Discover authentic yoga teacher training in the birthplace of yoga and experience the traditional Himalayan way of learning.
Himalayan Yoga Association is a Yoga Alliance USA registered yoga school in Rishikesh, India on the banks of holy Ganga river. Since its inception, the school has maintained its focus on traditional teachings of yoga and provided a formalized and professional program of certification for students from all over the world.
The school provides a full yoga teacher training program of 100 hours, 200 hours, 300 hours and 500 hours. The 200 hour program is considered the most popular and is offered in a comprehensive format of twenty-five days, including asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, philosophy, and methodology. This foundation course is designed to be followed by the 300 hour advanced course which together form the internationally recognised 500 hour certification.
But beyond the syllabus, the campus itself provides an opportunity for full immersion in the yogic way of life. Spacious, air-conditioned yoga halls, a swimming pool, an on-site Ayurvedic spa, and nutritious sattvic meals are all part of the residential experience. This blend of traditional pedagogy and relaxed ambiance has solidified Himalayan Yoga Association as one of the most reputable yoga schools in Rishikesh.
American students consistently cite a few clear reasons for choosing Himalayan Yoga Association over training options closer to home. Authenticity is paramount among these. Unlike the United States, which has adopted a shortened, commercialized studio format, the curriculum is traditional Indian teaching methods that have been handed down through the experienced teachers.
Another important consideration is cost. The residential training (accommodation, food and course materials) is often cheaper than a similar certification program in the US that's broken up into smaller chunks. Many American students are not ready to match the value proposition, and small batch sizes enable individualized teaching with this.
The immersive environment also has great appeal to American students who are looking for a break from their normal school day. Students do not train on the weekends over a period of months, but train in a concentrated period of time. In this mode, the student/learner often finds that they have a deeper understanding at the end of the course and that the transformation has been more meaningful, personal and significant.
Whether you are beginning your yoga journey or advancing your teaching career, choose the certification that best matches your experience and goals.
Most Popular
Build a strong foundation in Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga, Pranayama, Meditation, Anatomy, Philosophy and Teaching Methodology through our internationally recognised Yoga Alliance USA certification.
Advanced Level
Deepen your teaching skills with advanced Asana, Adjustment, Philosophy, Meditation, Pranayama and Teaching Methodology designed for certified yoga teachers.
Absolutely. Students who successfully complete the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Himalayan Yoga Association, a Yoga Alliance USA Registered Yoga School (RYS), become eligible to register with Yoga Alliance USA as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200), subject to Yoga Alliance's current registration requirements.
This internationally recognised certification allows graduates to teach yoga in the United States and many other countries. Many of our American graduates now teach in yoga studios, wellness centres, gyms, private sessions, corporate wellness programmes and online yoga classes.
Students who wish to continue their education can enrol in the 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Together, the 200 Hour and 300 Hour programmes complete the internationally recognised 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification, opening further opportunities for advanced teaching, retreats and professional yoga careers.
Yoga originated in India, and Rishikesh remains widely regarded as its spiritual home. The learning environment enables students to learn directly from the teachers who have been trained by the same method in an uninterrupted chain of teacher training that can be hard to achieve in a western studio environment.
There are also a number of differences in the way training is organised in the two countries. In the U.S., certification programs are often offered on weekends, spread out over several months, thereby potentially interrupting learning. The training in Rishikesh, on the other hand, is conducted in a single block and concepts are developed in a progressive manner, without the need to repeat the training.
Cultural context also has some sort of relevance. The learning of Sanskrit terms, philosophy and tradition are taught in the context that formed them, and the student is given a better understanding than through a translation and a secondhand account. This mix of authenticity, structure and immersion is what many American students value and this is the main reason they come to India for their certification.
Choosing the right yoga school is one of the most important decisions in your teaching journey. At Himalayan Yoga Association, we combine authentic Indian yoga traditions, internationally recognised certifications, experienced faculty, and a supportive residential campus to provide a complete learning experience for students from around the world.
All Yoga Teacher Training programmes are conducted by a Yoga Alliance USA Registered Yoga School (RYS), allowing eligible graduates to apply for internationally recognised RYT certification.
