Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, India
An Immersion into the Heart of Yoga
January 19 - 26, 2027
with Carlos Pomeda, Saraswati Clere & Stephanie Lopez
Journey with us to Rishikesh for an extraordinary week of practice, study, contemplation, and discovery in one of the world’s most revered centers of yoga. Rishikesh offers a rare opportunity to step away from the pace and distractions of everyday life and immerse yourself in the living tradition of yoga.
At the heart of this retreat is an exploration of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the foundational texts of the Hatha Yoga tradition. Rather than approaching this classic text simply as a collection of techniques, we will investigate the deeper vision behind the practices of asana, pranayama, meditation and the refinement of subtle energy. What were the early Hatha yogis seeking? Why were these practices developed, and how do they work together to transform our experience of body, breath, mind, and consciousness?
Together, we will explore the origins and intentions of these powerful practices while bringing fresh perspectives and contemporary understanding to the traditional teachings. We will consider the subtle body—the movement of prana, energetic pathways, centers of awareness, and changing states of consciousness—and explore how these teachings can deepen and illuminate our own practice.
An essential question will guide our exploration: What is the deeper purpose of practice? How can yoga help us become more steady, clear, resilient, compassionate, and awake? And how might a deeper understanding of the tradition help us meet the complexity of contemporary life with greater presence, wisdom, and skill?
This retreat is designed for yoga students, yoga teachers, and anyone drawn to a deeper exploration of yoga. Whether you are seeking to deepen your personal practice, expand your understanding of yoga philosophy, refine your teaching, or simply spend a meaningful week immersed in study and practice, this is an invitation to slow down, go deeper, and experience yoga beyond the surface level.
During the Week You'll Enjoy
Daily yoga classes emphasizing healthy alignment, strength, mobility, and ease
Pranayama and meditation practices to support focus, relaxation, and well-being
Yoga philosophy sessions that provide practical insight into the wisdom teachings of yoga
Group discussions and opportunities for questions and reflection
Restorative practices to encourage recovery and integration
Free time to relax, explore Rishikesh, enjoy nature, or simply rest
Visits to local temples, ashrams, and cultural sites
Why Practice in Rishikesh?
Rishikesh has been a center for yoga study for generations and continues to attract students and teachers from around the world. While its natural beauty provides a peaceful setting for retreat, it is also a place where yoga remains part of daily life. Practicing here offers an opportunity to experience the traditions of yoga within their cultural context while enjoying the simplicity of a week devoted to learning and self-care. There will be time to experience the unique beauty and culture of Rishikesh and visit temples and sacred sites.
The Retreat Center
Our retreat center in Rishikesh is in a beautiful and peaceful setting, with comfortable accommodations, nourishing meals, spacious practice spaces, and easy access to nature, making it an ideal environment for focused study and deep relaxation.
Whether you are looking to deepen your practice, expand your understanding of yoga philosophy, refine your teaching skills, or simply enjoy a meaningful week of learning with experienced teachers, this retreat offers an enriching and memorable experience in one of yoga's most inspiring locations.
Pricing
All prices include lodging, vegetarian meals, and all retreat sessions.
Double room:
• $1850 per person before September 30
• $2050 after September 30
Private room:
• $2050 before September 30 (per person)
• $2150 after September 30 (per person)
Meet Your Teachers
Saraswati Clere, ERYT-500
Saraswati is a San Francisco Bay Area–based yoga teacher, award-winning filmmaker, and founder of Yoga Kula. With more than two decades of teaching experience, she offers an approach to hatha yoga that is both deeply embodied and refreshingly accessible. Her teaching integrates functional alignment, mindful movement, and breath-centered awareness, supporting students in cultivating vitality, clarity, and inner steadiness. Saraswati’s dedication to the yogic path, her years of training, and her commitment to authentic practice infuse her classes with warmth, intelligence, and heart. www.yogakula.com
Carlos Pomeda
Carlos brings more than 40 years of devoted study, practice, and teaching in the yoga tradition. Trained as a monk in the Saraswati order for 18 years, he immersed himself in the deep study of Indian philosophy and yogic practice. He holds master’s degrees in Sanskrit from the University of California, Berkeley, and in Religious Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Known for his ability to make profound teachings clear, engaging, and immediately applicable, Carlos draws on both his scholarly mastery and his lived experience of the tradition. His teachings illuminate the heart of yoga with precision, humor, and a rare depth of understanding.
Website: www.pomeda.com
Stephanie Lopez
Stephanie Lopez, LISW, C-IAYT, is the President and lead iRest Trainer for iRest Institute. With a deeply embodied understanding of meditation informed by 30 years of immersion in the nondual teachings of yoga, Stephanie is sought after to bring the principles of living an authentic and awakened life into corporate and wellness settings, leading retreats and training internationally. Stephanie is a Gestalt psychotherapist, certified yoga therapist, and world-leading meditation teacher who has presented meditation at Google, Spotify, and UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. She also serves as Chair on the Certification Committee for the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) helping to promote standards and credentialing for the field of yoga therapy. She is a contributing author of “Yoga Nidra Meditations.” For more information - www.shop.irest.org
AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Let us know if you would like to schedule an Ayurvedic massage treatment. The retreat center offers a comprehensive range of treatments designed to promote holistic healing and well-being. Ayurvedic treatments for de-stress & full relaxation of mind & body
Choose from a range of therapies:
Shirodhara (relaxation of the mind by oil dripping on the forehead) A treatment which balances the nervous system through the use of herbal medicated oil, dripped slowly onto the forehead. This is a very effective treatment for releasing tension. It helps the mind to be grounded, and assists with all kinds of mental imbalances. Benefits: Deep relaxation and helps overcome insomnia. Release stress and hypertension.
Abhyangam (whole body ayurveda massage)
Patra Potli (deep stiffness pain healing)
Swedanam (steam bath)
Nasya (cleansing of sinuses)
Kati vasti (lower back healing)
Janu vasti (knee joints healing)
Greeva vasti (neck healing)
Shiro vasti (relaxation of mind and nervous system)
Netrapana (eyes healing)
Pizchil (whole body: skin, muscles, joints rejuvenation)
Jambeera Pinda Swedam (whole body: muscles, joints, chronic pain healing)
Takradhara (relaxation of mind with buttermilk)
Virechana (cleansing of intestine)
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Travel: Our recommendations.
We recommend that you arrive in India a few days earlier to rest and recover from jet lag.
You can fly to Delhi. (approx $800 - $1000 from SFO)
We recommend you stay in a hotel in Delhi, (comfortable hotels by the airport).
Then fly to Dehradun. (approx $50 return from Delhi) 45 mins or share a taxi $70 (approx 4 hours)
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. It takes approximately 7 days. We recommend you get the 1-year e-visa $40 (ask us for the steps) https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Booking, payment options, cancelation policy
Toreserve your spot, please email us info@yogakula.com
Deposit per person: $1000 paid upon registration will secure your space.
Payment options: Paypal, Venmo, or Credit Card
Cancelation policy:
Full refund until September 1, 2026
No refunds of any kind after September 1, 2026
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
