Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India
Ashtanga Yoga isn’t just a practice, it’s a path. The word “Ashtanga” itself means “Eight Limbs”, referring to the eightfold path laid out by sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra. At Rishikesh Yog Nirvana, our Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh takes you beyond the mat, blending ancient yogic philosophy with a modern, mindful approach to practice and teaching.
Guided by experienced teachers and rooted in authentic Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, this Yoga Alliance Certified Training helps you build a strong foundation in asana practice, teaching methodology, and yogic philosophy. You’ll not only refine your postures but also understand the deeper essence of yoga as a way of life.
Set in the Yoga Capital of the World, our peaceful environment, supportive community, and curriculum create the perfect space for self transformation. Begin your journey toward becoming a certified yoga teacher recognized worldwide. Apply now — limited seats available!
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional and structured style of yoga that unites body, breath, and mind through a flowing sequence of postures. The word Ashtanga means “eight limbs,” referring to the complete yogic path outlined by sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The modern Ashtanga Vinyasa system was codified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, based on the ancient text Yoga Korunta. Our training at Rishikesh Yog Nirvana honours this Mysore lineage — teaching the traditional Primary Series with correct vinyasa count, drishti, bandha, and breath synchronisation as Pattabhi Jois intended.
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
- Yama – Ethical principles and moral discipline
- Niyama – Self-purification and personal observances
- Asana – Physical postures for balance and strength
- Pranayama – Control of breath and life energy
- Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses and self-awareness
- Dharana – Concentration and mental focus
- Dhyana – Meditation and mindfulness
- Samadhi – Ultimate union and self-realization
At Rishikesh Yog Nirvana, our Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh brings these timeless teachings into daily practice. This programme can be taken as a standalone Ashtanga specialisation or as part of our 200-hour multi-style yoga teacher training. In the serene Tapovan environment of Rishikesh, beside the Ganges and the Himalayan foothills, you’ll build awareness, strength, and confidence while discovering yoga as a complete path to self-transformation.
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training – Our Comprehensive Curriculum
The Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh at Rishikesh Yog Nirvana offers a comprehensive yoga education rooted in ancient tradition and refined for modern practitioners. As a Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga School in Rishikesh, we guide you from a passionate learner to an internationally certified yoga teacher.
Asana Practice & Alignment in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Master the flow of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and learn correct alignment of yoga postures. Our guided sessions help you strengthen your practice, understand body mechanics, and refine each movement with awareness.
Pranayama & Breathing Techniques
Enhance your yoga practice through breath control. Daily pranayama sessions like Kapalabhati and Nadi Shodhana balance energy and prepare the mind for meditation.
Yoga Philosophy & Yogic Wisdom
Explore Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, and classical yogic philosophy. Understand how the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga guide spiritual growth, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
Yoga Anatomy & Yoga Therapy
Gain a clear understanding of yoga anatomy, physiology, and the healing aspects of yoga. Learn how asana practice and breathing techniques influence both body and mind.
Teaching Methodology & Practical Training
Develop the confidence to teach yoga worldwide. Through real classroom practice, feedback, and teaching methodology sessions, you’ll learn sequencing, adjustments, and class design.
Meditation, Mantra & Yogic Lifestyle
Experience meditation, mantra chanting, and Yoga Nidra to cultivate inner stillness. Embrace a balanced yogic lifestyle for harmony and spiritual growth.
Yoga Therapy & Reiki Healing
Understand the therapeutic side of yoga and its connection with Reiki healing courses, offering a holistic approach to wellness and self healing.
Yin Yoga & Restorative Practice
Balance your dynamic Ashtanga practice with gentle Yin Yoga sessions that promote deep relaxation and mindful awareness.
As a Registered Yoga School (RYS), Rishikesh Yog Nirvana offers Yoga Alliance USA certification, allowing you to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and begin your professional yoga journey anywhere in the world.
Eligibility & Certification – Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training
The 200-Hour Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh at Rishikesh Yog Nirvana is open to anyone with a sincere interest in yoga, whether you are a beginner, a regular yoga practitioner, or looking to start a professional yoga teaching journey.
Eligibility Criteria
- No prior teaching experience is required, just a willingness to learn and a disciplined mindset.
