Awaken your heart in rishikesh, india
This retreat offers a profound opportunity to deepen your practice under the expert guidance of Taryn and Yann, who share their intimate knowledge from years of living in the sacred heart of Rishikesh. You will journey beyond the physical to gain a deeper insight into yoga philosophy and the discipline of the Yamas and Niyamas, all while cultivating a stronger personal practice through diverse yoga styles, meditation, and breathwork workshops. By mastering the control of both mind and breath and gaining a scientific understanding of your body’s mechanics, you will unlock a new perspective on the world and a newfound confidence in your own practice. This is more than a trip; it is a life-changing immersion in a safe, supportive group that promises a priceless experience and a lifetime of transformative memories.
Why Travel with us?
We have both been traveling since we were small children and have a deep appreciation for different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. Combined, we have explored over 40 countries and lived in 12, speaking 6 different languages.
Having lived in India in 2016 and established incredibly close connections with dear friends (more like family!) we promise our India retreats are an experience like no other. You will be immersed in a safe environment, meeting beautiful souls who will take you on a journey of discovery; experiencing the most incredible authentic cooking classes, offering the best discounts and wholesale prices on handicrafts (including gem stones, pashmina scarves, clothes, bedding, silks, organic fabrics, bags, jewelery, semi-precious and precious stones and jewelry), discovering the sacred yogic caves and sites, seeing the home of the Rishikesh sages, tour the Beatles Ashram, experience the famous Ganga Aarti fire ceremony by the river, a past life or psychic reading, birth chart reading, Ayur Vedic treatments, spa treatments and more.
Check out our Instagram @Loka_Yoga for more photos, videos and testimonials as excited retreaters share about their journey and experience.
Memories of our Previous Rishikesh Retreats
What is Included
Exclusive Retreat Pack
- An exciting Welcome Pack will greet you arrival!
- Including the tools and a guide to perform cleansing Kriyas.
- We will teach you the most popular, loved and effective techniques to cleanse your body with traditional yogic practices and nutrition
- Kriyas refer to cleansing techniques or actions that aim to purify the body, mind and energy channels. These kriyas are believed to support the practice of Saucha, one of the Niyamas (observances) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, encompassing both external and internal cleanliness. It involves keeping the physical body and surroundings clean, as well as maintaining purity of thoughts, emotions and actions.
Cleansing kriyas can be seen as a means to support Saucha by purifying the physical and energetic bodies, which in turn may have an impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. These kriyas are intended to remove physical impurities, toxins and blockages, as well as energetic obstructions, to promote balance and optimal functioning of the body-mind system. By incorporating cleansing kriyas into your daily practice, you promote physical and energetic cleanliness, which can contribute to the overall state of saucha—both in the external environment and within yourself. Reset your habits and learn the most effective and safe way to practice and teach
BEAUTIFUL ACCOMMODATION
We host our retreat at a stunning, peaceful ashram in Rishikesh and it is a place we have personally spent A LOT of time in the past. It is by far the most incredible ashram we have been to ever, in the whole of India.
The ashram provides a traditional and grounded environment for our stay in Rishikesh, tucked away in the quieter Tapovan area.
This ashram is known for its authentic approach to the yogic lifestyle and is designed as a sanctuary where we can focus on our practice away from the typical tourist bustle. The rooms are simple, clean and comfortable, featuring private bathrooms and windows that often overlook the surrounding mountains or the internal gardens.
During our time here, the focus is on a holistic experience.
Beyond the yoga shalas where we will hold our morning classes, the ashram includes peaceful communal spaces like a library and a traditional fire pit for the daily Agni Hotra morning ritual.
It is a place that encourages a slower pace, offering a supportive atmosphere for both individual reflection and our collective journey.
The specific name of the venue is kept private until we receive confirmation of the booking and we do not advertise or promote the name of the venue. With over a decade experience running retreats, we maintain privacy of the venue names specifically to ensure the utmost safety, security and comfort of our guests (many of whom are navigating major life transitions and value their privacy). This also helps us maintain the sacred container of the retreat by preventing unexpected visitors from arriving. Exact location and check-in details, along with itinerary, will be provided once your booking is confirmed!
