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10-Day Classical Yoga Retreat in India
10-Day Classical Yoga Retreat in India
18-27 September 2026
18-27 September 2026
Hosted by Rev. Ryan Edmonds & Fran Siebrits
Curated by Afrishanti Wellness & Fran's Shala
Rishikesh - India
Join us for our annual pilgrimage to Rishikesh - the ancient birthplace of yoga!
This retreat is available to all levels of experience.
Asana | Meditation | Spirituality | Culture | Ayurveda
SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
Limited Space.
Immerse yourself in a unique Yoga Ashram experience along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, in the foothills of the Indian Himalayan Mountains.
Immerse yourself in a unique Yoga Ashram experience along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, in the foothills of the Indian Himalayan Mountains.
Land of Shiva, Shakti & Shanti...
Land of Shiva, Shakti & Shanti...
This is India, where the air is filled with smells of incense, spices and the promise of adventure.
Join Fran Siebrits and Ryan Edmonds for an unforgettable experience as we journey to the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh, and its beautiful natural surroundings.
Retreat Summary
Retreat Summary
This experience is an immersion into the tranquil Ashram life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
We have specifically chosen an Ashram which is just outside of Rishikesh, nestled in nature. Our days here revolve around an itinerary of daily meditations, breath-work, yogic cleansing techniques, asana (yogic movement classes), seva (karma yoga), scenic nature walks, rest time, discussions, puja (sunset blessing rituals) and chanting.
Some of the highlights include a purification and blessing ritual in the sacred Ganges River, as well as a traditional Havan Fire Ceremony.
During our retreat, we will be going on an exciting excursion into Rishikesh itself, the very land that gave birth to yoga.
Prepare to be awe-struck by temples, saris, cows, vegan cafes, shopping extravaganza, bookshops, yoga jewellery, and a rich diversity of people like you have never seen.
This unique 10-day retreat is co-facilitated by Rev. Ryan Edmonds and Fran Siebrits, within which you will also get to participate in a 6-day traditional Indian ashram yoga programme.
This retreat is perfectly catered for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
DATE: 18-27 Sept 2025
DATE: 18-27 Sept 2025
18 September – Participants arrive at Ashram (12:00 midday)
18 to 27 September – Stay at Ashram for yoga retreat, including an excursion to Rishikesh
27 September - Participants depart from Ashram (12:00 midday)
Highlights
Highlights
10 day yoga retreat with Ryan and Fran, within which we participate in a 6 day traditional Ashram yoga programme
Daily yoga-asana (movement) classes, meditations, mantra, breath-work, cleansing techniques, discussions, walks, reflection time
Transformative, facilitated processes with Ryan and Fran, adding tools to your yogic toolbox
Integrating yogic practices into a lifestyle to take home with you
Skilfully facilitated for all levels of experience (from the absolute beginner to the seasoned yogi)
Rishikesh excursion, shopping and sight-seeing
Ceremonial purification and blessing ritual in the sacred Ganga (Ganges) River
Traditional havan fire ceremony
Daily sunset puja (traditional Hindu devotion) and kirtan chanting
Delicious ayurvedic, vegetarian cuisine
Daily yoga sessions and workshops with Ryan & Fran, exploring a variety of yoga-styles
... and now also including (NEW to 2025 retreat!)
... and now also including (NEW to 2025 retreat!)
Additional offering with Fran during our retreat: Sacred Cacao Ritual
Additional offering with Ryan during our retreat: Vedic Palmistry Workshop
Pre-India online Zoom Meet-Ups to start to get to know your fellow attendees
Post-India online Zoom Meet-Up to reconnect with our lovely new friends, chat about how life has been after the retreat, and assistance with implementing yogic tools into daily life
Unique Experiences
Unique Experiences
Temple Puja: Each evening we gather at the heart of the Ashram for a sunset ritual followed by Kirtan (devotional chanting)
Ritual Bathing in the Ganges River: Participants join together in a ritual on the banks of the sacred Mother Ganga near the Ashram and spend personal time meditating on the banks of the river.