Himalayan Yoga Association follows internationally recognised quality standards while preserving the traditional methods of teaching yoga in India.
Students from more than 50 countries have completed their yoga teacher training with us and now teach in studios, wellness centres and retreats around the world.
Learn directly from experienced Indian yoga teachers specialising in Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yin Yoga, Anatomy, Philosophy, Pranayama, Meditation and Ayurveda.
Smaller class sizes allow every student to receive individual guidance, personalised alignment corrections and regular teaching feedback throughout the course.
Study Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Meditation, Yoga Philosophy, Anatomy, Teaching Methodology, Pranayama and traditional yogic lifestyle in one complete programme.
Students practise teaching every day through supervised classes, sequencing exercises, peer teaching and instructor feedback to build confidence before graduation.
Located near the sacred Ganga River and the Himalayan foothills, our campus provides an ideal environment for focused study, meditation and personal growth.
Residential programmes include comfortable accommodation and freshly prepared vegetarian meals, allowing students to focus entirely on their yoga practice.
Our team assists students before arrival and throughout the course with accommodation, local guidance, airport information and everyday support in Rishikesh.
All courses at the Himalayan Yoga Association are registered with Yoga Alliance USA and students who successfully complete their course receive the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) designation: 200, 300, or 500, depending on which course is taken. This credential is accepted in all other countries, and graduates can become certified teachers and teach anywhere in the world, even in the United States.
The certification process is well documented and rigorously monitored. It also features attendance monitoring, written assessments, and supervised clinical practice, ensuring that all graduates have actually completed the training hours and not just gone through the motions. Students are provided with a comprehensive record of hours worked in each subject area when the work is completed.
This documentation may help in the recruitment process and is especially valued when interviewing for a job as many studios or wellness centers in the USA are looking for instructors that have documented Yoga Alliance credentials. In addition to the certificate, graduates will have a teaching portfolio that they have developed while completing the course, which often is as important as the certificate itself when it comes to securing a position.
Himalayan Yoga Association's teaching staff consists of trained teachers who possess expertise in all areas of the curriculum. Yogi Sadhu Sri teaches yoga philosophy and scripture and Smt. Bhagyashree is a philosopher and meditator with a deep specialization in Sanskrit and classical literature and their application. Yogini Subhashini, with a Master's in Yogic Science, has four years of international teaching experience in anatomy classes.
Additional core faculty are Yogini Neha (Anatomy, Yoga therapy and Ayurveda) and Yogi Deepak, who grew up in Rishikesh, and has been deeply connected with the region's yogic traditions since birth. Yogi Shubham works primarily with Hatha, Vinyasa and pranayama and Yogi Aman works with Ashtanga Vinyasa, adjustment and teaching methodology. The faculty of Philosophy and Meditation is completed by Acharya Atharva Deo.
This breadth of specialisation means pupils are taught by teachers who have a strong knowledge and understanding of their specialist subject. Teachers are also available after class time, to help students with questions and problems as they go over the material at their own speed.
Our teachers are the heart of Himalayan Yoga Association. Each one brings years of dedicated practice, deep knowledge, and a genuine passion for sharing yoga with the world. They are not just qualified; they are experienced, compassionate, and truly invested in every student's growth.
From traditional Hatha and Ashtanga to Yin Yoga, Pranayama, Philosophy, and Healing, our faculty covers every dimension of yoga with authenticity and depth. Students from over 50 countries have learned under their guidance and left as confident, well-rounded yoga teachers.
At HYA, great teaching is not just a standard. It is a commitment.
Yoga Philosophy
Renowned for his mastery in Yoga Philosophy and Scriptures, sharing timeless wisdom with depth and devotion.
Philosophy & Meditation
Yoga Philosophy & Meditation teacher blending ancient scriptures, Sanskrit, and yogic insight with academic mastery.
Yoga Anatomy
Master’s in Yogic Science, 500-hour certified yoga teacher, and Yoga Anatomy educator with four years of international teaching experience.
