Faq

If you intend to become a certified teacher we recommed to have practiced some basics of Yoga before (Applies only for 200hrs TTC). Participants who join classes reguarly before joining, found the physical part of Yoga (Asana) to be less challenging.

Most students who sign up for the course are beginners or intermediate practitioners. We have a highly experienced teachers team which offers not only an individual approach but also knows the importance of heading on the journey step by step. We start right from scratch and build up intensity slowly over the weeks. It is important to know that there will be variations for all practitioers and nbody will be left behind ♥  

You are completely new to Yoga and have never practiced before? You are very welcome to join our Retreats or 100hrs TTC ♥ which both can be amazing opportunities to take the first step into Yoga practice and explore what Yoga is about. 

The course deposit is non refundable in case of cancellation from your side. In the extremely rare chance of cancellation from our side, you will of course receive your deposit back. 

Many of our former students have started teaching after completing the course at Pratham Yoga, some meanwhile have even opened their own Yoga studios or run online courses and workshops.

Pratham Yoga does it's best to offer you the best possible education one can receive in a 200 hours YTTC. We put a strong emphasis on teaching all necessary foundations and safety measurements to become a teacher. Our 200 hours course is a great first step on the path of teaching Yoga. 

However a great teacher is not defined by certification only, it is entirely up to your own motivation to practice regularly and step by step gain confidence and experience. This together with the right knowledge combined will make you a great Yoga teacher. 

We highly recommend to keep a regular self practice after completing the course and start to teach your friends and family members, maybe offer donation based classes to your community. once you gained the confidence you are ready to offer private classes or apply at any Yoga studio in your area.

Which food do you serve at the training?

Pratham Yoga is famous for its delicious vegetarian/vegan food, which all students seem to enjoy a lot 🙂 We serve three times mostly sattvic yogi food in a day. It will be full vegetarian/vegan without eggs and meat. To keep a sattvic atmosphere at the school, please don`t bring any non-vegetarian products with you.  You can expect healthy and well balanced, tasty meals ♥

Pratham Yoga does their very best to serve only fresh, clean, organic (according to availability), seasonal, sattvic food at their teacher training course. All meals are prepared with full of love and for the best benefit of your body and mind during the Yoga course / retreat. The food served is very light, yet nourishing and will help to uplift your energy and balance your body, mind, and spirit.

The yogic diet of sattvic food throughout the course supports your system to be gently cleansed and energized throughout the course. Every single meal leaves you energized and amazed by its delicious taste with simple, local and seasonal ingredients. All the food is served freshly within a short time after preparing so that you can receive the highest amount of vital energy/life force energy (Prana) from it. Sustainability is a very important aspect of Pratham Yoga, so they do their best to stay away from wasting any food and put importance on cooking the right amount at any time.

Also, there is a big emphasis on environment - avoiding plastic waste for food packing is a point they support. The food is prepared by a dedicated chef who is cooking for years for Yoga students in Rishikesh. He strongly believes in the importance of energizing the food with positive vibration for the best benefit of body, mind, and spirit. While the training you will also get the chance to learn how to prepare Indian sattvic meals at Pratham Yoga Center's kitchen which is a great additional activity they offer to their students.

Which beverages do you serve?

Fresh water (cold and warm), herbal tea, fresh smoothies and juice occasionally, hot turmeric milk. (depending on season).

I am vegan / I have a certain food allergy, do you provide alternative diet?

We can serve also completely vegan food or gluten free meals. If you have an allergy, please inform us before your arrival about your special needs, so that we can adjust from day one.

I am fruitarian/ raw food eater, can I get only raw meals?

We cannot prepare special raw food dishes. We can serve salads and fruit salad. If you are on a vegan-raw diet, we recommend you to visit us  in the months of March and November. The other months are too cold to be on a fully raw diet in our area. Many fruits are not seasonal in winter. 

Can I drink the tab water?

NO, please don`t drink the tab water at any time. We supply filtered water for everybody at the school. You can use the tab water to brush your teeth and shower.

Can I eat the street  food?

While your course goes on we advise you to eat only sattvic food from the Yoga center. India has a big variety of very tasty and unique street food; remember your immune system might not be used to certain bacteria, so we recommend you to eat only in hygienic places and if freshly prepared in front of you.

• Covid vaccine is not mandatory in India or our Yoga center.
• Rishikesh is not a Malaria Area. Please don't take Malaria preventive medication while the YTTC.
• You don't need rabies injection, animal bites are very rare at our area, and in case of any animal bite, rabies vaccines are very easy available at any hospital and general doctor sometimes for free of cost.
• Many people are vaccinated against Hepatitis. 
• Rishikesh is no yellow fever area, yellow fever vaccine ist  not necessary.

