01
Foundations
Look at structure, stability and effort. Learn where you are working too much or too little.
Standing poses · stability · observationWith Pankaj Sharma
Yoga Intensive
05–23 December 2026Rishikesh, India
A small-group yoga intensive in Rishikesh for experienced practitioners and yoga teachers. Join one week or attend the full three-week programme.
Apply for the intensive
Rishikesh · 2026How Pankaj teaches
Learn to see what is happening inside a pose.
Pankaj asks you to look at where effort, instability and compensation begin. You then learn how to adjust the pose for the person who is practising it.
- Observe patterns of effort and instability
- Adapt for different bodies and needs
- Sequence with preparation and recovery
- Teach from understanding
The teaching approach
Look first. Then decide what needs to change.
Pankaj studies how each person works in a pose and adapts the instruction when needed. The aim is understanding, not simply completing the posture.
Programme dates
Three weeks of study
Attend one week or stay for the complete programme. Each week has its own subject.
02
Exploration
Adapt poses and props for different bodies. Learn how one pose prepares for the next.
Forward bends · twists · inversions03
Integration
Use what you have learned in your own practice and teaching instead of relying on memorised instructions.
Backbends · recovery · teachingThe course covers all main pose groups.Standing poses, forward bends, twists, inversions, backbends and restorative work are included. Pankaj also explains preparation, sequencing and recovery.
Daily schedule
Weekly practice rhythm
Monday–Friday · Morning09:00–11:00
Monday–Friday · Afternoon16:00–17:30
Saturday workshop09:00–11:30 · Afternoon off
SundayRest day
3 Saturday workshops · 2 pranayama classes
From Monday to Friday, there is a break between sessions for lunch and rest. Saturday afternoon is off, and Sunday is a full rest day. The fully air-conditioned practice studio can be heated during cool December mornings and evenings.
Before you book
Teaching fee and travel
The published price covers teaching only. Travel, accommodation and meals are separate.
Complete intensive
₹25,000all three teaching modulesTwo weeks
₹21,000choose two teaching modulesOne week
₹13,500choose one teaching moduleProgramme options
Teaching fees
The fee covers teaching only and does not include accommodation, meals, flights, travel within India, transfers, visa, insurance or personal expenses.
Venue & accommodation
The intensive takes place in Rishikesh, India. Once your registration has been confirmed, we will send you the exact address and directions. Simple, clean rooms may be available at the venue. Accommodation is booked and paid separately.
Arrival
Dehradun/Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is the nearest airport, approximately 21 km from Rishikesh.
Visa
Check eligibility and apply only through the official Government of India visa portal.
Official visa information ↗
Who it is for
Who can join?
For experienced practitioners and yoga teachers with at least one year of regular practice.
Practitioners developing an independent practiceTeachers moving beyond memorised instructionsStudents ready for sustained observation and study
Before you apply
Frequently asked questions
Read the practical information before you apply. You can add any other questions to the application form.
Is the fee the complete cost of the trip?
No. The published fee is for teaching only. Accommodation, meals, international and domestic travel, airport or railway transfers, visa, travel insurance and personal expenses are separate.
Is accommodation included?
No. Accommodation is booked and paid separately. Simple, clean rooms may be available in the same building below the shala. Ask about availability when you enquire. Rishikesh also has guesthouses and hotels at different price levels.
Do I have to attend all three weeks?
No. You may apply for one week, two weeks or the complete three-week programme. Tell us which dates work for you when you enquire.
Is this mainly a backbend course?
No. Different pose families are used to study observation, adaptation, sequencing, preparation and recovery. Backbends are one part of the final module, not the entire purpose of the intensive.
Who is the intensive for?
It is for experienced yoga practitioners and yoga teachers with at least one year of regular practice. The programme is not a teacher-training certificate course.
How is individual attention handled?
Pankaj observes the group and adjusts his teaching to individual needs. Some students may need more attention for safety or because of the subject being taught. Everyone can ask questions during the course.
Which airport should I use?
Dehradun Airport, also called Jolly Grant Airport (DED), is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. Many international travellers arrive in Delhi first and continue by domestic flight, train, bus or car.
Do I need a visa?
Most foreign nationals need a valid passport and an Indian visa or eligible e-Visa. Check your own eligibility and current requirements only through the official Government of India visa website before booking.
When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive before the first class on 5 December. Confirm your arrival and departure plan with the organiser before purchasing non-refundable travel.
What is the weather like in Rishikesh in December?
December is usually mild and often sunny during the day, with typical temperatures around 20–24°C. Nights and early mornings are cooler, often around 6–10°C. Bring light clothes for daytime, warm layers for mornings and evenings, and a warmer jacket. The fully air-conditioned practice studio can also be heated when needed.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable practice clothes, warm layers for cool December mornings and evenings, personal medication, a refillable bottle, notebook, travel documents and any personal yoga prop you rely on.
Retreat Enquiry
Apply for the Rishikesh intensive.
Use this form to apply for the retreat. Pankaj will receive your details by email and reply directly.