Frequently Asked Questions

The Centre is located in Dharamkot Village, just above McLeodganj (also known as 'Upper Dharamsala'). From McLeodganj, rickshaws charge ~₹80 and taxis charge ~₹100/150. Most drivers will know the centre — look for the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre's bright yellow-orange sign above the road. Use Cloud Chat hotel or Hotel Dev Cottage as a landmark if needed.

The Dharamkot Yoga Centre operates during the Spring and Summer seasons, from March/April until the end of October. We then move to the Arambol Yoga Centre in North Goa for the Winter season, from early November until the end of March.

During March and early April as well as in October it can be quite cold, so warm clothing and footwear are essential. In May/June and September the nights are often cold and the days are usually hot. July and August are monsoon months — a waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Western, Tibetan and Indian style clothing and footwear for all weather conditions can be purchased at reasonable rates in Bhagsu and McLeod Ganj.

By train: The nearest station is Pathankot or Chakki Bank. From there take a local bus or taxi to Dharamsala/McLeodganj (about 2–3 hours). The Dhauladhar Express and Jammu Mail are popular options from Delhi. By bus: HRTC and private buses run overnight from Delhi ISBT and Chandigarh ISBT to McLeodganj. By air: The nearest airport is Gaggal (Dharamsala Airport) with flights from Delhi. From the airport it is about 20–30 minutes by taxi to McLeodganj.

From Delhi and Mumbai several trains go to Goa. The destination station is either Pernem (with a direct bus connection to Arambol) or Madgaon (Margao). From Madgaon take a government or private bus to Panjim or Mapusa, then a taxi or bus to Arambol. From Goa Airport the pre-paid government taxi to Arambol costs ~₹1,800. The Yoga Centre is located in Madhlo Vaddo, about 10 minutes walk from the Church in Arambol on the left.

The Centre in Arambol, North Goa, operates during the Winter season, from early November until the end of March. We then move to the Dharamkot Yoga Centre in Dharamsala for the Spring and Summer seasons.

The weather is very pleasant and warm during these months. Light summer clothing and beachwear are essential during the days. However the early mornings and evenings can be cool, so it's good to have long trousers, a long sleeve shirt and a light pullover.

The Ashram is located in a small village called Manyana, half an hour's walk from a bigger village Charri (Chaddi). From Dharamsala bus station there is a direct bus to Charri, from which you can take a taxi to Manyana. You can call a taxi driver living in Charri: +91-980534115 (ask for Gupta), who knows the way and charges reasonable prices. He can pick you up from Dharamsala bus station or Kangra airport.

The Ashram is located only 1 hour away from our Dharamkot Yoga Centre, however being hidden in the mountain valley and about 1000 metres lower, the climate is much warmer and less rainy. In March and late October it can be cold, but from May through September it is generally warm and pleasant — ideal for an immersive retreat.

The Ashram has a yoga hall, meditation spaces, beautiful walking trails along the river, and an organic permaculture farm. Rooms range from luxury glass-walled corner rooms (₹2,100–2,300) to simple shared dormitories (₹400). All meals are included for 160hr Intensive and TTC students. The Ashram is in a secluded location — digital devices are stored during intensive courses.

All levels are welcome — from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. Because of the specific differences between our Iyengar Yoga evolution and other styles, ALL students must begin with the 5-Day Course regardless of previous yoga experience.

The 5-Day Yoga Course is an introduction to our method. The 9-Day Immersion is equivalent to 3 consecutive 5-Day courses and includes morning self-practice, and afternoon meditation/relaxation sessions. The 9-Day qualifies you for the 160hr Intensive or 320hr TTC.

All courses taught by Master Sharat Arora himself are marked with the ✦ symbol. Other courses are taught by teachers he has personally trained, including Maria, who has studied with him for many years. For the 160hr Intensive and 320hr TTC, Sharat Arora is always the primary teacher.

Yes — Iyengar Yoga is known for its therapeutic approach. Please inform us of any injuries or medical conditions when booking. A group consultation takes place before each course begins so the teacher can provide personalised assistance and adjustments.

Any money deposited is non-refundable but is fully transferable to another course. If you cannot attend your booked course, you may transfer your deposit to any other upcoming course within the same year.

We offer a separate price for Indian passport holders in recognition of the difference in purchasing power. The Indian price applies to holders of Indian passports only. All other nationalities pay the standard foreign price.

Online payment is available by Debit Card, Credit Card, or Internet Banking via Razorpay. A 50% deposit secures your place, with the balance due upon arrival. For the TTC, please contact us directly as it is by application only.

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for courses with Sharat Arora and for the 9-Day Immersion courses, which fill up quickly. Some courses may be available on short notice — check our bookings page for current availability.

For the 5-Day Course: neither food nor accommodation is included. For the 9-Day Immersion: accommodation is not included in the course fee. For the 160hr Intensive and TTC: all vegetarian food is included in the course fee. Accommodation at the Himalaya Shanti Ashram is required and priced separately.