
Summary
The Yoga & Inner Awakening Retreat is Ushmaya's most holistic offering — a 7-night immersion into the full depth of classical Yoga as a living science of transformation. This is not a fitness retreat. Rooted in the eight limbs of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the programme weaves together daily Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), and Dhyana (meditation) with Ayurvedic therapies, Ushmaya Wellness Cuisine, and the sacred rituals of Rishikesh. Guided by senior yoga teachers with decades of practice, this retreat is ideal for practitioners seeking to deepen their practice as well as newcomers ready for genuine transformation.
What's Included
The Retreat Experience
Each day begins before sunrise with a walk to the riverside platform where you practise classical Hatha Yoga as the first light illuminates the Himalayan foothills. The morning session progresses through asana, pranayama, and a guided pratyahara practice that draws the senses inward. After a nourishing Ayurvedic breakfast, the mid-morning is dedicated to Ayurvedic therapies — Abhyanga oil massage, Shirodhara, or herbal steam baths tailored to your dosha. Afternoons offer Yoga philosophy sessions exploring the Sutras, followed by restorative yoga or yoga nidra. As the sun descends, the group walks to the Ganges for the breathtaking Ganga Aarti ceremony — an ancient fire ritual accompanied by chanting that has been performed on these banks for centuries. Evenings conclude with seated meditation and kirtan (devotional chanting) before a light dinner and rest. By the midpoint of the retreat, guests describe a tangible shift — the body opens, the breath deepens, and the mind begins to settle into a quality of awareness that feels both new and ancient.
What Makes This Retreat Special
Most yoga retreats focus exclusively on asana — physical postures. This retreat treats Yoga as what it truly is: a complete system for human transformation. Our senior teachers bring the depth of the classical tradition into every session, making ancient wisdom accessible and practical. Practising on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh — the birthplace of Yoga — adds a dimension that no studio can replicate. The integration of Ayurvedic therapies means your body receives healing support as it opens. The intimate group size (maximum 10) ensures personalised adjustments and genuine teacher-student connection.
Accommodation
Deluxe Wellness Room
A thoughtfully designed room with mountain views, natural materials, and a healing atmosphere.
₹68,000
₹42,999
per person
Wellness Suite
Our most spacious accommodation with a private wellness corner, ideal for extended healing stays.
₹84,000
₹52,999
per person
Daily Programme
Check-in: 12:00 PM · Check-out: 11:00 AM
Ayurvedic Cuisine
Eight days of carefully crafted sattvic Ayurvedic cuisine designed to support yogic practice and inner clarity. Each meal follows classical Ayurvedic principles — light enough to maintain flexibility and awareness, nourishing enough to sustain the body through daily practice. Breakfasts feature seasonal fruits, herbal porridge, sprouted grains, and warming teas. Lunches are the heartiest meal — fresh sabzi, dal, chapati, rice, and cooling chutneys. Dinners are kept light and early — soups, millet preparations, and herbal infusions to support deep sleep. Special attention is given to food combining and dosha balance. All meals are free from onion, garlic, processed sugar, and artificial ingredients, following the yogic tradition of ahimsa and purity.
What's Not Included
- —Flight or travel costs
- —Travel insurance
- —Additional spa treatments (available at extra cost)
- —Personal shopping or excursions
- —Airport transfers (available for ₹2,000 per trip)
Benefits
Who This Retreat Is For
Skill Level
All levels — from curious beginners to experienced practitioners
Age Group
18–70 (all adults welcome)
Group Size
Maximum 10 participants
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be flexible or experienced in yoga?+
Not at all. Our teachers adapt every session to the practitioners present. Whether you have never stepped on a mat or have been practising for decades, you will be met where you are. The focus is on awareness and breath, not performance.
What style of yoga is taught?+
We teach classical Hatha Yoga rooted in the tradition of Rishikesh — emphasising alignment, breath, and awareness over athleticism. Sessions also include elements of pranayama, pratyahara, and meditation drawn from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
What are the Ayurvedic therapies like?+
You will receive three personalised therapy sessions during your stay. These may include Abhyanga (warm oil full-body massage), Shirodhara (meditative oil pouring on the forehead), or Swedana (herbal steam therapy). Each is prescribed based on your dosha assessment on arrival.
Is the Ganga Aarti ceremony compulsory?+
Attendance is strongly encouraged as it is a profoundly moving experience that deepens the retreat. However, participation is always optional and guests may use the time for personal reflection instead.
Can I extend or combine this with another retreat?+
Yes. Many guests extend their stay or combine this retreat with our Sacred Silence or Hydrotherapy programmes. Speak with our wellness team to design your ideal extended stay.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Free cancellation up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund. Cancellations within 14 days receive a 50% refund or the option to reschedule.
Location & Getting There
The Ushmaya Luxury Wellness Resort is located on Anandotosav Road, Haripur Kalan, Rishikesh — surrounded by forested hills, the sacred Ganges, and the stillness of the Himalayan foothills.
By Air:Fly to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 45 minutes away. Airport transfers available for ₹2,000 per trip.
By Train: Nearest station is Haridwar Junction (25 km), well-connected to Delhi and major cities.
By Road: 5–6 hours from Delhi via NH-58. Volvo buses available from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Deluxe Wellness Room
Per person · Twin sharing · All inclusive
No payment required now
Free cancellation available
Response within 2 hours
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Deluxe Wellness Room
Per person · All inclusive
