a lecture, personal guidance or a visit to a sacred place nearby.
Evening – Satsang and quiet close of the day
Meditation and chanting bring the day back to stillness before rest.
This steady rhythm is one of the gifts of retreat life. With fewer distractions and regular practice, yoga becomes something lived throughout the day, not only during the time spent on the mat.
Satsang: Meditation, Mantra Chanting, Reading
Asana & Pranayama Class
Vegetarian Brunch
Free Time, Occasional Workshop or Outing
Asana & Pranayama Class
Vegetarian Dinner
Satsang: Meditation, Mantra Chanting, Reading
Monal Resort offers comfortable accommodation for a yoga retreat in the Himalayas. Located about 3 km from Rudraprayag town, the resort is set on 3 acres of land, with the lower Himalayan range around it. The atmosphere is simple and well suited to a period of practice.
Most rooms have a private balcony with views towards the Ganges. The rooms are modern and include the essential comforts needed for rest between the retreat activities.
Room facilities include:
The yoga spaces are one of the special features of the retreat setting. The spacious yoga hall and outdoor practice platforms overlook the river and surrounding hills. Practising here brings a natural sense of openness to the daily classes, while the focus remains on steady, inward practice.
Meals are served buffet-style in the dining hall or on the outdoor terrace. The cuisine is Indian-style yogic vegetarian food, lightly spiced and prepared to support the retreat rhythm. Fresh chapatis are made in the tandoori oven.
| DAILY | WEEKLY | |
| Triple with AC | €105 | €665 |
| Double with AC | €115 | €735 |
| Single with AC | €145 | €945 |
Price includes: all yoga vacation activities, accommodation, buffet lunch and dinner and afternoon tea.
Excursions cost: 1000–4000 INR for transportation.
A little preparation will help your journey unfold more smoothly, so that you can arrive with a quiet mind and settle into the retreat rhythm from the beginning.
Most international visitors need a valid visa to enter India. Many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online, but requirements vary according to nationality and length of stay. Please check the official Indian visa website well in advance and allow enough time for the application process.
The retreats are offered in February/March and October/November, when the weather in Rudraprayag is generally mild and travel conditions are more comfortable.
In late February and March, the days are usually pleasant and the evenings remain cool. In late October and November, the air is often clearer after the monsoon period, with comfortable temperatures for practice.
These seasons are chosen to support a steady retreat rhythm in the Himalayas.
Individual and group transfers from Delhi or Dehradun can be arranged through a Delhi travel agency.
The journey from Delhi is about 370 km and gradually leads from the plains into the Himalayan foothills.
Bring modest, comfortable clothing for yoga practice and daily wear. The mountain climate can change between day and evening, so layers are helpful.
Useful items include:
You can bring your own yoga mat, cushion and blanket, but these items can also be purchased at the onsite boutique.
Please consult your doctor or travel clinic before your journey, especially regarding vaccinations and personal medical needs. If you take prescription medication, bring enough for the full stay, as specific brands may not be available locally.
Rudraprayag is at a moderate altitude of about 890 metres. Most people adjust comfortably, but it is good to drink enough water and take the first day gently.
Retreat costs are paid in advance, but it is useful to bring some Indian Rupees for personal expenses, temple visits, excursions or small purchases. ATMs are available in larger towns, though cash is more practical in smaller places.
The resort has an emergency contact number: +91 98 37 24 06 75.
A local SIM card may be useful if you need regular mobile access. At the same time, many participants find that reducing outside communication helps them enter more fully into the retreat atmosphere.
A yoga retreat in Rudraprayag offers time to practise close to the source of the tradition, in the presence of the Himalayas and the sacred Ganges.
Here, yoga is experienced not only as exercise, but as a way of life. The retreat rhythm, the devotional atmosphere and the guidance of experienced teachers create supportive conditions for deepening your practice with sincerity.
Join us in the Himalayas and take time to reconnect with what is essential.