MEALS
The ashram gets about 75% of its food (depending on the season) directly from the organic farm next door to the Helping Hands for India school project, including wheat, rice, carrots, turnip etc.
If you’d rather more variety there are lots of amazing cafes everywhere surrounding the ashram! Just simply let the ashram staff know that you’ll be out for that meal so there is no food waste.
Twice daily yoga, meditation, pranayama, mantra chanting
Guided by Taryn Weggelaar and a variety of Himalayan yoga masters for you to experience quality and traditional teachings!
Daily agni hotra
Fire rituals (Agni Hotra), held in a traditional yajñashala
Daily asana practice
Enjoy intelligently sequenced classes, weaving in fun poses and yoga philosophy to guide you on a journey of transformation.
Kirtan & Bhajan
Mantra recitation and Kirtan to open the voice and heart.
Life changing teachings on the yogic lifestyle
Immerse yourself in the TRUE yogic lifestyle. Connect with the heart of the practice, the roots and where it all began.
Understanding of the authentic yogic ways
It is hard to truly understand and appreciate yoga in the western world. A journey to India offers a life-changing experience and connection like no other!
An epic experience with a beautiful group of like-minded souls from around the world!
Experience the magic of India and Awaken Your Heart in a safe group.
Since 2017, Taryn and Yann have been leading these beautiful retreats each year and it just keeps getting better!
Hang out with like-minded souls who will likely become life-long friends!
Included Activities & Tours
Indian culture traditionally holds that there are seven planes or plateaus of the Universe, built by the Supreme Being to represent the heavens, light and becoming. These seven planes are:
exclusive Indian cooking class with the best cooking school in Rishikesh,
Learn all the basic recipes to make your favourite, classic Indian cuisine. An educational expereince, learning the health benefits of each spice. Buy all the spices, direct from the farm! Take home a complete recipe book COMPLETELY FREE!
tour of the Beatles Ashram
The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, founded in 1961, was originally known as the ‘International Academy of Meditation’. It served as a training center for students of Transcendental Meditation that gained international fame as the “Beatles Ashram” after the band’s transformative visit in 1968.
The ashram’s serene natural setting and focus on inner peace provided an ideal environment for spiritual exploration, including the much-needed time, space and connection the band needed. The Beatles came here with their wives and girlfriends, seeking spiritual guidance and respite from their hectic fame.
Their stay was highly productive, with the band writing numerous songs that later appeared on the White Album and Abbey Road.
After the Maharishi’s passing in 1970s, the ashram gradually fell into disrepair. It was abandoned in the 1990s and reclaimed by the local forestry department.
In 2015, the ashram was reopened to the public as the “Beatles Ashram,” offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance and artistic expression.
We will explore the ashram’s remnants, including the meditation huts, lecture halls and the Maharishi’s personal bungalow. The walls are adorned with colorful murals and graffiti art, a blend of nature and human creativity.
The ashram continues to serve as a reminder of the power of meditation and the search for inner peace in a turbulent world.
guided meditation in a sacred yogi cave
Vasistha Cave is a spot I always return to everytime I come back to Rishikesh! It is an energetically charged place, steeped in ancient wisdom and spiritual energy. A sanctuary where the great sage Vasistha is said to have meditated for years, seeking enlightenment and communion with the divine.
Vasistha Cave is also known as Vasistha Gufa and according to Hindu mythology, Sage Vasistha was one of the Saptarishis, the seven great sages who are revered as the patriarchs of the Vedic civilization. He was a guide and guru to Lord Rama, and his wisdom is enshrined in the ancient scriptures.
As you step into the cave, you’ll feel a palpable shift in energy. The air is thick with the scent of incense and the vibrations of countless mantras that have been chanted here over centuries.
