Frequently Asked Questions About Our Yoga Courses

Yes — the minimum stay for our regular YTT or workshop programs is one week; for shorter visits we recommend our daily drop-in classes. A week-long minimum ensures you experience the system's full physical and mental benefits, while drop-ins are ideal for travellers passing through Rishikesh for one to six days.

You will train alongside international students aged roughly 18 to 60 from 121+ countries, with a mix of beginners, experienced practitioners, and existing yoga teachers. Most cohorts have 15–30 students per session, balanced across nationalities and yoga backgrounds; our teachers say every student is also a guru, and you will learn from everyone you meet.

A typical training day runs from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm, with two asana sessions, philosophy lectures, meditation, and meals built into the schedule. Days are intensive (8–9 hours of contact time) with one weekly rest day plus moon days off.

• 06:30 – 08:00 — Pranayama / Meditation / Mantra Chanting
• 08:30 – 10:15 — Asana Practice (Ashtanga Vinyasa Mysore Style / Hatha Yoga)
• 10:30 – 12:00 — Breakfast / Brunch / Free time / Study
• 12:00 – 13:30 — Yoga Principles / Philosophy / Yoga Sutra Lectures
• 14:00 – 15:00 — Yoga Nidra / Rest time / Refreshing time
• 15:00 – 16:00 — Workshop / Study / Guest Lecturers
• 16:00 – 18:00 — Asana Practice / Art of Adjustment / Body Alignment
• 18:30 – 19:30 — Dinner
• 19:30 – 20:30 — Rest / Free time / Study
• 20:30 – 21:30 — Silence Meditation
• 21:30 – 06:00 — Mauna (silence)

Schedule may vary slightly by season, course, and any improvements rolled in over time.

Every YTT at Tattvaa Yogashala covers seven core subjects: asana practice, pranayama, meditation, yoga philosophy, anatomy and physiology, alignment and adjustment, and teaching methodology. The depth and scope of each subject scales with course length — 100h, 200h, 300h, and 500h syllabi differ in volume and complexity. See each course page for detailed module breakdowns, and use our RYT pathway guide to choose the right level.

If you have no prior YTT certificate, start with our 200-hour program — it suits all levels and qualifies you as an RYT-200. If you already hold an RYT-200, enrol directly in our 300-hour course; for a complete career in one residency, choose the integrated 500-hour. See our pathway page for a side-by-side comparison, or contact us with your background and goals for a personalised recommendation.

Tattvaa Yogashala accepts students of all ages, body types, and backgrounds — the only essential criteria are openness, willingness to learn, and the physical baseline required for the specific course you choose. During application review we look at:

• How long you have been practising
• Level of interest and dedication
• Practice style and exposure
• Teaching motivation
• Overall health condition

We recommend arriving with an established practice and knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system to optimise your experience. The Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series is highly demanding; a strong foundation in the Primary Series and good baseline health are required before any Intermediate Series training to prevent injury and over-exertion.

For 100h and 200h courses you need at least three to six months of regular asana practice; for 300h and 500h courses you need a valid RYT-200 certificate from any Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School. Practising the Ashtanga Primary Series for 90 minutes daily for three months before arrival is highly recommended to make the most of training.

We expect basic conversational English, good physical health, an established home yoga practice, 100% class attendance, and respectful behaviour toward teachers and fellow students. Specifically:

• Working knowledge of English (the course is taught in English).
• Prior experience or knowledge of yoga — essential for all hour levels and required for the 300h / 500h.
• Good physical condition; arrive healthy and well-rested.
• Capacity to commit 6–8 hours per day — we recommend establishing an Ashtanga Vinyasa practice before arriving.
• 100% attendance at all classes is mandatory for certification.

If anything is unclear, contact us anytime at +91-9068806322.

Yes — practise the Ashtanga Primary Series for 90 minutes daily for three months before arrival, and read at least two of the recommended texts below. Physical preparation prevents injury during the intensive schedule; reading prepares your mind for the philosophy modules.

Recommended reading:

• The Yoga Mala — Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
• Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha (APMB)
• Yoga Darshan — Swami Niranjanananda
• The Heart of Yoga — T.K.V. Desikachar
• Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Swami Venkatesananda (Motilal publication)
• Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad Gita
• The Science of Breath — Dr. M.L. Ghorole

Ashtanga YTT is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless you have an established daily practice of one year or more; speak with your doctor and our admissions team before enrolling. Traditionally, women avoid asana practice during the first trimester and for three months postpartum.

If approved, modifications will be provided throughout. Students preparing for motherhood may also consider our dedicated prenatal YTT.

Complete the registration form on our website before arrival so we can review your yoga background, motivation, and any injuries. The form takes about five minutes; we reply within three working days with course-specific recommendations and prerequisites if relevant.

Submit the online application form, pay a USD 200 non-refundable deposit by Wise transfer to confirm your seat, then pay the balance on Orientation Day. Registration confirmation arrives within three weeks of receiving your form, deposit, passport copy, and passport photo.