Bonfire Celebration: This is a joyous evening and creative time for sharing our diverse cultures in song, dance and much laughter.
Havan Fire Ceremony: Havan is the term for a sacred purifying ritual in Hinduism that involves a fire ceremony. We make a ritual sacrifice to the fire god, Agni, by offering seven kinds of wood into the sacred fire.
What's Included
What's Included
All accommodation for duration of retreat
3 vegetarian meals a day
10 day yoga retreat with Ryan and Fran, within which we participate in a 6 day traditional ashram yoga programme
Daily sessions with Fran and Ryan (workshops / classes) to assist the learning and integration of the yoga programme
Daily meditation classes
Daily yoga asana (movement) classes
Daily chanting and mantra sessions
Sunset puja (blessing ritual)
Morning cleansing techniques and breathwork
Yoga nidra (deep relaxation)
Silent nature walks / meditations
Enough free time to relax, explore and integrate
Ritual purification in the Ganges River
Rishikesh excursion, including transport
Group discussions and lectures
Facilitated integration processes
India Retreat Workbook
Additional sessions with Fran (Cacao Ritual) and Ryan (Vedic Palmistry)
Pre-and post-retreat Zoom integrations
What is not included
What is not included
Transport to and from the Ashram when arriving and leaving
Lunch on excursion day into Rishikesh (at own cost)
Ayurvedic massages and treatments at the Ashram
Personal items such as medication and snacks
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation & Food
Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, surrounded by mountains and nature, we have selected this ashram for many reasons – one being the tranquil and quiet setting, away from the bustling noise of the city.
This is one of the best Yoga Ashrams in India, just outside Rishikesh, situated in the North of India in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.
We welcome you to feel the ancient vibration for yourself, that so many people notice when they first set foot on this holy land. The ever-flowing song of Mother Ganga (Ganges River) can be heard throughout your stay, always calling to invite you into her sacred waters.
Each room offers a comfortable bed (sharing and private options available) with bed linen, pillows and blankets provided
All rooms have an attached private bathroom with Western-style flush toilet and hand-held water bidet
Includes storage space for your belongings, power socket and ceiling fan
Rooms have a balcony with gorgeous views of the Ganges River, mountains and gardens
3 delicious Indian vegetarian meals a day are included, prepared by in-house Ashram cook (vegan & gluten-free options available)
Meals are based on Ayurveda principles, and are good for gut health and longevity
Itinerary
Itinerary
Example of Daily Schedule
Example of Daily Schedule
(Each day offers a variety of activities, held within the supportive structure of a well-balanced yogic lifestyle)
05:30 Wake-up bell
06:00 Meditation
06:30 Chanting
06:45 Jala Neti (sinus cleansing)
07:00 Pranayama (breathing techniques)
07:15 Yoga (asana) Class
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Karma Yoga (selfless service)
10:30 Meditative Nature Walk
13:00 Lunch & Tea
13:30 Rest & Free Time
16:00 Lecture & Discussion
17:00 Yoga (asana) Class
18:30 Temple Puja & Kirtan
19:30 Dinner
20:30 Guided Meditation
Please note that this is an example of the daily programme, and it will be different on certain days (opening and closing days, excursion in Rishikesh, ritual bathing in the Ganges River).
See below for a detailed explanation of the elements of our retreat programme …
Elements of the Retreat
Elements of the Retreat
Mauna (Silence): Silence begins after the evening meditation and is maintained until after lunch the following day. All meals are taken in silence as this allows attendees to focus on their own inner journey.
Meditation: We offer a wide variety of techniques and styles to help attendees find one that suits their personal energy and lifestyle. We often also chant “Om” together until it dissolves and then sit quietly with the vibrations.
Guided nature walks: Guided walks are done in silence, allowing students to practice breath and body awareness, as well as becoming aware of the sounds, smells and feel of the surrounding nature. Our nature excursions include Ganga River walk, waterfall walk, ritual bathing in Mother Ganga, walk to Him River, and a lovely garden tour .
