Alpesh Patwari leading an opening ceremony with students seated in a circle around a marigold mandala at the Arambol shala

8-day retreat

8 Day Yoga & Meditation Retreat — Goa & Dharamshala

Eight days of alignment-based Hatha Alignment and Hatha Vinyasa Flow, pranayama and meditation — a deeper reset than a 5-day course, without a long commitment.

GoaDharamshala

Overview

What to expect

Quick answer

Our 8 Day Yoga & Meditation Retreat runs at Arambol Beach, Goa or Bhagsu, Dharamshala, from $250 for the course only (or $400 with food & accommodation). Two guided practices a day — Hatha Alignment in the morning, Hatha Vinyasa Flow in the afternoon — plus pranayama, guided meditation and philosophy, with all props and a course manual provided. It is a deeper reset than a 5-day course, and good preparation if you decide to continue into our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. See current dates.

A focused week-plus reset for anyone who wants more depth than a 5-day course without a long commitment. Over 8 days you build a consistent daily practice — Hatha Alignment and Hatha Vinyasa Flow yoga, pranayama, guided meditation and yoga philosophy — with the same small-group, hands-on teaching as our teacher trainings, at Arambol Beach, Goa or Bhagsu, Dharamshala. Mornings are the alignment practice, where postures are taken apart slowly and the props are used properly. Afternoons are the flow, where what you corrected in the morning is put back together at pace. In between there is philosophy, guided meditation, three vegetarian meals and enough unstructured time to sleep, swim or walk. Eight days is the shortest stay in which most people stop counting days: the first two are arrival and adjustment, and the practice only really becomes yours somewhere around the fourth.

Consistent Daily Practice

Build real momentum with two guided sessions a day — enough repetition to feel a genuine shift in strength, flexibility and focus.

Alignment-First Teaching

Precise alignment and safe hands-on adjustments run through every asana session.

Pranayama & Meditation

Daily breathwork and guided meditation practice to steady the mind alongside the body.

Rest & Reflection

Vegetarian meals, yoga philosophy talks and unhurried time to integrate what you are learning.

Is This You?

Who this program is for

  • You want more than a taster. A weekend workshop or a 5-day course left you wishing for a few more days, right at the point it started working.
  • You are not training to teach — or not yet. You want the practice for its own sake, with nothing to pass at the end of it.
  • You have eight to ten days of leave and one flight in you, and you would rather do one thing properly than see four places quickly.
  • You are new to yoga, or coming back after a long gap, and you want a teacher who will actually correct you rather than call poses from the front of a room of forty.
  • You are considering a teacher training and want to know what three weeks of it would feel like before paying for three weeks of it.
  • You are travelling alone. Most people on this retreat are — the group practises and eats together, and by the third day it is a group.

What you leave with

  • Hold the foundation postures — sun salutations, standing poses, forward bends and twists — with alignment you can feel rather than guess at
  • Set up blocks, belts and bolsters for your own body, so a posture fits your proportions instead of the other way around
  • Run a 30 to 45 minute practice by yourself at home, with no video and nobody counting for you
  • Use two or three breathing practices and a short meditation on an ordinary bad day, with no teacher in the room
  • Understand what the eight limbs actually refer to, and talk about them without reaching for the handout
  • Answer honestly whether you want to go further into a 100 or 200 hour training, on the strength of eight days of doing it rather than imagining it

The Journey

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrival, opening circle and a first practice

    Settle in, meet the group and the teachers, and take a deliberately gentle first practice so we can see how each of you moves before anything is asked of you. A short opening ceremony in the evening, dinner together, and an early night.

  2. Day 2

    Foundations: feet, legs and standing poses

    The alignment work starts at the floor. Tadasana taken seriously, then the warriors, triangle and side angle taken apart one joint at a time with blocks and a belt. First breath-awareness session, and an introduction to what the eight limbs actually are.

  3. Day 3

    Sun salutations and your first full flow

    Morning: how a sun salutation is built, and why yours probably starts in the shoulders. Afternoon: a complete Hatha Vinyasa Flow class, paced to the breath rather than to a count. Evening philosophy on the yamas and niyamas as working ethics.

