Why Should You Do Your 200-Hour Yoga TTC in Rishikesh?

Do I Have To Be A Spiritual Person To Take A TTC?

No, you don’t need to be spiritual to take a Teacher Training Course (TTC), particularly for yoga. While yoga has spiritual roots, modern TTCs accommodate people with diverse motivations and beliefs.

Many participants join TTCs for different reasons like deepening their physical practice, learning anatomy and alignment, pursuing a career change, or simply to relax. Quality programs respect that students come from varied backgrounds. 

Most TTCs cover yoga philosophy and meditation as part of the curriculum, but this doesn’t require you to adopt any specific belief system. You can approach these teachings academically or take what connects while leaving the rest.  That said, TTCs are intense experiences that often prompt self-reflection and personal growth. You might find yourself exploring questions about purpose, mindfulness, or well-being—but on your own terms.

What is the Cost of A Yoga TTC And What Is Included?

The cost of a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh typically ranges from $649 to $1,199 USD, depending on the chosen accommodation. Dormitory options start around $649, twin-sharing rooms cost about $849, and private rooms reach $1,099. This usually includes 24-25 nights of accommodation, three vegetarian meals daily, course materials, and Yoga Alliance certification.

Several authentic schools operate near the Ganges River in the Laxman Jhula and Tapovan areas. Nirvana Yoga School is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Away from the noisy streets, it focuses on traditional and authentic yoga teaching, giving a variety of options for the different needs of the student..

Most reputable schools are situated in Tapovan and Laxman Jhula. When choosing, verify Yoga Alliance certification, teacher credentials, and student reviews for the best experience.

Most programs run year-round with monthly starting dates, allowing flexibility for your schedule. Accommodation is included in course fees and typically consists of private, dorm rooms with attached bathrooms. Schools offer clean rooms with fresh bed sheets, bath towels, blankets, toilet paper, and pillows, plus free Wi-Fi. 

Course fees also include three full meals daily designed to be light and sattvic to nourish your body. Meals are prepared with fresh vegetables and ingredients. Breakfast typically includes seasonal fruits, muesli, yogurt, porridge, and Indian options, while dinners feature lentil dals, vegetable curries, rice, chapatti, and salads.

Daily Schedule in Teacher Training Courses

The daily routine typically starts between 5:30-6:00 AM and ends around 8:00-10:00 PM, which is intensive yet rewarding. Nearly 7-8 hours of training time is covered to  different aspects of yoga everyday.

Mornings begin with Hatha Yoga, followed by Pranayama practice. After breakfast, you’ll attend lectures on yoga philosophy and anatomy. After lunch, there’s free time for rest. In the late afternoons Ashtanga Vinyasa sessions are conducted and evenings include meditation practices.

Most 200-hour programs in Rishikesh teach multiple styles. Programs are typically based on Ashtanga yoga and Hatha yoga. Schools follow traditional Hatha Yoga alongside Vinyasa Flow. There are also programs which are a little less intense and focus on Meditation. It all depends on what intention you come with.

Instructors hold E-RYT Certification with thousands of hours of hands-on teaching experience. Schools employ certified and qualified teachers with over 5-10 years of yoga teaching experience, ensuring you learn from dedicated professionals.

How to Reach Rishikesh for Your TTC

You can reach the nearest airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 35 kilometres from Rishikesh.  From the airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi or book a private cab for a scenic one-hour drive to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is well-connected by road. Schools can arrange a pickup from Delhi Airport or Nepali Farm. You can also drive or hire a private taxi for a comfortable journey.

International students require an e-Tourist Visa to attend yoga courses in India. Apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. Required Documents are usually a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-sized photograph, an enrollment letter from your yoga school in Rishikesh, and return flight details. Applications are typically processed within 2-4 business days. The e-visa allows stays up to 90 days, suitable for most teacher training courses. Ensure you apply at least one week before your course start date to avoid delays.