Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, India
An Immersion into the Heart of Yoga
January 19 - 26, 2026
with Saraswati Clere + Carlos Pomeda
Step away from the rhythm of daily life and journey to Rishikesh—the ancient heart of the yoga tradition and a sacred place of pilgrimage nestled at the foot of the Himalayas. This powerful week-long immersion is crafted for dedicated practitioners, yoga teachers, and spiritual seekers ready to deepen their experience of yoga at its source.
Our retreat will be held at a serene yoga center overlooking the sacred Ganges River, a few miles north of Rishikesh. Surrounded by lush forest and Himalayan beauty, this tranquil setting provides the perfect container for self-inquiry, reflection, and inner transformation.
Through daily practices of hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation, and in-depth study of classical yogic texts, including the revered Hatha Yoga Pradipika, participants will be guided on a journey that integrates body, breath, and wisdom.
This retreat is ideal for those who:
Are ready to deepen their yoga practice and understanding beyond postures
Seek to explore yoga’s historical and cultural roots in its native land
Wish to experience transformative spiritual teachings in a supportive community
Are yoga teachers or committed students looking to reconnect with the heart of their path
What You’ll Experience:
Daily asana and breathwork practices rooted in the classical hatha yoga tradition
Guided meditations and contemplative sessions to cultivate inner clarity and presence
Study and discussion of ancient yogic texts, including insights from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Teachings from Indian wisdom traditions, with practical tools to bring the philosophy to life
Journaling, self-inquiry, and group dialogue to deepen personal insight and integration
Time to rest, reflect, and connect—with yourself, with nature, and with like-minded practitioners
The Retreat Center
Tucked along the banks of the sacred Ganges and embraced by Himalayan foothills, the retreat center offers a peaceful sanctuary designed to support a yogic lifestyle. Comfortable cottages—available in both single and double occupancy—feature views of the river and easy access to the yoga shala, meditation spaces, and nourishing dining hall.
This retreat is more than a getaway—it is a return to the source, an invitation to reawaken your practice and your purpose.
Daily activities include: yoga, meditation, yogic studies and excursions
Retreat Schedule
Monday: arrival and check-in, followed by a gentle yoga practice and dinner
Tuesday through Sunday: morning and evening practices and study sessions.
Excursions to sacred sites
Monday: early practice, breakfast and morning departure
The Prices: All prices are per person, include all retreat sessions, lodging, and delicious vegetarian meals. The number of rooms is limited, so make sure you reserve your space on time!
Double room (Two people) $1550 per person / before Aug 1 / $1750 after
Single room (One person) $1950 before Aug 1 / $2050 after
If you would like to come with a friend, please let us know when you reserve your spaces. We will accommodate each request to the best of our ability.
Travel: Our recommendations.
We recommend that you arrive in India a few days earlier to rest and recover from jetlag.
You can fly to Delhi. (approx $850 from SFO)
We recommend you stay in a hotel in Delhi, (comfortable hotels by the airport).
Then fly to Dehradun. (approx $50 from Delhi) 45 mins
We will coordinate with everyone to organize similar arrival times so we can help organize transport to the retreat center. Airfare and transport from the airport is not included in the package price. We are happy to talk about other travel ideas if you wish to travel in India before or after the Retreat. During the retreat we will stay together as a group as we immerse ourselves in the practices.
Visa: You will need a valid passport and, depending on your country of origin, a Visa to travel to India. All US citizens do need a Visa to enter India at this time. It is very easy to get an online visa (ask us for the steps) https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Booking, payment options, cancelation policy
To reserve your spot, please email us info@yogakula.com
Deposit per person: $500 paid upon registration will secure your space.
Payment options: Paypal, Venmo, or Credit Card
Cancelation policy:
Full refund until August 1, 2025
No refunds of any kind after August 1, 2025.
In the unlikely event of us canceling the retreat, we will provide a full refund, including deposit.
We look forward to welcoming you to Rishikesh
Saraswati Clere, ERYT 500 is a San Francisco Bay Area, award-winning film-maker and founder of Yoga Kula. Teaching for more than two decades, Saraswati shares the depth of her experience and knowledge to reveal a uniquely accessible, authentic and integrated approach to yoga.
Carlos Pomeda is steeped in all aspects of the yoga tradition during more than 40 years of practice and study. He spent 18 years of those as a monk of the Saraswati order. During this time he learned the various systems of Indian Philosophy and immersed himself in the practice of yoga. He combines this experience with his academic background, which includes two Masters Degrees - one in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley and the other in Religious Studies from U.C. Santa Barbara. Website: www.pomeda.com