  4. Day 4

    Hips, forward bends and twists

    The stiffest day for most people and the one where props earn their place — sitting on a block, using a belt, letting a chair take a forward bend so the spine lengthens instead of rounding. Then the twists that undo it all.

  5. Day 5

    Rest, and a day out of the shala

    One practice instead of two, and the afternoon free: Arambol Beach and the sunset in Goa, or the walk up to Bhagsu waterfall in Dharamshala. A long guided yoga nidra in the evening. The half-way day exists because eight days of doubles does not work.

  6. Day 6

    Backbends, chest and shoulders

    Camel, bow, bridge and bolster-supported backbends, with the chest and shoulder preparation that makes them possible and the counter-poses that make them safe. The day that undoes what a desk does to a spine.

  7. Day 7

    Inversions with support

    Shoulderstand, halasana and preparation at the wall and over a chair, taught with the contraindications said out loud — neck injury, high blood pressure, pregnancy, menstruation. Longer pranayama and a longer sit in the evening.

  8. Day 8

    Integration and closing circle

    A full practice drawing on all seven days before it, largely self-led with the teachers moving through the room correcting. Then a session on keeping this going at home, and a closing circle where the group says what it is taking with it.

The subjects follow the same syllabus as our teacher trainings, at retreat pace: asana, alignment, breath, meditation and philosophy. The shala runs one daily rhythm, so the midday theory block — anatomy and teaching methodology alongside alignment — is the same one the trainees sit in. What a retreat leaves out is the certification half: no supervised practice teaching, no written or practical assessment, and no qualification at the end. Days shift with the weather and with what the group needs.

Daily Rhythm

A sample day

This is our standard day. Timings can shift with the weather, the season and what the group needs on a given day.

07:00 – 08:00Self-study and self-practice
08:30 – 10:15Alignment
10:30 – 11:30Break
11:30 – 12:30Yoga philosophy
12:30 – 14:00Anatomy, teaching methodology and alignment
14:00 – 14:30Lunch
14:30 – 16:00Homework and rest
16:00 – 16:30Karma yoga
16:30 – 18:00Vinyasa flow practice
18:00 – 19:30Break and free time
19:30Dinner

What's Included

Everything you need

What's included

  • Two daily practice sessions: Hatha Alignment, Hatha Vinyasa Flow and pranayama
  • Guided meditation and yoga philosophy sessions throughout
  • Course manual and use of all yoga props
  • With-stay tier: accommodation for 8 nights, plus three daily vegetarian meals and tea & coffee

Not included

  • Flights and travel to the campus
  • Indian visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Excursions, laundry and personal expenses
  • Accommodation and meals on the $250 course-only tier — those are what the $400 tier adds
  • A teaching qualification: this is a retreat, not a Yoga Alliance registered teacher training

Dates & Pricing

Reserve your place

$250 USD

$250 for the course only, or $400 with food & accommodation, for the full 8 days — at either campus.

Follows the campus seasons — Goa from late October to April, Dharamshala from May to September. Tell us your preferred dates and campus when you book and we will confirm availability within 24 hours.

Reserve with a $75 deposit fully transferable to any batch within 12 months. Refund policy

Why Alpesh Yoga

Discover the difference

Yoga Alliance Certified

Learn from a Yoga Alliance registered school — the same accredited teaching standard behind our internationally recognized teacher trainings.

Traditional Yogic Wisdom

Authentic Hatha Alignment, Hatha Vinyasa Flow, pranayama, meditation and philosophy, taught through traditional yogic teachings rather than a studio-fitness approach.

Experienced Teachers

Learn from experienced yoga teachers who give you personal, hands-on guidance throughout your retreat.

International Community

Join a diverse community of students from around the world, training together in a small, supportive group.

From 5 Days to 300 Hours

Start with a short retreat and continue into a full 100, 200 or 300 hour teacher training later, at either campus — the same teaching, different depths.

Beautiful Learning Destinations

Practice in the peaceful surroundings of Arambol Beach, Goa or Bhagsu, Dharamshala — settings designed for focus, healing and personal growth.

