our reviews

For those of us who practice regularly and for those of us who are just starting our journey into the discipline of Yoga, Rishikul Yogshala provides an excellent haven for learning. Like all things-the experience is as good as you are determined to make it. The location of the school-Rishikesh-vibrates with a very special and palpable energy: the smell of fragrant spices meshes with that of cow dung, incense, musk, and mist. Curiosity peeks from every corner. At the end of your trip, you will have accumulated a myriad of selfies with locals and cows. The environment of the school is very welcoming. Students come from all parts of the world to create a supportive, disciplined, and dynamic energy. The professors are like guides that softly yet consequently, like lighthouses on a starry night, guide you towards refining your self-practice and learning how to teach your future students. Many are brilliant people who are there to share their knowledge with you at all points. The living conditions are very simplistic. If you are expecting luxury then this is definitely not the place for you. Monkeys like to take a peek into your room and little four-legged beetle friends make their way quite often into your room-nonetheless the amenities suffice. The food prepared by the school's canteen is simple but good. Although after a couple of weeks you will find yourself trying out little coffee houses (especially the peanut chocolate balls at the French bakery) to give yourself a little treat. Wifi and electricity work usually but you might find yourself stuck without power during the monsoon season due to the heavy rains. The teaching schedule is very packed ensuring that your days are fully loaded-even “free days” are engaging so make sure you don’t make any big plans that run parallel to your teacher training schedule (e.g. massage course, etc). Most of all beware what you eat outside of the school and try not to share food. The healthcare of the school is decent but it is definitely advisable to bring some medicine from home. The path of the yoga-the discipline of yoga is a long-term process-so don’t expect to become a guru by the end of your month!!! The aim of this teacher training is to keep an open mind and absorb as much knowledge as possible to share in the future. In Rishikesh, I definitely recommend Rishikul Yogashala. Make the most of everything and you will love it!

I'm blessed to have completed the 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training with the amazing teachers @ Rishikul Yogshala this past May. To me this has been a life changing experience that touched every aspect of my life. Rishikul Yogshala became my family and I miss them dearly but I have taken each and every one of them in my heart. Rishikul Yogshala is located in the lovely area of Ramjhula, a short walk away from Mother Ganga and holds breathtaking views of the mountains. The accommodations are confortable and clean with beautiful views. The food is amazing, they take care of having a balanced and delicious menu every day. I miss their food so much!!!!

strongly recommend Rishikul Yogshala to everyone who want to practice yoga and who want to share his practice with others. I finished 200YTT in Rishikesh. I appreciated the effortless effort :) of the teachers to make us understand each subject of yogic science: asanas, pranayama, philosophy, anatomy, meditation, yoga nidra, cleansing practices. After one month you will realize how little you know and they will really inspire you to deeper your practice and knowledge. It is a great adventure to meet people from all over the planet and to experience together what yoga really is. Thank you Vipin Baloni and Prashantj - the best Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga teachers! I will come back for sure.

We visited Rishikul Yogshala for the second time this February, the first was in July 2013. That visit changed my life so completely and in such a fulfilling way - I just felt drawn back to this school and their teachers. I am so happy I did return. Being around such inspiring, energetic and wise people, I feel truly blessed and moreover, I feel like it's more than I deserve. They are so full of life lessons I wouldn't have learnt at home, they inspire me to be a better person. Their warmth, energy and inspiration was like a recharge for me in such a way that upon returning, everyone told me I am glowing. I feel humble and grateful for this experience and I hope I will be able to give forth what they've given me, even if it's only a fraction; thank you for this amazing experience. I will be back!

Has been a great experience, I special like the balance in the professors of the school. The curriculum is well planned. I like the yoga asana and alignment classes. I enjoyed hatha and vinyasa class and also feeling happy to learn well related to anatomy and philosophy, culture of yoga in India. Besides great experience with the teachers and classes, the staff was helpful. Due to small group, I get good time to ask personal questions. The accommodation is nice with privacy. The food is delicious. Thank you so much, everyone.

Arriving a week later than the course, i was worried to miss out on a lot of information and teachings. But all my worries flew away as all the teachers were so helpful that they helped me to cope with the missed out information. Furthermore, the group of students were very welcoming and entertaining at the same time. The view from my private room and the food prepared by the chefs was mouth-watering. Not spicy at all. We were brought to many small trips around the city with a guide. The classes flow into each other without any difficulty and everything has been paced out after close consideration. I am really lucky to be a part of this amazing course.

