The Ultimate Guide to Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh – Types, Costs, Locations & Things To Do

Today, Yoga is one of the top contenders when it comes to holistic fitness and wellness. And if you are also eager to join this ancient unique modality, then you must do it in India. India is also the birthplace of yoga, with Rishikesh as the place where the knowledge was disseminated thousands of years ago. Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, you will find every yoga practitioner from across the globe travelling to this place, to pursue yoga teacher training in Rishikesh India. 

Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, on the banks of River Ganga. And there is no dearth of yoga schools in Rishikesh. At every turn, you will come across one. With so many schools coming up, pursuing yoga and meditation courses in this divine land is a great idea. However, not all are up to the standard. As a beginner in this field, if you are seeking an opportunity to travel to Rishikesh for a yoga course, you need to do your own research and then enrol in a program. 

In this blog, you will get complete details of the yoga teacher training in Rishikesh India, that includes origin of Yoga, types of programs, the syllabus covered, pros and cons, obstacles that you may face, and some factors which you must keep in mind, while choosing the yoga school for the course. 

Rishikesh – Yoga Capital Of The World For A Reason 

Rishikesh is located alongside the most sacred river, and thus is believed to be engulfed in rich spiritual energy. Yoga is a subtle science which brings about harmony between the mind, body, and the soul. And contrary to beliefs, it is more than just asanas. The ultimate aim of this practice is self-realization, wherein you will be able to unite with the supreme consciousness. 

Amazingly, yoga has been there since the start of civilization, even before the first religious systems were established. According to the Vedas, Lord Shiva himself is the creator of Yogic knowledge and he is the one who had taught this knowledge to the ‘seven sages’. And this exchange happened in the North of India, in the Himalayan region. 

It is believed that these sages are the ones who travelled across regions to propagate the knowledge, which led to the development of different yogic lineages. You will be able to trace the evidence of yoga practice in the beginning of civilization in the seals and figurines obtained from fossil remains. Yoga finds mention in the Vedas, Upanishads, Darshanas, and other traditions. The knowledge of yoga in current times, was previously derived from Buddhism, Jainism and the teachings of Puranas. 

There are three periods that saw yoga transform and sustain, the Classical period of Yoga, followed by the Post Classical period, and then the Modern period. The last period saw the practice of Classical Hatha Yoga flourish. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama also did penance in Rishikesh, after killing Ravana. Thus, you can confidently say that Rishikesh is a spiritual hub. You will come across numerous meditation and yoga retreats and schools in Rishikesh, which attract students coming from all over the world. Moreover, the place received global attention as the hub of yoga, due to the Beatles who visited and stayed in Rishikesh in 1968. They went back and told the world about the haven. Yoga in Rishikesh is not just limited to asanas, but meditation and Pranayama as well. You will find schools teaching allied science, Ayurveda too. Rishikesh has gained a lot of fame for spiritual tourism as well. Thus, the name ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ is justified. 

Why Should You Go For Yoga Teacher Training Course Rishikesh?

• The spiritual energy that resides in Rishikesh is reason enough to do the course there. Moreover, the smell of burning incense and bells ringing at a distance adds to the divinity. 
• You will find the cheapest yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh. However, that does not undermine authenticity, which is the best offering. 
• You will come across highly experienced individuals at Rishikesh, who are teaching yoga and allied sciences for decades.
• The best yoga schools in Rishikesh are registered yoga schools, under Yoga Alliance. So, after the certification, you will be able to apply for teaching jobs globally. 
• You will be living a yogic lifestyle with sattvic food and bare minimum amenities. It is necessary so as to imbibe the true qualities of a yogi. 
• You will be able to attend and witness Ganga Aarti, which is one of its kind. This spectacle takes place on the banks of the River Ganga every evening. 
• The best schools have been in existence for decades, so you can trust them for authenticity. 
• Rishikesh is still untouched by mass-industrialization, so pollution is minimal. You will be able to practice yogic wellness in unadulterated air. 

Various Yoga Teacher Training Programs In Rishikesh 

There are numerous courses that are conducted in Rishikesh. Each of these offer different yoga forms and styles and the duration of the courses also differ. You must check what certifications are being offered along with timelines for completion. You will come across different courses in yoga, meditation and Ayurveda, for all levels. 

The different yoga forms which you will learn in Rishikesh are Traditional Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Restorative Yoga, to name a few. Some of the courses also help you to learn multiple styles. Make sure to ascertain your needs, before you enrol yourself in any course. 

100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh

Choose the 100 hour yoga teacher training Rishikesh, if you are not sure about your future goals. It is a short-term course of two weeks, in which you will get to learn about the basics of yoga, like asana, Pranayama, and meditation. Additionally, you will also study human anatomy, physiology, and philosophy. This course is like a simple demo of what you can expect in a 200 hrs course. You can also attend this course on a vacation, while doing the initial 100 hrs and then decide upon the further course of action, depending on how it goes. Some schools also give you the option to complete the 200 hour yoga teacher training course Rishikesh, later. But do remember, that it is going to be intense. It is not a vacation. You will also get a certificate of completion after you go through 100 hrs of yoga training. 