- Suitable for all levels, from beginners to intermediate students seeking deeper understanding of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.
- Basic knowledge of yoga postures and yogic lifestyle is helpful but not mandatory.
- Minimum age should be 18 years (students under 18 may join with parental consent).
- The course is conducted in English, so a basic understanding of the language is necessary.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course, you will receive an internationally recognized Yoga Alliance USA Certification. This certification allows you to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) with Yoga Alliance, qualifying you to teach yoga worldwide in studios, retreats, and online platforms.
Your certification from Rishikesh Yog Nirvana, a Registered Yoga School (RYS), represents both authenticity and global credibility, empowering you to share the wisdom of yoga with confidence and integrity.
Apply now for the upcoming batchOur Ashtanga Yoga Practice Structure
At Rishikesh Yog Nirvana, the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training follows the traditional Ashtanga Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) — a fixed, sequential order of postures that never changes. Unlike freestyle Vinyasa or Hatha classes, the Primary Series is practised in the same order every session, building discipline, internal heat, and progressive mastery. This structure connects breath, movement, and focus, turning each practice into meditation in motion.
1. Sun Salutation A & B (Surya Namaskar A & B)
- The foundation of every Ashtanga Yoga practice.
- Builds inner heat, flexibility, and strength.
- Teaches breath synchronization (Vinyasa) and drishti (gaze) to develop focus and flow.
2. Standing Sequence (Ashtanga Primary Series)
- Enhances grounding, stability, and posture awareness.
- Includes classical Hatha Yoga poses like Trikonasana, Utthita Parsvakonasana, and Parsvottanasana.
- Focuses on body alignment and muscular engagement.
3. Sitting Sequence
- Deepens flexibility, spinal alignment, and concentration.
- Involves seated forward bends, hip openers, and twists.
- Cultivates balance between strength and surrender.
4. Finishing Sequence
- Concludes with restorative and meditative postures.
- Includes Shoulder Stand, Headstand, and Padmasana.
- Cools the body and calms the nervous system, ending in Savasana (deep relaxation).
5. Breath, Bandhas & Drishti
- Mastery of Ujjayi Pranayama (victorious breath) for internal focus.
- Activation of Mula Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha for energy control.
- Development of drishti (gaze point) to maintain awareness throughout practice.
Each session at Rishikesh Yog Nirvana, a Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga School in Rishikesh, is designed to help you live yoga with dedication, balance, and purpose. Begin your Ashtanga Yoga journey in the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh, India.
Apply now for the upcoming batchDaily Schedule for Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training
The Ashtanga TTC follows a traditional ashram routine — early mornings, disciplined practice, and structured study. The 5:30 AM Mysore-style start mirrors how Ashtanga is practised globally, building the discipline your future students will expect from you as a teacher.
Schedule may vary slightly based on season and instructor availability. One rest day per week.
Our Registered Yoga Teachers
At Rishikesh Yog Nirvana, our Yoga Alliance experienced instructors bring years of experience and dedication to every class. Each teacher combines deep knowledge, compassion, and authentic yogic practice to guide students on their transformative journey.
Co-founder. Specialises in classical meditation, mantra chanting, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. His calm, intuitive teaching has guided hundreds of international students through inner transformation during their Ashtanga training.
Co-founder and lead Ashtanga instructor. Regarded as one of the most respected alignment teachers in Rishikesh. His hands-on adjustments during Primary Series practice transform students’ understanding of each posture in the Pattabhi Jois tradition.
Leads the afternoon led Primary Series classes with precision and warmth. Guides students through the primary and intermediate Ashtanga series, building both physical strength and the mental discipline the Mysore tradition demands.
Born in Rishikesh, Deepraj brings Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Yoga depth to complement the Ashtanga core. His smooth transitions and mindful breathwork cues prepare students to teach multiple styles after graduation.
Senior teaching methodology instructor. Bridges the gap between Ashtanga practice and real-world teaching — covering sequencing, cueing, class design, and the business of running yoga classes professionally.
Yoga anatomy instructor. Explains how the musculoskeletal system functions in each Ashtanga posture — critical for safe adjustments and understanding why the Primary Series sequence works the body the way it does.
