What to Pack for Yoga Teacher Training in India

Namaste. Every season, at least one student arrives with two enormous suitcases and uses a third of what they carried — while missing the three things that matter. After watching hundreds of arrivals, here is the honest packing list for a yoga teacher training in India.

The five things students always wish they had brought

1. A refillable water bottle with filter (or purification tablets) — hydration is constant, plastic is a burden on the Ganga. 2. A headlamp or small torch — power cuts happen; pre-dawn walks to the hall happen daily. 3. Flip-flops plus one pair of walking sandals — shoes come off constantly in India. 4. A quick-dry towel — regular towels never dry in monsoon humidity. 5. Any personal medication plus a basic kit: rehydration salts, probiotics, motion-sickness tablets for the mountain roads.

Clothing: modest, breathable, layered

For practice: 4–5 sets of comfortable, breathable practice wear — leggings or loose cotton pants, t-shirts that cover the shoulders. For daily life: modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders respects the ashram and the town — loose cotton is king. For evenings October–March: a warm layer and shawl; Himalayan foothill nights are genuinely cold. A scarf or shawl doubles for temple visits, meditation warmth and sun cover — the single most versatile item in your bag.

“Pack half of what you think you need. Rishikesh’s markets sell everything else — usually better suited to the climate, and cheaper.”

What NOT to bring

Your thick yoga mat (we provide mats, and good ones cost little locally if you want your own); expensive jewellery; a hairdryer collection; heels; and more than two books — the training leaves less reading time than you imagine. Leave room instead: you will return with shawls, malas and more.

Documents and money

Passport with 6+ months validity, your visa printed and saved offline, travel insurance certificate, 2 passport photos, and some cash: ATMs exist in Rishikesh but international cards occasionally sulk. Bring $100–200 equivalent as backup; UPI apps work if you set them up with an Indian SIM.

The electronics question

One universal adapter (India uses type C/D/M sockets, 230V), a power bank, and — my honest advice — consider leaving the laptop at home. The students who unplug most deeply gain most deeply. Your phone handles the practical needs.

The most important thing to pack

Space. In the suitcase, and in the schedule of your mind. Students who arrive with an empty corner in both take home the most. Everything else — truly everything — can be found five minutes from the ashram in Rishikesh’s markets.

Questions about what our ashram provides — bedding, filtered water, mats? It is all listed on the courses page, or simply ask us.

Hari Om Tat Sat,
Renu Singh