How to Choose the Best and Most Reliable Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

First, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for in your Indian experience. Is it a spiritual journey? A deep dive into the philosophy of yoga? Maybe you want to learn more about the correct adjustments? Hatha yoga, but also Ashantanga? How to properly sing mantras? How do you integrate all these aspects to reconnect with yourself? If these resonate with you, Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, is the right place to learn. There, you’ll find authentic teachers eager to share the true meaning of yoga: UNION.

To help you practically, I’ve broken down what to look for when choosing a YTTC (Yoga Teacher Training Course) in Rishikesh, India.

General Considerations

Whether you’re enrolling in a 200H, 300H, 500H course, or a specialized program such as AYURVEDA, HOLISTIC ASANAS, CHILDREN’s Yoga, PRENATAL, KUNDALINI, etc. The first rule when visiting India is to open yourself and let go of any comparisons.

On my first day there, a teacher told me, “The best bed in the world will always be your bed. The best food will always be what your mom cooks with love.” So, before anything, start asking yourself: “WHY do I want to have this experience?”

If this is your first time in India, all the information can be overwhelming and make you feel scared. But know that Rishikesh is safe. There are a lot of other yogis there, and you’ll find a welcoming community. The city is quite small, and it’s totally fine for a girl to travel there alone (as I did in 2019 and 2020).

Practical Tips

Let’s be practical! 

I recommend you to do a spreadsheet with the following information to organize your search for the right YTTC:

 
How to choose a YTTC

Key Aspects to Consider

  1. Program:

    • Most programs are similar in price, schedule, and sometimes even the teachers. Many teachers work in 2-3 different schools. Compare starting dates, school facilities (especially the shala - the room where you are going to spend most of your time studying and practicing), location, type of accommodation (private or shared), meals included, and overall costs.

  2. Duration:

    • 200h / 300h / 500h: The 300h program usually goes deeper than the 200h, and some schools offer additional curricula like Ayurveda.

  3. Starting Date:

    • Many programs start on the 1st or 15th of each month. Check your availability and plan accordingly. Arrive a couple of days before your program starts to check out the place and ensure you’re comfortable with your choice and if not, you’ll still have time to explore and find another school (real story - it happened to me). 

  4. Location:

    • Most schools are in Tapovan or Lakshman Jhula. Both areas have good restaurants, shops, and schools, but Tapovan offers a wider variety of accommodations and activities.

  5. Accommodation:

    • Schools offer private or shared rooms. Choose based on your preference and needs. Shared rooms can lead to great friendships but can also be challenging. Think about your requirements, such as work or study needs, when deciding.

  6. School Structure:

    • Lower your expectations. Even the most “luxury” places in Rishikesh can be basic. Focus on what's truly important: whether the school has a garden, the type of flooring in the shala, the view, and noise levels.

  7. Meals:

    • Most of the schools will offer a sattvic diet (vegetarian, rich in fresh, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, sprouted whole grains, fresh fruit juices, legumes, nuts, dairy products, seeds, and herbal teas.
      * Note for the coffee lovers: make sure to bring your own. Coffee is not part of the sattvic diet.  

  8. Teachers and Accreditation:

    • Ask about the teachers’ experience. Most schools have Yoga Alliance certification, but this doesn’t guarantee quality. Do deeper research into the school and its instructors. 

Final Advice

If possible, don’t pay for the whole program in advance. Schools often ask for full payment upfront, but try negotiating to pay a deposit and the rest upon arrival. This gives you flexibility if the school doesn’t meet your expectations.

This was my approach and that’s why it was possible to change schools. I didn’t get a refund on my deposit (about USD 150) when I switched schools, but I hadn’t paid the remaining amount, making the transition easier.

I hope these tips help you find the most suitable school for you! Have fun!

Love and Light,
Gisely Esther

Gisely AmaralComment