Once your eyes have adjusted to the darkeness inside the cave, you’ll see the natural Shivalingum that rests at the far end. Visitors must be completely silent at all times.
Vasistha Cave is a place for deep introspection and meditation. Find a comfortable seat on the soft mats that cover the cave floor, close your eyes, and allow the silence to wash over you. Let go of the worries and distractions of the outside world and simply be present in the stillness of the moment, feeling connection to the long lineage of yogis and sages who have sought truth and enlightenment in these hills. It’s believed that meditating here can help one connect with the wisdom and energy of the ancient sage, deepening one’s own spiritual practice.
excursion to the sacred site where the 2 rivers merge to form the Ganges
Dev Prayag is a place where the divine and the earthly intertwine, a place where the soul feels cleansed and rejuvenated.
We will be standing at the confluence of two mighty rivers, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, merging to form the sacred Ganges.
Dev Prayag is more than just a geographical landmark; it’s a spiritual sanctuary. Ancient scriptures tell us that this is where the sage Dev Sharma once meditated, seeking communion with the divine. His presence blessed this land, giving it the name “Dev Prayag” – the “Confluence of God.”
The true magic of Dev Prayag lies in its natural beauty. Seeing the two holy rivers merge to form the Ganges is quite incredible. You can even take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges, believed to be deeply cleansing, so bring swimwear!
The drive out to Dev Prayag is also really lovely, tracing the foothills of the Himalayas.
Dev Prayag is known to be a place to witness the raw power of nature, feel the embrace of the divine and awaken your heart.
opportunity to design your own mala necklaces and jewelry!
We will introduce you to our dear friends, who are experts in semi-precious and precious stones. Design your own malas and have them expertly made and created especially for you at a fraction of the cost you will pay anywhere else! Then, take them down to the holy Ganga River to absorb the energies and blessing!
other Exciting tours, adventures and excursions in the great outdoors including the rivers, waterfalls, caves and temples.
A week packed with fun, food and joy!
what you’ll gain from the retreat
- An amazing experience in a safe group, supported and guided by Taryn & Yann, who have traveled and lived in Rishikesh and the Himalayas
- A deeper insight to Yoga Philosophy
- A stronger yoga, meditation and breathwork practice
- Knowledge of controlling your mind AND your breath!
- Stronger understanding of your body, allowing you to experience yoga on a deeper level
- Experience various styles of yoga
- Experience classes and workshops to develop your understanding of the art of yoga
- A new perspective and worldview
- A strong confidence in your own practice of yoga
- The discipline to conduct yourself in a manner that is consistent with the Yamas and Niyamas
- A priceless experience and a lifetime of memories!
Our yoga retreat in India is like no other retreat experience in the world.
Participating in this immersion in the ‘Yoga Capital of The World’ presents the opportunity for you to study yoga abroad in a welcoming environment where you can grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Our affordable retreat provides inspirational lectures, a comfortable living space, nutritious meals and much more.
We pride ourselves on offering residential yoga retreats in a safe, loving and nurturing space.
Meet your Instructors + Guides
Taryn Weggelaar
Taryn is an E-RYT 1000 lead trainer with over 18,000 hours of international teaching experience, specialising in creative, progressive sequencing that bridges the gap between physical mastery and deep spiritual philosophy.
Yann Cadic
Yann is an anatomy and physiology expert with an elite medical background in cardiac surgery and emergency paramedicine, dedicated to empowering yoga teachers with a scientific, life-saving understanding of the human body.
Why Loka Yoga Retreats?
Our approach seamlessly blends Eastern knowledge and wisdom with Western science and research, ensuring a safe, holistic and transformative experience.
We (Taryn and Yann) are a truly dedicated team of practitioners, deeply committed to our daily practice and fields of expertise. We have devoted our lives to self-practice and development and extensively traveled and lived in Bali, India and Japan.
This allows us to guide you on an epic adventure in each destination. We have personally ran multiple retreats in each location, stayed in the accommodations, experienced all activities and tours we have included on the itinerary and we have trusted friends and business connections in each of the locations who will offer the most incredible, local insight and ‘off the beaten track’ experience as well.