Anatomy & Ayurveda
Teaches Yoga Anatomy, Therapy & Ayurveda with clarity and compassion, guiding holistic well-being through yogic science.
Traditional Yoga
Yogi Deepak Dangwal was born in Rishikesh. Growing up in this spiritually enriched environment, and carried the passion throughout his life.
Yoga & Reiki
Certified Yoga & Reiki teacher guiding retreats and online courses with compassion, psychology, and spiritual depth.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga teacher bridging modern science and yogic wisdom, inspiring calm, strength, and self-awareness in students.
Hatha & Pranayama
Hatha Vinyasa & Pranayama expert emphasizing breath, alignment, and mindful practice for transformation and balance.
Himalayan Yoga Association brings all three together in one organized campus with authentic teachings, an experienced faculty and a peaceful Himalayan environment. There are usually smaller batches than in commercial yoga schools, which means that each student will receive adequate individual attention during the course.
The programme is a good mix of hard work and rest, with healthy vegetarian food, pleasant living conditions and a strong feeling of community amongst the students. The school's care and organisation have contributed to establishing a good reputation in the eyes of overseas students who wish for a comprehensive training experience.
Himalayan Yoga Association graduates have built successful teaching careers locally and abroad, including private studios, through private sessions, and online platforms with students nationwide.
Past students' feedback often focuses upon the quality of the teaching and the friendliness of the staff. A graduate summed it up in his words: It was a wonderful 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with well-versed and helpful teachers and a very peaceful environment of Rishikesh, it was one of the best decisions of my life. A student who had taken a 100 Hour Yin Yoga training said that he was well taken care of during the training and was definitely planning to come back for more.
Read experiences shared by yoga students from the United States who completed their Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India.
"I travelled from California for the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh and couldn't have chosen a better school. The teachers were knowledgeable, patient and genuinely cared about every student."
"After comparing many Yoga Alliance USA schools, I chose Himalayan Yoga Association because of its authentic curriculum. Living and studying in Rishikesh completely changed my understanding of yoga."
"The 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training gave me confidence to teach professionally. Every class was well organised and the teachers shared traditional knowledge with practical teaching experience."
"The accommodation, healthy meals and peaceful Himalayan environment made this much more than a certification course. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life."
"Studying yoga in India is completely different from taking weekend classes in the USA. Every day brought new learning, and the immersion helped me grow personally and professionally."
"I appreciated the small class size because every teacher knew our strengths and weaknesses. The Yoga Alliance certification has helped me begin teaching yoga back home."
"The philosophy, anatomy, meditation and teaching methodology were delivered in a simple and practical way. I highly recommend this yoga school in Rishikesh to anyone from the USA."
"I arrived looking for a Yoga Teacher Training course and left with lifelong friends, inspiring teachers and the confidence to share yoga with others. Everything exceeded my expectations."
Rishikesh is a tranquil and spiritual place, which is different from the rest of India. The town, which sits on the riverbanks of the Ganges, near the foot of the Himalayas, is blessed with many ashras, whose temple bells often jangle in the morning and whose sounds of the river meander through the town.
In addition to the training program, students have the opportunity to visit cafes, waterfalls, and temples in the area during their time off. Everywhere in the town you will find no meat and no alcohol, which are part of the peaceful life style that prevails here. Students will find some of the most popular destinations like Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula perfect for a scenic walk with riverside cafes for the much-needed break from training while on weekends, they can explore Kunjapuri Temple or Neer Garh Waterfall.
Experience authentic Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India while exploring the spiritual Ganga River, Himalayan landscapes, yoga culture, waterfalls, temples and peaceful places that make the Yoga Capital of the World one of the best destinations for international yoga students.
If you are an American citizen you will need a visa to train with yoga in India. The majority of students will apply for an e-Visa online, which usually can take a few days to be processed and then approved and will be valid for the length of most 100 hour and 200 hour training courses.
For longer courses (300 hours or 500 hours), please check with the students the current requirements of the visa duration as regulations may be subject to change from time to time. Himalayan Yoga Association supports students in completing this journey, ensuring that all the required paperwork is completed in advance of the journey.