Hatha Yoga: The asana practices of Hatha Yoga are primarily done to prepare the body and mind for meditation. By focusing on the breath these movements become movement meditation. An important benefit of asana practice is the function of each pose to heal the body in different ways.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: It is an active practice, requiring continuous movement flowing with the rhythm of the breath. A modified, less vigorous approach is presented in the retreat.
Kundalini Yoga: A sacred yogic practice that focuses on kriya, breath and chanting.
Yogic Cleansing: Jala Neti (nasal cleansing with warm salt water) helps to relieve allergies, colds, and sinusitis. It removes pollutants thus maintaining good health of the ears, eyes and throat.
Pranayama (breathing exercises): These practices energise the body and balance the flow of prana (life force energy) throughout the body. This allows us to channel our energy in a more creative way, allowing for healing and inner peace.
Lecture and Discussion: Introduction to the basics of Yoga philosophy, yogic techniques and practices, group discussions, questions and answers.
Laughter Yoga: Laughter Yoga was created to relieve stress and pent up emotions. The aim of Laughter Yoga is to bring good health, joy and world peace.
Grounding Dance: This dance is performed after Laughter Yoga sessions. Usually people feel energized and joyful, but sometimes deep emotions or memories can surface. Dancing to the drum beats from Africa and India a person is able to stabilise and ground him/herself in the present moment.
Mantra chanting: Mantra means a sound, or a combination of sounds uttered in a specific way. There are different types of mantras. Every mantra activates a particular kind of energy in a different part of the body. While chanting Sanskrit mantras, the sound is more important than the meaning.
Cacao Ritual: Celebrate the sacred medicine of Mamma Cacao, helping us to open our hearts to divine love.
Vedic Palmistry: The ancient Indian science of understanding your destiny and karma, as written in the hand.
Cost
Cost
ZAR prices apply only to those residing and earning in South Africa or other developing nations.
USD prices for those residing and earning in developed nations with “first world” economies (Europe, UK, USA).
SUPER EARLY BIRD – 1 January to 31 January 2025
Full payment secures your spot before 31 January
Sharing room, private bathroom – ZAR 19 950 / USD 1250
Private room, private bathroom – ZAR 24 950 / USD 1550
EARLY BIRD RATE – 1 February to 31 March 2025
50% deposit secures your spot | Balance by 30 June | Surcharge for late payments
Sharing room, private bathroom – ZAR 21 950 / USD 1350
Private room, private bathroom – ZAR 26 950 / USD 1650
STANDARD RATE – 1 April to 30 June 2025
50% deposit secures your spot | Balance by 30 June | Surcharge for late payments
Sharing room, private bathroom – ZAR 24 950 / USD 1550
Private room, private bathroom – ZAR 29 950 / USD 1850
BOOKINGS CLOSE 30 JUNE 2025:
Space permitting, any bookings made after this date will incur an additional surcharge of ZAR 2 500 / USD 200
TERMS, CONDITIONS & CANCELLATION POLICY
TERMS, CONDITIONS & CANCELLATION POLICY
- Pricing does not include flights or transport to-or-from the ashram
- deposits are non-refundable
- 50% refund* on “Super Early Bird” rate if cancelled by participant before 1 April 2025
- 50% refund* on balance paid after deposit if cancelled by participant before 1 April 2025
- 25% refund* on balance paid after deposit if cancelled by participant between 1 April and 30 June 2025
- 0% refund* on balance paid after deposit if cancelled by participant after 30 June 2025
- If the retreat is cancelled by the organisers, you will receive a full refund*
- *5% admin fee will be withheld on all refunds
How to Book
How to Book
Follow the link below for our booking form.
Once completed, we will follow up with an invoice.
Email ryan@afrishanti.com for any questions.
We look forward to welcoming you to India!
We look forward to welcoming you to India!
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