The teachers are incredible and share their wisdom generously and with compassion. The venue (Nepal Sept 2015) is comfortable enough and staffed by warm, welcoming people who will do anything within their power to make you feel at home (like, literally tore down a wall for me -- long story, but seriously--untold hospitality).

If you are looking for a Western YTT experience, you may want to stay in the West. Yes--the cushions are old and lumpy, the wifi is spotty, you may be awoken by the sounds of construction (i.e. "development") on your rare day off, grow tired of the rotating menu, or find yourself frustrated with ways of being or perceiving that seem unfamiliar...but aren't you here for the yoga? If you embrace the quirks and surprises of international travel, the challenges that come with intercultural exchange, and the growing pains of an expanding comfort zone, the rewards will not disappoint.

If yoga is expansion, the last month has been a magnificent explosion. I am eternally grateful to all of the amazing people who helped shape my journey. Nepal is safe and breathtaking in form and spirit. Pokhara was not affected by the earthquake, and things seemed to be returning to normal in Kathmandu. The economy, and thus the recovery, depends heavily on tourism--come support this beautiful place and its beautiful people!

Inspiring, life-changing and unforgettable! Rishikul has filled 4 weeks with something to suit every type of yogi: physically intensive, deeply spiritual or curiously theoretical. They have have gone above and beyond to ensure this course is well worth your while: food to cater to very specific diets (varied and very delicious!), mini field trips that were the highlight of the course and always making sure to be available to you. My training was in Lakeside Pokhara, Nepal. It's setup in a hotel and it worked surprisingly well: central location, great facilities and amazing staff. Be prepared for long days but, if you keep an open mind, Rishikul's YTT is bound to change you.

I attended the 200hr training course at Rishikul Yogshala and I have to say, I was incredibly impressed with my experience. Not only did I feel I was receiving top notch training but the teachers really do feel like they become family by the end of the training. All the courses are very interesting and the teachers are all very knowledgeable on the topic. There is an extremely positive energy in the school and among the staff. Additionally, the ayurvedic center in the school is wonderful and massages are very affordable. It was great being able to get a massage right in the same building you were staying. Lastly, the food was wonderful! Very fresh and a great variety. You can tell it was made with great care. If you are looking for a great training experience and a spiritual journey, I highly recommend Rishikul Yogshala!

Yoga teacher training!! Just completed 200 hr yttc with rishikul. I am really glad i chose this school, not just they hv amazingly knowledgeable faculty but equally great support staff. Very warm, very welcoming and people actually go out of their way to help you out and to comfort you :) Special mention to Deepa ma'am, what an amazing person she is And my sincere thanks to Prashant sir for all his insightful sessions. I am definitely coming back for 300hr Highly recommend this school to all the yogis out there And yes!! they serve delicious food

HARI OM . Start with one quote ''When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”

The no-brainer choice for western yoga students looking to study close to the 'root' while getting YTT certified. The course / teachers: During my 500 hour training (200hr + 300hr back to back) in Rishikesh the team at Rishikul quickly became family, helping me reach new levels in my personal practice physically, mentally and spiritually. These aren't just teachers but are awesome human beings who don't just talk the talk, but also walk the walk. Truly, new lifelong friends. While intense, the knowledge, support and abilities of all the teachers is truly exceptional and students genuinely open to ways of thinking/being will be glad they choose to spend this time at Rishikul.

A fantastic course with wonderful teachers and a mix of students from all over the globe (in the 200hr YTT course I did). In this course you receive teachings in many areas of Yoga - Asanas, Pranayama, Philosophy, Meditation, adjustment and alignment of postures, teacher methodology, Mudras, a little Mantra and even chair Yoga! (for people less mobile). I loved everything about this course and I am still feeling the ripple effect of the philosophical teachings in my life.

I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn Yoga teaching in India. India is the birth place of Yoga and the teachers at this school are world class. This school is managing to bridge the gap between the traditional Yogic mind and manner and the Western world, in a way which honours tradition, gives deep insight and amazing practical teachings whislt maintaining the wonderful Indian charm, but also allows a western student to go home with all the tools as a teacher for a western market and much much more! I could not have asked for a better Yoga teacher course as this nurtures and inspires body, mind and soul. One day I hope to return to do their 300YTT smile emoticon. Thank you to a wonderful team and students, who are now part of my Yogic family.