Alpesh Patwari, founder and lead teacher of Alpesh Yoga, seated in the shala

Alpesh Patwari

Founder & Lead Teacher · 22+ years

Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher

Founder of Alpesh Yoga. Introduced to yoga as a child, Alpesh managed epilepsy through breathing practices learned from Jain monks, and has taught traditional, alignment-based yoga to students from around the world for over two decades.

  • Alignment-based yoga
  • Hatha Yoga
  • Pranayama & breathwork
  • Meditation
Read more

Choosing Well

Which program is right for you?

Compared with our other short programs

The longest of our four short programs, and the extra days are not three more of the same — they are the point at which the practice stops being a holiday activity. The 50 Hour Intensive packs more contact hours into six days and works you considerably harder; the two 5-day courses each specialise, one in breath and meditation, the other in alignment. This is the one with room for all of it, plus a rest day in the middle and time to sleep.

See our other retreats

Ready for teacher training instead?

A teacher training is a qualification: 100, 200 or 300 hours ending in supervised practice teaching, a written and practical assessment and a certificate — 22 days of your life for the 200 hour. This retreat asks none of that. You sit in the same philosophy, anatomy and methodology sessions, because the shala runs one timetable, but nothing is assessed and nothing is certified: you practise, you rest, you go home. It is also the cleanest way to find out whether you want the training: same shala, same teachers, same daily rhythm, eight days instead of twenty-two.

See the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Accommodation & Food

Comfortable stay, surrounded by nature

Simple, comfortable rooms a short walk from the shala, with three home-style vegetarian meals a day. Twin-share and private options are available at both campuses.

See accommodation & food
Bright student room at Alpesh Yoga with a double bed, study desk and two curtained windows
Student room at Alpesh Yoga with a double bed and a private entrance hallway

Life Here

This program in photographs

Yoga teacher training class practising Warrior I together in the open-air shala at Arambol, Goa
Teacher giving a hands-on adjustment to a student’s extended leg in a seated forward stretch
Student in Ustrasana, the kneeling camel backbend, observed by the teacher at the Arambol shala
International yoga students covered in coloured powder celebrating Holi together outside the yoga school
Students and teachers laughing together in a seated circle during a ceremony at Alpesh Yoga

Reviews

What retreat guests say

The 5-day course gave me two different kinds of asana practice that complemented each other, plus pranayama.

Gemma Bru Ballarà

5-Day Course

5.0

via BookRetreats — verified

“Yoga from the heart.” Travelled from Denmark specifically for a 10-day retreat: “developed me more in 10 days than any other yoga teacher… definitely the best yoga instructor in Dharamsala.”

TripAdvisor reviewer (Denmark)

Yoga Retreat, Dharamshala

5.0

via TripAdvisor

Reviews from Google

What our students say on Google

Rated 4.9 across 259+ Google reviews

See all Arambol, Goa reviews on Google See all Bhagsu, Dharamshala reviews on Google

yonatan raviv

June 2026

Great teacher. Made me stronger and helped me to better align myself in my postures.
Read on Google
darshana shah

June 2026

I completed my 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses with Alpesh Yoga, and it has been one of the most valuable experiences in my yoga journey. I initially joined as a regular student seeking relief from back pain and sinus issues. As my practice progressed, I experienced significant improvement in both, which inspired me to deepen my understanding of yoga and eventually pursue the teacher training courses. Looking back, I am extremely happy that I made that decision. What sets Alpesh Sir apart is his genuine dedication to his students. He pays close attention to alignment, technique, and understanding, and patiently explains concepts until students gain clarity and confidence. His teaching style is thorough, practical, and easy to understand, making even complex yogic concepts accessible. Along with Alpesh Sir, his team has also been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Together, they create a learning environment that is welcoming, professional, and encouraging. Beyond the physical practice of yoga, Alpesh Sir shares valuable insights, experiences, and yogic wisdom that help students understand the deeper essence of yoga and how to apply it in daily life. The classes are not only educational but also inspiring, encouraging personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to the practice. The training provided me with a strong foundation that has helped me build and teach my own yoga classes with confidence. His depth of knowledge, attention to detail, authenticity, and passion for teaching make him an exceptional teacher and mentor.
Read on Google
Henry

