Rishikesh Immersion
Practice, Study & Pilgrimage on theΒ Banks of the Ganga with
Kino MacGregor & Dr. M.A. Alwar
What Awaits You
Rishikesh is often called the birthplace of yoga, but more than that, it is a living spiritual landscape. Set on the banks of the Ganga and framed by the Himalayan foothills, this seven-day immersion brings together dedicated Ashtanga practice, philosophical study, meditation, ritual, and sacred site visits, all within a refined Ayurvedic retreat environment that supports both depth and recovery.
Each morning begins with extended sΔdhana guided by Kino MacGregor. Mysore-style Ashtanga practice forms the foundation of the week, supported by pranayama, chanting, and meditation. The final morning includes a Led Primary Series and closing practice. Afternoons are dedicated to the study of the Bhagavad Gita with Dr. M.A. Alwar, Senior Professor at the Maharajaβs Sanskrit College in Mysore and co-organiser of the Mysore Yoga Conference. Each session begins with traditional Sanskrit chanting led by VidyΔ, followed by Dr. Alwarβs teachings and time for questions and discussion. Together, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to study one of yogaβs most influential texts with a respected Sanskrit scholar whose work bridges traditional learning and contemporary yoga practice. The Bhagavad Gita continues to offer profound guidance on how to live, act, practice, and navigate the challenges of everyday life, making its teachings as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. Throughout the week, meditation and moments of stillness are woven into the rhythm of the days, not only to understand the teachings, but to experience them directly.
Beyond the retreat centre, Rishikesh itself becomes part of the immersion. We will enjoy a group nature hike, walk to Triveni Ghat, visit Parmarth Niketan for the evening Ganga Aarti, explore the historic Beatles Ashram, and spend time experiencing the unique atmosphere that has drawn practitioners and seekers to this region for generations. These moments are not separate from the practice, but part of understanding yoga within its living cultural and spiritual context. This immersion is structured yet spacious, balancing discipline with integration, practice with study, and depth with care.
Impressions
Your StayΒ
Modi Retreat Center
The immersion takes place at Modi Yoga Retreat, a serene, high-standard Ayurvedic retreat centre overlooking the Ganga and the surrounding Himalayan hills. Meals are sattvic (vegetarian/vegan) and, freshly prepared each day to support energy, clarity, and digestion throughout the week.
Modi offers more than accommodation;Β it provides an environment that supports both focus and recovery. Spacious, modern rooms, panoramic views, and a calm, natural setting allow the teachings to settle and integrate. The retreat centre includes a swimming pool, sauna, and gym, as well as access to Ayurvedic spa treatments. Practice takes place in a beautiful shala with views over the river, creating a unique space where daily practice and study are held within the landscape of Rishikesh itself.
This is a place to return to between sessions, to rest, reflect, and integrate what you practice and study, without rush and without distraction.
Your Stay β Modi Retreat Center
The immersion takes place at Modi Yoga Retreat, a serene, high-standard Ayurvedic retreat centre overlooking the Ganga and the surrounding Himalayan hills. Meals are sattvic (vegetarian/vegan) and, freshly prepared each day to support energy, clarity, and digestion throughout the week.
Modi offers more than accommodation;Β it provides an environment that supports both focus and recovery. Spacious, modern rooms, panoramic views, and a calm, natural setting allow the teachings to settle and integrate. The retreat centre includes a swimming pool, sauna, and gym, as well as access to Ayurvedic spa treatments. Practice takes place in a beautiful shala with views over the river, creating a unique space where daily practice and study are held within the landscape of Rishikesh itself.
This is a place to return to between sessions, to rest, reflect, and integrate what you practice and study, without rush and without distraction.
Your Teachers
ββKino MacGregor
Kino discovered yoga at 19, embarked on a journey to India at 22, and crossed paths with her teachers, K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath Jois. Since then, she has devoted herself to a daily sadhana of Vipassana meditation and Ashtanga Yoga, shaping her teaching around these two traditions. One of the few people to practice into the Fifth Series, Advanced D, she received Certification to teacher from K. Pattabhi Jois before his passing. With a prominent presence in the yoga community, Kino is the founder of Omstars.com, an author of seven books, the producer of the Yoga Inspiration podcast, and boasts a vast following on social media platforms, including over 1 million Instagram followers, 800,000 YouTube subscribers, and more across other channels.
