YOGAVEDA RETREAT
In the foothills of the Himalayas with 3 nights in the holy city of Amritsar
Have you always wanted to travel to India but been a bit hesitant to take the journey on your own?
Take this opportunity to join our safe & comfortable group experience on our next annual Wellness Retreat to India February 18th – March 2nd, 2026.
The aim of our Yogaveda Wellness Retreat is to rejuvenate and restore balance in a nurturing, healing environment, so the body and mind can regain its inner strength and vitality (ojas).
Our Retreat offers Yoga and Ayurveda at a quiet and serene location on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, in Rishikesh.
This retreat is a unique opportunity to invest in yourself with daily Yoga and experience the ancient healing practices of Ayurveda.
The wisdom of Ayurveda is an empowering knowledge that identifies your individual unique nature and offers simple daily routines to enhance your health and wellbeing
Be supported on your wellness journey with Nikki and Leah who have a comprehensive knowledge of both these healing modalities.
We begin our journey to India in the holy city of Amritsar – the most sacred pilgrimage site in the Punjab.
Enjoy the beautiful Golden Temple & other local attractions.
Our chosen accommodation for our next retreat is at the luxury Modi Yoga Retreat located on the banks of the Ganges and nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas.
Experience a comfortable stay at this peaceful location with stylish rooms overlooking the Ganges.
Modi Yoga Retreat provides Ayurvedic Wellness Packages catering to your specific needs, after a consultation with the in-house Ayurvedic doctor on arrival.
All meals at Modi Yoga Retreat are inclusive and created with fresh, local ingredients which are designed to suit your individual body type.
About Us
Nikki Leaf is your Yoga practitioner & facilitator on your journey to India, Nikki has extensive experience travelling to India over many years, developing close liaisons with local tour operators to make your trip a safe & enjoyable experience at all times.
Director of the yoga centre at Yogaveda, she has been teaching since 1987, and is also an Ayurvedic practitioner integrating this knowledge into her teaching. Nikki focuses on developing a mindful yoga practice, which is inspired by the Hatha/Iyengar style.
Leah Albrecht is the director of the Ayurvedic Studio at Yogaveda. She qualified as an Ayurvedic Practitioner in 2002 (Adv. Dip. Ayu) after decades-long practise of yoga, Ayurveda’s sister science.
Fascinated with ancient healing practices, she has continued to build on her healing knowledge, attaining a postgraduate diploma in Marmapuncture (Ayurvedic Acupuncture) and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Leah now integrates sound healing & tuning folks into her treatments to access the subtle energy pathways of the body.
India has always had a magical appeal for Leah, who first travelled to India, Nepal & Sri Lanka when she was 22. Returning many times over the years, her love of India & familiarity with the culture inspired her to facilitate groups to India since the inception of Yogaveda’s wellness retreats in 2011.
For more information about the Retreat please email nikki@yogavedawellness.com
Rishikesh, India - Yoga Retreat
Yoga & Ayurveda India Retreat 2026 - Itinerary Overview
WELLNESS RISHIKESH RETREAT
In the foothills of the Himalayas with 3 nights in the holy city of Amritsar February 18th - March 2nd, 2026
- 3 nights in Ranjit Vilas - a Heritage Hotel in Amritsar with breakfast. Includes 3 days sightseeing with English speaking guide visiting the Golden Temple and other local attractions.
- 9 nights at the Modi Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, with all meals inclusive. This luxury wellness centre with beautiful rooms overlooking the Ganges, offers an authentic range of Ayurvedic healing therapies and other holistic modalities.
- Welcome Aarti ceremony (devotional ritual) beside the Ganges with local priest on evening of arrival.
- Morning Yoga Classes daily in Rishikesh with Nikki (except on excursion days) - open to all levels.
- Marmapuncture - Ayurvedic acupuncture with Tuning Forks and Sound Healing with Leah (one complimentary session)
- A day trip higher up into the Himalayas visiting the sacred meeting place of two rivers - Alaknananda & Bhagirathi. Includes lunch.
- A walking tour on day one in Rishikesh with experienced guides, exploring local market places, cafes etc. to orientate you to your surroundings.
- A guided walking Temple Tour of Rishikesh - Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula.