April 2026

Came here as a complete beginner of yoga to do the 200h TTC. The amount of improvement I felt over this short time was really incredible to be honest. I learned a lot and the atmosphere here is just very welcoming and supportive, like a little family.
Read on Google
Nadine Runggaldier

March 2026

Lovely space and teachers. We never got to take Alpesh‘s class (too lazy in the mornings) but he is a great personality and very warm and friendly.
Read on Google
Cristina Comunian

January 2026

I’ve just completed my 200-hour TTC with Alpesh, and the experience was truly transformative. Alpesh’s teaching is one of a kind—deeply foundational and refreshingly authentic. The consistent emphasis on alignment and muscle activation, day in and day out, rather than rushing into Instagrammable poses, is nothing short of revolutionary. "Leave your shoes and ego outside the shala". Alpesh’s "serious" tone and almost obsessive cues during class hide a big-hearted human being who is deeply attentive to everyone’s individual needs. Weeks after the course, you’ll still hear his cues echoing in your mind—“kneecaps up” and “hip squeeze”—and that’s a very good sign 😊. The training is thoughtfully structured, and the two additional teachers Maithily and Rashmi are equally knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely wonderful human beings. I would recommend this course to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of yoga—not just asana practice, but yoga as a holistic system—using the body and breath as tools to explore far more than physical movement. BONUS point: the food. Fresh, made from scratch every day with so much love and care. I’m still dreaming about the coriander chutney, masala dosa, and endless rivers of masala chai. I have never felt so blessed.
Read on Google
Madelaine Sirch

January 2026

Alpesh is simply the best! If you’re in India, he is the number one address for authentic and highly knowledgeable yoga classes. I miss this place and all the people so much and hope to come back asap. All the best, Alpesh 🫶🏽
Read on Google
Josephine Frost

January 2026

I had the best time. The yoga was truly special, the philosophy classes were inspiring and thoughtfully led. There is much to learn. What made it truly unique was the atmosphere—it felt like being part of a family.
Read on Google
Riccardo Merlano

December 2025

I recently completed my ttc and am so happy i chose Alpeshyoga school. I was welcomed like in a family. The teachers are fantastic, the morning classes with Alpesh are the best i've ever taken. He manages to convey his deep understanding of alignments with extreme precision and passion. Maithily, the theory teacher, with her incredible knowledge and culture, was able to explain her lessons with extreme clarity, always making the class enjoyable and engaging. And finally, Rashmi, with her empathy and depth of soul... Made the evening practices a unique experience that i recommend to everyone. And the food prepared with love by two very sweet ladies... Amazing! For me, they were not just teachers but also true friends... This experience has brought profound changes to me. I thank them all and hope to join them soon for another journey together🙏
Read on Google
Teo Yes

November 2025

Alpesh thank you for sharing your knowledge! I have an amazing alignment course with this school! The other teachers and the food is incredible as well. I recommend this place for anyone who is searching to learn something and more about yoga ❤️
Read on Google
שיר מילצ'ן

July 2025

Alpesh is the best yoga teacher!
Read on Google
Shira Grafi

July 2025

I did a 100-hour course with Alpesh, it was a really good experience, very personal treatment and the course was intimate and varied. Alpesh is a very caring teacher, he knew exactly what each person's strengths are and the points to which they need to pay more attention. Highly recommend, even just to come to a drop-in class in the morning to strengthen your body and get yourself in shape if you can't stay for the course.
Read on Google
Gemma Bru Ballarà

June 2025

It’s difficult to explain how I felt during the 5 day course I did in Alpesh Yoga. But in a few words, it was all what I need. Two different kind of asana practices which complemented each other, plus pranayama and yoga theory. All really well explained! Moreover I felt like home! All the teachers were welcoming, and all of the know what they were talking about. They were open-minded and they listenend to me when I had questions (I had a lot) even I considered them silly! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom!
Read on Google
Ceylin Altunç