Dr. M.A. Alwar
Senior Professor, MahΔrΔja’s Sanskrit College, Mysore
Son of ΕrΔ« U.Ve. Prof. M.A. LakαΉ£mΔ«thΔthΔchΔrya Swami. Formed within the same tradition, in the same household, through the same exacting standards of Vedic education and ΕΔstric learning that shaped every generation of this line before him. Following in his father’s footsteps, he continues the work his father gave his life to: the living scholarship, the institutional mission, and the spirit of openness that have always characterised this paramparΔ. He supported his father’s work at the Academy throughout its development, without ever holding a formal position there. He is Senior Professor at the MahΔrΔja’s Sanskrit College, Mysore, and Managing Trustee of the SaαΉskαΉti Foundation. He is co-organiser of the Mysore Yoga Conference, an annual gathering that brings together Sanskrit scholars and yoga practitioners from around the world to study the texts, philosophy, and practice of yoga at its source. He believes that knowledge is meant to be shared. This is not a casual conviction but a considered position rooted in the tradition itself: the door of ΕrΔ«vaiαΉ£αΉavism, as RΔmΔnuja established it, is open to all who sincerely seek. Dr. Alwar has extended that openness to the global community of yoga practitioners, people drawn to the practice that emerged from this very tradition, who deserve to understand the philosophical ground beneath their feet.
Who This Immersion Is For
Practitioners with familiarity in the Ashtanga sequence (Half Primary minimum recommended)
Students wishing to deepen their understanding beyond physical practice
Teachers seeking renewed inspiration
Anyone drawn to experiencing yoga within its traditional Himalayan setting
Example of a day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:00 β 09:00 | Mysore Practice with Kino MacGregor |
| 09:00 β 10:00 | Pranayama, Chanting & Meditation |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Sattvic Ayurvedic Breakfast |
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Free Time (Pool, Sauna, Gym, Ayurvedic Treatments, River Walks) |
| 13:00 | Light Lunch |
| 14:00 – 14:15 | Traditional Sanskrit Chanting with VidyΔ Alwar |
| 14:15 – 15:30 | Philosophy, Study & Q&A with Dr. M.A. Alwar |
| 15:30 – 18:00 | Free Time (Explore Rishikesh, Visit Temples, Ayurvedic Treatments, Pool & Spa Facilities) |
| 18:00 | Dinner |
| 19:00 | Free Time or Selected Group Activities |
Program highlights by day
Day 1 β Arrival & opening yajΓ±a
Check-in, welcome circle, and sacred fire ceremony.
Day 2 β Establishing the rhythm
Afternoon guided nature hike & studies while on the experience.
Day 3 β Sacred river experience
Optional early-morning sacred site visit (e.g. Kunjapuri area) OR free integration time, Guided evening walk to Triveni Ghat for Ganga Aarti β Understanding the Ganga as a living ritual space
Day 4 β Free day or pilgrimage (optional)
Enjoy a free day at the beautiful Modi Retreat Center (SPA, Pool, Gym) and free integration time. Or join a dedicated guided pilgrimage to a traditional temple/ashram in the mountains with teachings woven into the experience (optional bookable)
Day 5 β Integration
Evening sacred river ceremony at Parmarth Niketan.
Day 6 β Deepening & reflection
Time to integrate and reflect, afternoon visit to Beatles Ashram
Day 7 β Closing practice & conference
Led Primary Series, closing conference, farewell.
Whatβs Included
- 6 nights accommodation at Modi Yoga Retreat
- Airport transfer coordination from Dehradun Airport
- Group transfers for included excursions and activities
- Daily sattvic Ayurvedic vegetarian meals (breakfast, light lunch, and dinner)
- Access to the retreat centre facilities, including pool, sauna, and gym
- One complimentary Ayurvedic massage per participant
- Daily Mysore-style Ashtanga practice with Kino MacGregor
- Pranayama, chanting, and meditation sessions
- Led Primary Series on the final practice day with Kino MacGregor
- Six philosophy, chanting, and Q&A sessions with Dr. M.A. Alwar
- Opening YajΓ±a (fire ceremony)
- Group Nature Walk/Hike
- Visits to Triveni Ghat
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan
- Visit to the historic Beatles Ashram
- WhatsApp group for pre-retreat information and support
- On-site retreat organisation and support throughout the week
Optional
- Temple Visits
- Pilgrimage day with a local guide
- Spa and Ayurvedic Treatments
- Ayurvedic Dr. Appointment
Whatβs Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa fees
Pricing
Early Bird ends July 31, 2026
Β *Price increases by β¬150 after July 31, 2026
Shared Deluxe Ganga View
A bed in a shared room with two single beds, a private balcony, river view, and an ensuite bathroom.