Why Choose Rishikesh Yog Nirvana for Ashtanga Teacher Training
Ashtanga Yoga demands precision, discipline, and authentic lineage knowledge. Not every school teaches it correctly. Here is what makes our Ashtanga TTC in Rishikesh different from commercial programmes.
Pattabhi Jois Lineage Teaching
We teach the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series as codified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore — with correct vinyasa count, drishti, bandha, and breath synchronisation. No freestyle modifications to the sacred sequence.
Adjustment-Led Practice
Manish (10+ years Ashtanga) and Priyanka (8+ years) provide hands-on alignment corrections during every Mysore and led session. You learn not just postures but how to safely adjust students — a skill many commercial TTCs skip entirely.
Both Mysore & Led Formats Daily
Morning Mysore-style self-practice (5:30 AM) builds individual discipline. Afternoon led Primary Series (3:30 PM) develops group teaching skills. You graduate confident in both formats — rare among 200-hour programmes.
Vedanta Philosophy with Swami Shivabrahmananda
Our visiting philosophy teacher trained for 3 years at Arsha Vidya Peetham (Swami Dayananda Saraswati's ashram). His sessions on Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, and Samkhya give the eight limbs of Ashtanga a depth that textbook-only schools cannot match.
12–15 Students Per Batch Maximum
Ashtanga requires individual attention — especially for adjustments in Marichyasana, Supta Kurmasana, and other binding postures. Our small batch size ensures every student gets spotted, corrected, and guided personally throughout the 28-day programme.
Ganga-View Practice Hall in Tapovan
Our rooftop yoga shala overlooks the Ganges with panoramic Himalayan views. Practising the Primary Series at sunrise with the sound of the Ganga below creates an experience that studio training in any city simply cannot replicate.
Accommodation & Food
At Rishikesh Yog Nirvana, students experience peaceful living and mindful eating, essential parts of their yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India. The ashram provides a comfortable, clean, and serene environment that supports deep learning and reflection.
Accommodation
- Peaceful ashram stay surrounded by nature.
- Clean, comfortable rooms with all basic amenities.
- Calm atmosphere ideal for yoga practice and relaxation.
Food
- Freshly prepared sattvic vegetarian meals served three times daily.
- Nutritious diet that supports physical practice and spiritual growth.
- Simple, wholesome meals that reflect an authentic yogic lifestyle.
We provide the perfect balance of comfort, simplicity, and serenity, helping you live the true essence of yoga during your yoga teacher training in Rishikesh.
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training Fees & Inclusions
All fees include 28 days of training, ashram accommodation in Tapovan, three sattvic meals daily, course materials, Yoga Alliance certification, and weekend excursions along the Ganga.
Not included: flights, visa, travel insurance, personal expenses, Yoga Alliance registration fee ($50, paid directly to YA).
What Our Ashtanga Students Say
4.9/5 ★★★★★ from 150 Google Reviews
"Manish sir's Ashtanga Vinyasa classes were outstanding — his alignment corrections completely transformed my Primary Series practice. By week three I could flow through the full sequence with correct vinyasa count and bandha engagement. The sunrise practice sessions on the rooftop with Himalayan views made every morning feel sacred. Best decision I've made."
Harshit Chaudhary
India · 200-Hour Ashtanga YTT · May 2025
"Priyanka ma'am's energy in the Ashtanga classes was incredible — she pushed us to hold postures longer than we thought possible, always with safety and encouragement. The progression from Surya Namaskar A to the full standing and seated series over 28 days felt natural and earned. I now teach Ashtanga at a studio in Berlin with complete confidence."
Lars Eriksson
Sweden · 200-Hour Ashtanga YTT · Jan 2026
"I came to Rishikesh Yog Nirvana specifically for Ashtanga. The Mysore-style self-practice mornings combined with led Primary Series afternoons gave me both independence and structure. Sajan sir's philosophy classes connected Patanjali's Yoga Sutras to everyday teaching in a way no book could. The small batch size (only 14 of us) meant real personal attention."
Alejandra Guraieb
Mexico · 200-Hour YTT · May 2025