March 2025

Alpesh is a very good yoga teacher. Although I have been a yoga teacher who has been practicing yoga regularly for years, I have experienced great expansions both physically and spiritually. He holds space very well, knows the body very well and works it like an architect day by day, and he is also very cute. I want to attend his classes again next year for at least 2 months. Alpesh Yoga is the meeting point for yogis and yoginis of all ages from different cultures🪷 Thank you Alpesh
Read on Google
Yaxi Wang

March 2025

I Took the 8 day alignment with Alpesh which was an amazing experience. As a beginner the course was challenging and I learned so much about the practice of yoga. I had been in a 30 day retreat prior to this course and I learned much more here in 8 days with Alpesh than in the entirety of the 30 days. Alpesh and the other students in the program were also a joy to be around and felt like family. Alpesh even helped me book my train ticket to Mumbai and make sure I got to my destination safely as a first time traveler in India. Would love to take future courses with Alpesh.
Read on Google
בקי לשם

March 2025

I am happy that I chose to study with Alpesh. The teacher training course was professional and experiential. I am already looking forward to returning for further training. Becky
Read on Google
Lara Laraz

March 2025

Beautiful place and beautiful people, teachers with great knowledge and passion, alpesh yoga is a great place to gain experience, practice under the supervision of great teachers and wonderful people, from all over the world. I recommend it with all my heart 🌼
Read on Google
Tania

February 2025

I first met Alpesh in March last year while traveling through India. I attended a drop-in class and ended up staying for five days. Eventually, I continued my travels, attending yoga classes wherever I went—but none of them ever felt the same as with him. For months, our schedules didn’t align for a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), but finally, in December, I had the opportunity to attend his course. It was one of the best decisions I made. Alpesh is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced teacher who truly understands each student’s individual needs. He pushes you beyond what you think you’re capable of while always ensuring that your practice is safe and aligned. As someone with back issues I deeply appreciated his ability to modify asanas for me, making yoga more accessible while still challenging. If you’re looking for a teacher who will challenge you, support you, and help you grow—not just in asanas but in understanding yoga at a deeper level—I highly recommend learning from Alpesh and his team.
Read on Google
Diana Brito

January 2025

This was the highlight if my year this year. At first i was kind of frustrated because it wasn’t like the studio we used to see in social media. But being here was a transformation i never expected, alpesh is a good teacher, he can be strict but for me its how it should be, a teacher should always push his students to their limits to learn. I enjoyed my time here and i wished i could’ve stayed longer❤️
Read on Google
Monakshi Arora

June 2026

The place is really great! I love Alpesh’s classes , they are so nice and they helped me deepen my practice so much! If you are someone who really wants to work on yourself I think this is the place for it . The best part is they are in both mountains and beach cities so it’s a true blessing learning and being there around the lovely environment:)
Read on Google
Akshat Jain

June 2026

I can’t say enough good things about my time with the team at Alpesh Yoga. Sometimes it’s hard to find a teacher who is both technically brilliant and genuinely kind, but that’s exactly what you get here. I appreciated how much individual attention we received; it made the whole experience feel very personal. I’m heading home feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply grateful for the lessons I learned on the mat. Whether you’re a beginner or a teacher, you’ll find something special here.
Read on Google
Ana Berta Arroyo

March 2026

Thank you, Alpesh, for your wonderful energy, your sense of humor, and your intense classes with excellent corrections. I've admired how you've worked with each of us, despite our different languages and levels. Excellent teacher! Thanks to you, I've returned to yoga and I hope to come back next year.
Read on Google
Mags Grabowska

March 2026

I’m so happy I completed my TTC with Alpesh. He’s an amazing teacher and practitioner whose classes are simply the best I’ve ever attended, on any continent. During the course, I sometimes asked myself if it was easy or difficult, and while the difficult aspect was there, it was purely physical. Learning from Alpesh and Rashmi about yoga was a privilege, and every minute at the school was so precious. The truth is, once you’re there, you feel at home and simply don’t want to leave :) I miss the school so much already, and I feel so, so grateful for the time there! ❤️
Read on Google
Lisa W