Hear it Directly from Previous Retreaters
With over 30 years teaching, we truly believe you will love your experience with us. But don’t take our word for it, click here to hear directly from our students through video and written testimonials!
“This experience completely transformed my life...”
Written Testimonials
Tiffany Phan (USA)
I had an incredible experience with Taryn & Yann during our yoga retreat in the Yoga Capital of the World: Rishikesh, India 🧘🏻♀️🇮🇳 They organized a thoughtful itinerary with a balanced combination of yoga, meditation, and pranayama, activities and excursions in Rishikesh, and built-in free time for personal exploration and rest. Taryn and Yann generously shared their energy and passion for yoga and Rishikesh with us throughout the entire week. They introduced us to their friends, showed us around town, and took us to nearby landmarks that would be on every yogi’s bucket list (including Dev Prayag and Vashishtha Cave), ensuring we were safe and well-informed the entire time. I had so much fun exploring with our group, and it was a great way to experience India for the first time. Staying at the ashram was an especially special part of the retreat; it was a unique chance to not only experience an authentic yogic lifestyle for a week, but also to learn and participate in the more traditional and spiritual rituals of yoga that are not discussed or practiced in the West. From practicing daily mauna in the early morning, to agni hotra, and kirtan, I felt completely immersed in the spirit of yoga every day. We even had the fortunate chance of taking a yoga class taught by Guru-ji himself! A rare chance to experience yoga through the lens of a true master. Taryn herself is also an absolutely incredible teacher, one who truly lives and breathes the values of yoga. I left every class feeling more open, physically and spiritually. I came into the retreat with the intention of deepening my yoga practice, but at the time was only really considering the asanas. What I left with was so much more: a deep appreciation of what it means to embody and live the values of yoga, and exposure to the vast and wide world of yoga beyond asanas. I’m leaving feeling so much more grounded and connected to myself spiritually, and motivated to continue expanding my personal practice to be more inclusive of yoga as a whole. To Taryn & Yann, thank you so much for making Rishikesh and our little group truly feel like home for the week! For your support, for your energy, and for your knowledge, namaste 🙏🏻
Chris Benetti (Australia)
Where do I begin with Loka Yoga and Taryn…I had such an amazing experience with this lovely lady. I joined her yoga retreat in India (not being super familiar with yoga… yikes) At first I had no idea what to expect, so I keep an open mind and just focused on the journey itself and my experience was surreal.
Taryn went over, above and beyond every single minute of every single day to ensure that all of us had the best time possible, were well looked after and got the most out of our retreat experience.
Every day I felt like I was looked after and loved. And every day I couldn’t help but feel grateful that Taryn was able to take me on such a lovely journey in India.
I was able to meet new life-long friends, not only with other retreat participants but also Taryn’s friends in India!
I experienced absolutely incredible new food, crazy fun activities such as; white water rafting, an epic cooking class and the Beatles Ashram, the beautiful India culture from their devotion to their beliefs to their over the top need to make you feel looked after, new sights that one can only dream of, crazy and cheeky animals like monkeys, cows, goats, sheep and even chipmunks (OMG) and also; AMAZING shopping haha!
So simply put… Taryn and Loka Yoga should be (and will be for me again!) your first stop if you’re looking to go on a retreat. And especially if you are traveling India for the first, or fifth time. Taryn is a beautiful soul and will serve you to her highest ability!
I’ll be attending another one of her retreats as soon as possible.
Anne Henderson (Australia)
Where do I begin with Loka Yoga and Taryn…I had such an amazing experience with this lovely lady. I joined her yoga retreat in India (not being super familiar with yoga… yikes) At first I had no idea what to expect, so I keep an open mind and just focused on the journey itself and my experience was surreal.
Taryn went over, above and beyond every single minute of every single day to ensure that all of us had the best time possible, were well looked after and got the most out of our retreat experience.
