About AYM — Association for Yoga and Meditation
AYM Yoga School is a non-profit organization registered with the Govt. of India in 2005. Located at Upper Tapovan, Laxman Jhulla, Rishikesh, it is surrounded by the Himalayas on all sides, full of lush green trees. The holy river Ganga flows through, providing a calm and peaceful effect on one's mind, body, and soul. The cool breeze in the early morning and evening makes life at the ashram soothing and comfortable.
There is a local auto rickshaw which costs a few hundred rupees, or it is a 10-minute walk from the main road. The ashram has ample space for comfortable living.
Course
Question 1: How much does tuition fee cost and what does it include?
$749 — Dormitory
$899 — Shared
$1099 — Private
$849 — Dormitory
$999 — Shared
$1199 — Private
$1649 — Dormitory
$1949 — Shared
$2349 — Private
Included in Course Fee:
- Yoga course fee
- Private / Shared / Dormitory accommodation
- Yoga Alliance Certificate
- Three meals with tea
- Herbal Tea — 24×7
- 1 Out Tour — Sightseeing
- 1–2 Institute T-Shirts
- 1 Bag with Study material
- Free Wi-Fi / Internet
- Washing Machine for self clothes wash
Question 2: What subjects do you cover in your curriculum?
Course Curriculum
- 200 Hours yoga curriculum: See 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
- 300 Hours yoga curriculum: See 300 Hours Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
- 500 Hours yoga curriculum: See 500 Hours Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh
Question 3: How experienced in yoga do I need to be?
200 Hours: Basic knowledge of yoga is sufficient — this is a beginner-level course.
300 Hours: You should complete the 200 Hour course before joining 300 Hours.
Question 4: Do I need to study anything beforehand?
Yes — reading about basic yoga poses and meditation will help. Recommended books:
- Light on Yoga
- Yoga Sutra
- Srimad Bhagavad Gita
- Yoga Anatomy
Question 5: What exams do I need to pass to graduate?
You need to pass your Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga Practical Exam and a 25-Question Open Book Exam.
Accommodation at AYM
The school provides residential accommodation. Choose a single or shared room per your requirement. Both have private bathrooms with shower and geyser. Rooms are clean, airy, and well-lit with clean bedsheets and pillows provided.
Question 1: Do I get a private room and shower?
Yes — private room and attached bathroom with shower and warm water.
Question 2: Can I stay if I arrive a few nights early?
Yes, with an additional daily charge for those extra days.
Question 3: How fast is your internet?
Fast enough for surfing and online study throughout the school premises.
Question 4: Can I share a room with a friend?
Yes — we offer both single and shared accommodation options.
Question 5: Do you have laundry facilities?
Yes — laundry facility is available. You can also use our washing machine yourself.
Question 6: A/C Rooms and Heater?
A/C Room: USD 100 extra/month. Heater in winter: USD 100 extra/month.
Food & Meals at AYM
Ayurvedic food is provided thrice a day — completely vegetarian Indian food with healing properties. Cooked with Indian herbal spices: turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, ginger.
Note: We do not provide eggs or non-vegetarian meals. We serve three meals plus tea.
TEA — Milk tea / Herbal tea / Ayurvedic tea.
BREAKFAST — One solid item + fruit salad or juice or shake.
LUNCH — Pulses, vegetables, rice, chapatti, and salad — traditional Indian food.
DINNER — Same as lunch but lighter to aid digestion.
Visa
Type of Visa Needed — Indian Tourist Visa
Apply for a Tourist Visa only. Mention travel/meditation as the purpose of visit. Tourist Visa is easy to obtain and of longer duration.
Help for Visa — Invitation Letter
You don't need an invitation letter for a tourist visa. Do not mention joining a yoga course in your application.
If required, we will provide an application letter on request.
Health & Safety
Question 1: Is Rishikesh safe?
Absolutely. Rishikesh is a holy city — people are friendly and helpful. It is a popular tourist destination and is safe at night.
Question 2: Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, it is generally safe. Bottled/Bisleri water is also available. At AYM, purified water is available in the kitchen.
Question 3: Which vaccines should I get?
No specific vaccines are required to travel to India. Consult your doctor for personal health concerns.
Question 4: Should I bring any medicines?
If you have any ailment, bring your prescribed medicines from your family doctor.
Certification
Question 1: Is your course certified to Yoga Alliance?
Yes — all courses are certified to and affiliated with Yoga Alliance USA & International Yoga Federation.
Question 2: How do I register as a yoga teacher after graduating?
After completing your course you'll receive a Yoga Alliance USA certificate. Visit the Official Yoga Alliance Website to register as an RYT — then you can teach yoga worldwide.
Travel
Question 1: Which airport should I fly to?
IGI Airport, New Delhi — We can provide pickup. Distance: 250 km.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — We can provide pickup. Distance: 20 km.
Question 2: Do you provide transportation to/from airport?
Yes — pickup/taxi service available with additional charges.
Question 3: How do I get to Rishikesh?
AYM Pickup (Delhi): USD 90 single. Return: USD 150 total (USD 75 each way).
Taxi: USD 200–250 from Delhi Airport to AYM.
Bus: Airport → Delhi ISBT → Bus to ISBT Rishikesh (~7 hrs) → Taxi/auto to AYM.
Train: Delhi → Haridwar (no direct train to Rishikesh) → Taxi/pickup ~USD 20.
From Dehradun (Jolly Grant): School pickup or taxi — USD 20.
Question 4: When should I book my arrival flight?
Book at your convenience, but arrive at least one day before your course begins.
Question 5: When should I book my departure flight?
You are free to leave a day after your course is completed.
Question 6: What if I need to switch my course date?
Switch at least 1 week in advance. The course can be completed within 1 year from your first booking date.
What to Bring to the School?
Question 1: What should I pack?
Summer: light cotton clothes. Winter: warm clothes — sweaters and woolens.
Question 2: How much money should I bring?
Bring enough for your course fee, travel expenses, and some extra for emergencies.
Payment Options
Balance is preferred on arrival at the school office. We accept:
- Cash — Indian Rupee, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, or Euro.
- Transferwise — transferwise.com
- Credit Cards / Debit Cards [3.5% extra charge applies]
Common Questions — Yoga Teacher Training
You can enrol for our 200 hour yoga teacher training program. The duration is 24 days. After completion, you will be eligible to register as an RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance, USA.