January 2026

I was incredibly lucky to be the only one in my 100-hour TTC course and received exceptional support. The yoga classes were excellent, and all the teachers were very friendly. Alpesh took me under his wing, and I experienced everything as relaxed and very welcoming. I'm grateful for this wonderful experience at Alpesh Yoga and would book there again in a heartbeat.
Read on Google
yash gupta

January 2026

I recently completed my yoga training with Alpesh Yoga Goa and had a great experience. It really felt like home. Alpesh is a wonderful teacher — a perfect mix of strict and soft — and his teaching is clear, knowledgeable, and straight to the point. The food was also delicious and very nourishing. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an authentic and well-structured yoga experience in Goa.
Read on Google
Sean D

January 2026

Alpesh is a very experienced and talented yoga teacher. I have been visiting Arambol for many winter holidays and attend Alpesh classes to improve and strengthen my yoga practice. The classes are very focused, alignment is key to get flow. After three weeks I leave much stronger with much improved posture (sternum up, shoulders back, courage). In Alpesh classes I have become good at headstands and other yoga poses I thought were outside of my reach. Its important for me to Listen to learn and I make an effort. (Mostly;) Alpesh yoga studio attracts good interesting people who are fun and supportive. A great environment to learn, grow, connect and have fun. Thank you Alpesh yoga school. I love the studio and energy. Sean London
Read on Google
Louisa Penrose

December 2025

I have gone to many of Alpesh’s drop in sessions, and decided to do the 5 day alignment course with him! I couldn’t recommend his yoga school enough - he is the best yoga teacher I found throughout India. He is so knowledgeable, firm but very kind and focuses on precise adjustments that change the whole pose. He has taught me so much about yoga, especially all the details you miss out on if you are just practicing in the West! I will be back whenever I am in Goa/Dharamshala - thank you Alpesh!
Read on Google
Karen Pavey

November 2025

Fantastic teacher. Gave me (a novice) confidence to try all moves in the class. All yoga moves were carefully observed and adapted to the experience and ability of each participant. Will definitely be back next time I am in Arambol
Read on Google
Louise d'Orléans

July 2025

It was a great experience at Alpesh Yoga, I highly recommend ✨✨
Read on Google
Andrea Pérez Gutiérrez

June 2025

It was a great and positive experience choosing to take the course at Alpesh Yoga. He was able to share his knowledge with me and help me understand even more, enabling me to better perform the asanas, their alignment, possibilities, and meaning. Likewise, the atmosphere, the classes, and Alpesh's great helpful and kind personality made me feel comfortable and see improvement .Thank you!!!
Read on Google
Liam Powell

May 2025

Completing the 200hr yoga teacher training course has been a dream of mine for quite a few years now and being able to come to India for this reason was so important. But just as important was finding the right school. I knew I wanted to find a place near the beach which led me onto searching around Goa. When I came across Alpesh Yoga I really felt like this was the place I was meant to complete the course. Their website/instagram and other social media have lots to explore and you can really get a feel for what Alpesh has created at his yoga school. I really appreciated the abundant information and prompt communication from Alpesh when inquiring into what course would be best for me. Once I arrived in Goa, all of the teachers welcomed the students with an opening ceremony in the morning before we started our first class. I felt at home right away. My days during the 200 hour teacher training course were really well structured with a good balance between time in the classroom and time on the mat and the food was absolutely delicious. All 3 of my teachers brought with them so much insight and knowledge and were able to deliver it to us effectively with clear communication. I really enjoyed Alpesh's style of teaching, where he is direct and clear with his instructions, involves everyone in the class and gives a profound insight into the benefits of each Asana. All 3 teachers brought their own unique perspectives and helped guide me deeper into my own practice whilst also learning how to guide students myself. I was also lucky enough to share this experience with the other students. Being a stones throw away from the beach allowed me to really enjoy my free/study time each week, with lots of little villages and towns around Arambol to explore too. I really felt like I found the most amazing place to complete my course and I am grateful to have been led to Alpesh yoga. Thank you for everything Alpesh, I hope to return next season 🙏🏻
Read on Google
marta zabolewicz