- Traditional dance & music evening on our final night.
- All transfers inclusive if travelling on recommended flights.
Optional Extras
- A range of Ayurvedic Treatments as recommended by the in-house Ayurvedic doctor, treating conditions such as stress and gut issues, pain and weight management, low immunity and women's health.
- Indian Cooking classes.
- Visit local National Park in open jeep - see rare birds & natural wildlife in the jungle.
- Explore Beatles Ashram.
- White water rafting on the picturesque River Ganges.
- Evening Aarti at Parmath Niketan.
Excludes
- Indian Visa.
- Travel Insurance.
- International Airfares: Perth to Amritsar & Delhi to Perth.
- Internal Flight: Amritsar - Dehradun.
- Entrance Fees to sightseeing places.
- Lunch & Dinners in Amritsar (budget $10 - $15 per meal).
- Any additional Outings & Transport not mentioned in the Itinerary.
-
Tips are recommended;
Amritsar approx. 1000 rupees (20 AUD) per day for Drivers, Porters and Guides (keep small denominations like 200 & 500 rupees on hand for this).
Rishikesh Tips for all Service Staff, Drivers, Guides etc. We recommend $70 AUD per person to cover everything during our stay in Rishikesh, which we can collect from you before departure.
Retreat Testimonials
I was a participant in the 2025 Yogaveda Retreat. I had never been to India, and it was not
on my “bucket list” for travel locations. However, the retreat description in Nikki’s
newsletter was intriguing so I decided to go. I was not disappointed. The retreat was a
wonderful mix of yoga and cultural excursions. Plus, I have never been on a group tour
where every single participant was a lovely human being.
We started the trip with 3 days in Amritsar in the state of Punjab which borders Pakistan. With our excellent local guide Sandy, we visited the captivating Golden Temple which is the Sikh pilgrimage site and the famous Wagah Border Ceremony just east of Lahore....
After Amritsar, we traveled to the Holy City of Rishikesh which is on the Ganges. Yoga every day, delicious food, and lovely people in a very holy Hindu setting mixed with Western tourism was good for my soul and body. Rishikesh was busy with devotees praying and bathing in the Ganges... My favorite excursion was the Indian cooking class.
In both cities our accommodation was very comfortable, and the food and water provided by the hotels was delicious and safe. Their service was impeccable. The yoga classes are all levels and Nikki is a wonderful yoga instructor with decades of experience in India....
I would highly recommend this retreat.
We started the trip with 3 days in Amritsar in the state of Punjab which borders Pakistan. With our excellent local guide Sandy, we visited the captivating Golden Temple which is the Sikh pilgrimage site and the famous Wagah Border Ceremony just east of Lahore....
After Amritsar, we traveled to the Holy City of Rishikesh which is on the Ganges. Yoga every day, delicious food, and lovely people in a very holy Hindu setting mixed with Western tourism was good for my soul and body. Rishikesh was busy with devotees praying and bathing in the Ganges... My favorite excursion was the Indian cooking class.
In both cities our accommodation was very comfortable, and the food and water provided by the hotels was delicious and safe. Their service was impeccable. The yoga classes are all levels and Nikki is a wonderful yoga instructor with decades of experience in India....
I would highly recommend this retreat.
Pat Kennedy
India Retreat Group 2025
The 2024 Yogaveda India Retreat was my second trip with Nikki and Leah to Northern India.
Nikki and Leah know many people in India to make the trip exhilarating, holistically nourishing and safe.
For me, there is something spiritual in Northern India; being up in the foothills of the Himalayas Mountains by the early stages of the River Ganges. First we went to Amritsar. This is a fascinating city in the Punjab bordering Pakistan, where our wonderful English speaking guide explained its history and culture and took us to many wonderful places, including the Sikh pilgrimage site, The Golden Temple. This was definitely a highlight..
After a few days is was across to Rishikesh with its rugged mountainous terrain, gentle people and mystical energy..
In both cities our accommodation was very comfortable and food always delicious and safe. Daily yoga with Nikki is a given and our daily cultural activities and journeys were varied; from visiting Sadhus high in the Himalayas to learning about Hindu mythology and experiencing devotees offering prayers and bathing in the Ganges river..