Apply at least 60 days before your intended start date during peak season. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis; Tattvaa Yogashala reserves the right to accept or decline any application.

A non-refundable deposit of approximately USD 200 secures your spot via Wise (formerly Transferwise) bank transfer; the balance is due on Orientation Day in Rishikesh. Balance can be paid by cash (INR or USD), debit or credit card, or online transfer. Detailed payment instructions arrive with your acceptance letter; we recommend carrying some cash to avoid ATM withdrawal fees.

Your tuition covers course fees, shared room accommodation, two vegetarian meals per day, one afternoon snack with chai, and all scheduled excursions or activities.

• Full course tuition and study materials
• Shared room accommodation (private upgrades available)
• Two sattvic vegetarian meals daily
• One afternoon snack with herbal tea or chai
• All scheduled excursions and activities on the itinerary

Your first meal follows the opening orientation; the final meal is breakfast on graduation day. No meals are provided on weekly rest days. See each course description page for itinerary-specific details.

The course fee does not cover international flights, Indian visa, travel insurance, outside meals, private taxi services, or personal expenses such as laundry, mobile data, and shopping. Accommodation and meals on rest days outside your scheduled course window are also not included. No part of the fee is refundable due to non-participation.

All deposits and course fees are non-refundable, so we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers course cancellation due to illness, injury, or emergency. Insurance providers such as World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Allianz offer policies that include yoga and adventure travel coverage.

You can transfer to a different course date once, free of charge, provided you request the change at least 30 days before your original start date. Transfers requested under 30 days are at our discretion and may forfeit your non-refundable deposit.

If you cannot attend, you may also nominate someone to take your place, or contact us so we can offer the seat to a waitlisted student.

No — work-trade is not offered for any teacher training course because the schedule demands full-time student commitment. Graduates who excel may be invited to apply for a post-training assistant role, which includes accommodation and a stipend in exchange for support work.

Complete a teacher training program (200h, 300h, or 500h) at a Registered Yoga School like Tattvaa Yogashala, then register your hours at yogaalliance.org to receive your RYT designation. We issue your course completion certificate within two working days of graduation; Yoga Alliance processing typically takes 7–10 business days after you submit your application to them.

Yes — Yoga Alliance USA certification is recognised in the UK, Australia, Canada, EU, and most other countries. After graduation, register your hours with Yoga Alliance USA at yogaalliance.org to activate your RYT designation; the registration fee is paid directly to Yoga Alliance and is separate from our course tuition.

Tattvaa Yogashala is a Yoga Alliance-registered Yoga School (RYS-200, RYS-300, RYS-500), not a traditional ashram. We follow ashram-style discipline — daily mantra chanting, sattvic diet, mauna (silence) periods, and an early-morning schedule — and our teachers are E-RYTs. Visit https://www.yogaalliance.org for credential details.

Yes — most nationalities need an Indian e-Tourist Visa, which can be applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in starting 30 days before arrival. Cost is approximately USD 25–80 depending on country and visa length (30/90/365 days); processing takes 3–5 business days. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Indian Embassy or High Commission in your country.

You need a valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining), an Indian Tourist Visa, one passport-size photograph, and a clear colour copy of your passport's photo page.

• One recent passport-size photograph (digital and physical)
• Colour scan or clear photo of your valid passport (all details legible)
• Indian Tourist Visa stamped before arrival
• For 300h / 500h applicants: copy of your existing RYT-200 certificate

Email these documents to [email protected] after your acceptance letter; bring the original passport and physical photo to Orientation Day.

Fly to Dehradun (DED), the nearest airport at ~25 km — a 45–60 minute taxi ride costing approximately USD 20 (₹1,500). Alternative: fly into Delhi (DEL) and take a 5–6 hour shared taxi (~USD 70) or a domestic flight to Dehradun. The nearest train station is Haridwar Junction (HW), 25 km away.

The fastest option is a domestic flight from Delhi (DEL) to Dehradun (DED) — about 45 minutes plus a ~45-minute taxi to Tattvaa Yogashala. Other options:

• Private taxi from Delhi: 5–6 hours, ~₹5,500 (USD 70). Most reliable for late-night arrivals; we can pre-arrange a driver.
• Train Delhi → Haridwar: 4–5 hours on the Shatabdi Express (~₹600–1,200 in AC class), then 30-minute taxi to Rishikesh (~₹600).
• Volvo bus Delhi → Rishikesh: 7–8 hours from ISBT Kashmere Gate (~₹800), arrivals 6 am.

For first-time visitors we recommend the Delhi–Dehradun flight or a pre-booked taxi.

Yes — airport pickup can be arranged on request: ₹1,500 (~USD 20) from Dehradun (DED) and ₹5,500 (~USD 70) from Delhi (DEL), payable in cash on arrival. Confirm pickup at least 48 hours before arrival by emailing your flight details to [email protected]. Drivers carry a placard with your name and the school logo at the arrivals gate.