*Pratham Yoga does not take any responsibility for any kind of health problem.

• Please contact your doctor before leaving regarding health advice

Rishikesh is definitely one of India's safest towns for solo women and for tourists in general. Generally the state Uttarakhand has a relatively low crime rate, and Rishikesh is a sacred pilgrim town which attracts mostly spiritually motivated people. Rishikesh has developed well over the past years and also society has become much more open minded in terms of clothes and solo travelling. Of course there are some general guidelines which also are clever to be followed in Rishikesh, despite it being a secure environment in general. You also may have a look at our blog post "Do's and Dont's while your stay in India" 

• Don't roam around alone after 11 pm. 
• Don't go alone with strangers to remote places. 
• Dress appropriately and respectfully on hikes, temples and local events.
• Avoid kissing or physical affection in public spaces.

December/January: Winter

December is a bit cooler, but has a lot of sun during daytime - overall it is a comfortable month. January is the coldest month in Rishikesh with daytime temperatures between 15 and 20 Celsius. Mornings and nights can get chilly. Make sure to bring enough warm woolen clothes along, some thermal inner wear, house shoes, woolen socks, and also a warm waterproof jacket, a beanie and sneakers. A hairdrayer will be comfortable.

February/March: Spring

February and March are one of the most comfortable months to travel Rishikesh area. It gradually gets warmer every week. February is still fresh in morning and evenings, but daytime is sunny and warm. In march the real spring starts and temperature rises so a mild summer like feeling. in March days are warm and sunny and also evenings are nice and warm. 

April/May/June: Summer

These are the hottest months of the year. It is good for anyone who likes warm weather and sunshine! April is already quite warm but not very hot. Be ready for a proper Indian summer in May and June 🙂 Stay well hydrated and avoid midday sun. Use sunblock and body oil /cream since the air gets very dry and so does your skin. Wear loose natural fabrics, made of cotton. Also during Yoga practice this will be cooling and very comfortable. 

July/August/September: Rainy Season

Finally the earth receives what she was begging for in the last months – plenty – of rain. This season it rains a lot and gets very humid and a nice cool down to around 30 degrees Celsius.  Rainseason is humid and therefore we recommend to keep damp or wetty laundry clothes hanging only in high ventilated spaced. September marks the ending of the rain season and the weather gets more stable with only few thunderstorms every now and then.

October/November : Fall

The first month after monsoon has completely stopped and climate gets back to create a quite very nice  and comfortable atmosphere. These two months combined with February and March make the most comfortable climate of Rishikesh. Warm during the day, no rain and less humid – perfect to discover the area and spend a lot of time outside!

• At the ceremony we will wear white clothes
• At classes wear comfortable clothes that cover your thighs and T-shirts or tops must cover your belly and chest. Please wear a bra underneath.
• At outdoor platform also wear clothes that cover your knees and belly. Sports Bra or topless for men is not permitted at the entire open space of the Ashram. 
• Going out: If you walk around the village please cover your knees.
• At weekend trips: You have to cover legs and shoulders, to enter any temple or meditation cave around Rishikesh and the pilgrim area.

Read more in “What to bring”

Even if you have never been to India before, you will soon realize and feel the warmth and open hearts of the local people. However in terms of dresses Indian culture is different to what you might be used to from your home country. We kindly ask you to respect this part of Indian culture to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

• Anyone can join who is physically fit and mentally healthy*
  Pratham YOGA TTC is an intensive 4 week training to deepen your knowledge and understanding about Yoga. It is good to know before that the course is a positive challenge for body, mind and emotionally. You should feel physically fit and prepared in basic practice of Asana. Students should be motivated and ready for a wonderful life changing experience.
• You should have practiced Yoga before to become a certified teacher 
  Any participant who intends to become a certified teacher should have practiced Yoga before at least in courses or should develop a regular self-practice of basic Asanas. This is in order to protect students from injury but also because at Pratham Yoga we believe that 200 hrs YTTC is not suitable for beginners. Beginners are very welcome to join our Retreats or 100hrs TTC.
• Be open to transform & learn from the Master & from each other
  Participants  should be open to transform, open to let go of old patterns and to built a structure for a new beginning. At Pratham Yoga one learns not only from the Master, but also from each other and most important from oneself. Be ready to surrender yourself for the time of your course to the content and schedule (participation obligatory).
• You should have practiced Yoga before to become a certified teacher (Applies for 200hrs TTC)
  Any participant who intends to become a certified teacher should have practiced Yoga before at least in courses or should develop a regular self-practice of basic Asanas. This is in order to protect students from injury but also because at Pratham Yoga we believe that 200 hrs YTTC is not suitable for beginners. Beginners are very welcome to join our Retreats or 100hrs TTC.
• You can join with the aim to teach afterwards, or just for your self experience
  Many people join a TTC just for experience and self-development without the aim of teaching afterwards. This is a wonderful way to move closer to know yourself and you are very welcome to join as well.
  Experience and self-development ♥ move closer to know yourself 