The retreats have something for everyone; yoga, great food, interesting walks, history and cultural activities and plenty of ‘down time’ to do your own exploring..
I would highly recommend visiting amazing India with Nikki and Yogaveda. The positive experience is life changing and will stay with you forever, I guarantee!
For me, there is something spiritual in Northern India; being up in the foothills of the Himalayas Mountains by the early stages of the River Ganges. First we went to Amritsar. This is a fascinating city in the Punjab bordering Pakistan, where our wonderful English speaking guide explained its history and culture and took us to many wonderful places, including the Sikh pilgrimage site, The Golden Temple. This was definitely a highlight..
After a few days is was across to Rishikesh with its rugged mountainous terrain, gentle people and mystical energy..
In both cities our accommodation was very comfortable and food always delicious and safe. Daily yoga with Nikki is a given and our daily cultural activities and journeys were varied; from visiting Sadhus high in the Himalayas to learning about Hindu mythology and experiencing devotees offering prayers and bathing in the Ganges river..
The retreats have something for everyone; yoga, great food, interesting walks, history and cultural activities and plenty of ‘down time’ to do your own exploring..
I would highly recommend visiting amazing India with Nikki and Yogaveda. The positive experience is life changing and will stay with you forever, I guarantee!
Linda O’Brien
2024 India Retreat Group
Yogaveda’s Rishikesh retreat was such a treat for the soul.
Yoga everyday, delicious food, lovely people and the magic of India. I wouldn’t do an India expedition with anyone other than Nikki and Leah as guides. They have such a lovely gentle energy and made the trip smooth and easy and inspiring for everyone.
Yoga everyday, delicious food, lovely people and the magic of India. I wouldn’t do an India expedition with anyone other than Nikki and Leah as guides. They have such a lovely gentle energy and made the trip smooth and easy and inspiring for everyone.
Kammi Rapsey
India Retreat Group 2023
The meaning of the name 'Rishikesh' is lord of the senses 'Vishnu' and it certainly lived up to its name during Yogaveda's 2017 Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat. This small community in Northern India is located at the foothills of the Himalayas and is both the spiritual home of yoga and the white water rafting capital of the world.
The chosen Resort in Rishikesh has excellent facilities and views so breathtakingly stunning that photographs would never be able to truly capture the essence of this magical setting, with the low lying morning mist clinging to the lush green hills and the early morning ringing of Ashram bells. The colour, clarity and cleanliness of the Ganges is an extraordinary experience and waking to the sound of it flowing by each morning creates a sense of inner peace that is carried through out the day.
Balance of spirit, mind and body was achieved with twice daily Yoga with Nikki and an Ayurvedic treatment of pure bliss with Leah. The aromas of delicious vegetarian food and masala tea still invoke a sense of longing weeks after the retreat has ended. Attend the nightly Aarti, spend a day on a jungle excursion, challenge yourself with white water rafting, visit mountain Temples and pay homage to the ashram where the Beatles composed the White Album.
Reward yourself in 2018 by rejuvenating your energy levels, replenishing your soul and reconnecting with your inner self with a retreat to Rishikesh. The experience is everything and more.
The chosen Resort in Rishikesh has excellent facilities and views so breathtakingly stunning that photographs would never be able to truly capture the essence of this magical setting, with the low lying morning mist clinging to the lush green hills and the early morning ringing of Ashram bells. The colour, clarity and cleanliness of the Ganges is an extraordinary experience and waking to the sound of it flowing by each morning creates a sense of inner peace that is carried through out the day.
Balance of spirit, mind and body was achieved with twice daily Yoga with Nikki and an Ayurvedic treatment of pure bliss with Leah. The aromas of delicious vegetarian food and masala tea still invoke a sense of longing weeks after the retreat has ended. Attend the nightly Aarti, spend a day on a jungle excursion, challenge yourself with white water rafting, visit mountain Temples and pay homage to the ashram where the Beatles composed the White Album.
Reward yourself in 2018 by rejuvenating your energy levels, replenishing your soul and reconnecting with your inner self with a retreat to Rishikesh. The experience is everything and more.
Heather Thomson
3 January 2018
I would have no hesitation in recommending the Yogaveda India Retreat.