The cost of yoga teacher training courses can range widely from popular destinations. For those with an eye toward budget-consciousness, Rishikesh is also an option as a 200 hour course, including housing and food, is less expensive than a similar course in Thailand or Bali.
Thailand and Bali are also beautiful places to stay, but the cost of living and training costs are generally higher there than in India. This, coupled with India's unique cultural and historical heritage of yoga, makes Rishikesh an attractive option for American students who value and want authenticity.
There has been a huge variation in career paths of the graduates after they have been certified by the Himalayan Yoga Association. Others teach at local studios or gyms throughout the United States, and still others develop online teaching companies with live or recorded classes available to the world. Some continue to teach their own retreats or to accept corporate wellness contracts and private, one-on-one instruction.
Some of the graduates also come back to Rishikesh in their future career trajectory to do the 300 hour or 500 hour training, further enriching their knowledge and skills to teach higher levels. No matter which path is taken, the steps taken in training at Himalayan Yoga Association will continue to help the yoga profession grow long into the future.
Find answers to the most common questions about Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India.
Rishikesh is recognised worldwide as the birthplace of yoga and offers an authentic learning environment that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. A Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh combines traditional yoga philosophy, experienced Indian teachers, residential learning, and Yoga Alliance certification, often at a lower overall cost than similar programs in the USA.
Yes. The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is designed for beginners as well as regular yoga practitioners. The curriculum starts with yoga fundamentals before progressing to asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, yoga philosophy, alignment, and teaching methodology.
Yes. Himalayan Yoga Association is a Yoga Alliance USA Registered Yoga School (RYS). Students who successfully complete the 200 Hour, 300 Hour or 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training receive an internationally recognised Yoga Alliance certification and can register as RYT after graduation.
The residential Yoga Teacher Training Course includes accommodation, daily vegetarian meals, yoga classes, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, yoga philosophy, study materials, Yoga Alliance certification, Wi-Fi, swimming pool access, and use of the campus facilities. Individual course inclusions may vary depending on the selected program.
Many students from the USA choose Yoga Teacher Training in India because they want authentic yoga education, experienced teachers, affordable residential programs, and the opportunity to study where yoga originated. Rishikesh also provides a peaceful environment that supports complete immersion in yogic living.
Most 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Rishikesh are completed in approximately 25 days of intensive residential study. Students participate in daily yoga practice, lectures, practical teaching sessions, meditation, and self-study throughout the course.
Yes. Graduates who complete a Yoga Alliance registered Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh can register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance USA and teach yoga in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
A 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is the foundation-level certification for new teachers. The 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is an advanced program for certified instructors, while the 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training combines both certifications and provides more comprehensive professional training.
Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World because of its long spiritual history, Himalayan surroundings, traditional ashrams, experienced yoga teachers, and authentic teaching environment. Thousands of international students travel to Rishikesh each year for Yoga Teacher Training.
Most Yoga Teacher Training Courses include Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga Philosophy, Human Anatomy, Alignment, Teaching Methodology, and Yoga Nidra. Some schools also offer Yin Yoga, Sound Healing, Ayurveda, and Reiki as additional certifications.
No. Previous teaching experience is not required. The course is structured to help students develop practical teaching skills, confidence, sequencing, class management, and adjustment techniques throughout the training.
Graduates can teach in yoga studios, wellness centres, gyms, retreats, resorts, corporate wellness programs, private sessions, and online platforms. Many graduates also continue with 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training or 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training to expand their qualifications.
The cost of a Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh depends on the course duration, accommodation type, and facilities included. Compared with many countries, India offers one of the best values for residential Yoga Alliance certified teacher training programs.
Himalayan Yoga Association combines experienced teachers, Yoga Alliance USA certification, traditional Indian yoga education, small class sizes, comfortable accommodation, air-conditioned yoga halls, Ayurvedic wellness facilities, and a supportive international learning community, creating a balanced residential learning experience.
Your choice depends on your experience and goals. Beginners usually start with the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, while certified teachers can continue with the 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Students looking for the highest level of certification often complete the full 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training pathway.