• ***=required
• 2 Passport and 2 Visa Copies ***
• Passport with valid Visa for the total amount of your course***
• Cash (for your outstanding payment) and for your personal expanses at weekend trips, and our Yogi Shop.
• valid ATM Card (for best exchange rate. Please inform your bank about your Travel to India!)
• International Credit Card 
• Travel health insurance (highly recommended)

• Clothes according to season (please check the section "climate" and "dress-code")
• House shoes or clean slippers for inside the building
• Two pairs of shoes: sandals and also walking/running shoes
• A journal
• A torch/ flashlight (There are often power cuts in India)
• Camera/ smartphone
• All necessary medications if you need certain one. You can get medicines here too, but not the same brands like at home
• For Ladies: Sanitary Pads/Moon Cup/Tampons,.. ( all Available in our shop if you forget.)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle / thermos in winter (Available at our Shop)
• Power converter/plug adapters if necessary
• Cords to any electronics 
• Alarm clock
• Towel
• Hairdryer (only in winter)
• Mosquito repellent (from March to October)
• Organic toiletries products (are available at our shop)
• Nail trimmers
• Toothbrush and paste (ayurvedic paste is available at our shop)
• Yoga related books for your free time (optional)
• Musical instrument (optional)
• colors and pens if you like to draw and paint (optional)

• Malaria pills
• Mosquito net
• Toilet paper
• Laundry soap 
• Sleeping bag (we provide quilts and fresh bed sheets every week)

There are 4 ways to reach Rishikesh/ Pratham Yoga:

1. Plane:
   Most convenient and fastest travel option. Planes are going frequently from New Delhi Domestic Airport or any other Airport in India. You can book your ticket online to DED (Dehradun), which is the closest airport to Rishikesh. From there you can take our free Taxi pick up if you arrive on the arrival day. You can inform us to arrange our Taxi Pick UP for you. If you wish to arrive earlier you can hire the taxi  by yourself (800 to 1000 INR).
   Duration: max. 45 minutes flight, 45m minutes drive
   Price: between 1500 (23.30 USD) and 3000 Rps (46.70 USD)  for airfares.
2.  
3. Taxi from DELHI:
   Duration: around 7 hours depending on traffic. -> We cannot arrange the taxi pick up from DEL for you, please be aware that there are some scammers at Delhi Airport and try to over charge you for the taxi. Never go with a taxi which has another person sitting in the taxi except the driver. You should only book with the pre-booked taxi service counter at the exit gate. Price: around 4500 to 6000 rps  (54.50 USD or 46.30 €) 
4. Train:
   Book a train in advance online either go to the “Tourist Quota” in Delhi Train station to get your ticket. However this option is only for those who are interested in a bit of a travel experience and those who really have enough time to reach (you have to book the ticket minimum 2 days before (!) departure. You can choose between 1^st ,2^nd,3^rd AC or sleeper class (non AC). Get down in Rishikesh station.
   Duration: around 6 - 8 hours (if not delayed)
   Price: depending on choice and availability of class (fares are very low).
5. Bus: You can get cheap bus tickets online or in any travel agency or the main bus station. The buses go frequently and are adventurous, you can see a lot of Indian highways and countryside. If you arrive by bus please make sure to arrive between 7am and 7pm so we can arrange a pick up for you. 

 If you wish to continue your travel to Rishikesh by plane you can book a connection flight to DED [Dehradun national airport], which is the closest airport to our Location in Rishikesh. Inform us by email (info@prathamyoga.com)  if you want to book a free taxi for you.

At DELHI airport:

New Delhi international Airport is quite big but easy to get around. At some times Delhi airport can get very busy, please read carefully:

• If you have direct transfer from DEL to DED with a short gap in between your flights: If there are lots of people in the immigration in DEL and you are in a hurry to catch your net flight to DED, please don't hesitate to ask people to let you go first.
• Most flights to DED depart from the DOMESTIC airport, it means you have to change the Terminal and check in your luggage again. 