We found that the time in each place was just right , not too long in Delhi, enough shopping time in Rishikesh (a shopper's Paradise) and then a wonderful 5/6 days in the mountain retreat.
This place, up high in the mountains, had clear air and clean water, tasty veg. grown on the property in rich brown fertile soil, this veg was used in our superb tasty meals. All the dairy products used were from the retreats own dairy herd.
Our accommodation was comfortable, each little chalet had a verandah for us to sit out on and read, and our own electric kettle for chai making whenever we chose.
The yoga rooms and the massage room were especially beautiful, painted tastefully with plenty of props. We had yoga twice each day, with time in between to explore.
There were great walks to be taken, down, down, down to the Ganges below or up, up, up further into the mountains.
Nikki and Leah, experienced in this north India retreat, ran it like clockwork without any strain or stress, everything dovetailed into place, they were ably assisted by their 'Man on the Ground', who with local knowledge and expertise added the final touches, he was great on detail. It was all thoroughly enjoyable.
We found that the time in each place was just right , not too long in Delhi, enough shopping time in Rishikesh (a shopper's Paradise) and then a wonderful 5/6 days in the mountain retreat.
This place, up high in the mountains, had clear air and clean water, tasty veg. grown on the property in rich brown fertile soil, this veg was used in our superb tasty meals. All the dairy products used were from the retreats own dairy herd.
Our accommodation was comfortable, each little chalet had a verandah for us to sit out on and read, and our own electric kettle for chai making whenever we chose.
The yoga rooms and the massage room were especially beautiful, painted tastefully with plenty of props. We had yoga twice each day, with time in between to explore.
There were great walks to be taken, down, down, down to the Ganges below or up, up, up further into the mountains.
Nikki and Leah, experienced in this north India retreat, ran it like clockwork without any strain or stress, everything dovetailed into place, they were ably assisted by their 'Man on the Ground', who with local knowledge and expertise added the final touches, he was great on detail. It was all thoroughly enjoyable.
Peter Fowley
26 January 2017
I absolutely loved the entire yoga retreat. Rishikesh is way up in Northern India at the foothills of the Himalayas. It has a fresh crisp climate and the pristine Ganges runs right through the whole area. The street life was superb with great shopping, cafes and lots of interesting people.
Needless to say doing yoga twice a day really improved my practise! Along with yoga there were some very interesting day trips to join in on. I can't say there were any particular highlights of the whole week as / completely loved the entire time. I can highly recommend you join Nikki & Leah for a trip to India - I am already planning to go again next year!
Needless to say doing yoga twice a day really improved my practise! Along with yoga there were some very interesting day trips to join in on. I can't say there were any particular highlights of the whole week as / completely loved the entire time. I can highly recommend you join Nikki & Leah for a trip to India - I am already planning to go again next year!
Connie Hanscom
4 April 2014
Retreat Cost
*excludes all airfares & personal travel insurance
Twin Share
All The Way
AU$
5,350
*per person
-
$1,500 Deposit
Initial Deposit Due: August 1st, 2025
Final Payment Due: December 1st, 2025
Deposit non-refundable after December 1st, 2025
Final Payment Due: December 1st, 2025
Deposit non-refundable after December 1st, 2025
Twin Share
Single Combination
AU$
5,500
*per person
-
$1,500 Deposit
Initial Deposit Due: August 1st, 2025
Final Payment Due: December 1st, 2025
Deposit non-refundable after December 1st, 2025
Final Payment Due: December 1st, 2025
Deposit non-refundable after December 1st, 2025
Single Room
Only
AU$
5,850
*per person
-
$1,500 Deposit
Initial Deposit Due: August 1st, 2025
Final Payment Due: December 1st, 2025
Deposit non-refundable after December 1st, 2025
Final Payment Due: December 1st, 2025
Deposit non-refundable after December 1st, 2025
Payment
Retreat
Please email for account details nikki@yogavedawellness.com
Initial Deposit
Due by August 1st, 2025
Final Payment
Due by December 1st, 2025
Please note deposits are non refundable after December 1st, 2025
* TRAVEL INSURANCE IS ESSENTIAL & NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST
Previous Retreat Gallery
Click any of the thumbnails below to enjoy photos from our previous retreat, or the button below for earlier images.
2025 Indian Retreat