Every day I felt like I was looked after and loved. And every day I couldn’t help but feel grateful that Taryn was able to take me on such a lovely journey in India.
I was able to meet new life-long friends, not only with other retreat participants but also Taryn’s friends in India!
I experienced absolutely incredible new food, crazy fun activities such as; white water rafting, an epic cooking class and the Beatles Ashram, the beautiful India culture from their devotion to their beliefs to their over the top need to make you feel looked after, new sights that one can only dream of, crazy and cheeky animals like monkeys, cows, goats, sheep and even chipmunks (OMG) and also; AMAZING shopping haha!
So simply put… Taryn and Loka Yoga should be (and will be for me again!) your first stop if you’re looking to go on a retreat. And especially if you are traveling India for the first, or fifth time. Taryn is a beautiful soul and will serve you to her highest ability!
I’ll be attending another one of her retreats as soon as possible.
Karen Nichols (Australia)
Where do I begin with Loka Yoga and Taryn…I had such an amazing experience with this lovely lady. I joined her yoga retreat in India (not being super familiar with yoga… yikes) At first I had no idea what to expect, so I keep an open mind and just focused on the journey itself and my experience was surreal.
Taryn went over, above and beyond every single minute of every single day to ensure that all of us had the best time possible, were well looked after and got the most out of our retreat experience.
Every day I felt like I was looked after and loved. And every day I couldn’t help but feel grateful that Taryn was able to take me on such a lovely journey in India.
I was able to meet new life-long friends, not only with other retreat participants but also Taryn’s friends in India!
I experienced absolutely incredible new food, crazy fun activities such as; white water rafting, an epic cooking class and the Beatles Ashram, the beautiful India culture from their devotion to their beliefs to their over the top need to make you feel looked after, new sights that one can only dream of, crazy and cheeky animals like monkeys, cows, goats, sheep and even chipmunks (OMG) and also; AMAZING shopping haha!
So simply put… Taryn and Loka Yoga should be (and will be for me again!) your first stop if you’re looking to go on a retreat. And especially if you are traveling India for the first, or fifth time. Taryn is a beautiful soul and will serve you to her highest ability!
I’ll be attending another one of her retreats as soon as possible.
Dates, Price & Important Note
This yoga retreat is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the depths of yoga, experiencing the yogic lifestyle, food, daily rituals and practice and ashram experience. Whilst incredibly comfortable and beautiful, we will not be staying in a 5-star resort, but rather a beloved, clean and well maintained ashram with a divine energy. If you are seeking a luxury resort – rather than an ashram for your accommodation – you may book your accommodation separately and join us for all other classes, activities and meals!
APRIL 12 – 20
ONLY ONE RETREAT!
$1500 for the first 5 to sign up!
Other Information
refund policy
All applicants are advised to carefully consider the time and resources required for the course before forwarding the application for our retreats. Upon registering, a non-refundable payment is due to secure your place. Prepayment is required to confirm all bookings with the hotels and suppliers in India and they have a strict no-refund policy. Please note we cannot offer refund or give credit for any missed classes, activities or excursions within a retreat. Participants are required to take full responsibility for their own health. Loka Yoga School are not responsible for any health concerns and cannot give medical advice to participants. All participants must be in perfect physical health and completely independent. Loka Yoga School are not responsible for missed classes whether it be health related due to sickness or accidents, or any other reason. Cancellation requests must be submitted by email, from the person who is registered to attend the retreat.
Cancellation of the Retreat
In case of a cancellation performed by Loka Yoga School, without opportunity of a reschedule, due to any unavoidable circumstances, tuition fees or booking amount will be refunded to the student. Alternatively, in the event of rescheduled dates, the student will be able to register for a future scheduled training. It does not apply to cancellations done due to misconduct or unlawful activity performed by a student during a course. We hold all rights to refuse or cancel admission without explanation in case of a serious misconduct, violation of the Yamas or Niyamas, code of conduct, or unlawful activity by any student on or off the premises of the course location.
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