However if you have any questions at the airport, please ask airport staff only to receive the right information. You can find cash machine ATM or currency exchange easily right before the exit [inside the building]. We advise you to withdraw money directly there, since you will need your first Rupees as soon as you leave the airport to pay for further transport (also if you only change the terminal).

At our Blog post you can find some helpful ideas on how you can best prepare for your journey at Pratham Yoga : 

How to prepare for a Yoga Teacher Training Course

To join a Yoga Teacher Training Course at our school please apply for a eVisa best would be to select a YOGA VISA to join our course. The eVISA usually is granted within 24 hours. Please take a print out of the granted eVisa along with you, If you have difficulty to get a Visa due to the travel regulations, we can help you to get a student visa. 

Yes, we provide all you need to practice with us at Pratham Yoga: mats, pillows, belts, blankets and blocks. At the moment we have normal Yoga mats do practice on. If you wish you can also bring your own mat along.

• 3 vegetarian meals a day (please inform us before in case of allergy)
• Smoothie/ Juice/ fruit according to season
• Herbal Tea, filter water
• Accommodation in shared room (private room for additional charges available).
• Course book and material, neti pot, rubber neti, pen and notebook
• Yoga mats and props are at the Yoga hall 
• Classes of all subjects according to syllabus 
• Weekend trips* to various destinations (private expanses  at the trips are not included)

• Please give us 100% during the time of your course.
• Try to come like an empty book, and write the pages full at our course.
• Come with an open mind and be ready and open to receive knowledge and go beyond your imaginations.
• Expect less. Live more. The course is what you make out of it.
• Attend all classes unless you become ill. If you are ill you must report to a staff member that you will be missing class.
• Please respect our teacher and staff member.
• Please respect the culture, local village people and area.
• Dress adequately.
• During the duration of the course want our students to have the full yogic lifestyle experience. Therefore please stay away from intoxicants on school premises.
• In case of any concern /problem please always come to ask us directly. We are always willing to help you.

It is not possible to change the course type after booking. A confirmed booking is a complete seat reservation which enables us to guarantee your participation at the course. We have limited seats available for our courses since we are a school focussing on small groups. A change from 200 hrs to 100 hrs is therefore  not possible. 

If you have signed up for a 100 hrs course, and want to extend to a 200 hrs course,  you can talk to us and we have to see if it is possible.

India is a quite reasonable country, especially for those with western origin. However in hospitals even small things can turn into a big bill to pay. Therefore YES, we recommend anyone to buy a travel insurance before leaving your country.

-> Pratham YOGA does NOT pay any medical bills in case of injury.

Yes there will be 2 theoretical and 1 practical exam to complete your course successfully.

At  Pratham YOGA Center area: 

In this area shopping possibilities are limited, since we are located in quiet village area. We have a small shop at the center with healthy snacks and some useful items.

ATM is available at Shyampur main highway road, only 10 minutes from the center reachable by Rickshaw.

In Rishikesh, tourist ara

Rishikesh is a tourist center and therefore you can find many  shops to buy many Yoga related items, clothes, Yoga mat bags, Yoga books (on very low prices and maybe not available at your home country), souvenirs, jewelry, singing bowls etc. in Laxmanjhula and Ramjhula area. Also to visit the traditional market in the Rishikesh city center is a quite experience.

You can find ATM cash machines all over Rishikesh to withdraw money which is the cheapest option to get Rupees, some shops are also accepting a credit card payment.

The 100 hours YTTC is a great introduction into Yoga also for beginners. It is more for one self, to explore and get to know what Yoga is about. After completing this course, you don't have gathered enough knowledge to teach Yoga yet. We recommend you to either complete a second 100 hours course with us, or even better join us or any other school for a 200 hours course later on. 

Yes, after completing the course successfully,  you will receive a RYT 200 hour certificate and be able to register yourself  as a teacher at Yoga Alliance. (The registration fees are not included in our course program.) 

Yes, we do have a full autimatic washing machine at the center which students can use for a small fee (per person!) for the entire duration of your stay. You can wash anytime and as many times as you need. 

In case you are pregnant at moment we are advising you to sign up for a course later on. The course is very intense and there is not much time to rest, many Asanas  should be avoided throughout pregnancy. During the training there is not enough time to adjust each class to a prenatal class. 

If you already now Prenatal Yoga and still want to join while practicing your own variations, you can do that on your own risk. 

PRENATAL YOGA TTC:

Pratham Yoga offers also Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, you can think of joining this instead.

Also in this case we have to advise you to cancel your booking. We do not refund the deposit but can credit you the amount for online classes. We offer Prenatal Yoga Online classes or regular  online classes. The amount will be valid for 2 years from the course date that you originally booked.