March 2025

Best place to practise yoga - well structured classes with high experienced teacher; great atmosphere, I would definitely come back to Alpesh’s yoga place in Arambol
Read on Google
Claudia Lowick-Russell

March 2025

I’ve been practicing yoga for five years and I improved more in one month here than in all my previous practice. Alpesh is a dedicated and truly excellent teacher. The Shala is welcoming and the people are serious practitioners. Loved practicing here for more than a month, and I’m coming back next season for the TTC for sure. 10/10 recommend 🙏🏼
Read on Google
Zeren Kusku

March 2025

Attending Alpesh’s yoga classes is not only highly informative and inspiring but also a lot of fun! Practicing yoga with a true master is a great privilege! Do not miss this opportunity if you’re in Arambol.
Read on Google
Maren Kellner

February 2025

I enjoyed my time at alpesh's school a lot and learned so much. As I came as a beginner I wouldn't feel comfortable teaching after the ytt but I have a learned a lot about my body and feel much better even weeks after coming home. Thanks alpesh- you are a hero!
Read on Google
oran solomon

January 2025

I have been doing yoga in many places around the world and around india, and this one might be the best place I've tried. The teachers are very professional. Overall an amazing place if you look for a yoga place in Arambol definitely try this one
Read on Google

Hear it from our students

A student from France

Teacher training graduate

Student review

Yoga Class Review

From our Instagram

See the school in motion

Short clips from our classes, ceremonies and graduations at the shala.

FAQ

Common questions

  • No — the retreat is designed for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. It suits anyone who wants a structured reset for body and mind without committing to a full teacher training.

  • $250 covers the course only, for students arranging their own stay nearby. $400 adds your accommodation and three vegetarian meals a day for the full 8 days.

  • Both run the same program, so in practice the month you can travel usually decides it: Goa runs from late October to April at Arambol Beach, Dharamshala from May to September at Bhagsu. Our Dharamshala season runs through September 2026 and resumes in May 2027. If your dates allow either, choose Arambol for warm sea air and sunset practice, or Bhagsu for crisp Himalayan mornings and forest walks.

  • Roughly five to six guided hours, in two blocks: the alignment practice in the morning and the Hatha Vinyasa Flow practice in the late afternoon, with philosophy, pranayama and guided meditation sessions between them. The middle of the day is deliberately open — that is when people sleep, swim, walk or do nothing at all, and eight days only works because of it.

  • Anyone wanting a beach holiday with a yoga class attached — this is a daily practice and the timetable expects you at it. Anyone who needs a teaching qualification: that is the 100 or 200 hour training, not this. And anyone who cannot commit the full eight days, because the arc of the retreat is the whole point. Tell us about injuries, pregnancy, high blood pressure or recent surgery in your booking so your practice is adapted from day one rather than day five.

  • Comfortable practice clothes, a water bottle and a notebook. Mats, blocks, belts, bolsters and chairs are all provided at the shala. For Goa, add light clothes, swimwear and sunscreen; for Dharamshala, layers, something warm for early mornings and shoes you can walk uphill in. Nothing else is required.

  • Yes, and a good number of people do. Nothing carries over as credit — a teacher training starts from its own first day — but you arrive already knowing the shala, the teachers and the daily rhythm, and eight days answers the question most people are really asking, which is whether they want three weeks of this. Tell us while you are here and we will talk you through the dates.

  • Most people on this retreat arrive alone. The group is small, you practise together twice a day and eat at the same table, so it stops feeling like a room of strangers somewhere around the second evening. Couples and friends booking together are equally welcome — say so when you book and we will arrange the rooms accordingly.

  • Book online with your preferred dates and campus. We confirm within 24 hours and reserve your place with a 30% deposit, transferable to other dates within 12 months. The balance is paid when you arrive.

Ready to reserve your place?

Book online in about two minutes — no payment required. We confirm availability within 24 hours.

Chat with us