Check in at the Tattvaa Yogashala reception by 1:00 pm on Day 1, then attend the mandatory Orientation Meeting at 3:00 pm where teachers introduce the schedule, syllabus, and facilities. Bring your passport, deposit receipt, and printed acceptance letter. Early arrival is welcomed but accommodation before Day 1 is charged separately.

Pack light cotton for summer (April–June, 25–45°C), waterproofs for monsoon (July–September, 20–30°C), and warm layers including a jacket for winter (October–March, 5–20°C).

All seasons: bring comfortable yoga clothes (leggings, t-shirts, yoga pants), modest layered clothing for going into town, and a small towel for practice. Rishikesh sits in the northern Himalayan foothills so temperature ranges are wide.

Most health authorities recommend up-to-date routine vaccinations (polio, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B) before travelling to India; consult your doctor four to six weeks before departure for personalised advice. No vaccines are mandatory for entry from most countries unless you are arriving from a Yellow Fever zone, in which case proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required.

Budget USD 5–10 per day for personal expenses (water, snacks, toiletries, occasional outside meal); plan an additional USD 200–500 for souvenirs, books, and weekend excursions. ATMs are within walking distance of the school; exchange rates in Rishikesh are better than at Delhi airport.

Reference prices: chai ₹20–40, restaurant meal from ₹100, fresh juice ~₹60, books ₹100–600, yoga mat ₹200–300, clothing ₹100–800. You may also exchange currency at our reception desk.

Yes — we offer shared (2 or 3 sharing) and private rooms, all with attached bathrooms. Select your room type at booking; private rooms cost more but availability is limited, so book at least 60 days ahead during peak season (October–March).

Room preferences (floor, view, building) are accommodated when possible but assigned based on availability at check-in. Submit any specific request when you receive your acceptance letter; we honour around 80% of preference requests when made 30 or more days in advance.

Yes — request a shared room with a specific person at the time of booking, and we will assign you to the same room subject to availability. Both students must book the same course dates and submit shared-room requests simultaneously to guarantee placement.

Yes — you can request a room change if you are unhappy with your assignment, subject to availability of an alternative. Speak with reception within the first 48 hours of your stay; mid-course changes are possible but disruptive, so reasons should be substantive (medical, roommate conflict, room defect).

Yes — early arrival is possible at approximately USD 25–40 per night depending on room type, subject to availability. Notify reception at least 14 days before your intended arrival so we can confirm; we also keep recommended Rishikesh guesthouse partners on standby as backup.

Yes — you can extend your stay subject to room and course availability, with the extra days charged separately at our regular accommodation rate. Notify reception at least seven days before your original departure so we can confirm availability and prepare your room.

Same-room continuity is honoured whenever possible, but cannot be guaranteed during peak season (October–March) when room turnover is high. Request your extension at least seven days before your scheduled departure so we can lock in your existing room.

Two meals plus an afternoon snack support the yogic principle of practising on a light stomach — heavy meals before asana practice interfere with deep breathing and concentration. Our daily schedule serves brunch at 10:30 am and dinner at 6:30 pm, with an afternoon snack and herbal tea bridging the gap. Most students adapt within two to three days.

If you wish to eat outside occasionally, notify the kitchen at least one night before so the cooks can adjust portions; eating outside may also increase the risk of stomach trouble during the course.

You may come and go between sessions, but 100% attendance at scheduled classes is mandatory and outside curfew is 9:00 pm. The curfew exists for everyone's safety and to protect your rest; repeated lateness or missed classes may affect your certificate eligibility.

Yes — WiFi is available in all accommodation buildings, though signal is strongest during evening hours after class. Bandwidth supports email, light video calls home, and browsing; for streaming or remote work we recommend buying a local Indian SIM card (~₹500 for 28 days of unlimited 4G data).

In-house laundry is not provided, but we recommend trusted nearby laundry services that cost ₹40–₹80 per kilogram with 24-hour turnaround. You can also hand-wash personal items in your room; clotheslines are provided in each accommodation building.

Yes — phones, laptops, cameras, and tablets are permitted in your accommodation but not inside the yoga halls or meditation rooms. Bring a power adaptor (India uses Type C/D/M, 230V); reception has a charging area available during silence hours.

Rishikesh is generally safe, but we recommend leaving expensive jewellery and large amounts of cash at home; use the in-room safe or reception lockers for passports, cards, and other valuables. The school cannot be held responsible for lost personal items, though theft incidents on campus are extremely rare.

Yes — Rishikesh is one of the safest cities in India for solo female travellers, with very low crime rates and a steady international yoga community. We still advise modest dress (covered shoulders and knees), avoiding empty streets after 10 pm, and using the school's recommended taxi drivers for late-night transfers.

Reach our admissions team via WhatsApp or phone at +91-9068806322 or email [email protected] — we typically respond within 24 hours. For visa, payment, or accommodation questions, use the same channels and our admissions team will route your query to the right person.