β¬1,650 p.p.
Single City View
Single room with a king-size bed, private balcony, city view, and an ensuite bathroom.
β¬2,050 p.p.
Single Deluxe Ganga View
Single room with a king-size bed, private balcony, river view, and an ensuite bathroom
β¬2,350 p.p.
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 is required at the time of booking.
Program-Only Option
A limited number of program-only spaces are available for participants arranging their own accommodation, with adjusted pricing for PIO practitioners and teachers.
Contact us
Scholarship
We believe in the power of Yoga as a means to create change within ourselves and through that the whole world. However, this is only possible if every single person on the planet has access to the practice regardless of financial means and economic status.
By offering one scholarship to this retreat, we hope to expand the reach of yoga to include a practitioner of a low-income, marginalized, and non-dominant community. Our intention is to help bridge the divide between the allocated resources in society and the desire for yoga.
Getting there
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport is Dehradun (DED), approximately 45 minutes from Modi Yoga Retreat.
Group Transfer
Group transfer from Dehradun Airport to the retreat centre will be organised. Detailed arrival guidance will be shared after registration.
Alternative Routes
Delhi International Airport is also an option, with connecting domestic flight or ground transfer to Rishikesh.
Booking and Payment Policy
- To book and secure your place, we request a non-refundable β¬ 500 deposit.
- Once the payment is made, your place will be reserved (you will receive a confirmation email)
- The balance should be paid before November 30, 2026. If you book your place after that date, the full payment for the retreat will be requested.
- If you are looking to be paired with someone, email tinakschmelzer@gmail.com
- You must accept the booking conditions at the moment of registration.
Cancellation Policy
- The deposit wonβt be refunded under any circumstances.
- If you cancel at any moment before November 30, 2026, we will refund the 50 % amount of the full retreat price.
- If your cancellation takes place after November 30, 2026, your payment wonβt be refunded.
- At any moment, you could hand your booking over to some other person who would like to join the retreat.
- In the unlikely event that the retreat has to be canceled, we will refund the full amount.
- βCancel for any reasonβ Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Join Us in Rishikesh
To practice on the banks of the Ganga.
To study the Gita where these teachings are lived.
To immerse without distraction.
To be held in both tradition and care.
If you feel called to deepen your practice in one of yogaβs most sacred landscapes, please join us.
FAQ
Who is this immersion for?
This program is designed for practitioners with an established Mysore practice (at least half-primary) who are interested in going deeper β beyond technique β into study, context, and daily discipline.
If you are unsure whether this immersion is suitable for you, feel free to reach out before booking.
Why Rishikesh for this program?
Rishikesh offers a unique environment where yoga is still practiced and studied within tradition. The combination of daily practice with Kino and Bhagavad Gita study with Swami is intentionally designed for this context.
What makes this different from other yoga retreats?
This is a focused immersion rather than a holiday-style retreat. The emphasis is on consistency (daily practice), study, and integration, rather than a full schedule of activities.
Will there be free time during the week?
Yes. The daily schedule has a clear structure, but there is spacious time in between for rest, integration, or exploring Rishikesh at your own pace or to enjoy the beautiful retreat center. The intention is to balance practice and study with enough space to process the experience.
What are the rooms like?
The retreat takes place at Modi Yoga Retreat, which offers comfortable, well-designed rooms with options for single and shared accommodation. The setting is quiet and spacious, with access to wellness and spa facilities, supporting both practice and recovery throughout the week.
Iβm traveling alone β is that common?
Yes. Many participants join on their own. The shared experience of practice and study creates a naturally supportive group environment.
Can I join without staying at the retreat center?
A limited number of program-only spaces are available, including adjusted rates for local practitioners. Please apply via the form.
Do I need a visa?
Most international participants will need a visa to enter India. Please check the requirements for your country in advance.
What happens after I book?
Youβll receive detailed guidance on travel, preparation, and what to expect, so you can arrive feeling clear and well prepared.