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh

This is the foundational yoga teacher training course in which you study in detail about asana, meditation, Pranayama, Shatkarma kriyas, mudras, bandhas, mantras, anatomy, physiology and philosophy. Teaching pedagogy is also included in this. This is a one-month, intensive yoga course, which is regarded as comprehensive to start with. If you are looking at enhancing your self-practice or want to teach yoga, this is a must. The 200 hour yoga teacher training course Rishikesh will give a successful start to your teaching ambitions.  

300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh

This is the next stage, after you have received your RYT 200. It is an advanced yoga course which gives you more knowledge and expertise than the last one. After you start teaching, armed with a RYT 200, you will be faced with various challenges and queries that get answered through this course. The 300 hour yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh leads to a RYT 500, as you would have deemed to have completed 500 hours of training. You will be going in-depth in this course and will achieve a high degree of expertise in the subject. 

500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh

This is a comprehensive yoga course, which combines the 200 hours and 300 hours courses. If you are someone who can devote two months to yoga teacher training studies in India, then this is for you. This is an immersive training which will help you apply for a RYT 500, in one go. Most teachers in Rishikesh have RYT 500.  

Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses 

There are online yoga courses as well, for yoga enthusiasts who find it difficult to travel to India. There are many renowned schools in Rishikesh which offer self-paced courses online. You will be able to learn yoga from the comfort of your home and also earn a Yoga Alliance certification. Online courses are more affordable while offering you a way to become a certified yoga teacher anywhere. 

Most of the courses will include Pranayama and meditation in detail as well. So, that you gain expertise in these arenas as well, apart from poses. 

Cost Of Yoga Teacher Training, Rishikesh 

Rishikesh offers courses at affordable prices and that is why, yogis are streaming in. And the package not only consists of the course tuition fees, study materials and props, but accommodation and food as well. And in turn you get an amazing experience. The yoga teacher training in Rishikesh India costs around $350, but it can go up to $550. Always ensure to go for the best one. The cost mainly varies based on the accommodation types and inclusions. You also need to add travel costs to and fro Rishikesh, with flight and cab. 

Top Three Yoga Schools In Rishikesh For YTTC 

The top three yoga schools in Rishikesh are:

• Hari Om Yoga Vidya School
• Yoga Vidya Mandiram
• Samadhi Yoga Ashram

You can learn about Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as a part of the multi-style yoga courses offered by these schools. And of course, these courses are certified by Yoga Alliance. You can talk to the alumni from the above schools or others, to find out about their experience. Personal experience can reveal more than what social media platforms and websites can. 

Tips To Choose The Best Yoga Schools For The Courses In Rishikesh 

With so many schools and ashrams in Rishikesh, it can get confusing. You need to ascertain why you want to join the courses, as that will guide you in choosing the school and courses. You could be just looking for an authentic yoga experience or you could be aiming for a career as a yoga teacher. Talking about the basics, you need to start with a 200 hour yoga teacher training course Rishikesh, as that is what schools will ask for. And a Yoga Alliance registration is a must as well. 

• Always check beforehand what certification you will gain. The RYT 200 is the minimum qualification to become a yoga teacher. 
• The curriculum is also worth noting, as it will decide how much knowledge you gain out of the course.
• The form and style being taught also assumes a lot of importance here. Multi-style courses are always good. 
• You should also research well about the school’s background. 
• The location of the school is also important, as it should be away from the crowd and noise. 
• The duration and cost of the course also matters. However, cheap is not always best. 
• You should also check the batch sizes, as anything above 12-15 can be crowded. And you will not be able to develop a good rapport in class with your mentor. 
• The 200 hour yoga teacher training course Rishikesh is going to be a residential one, so you have to find out more about the sort of accommodation offered with food. It is more important for those travelling solo. 

Benefits Of Doing Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh

• The yoga teacher training in Rishikesh India is the cheapest in the world. 
• You are getting authentic and traditional knowledge at the source. 
• The course is going to be an intensive and immersive one, which is steeped in spirituality. 
• The yoga teacher training will bring you close to people who also think alike. 
• The time that you will spend in Rishikesh will be transformative and adventurous. You will also be witness to local excursions that take you to holy places in and around Rishikesh. 

Challenges That You May Face While Pursuing The Courses 

Inspite of all the good things, there are challenges that you should know about. However, when you are well-informed, it definitely helps. 

• Beware of fake sages, seers, and touts, who are out there to trap foreigners. 
• Additionally, you must check the security of the place, where you put up for the duration of the course. Always travel in groups. 
• Do not expect five star accommodation, as ashrams are not built for luxury. You may have to settle for basics. 
• You must dress appropriately when in India, as traditions are very important. 
• You will be dealing with tourists on excursions, as Rishikesh is located near the hill stations in Uttarakhand. So, there is a heavy surge of tourists in the peak seasons. 

How To Travel To Rishikesh?

You can travel by flight from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand till Delhi Airport. Rishikesh is located 241 km from Delhi. On arrival you can take a connecting flight to Dehradun Airport, from where Rishikesh is a short drive away, or take a cab directly from Delhi Airport to Rishikesh. And of course, you would need an Indian visa and your medicine supplies, for any emergency. 

Final Thoughts 

You will come across genuine yoga schools in Rishikesh, where you can enrol for this life transforming course. Get ready to immerse yourself in the teacher training programs and discover a new you.