FAQ

Himalaya-h2Yoga Teacher TrainingHimalaya-h2

What can I expect when training as a yoga teacher at the Himalayan Yoga Institute?
Our intensive yoga teacher training is a unique, profoundly transformational and personal experience.
During nearly four intense weeks of ashram living, students strengthen their own yoga practice through self-discipline and probing into the nature of mind, body and spirit. We also help our trainees in the development of a firm foundation of teaching skills, so they will then be able to take these skills straight into their own classes, teaching others intuitively and with confidence.
Are your courses accredited with Yoga Alliance?
The basic course is a 200h standard course as outlined by Yoga Alliance and all of our courses are accredited by Yoga Alliance International.
A Yoga Alliance accreditation will give you worldwide recognition. At the end of the course you will receive a certificate and you will be able to work as a yoga teacher across the globe. You will be fully entitled to teach yoga to others.
Do you also offer advanced courses for those yoga teachers who would like to continue their studies?
While our 200 hours course gives you everything you need to get started teaching yoga straight away we also offer a 500 hour advanced course. This is designed to further develop your own practice, fine-tune your teaching skills and deepen your understanding of the practice.
Our 500 hours course consists of the standard 200 hours course, plus a 300 hours advanced top up training course.
Are there any additional educational and personal development training courses which can help me to improve my communication and business skills?
Apart from the advanced course, we also offer the 7Powers personal development yoga retreat, which is highly recommended for yoga teachers. Our personal development yoga retreats and yoga retreat holidays count towards continuing education for yoga teachers as required by Yoga Alliance.
Does the yoga teacher training course offered by the Himalayan Yoga Institute provide me with everything I need to become a yoga teacher straight away?
The 200 hours standard course prepares you to start teaching right after completing the course.
How do I choose a yoga teacher training course?
Firstly you should pay close attention to the curriculum. Many schools offer a curriculum that places a heavy emphasis on hard to teach postures and other physical elements of yoga, with a bare minimum of theory and philosophy. This is not a balanced way to approach learning and we would strongly suggest looking for a curriculum, which offers insight into both the physical and the philosophical or theoretical aspects of yoga.
Once trainees have acquired a comprehensive body of knowledge, they can adopt a variety of yoga styles to their teaching. Potential teachers would do well to choose a training course, which explores at least two styles in order to get acquainted with the principles of asana practice and to understand what it means to practise a certain style of yoga versus another.
This will allow them to adapt the style according to changes in time, place and the requirements of the students whether it’s a dynamic style of practice, or a more gentle style of yoga. For this purpose we explore both the Hatha and Vinyasa styles of yoga on our yoga teacher training courses at the Himalayan Yoga Institute.
What other topics must be covered on a yoga teacher training course?
It’s also very important that a training course should cover the more technical aspects of yoga practice, like physiology and anatomy, as well as practical skills on how to sequence a class and how to prevent injury while teaching students. In fact, this is a key area for those who are seriously interested in taking up teaching.
Make sure that plenty of time is given to the development of your teaching practice, especially if you have no real experience of teaching other disciplines.
How much prior experience practicing yoga is necessary to attend the yoga teacher training?
You don’t have to be a master level yoga practitioner to take a teacher training course? We usually recommend that you practise for at least 1 year prior to starting the training course. The course is a first step towards becoming a teacher. It provides basic tools, sufficient to start teaching, however to perfect the art of teaching yoga, one must dedicate oneself to a regular practice of yoga beyond the course and a continuing education in the pursuit of gaining proficiency. For this purpose yoga retreats and advanced courses are offered to build upon what has been learned during the standard course.
I have been practicing yoga but not regularly. Will I qualify for the course?
Yes, we accept students who have practiced over a number of years, even if there were gaps in their practice.
After the 200hrs I completed what is the process to complete the 300hrs for the advanced certification? Do I need to do a certain amount of hours teaching first before completing the advanced certification?
You can apply right after completing the 200hours course, perhaps you would want to leave some time between the 200 hours and 300 hours course to deepen you own practice, digest the information you have received on the standard course and practice teaching too. However all this is optional and not a requirement for applying for the 300 hours course. You could apply for the advanced 300h course right after completing the 200h course if you wanted to.
Who are the yoga teacher trainers?
The lead teachers on our yoga teacher training courses are highly competent and experienced and draw on more than 2 decades of practicing and teaching yoga. The assistant teachers are carefully selected and are well-trained, knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the gift of yoga. We work across a range of styles and disciplines and offer a whole host of experiences for our students from teacher training, life coaching, personal development and yoga retreats to yoga retreat holidays and even Indian classical dance.
What is the maximum of people per teacher training?
In India we accept a maximum number of 18 to 20 people per intake and only 8 people for our teacher training courses in Croatia. We maintain small classes which allow for personal attention.
Will I reside at the yoga institute or will I need to find additional accommodation?
You will reside with us at the at our ashram or resort venue and will not have to search for additional accommodation.
Is the accommodation at the same place as the training?
Yes, the accommodation is in the same place as the training.
Do you have an option for a single person room?
On special request we may be able to provide single accommodation – depending on availability of rooms.
When accommodation is considered 'shared', how many people share a room?
Shared accommodation means that a maximum of 5 people of the same gender will share one room. Triple accommodation means 3 people of the same gender sharing one room and double accommodation means 2 people (same gender) sharing one room.
Will our yoga practice mainly be outdoors as in the pictures?
The asana classes are mostly held outdoors, weather permitting and are conducted indoors during rain or high winds.
Is there Wifi at the venue, so I can contact my family to let them know I'm safe?
Yes we can provide internet access. Mobile phones also work in our venues.
Are hot water showers available at your venue in India?
Yes, we do have hot showers and hot running water. We also have western toilets at our ashram.
When is the best time to arrive? The day before or on the day of the training?
Arrival is on the date indicated as the first day of training. In India students should arrive in the morning (either by flight or by bus) and the training starts in the afternoon. In Croatia students will arrive in the evening of the indicated arrival date and the training starts in the morning of the following day.
Is accommodation included in the cost?
Yes, all our courses are residential.
What is in included in the cost?
The fee includes all classes and training, a teacher's manual, meals, tea, snacks, water and accommodation.
What is not included in the cost?
Flights, airport transfers and excursions are not included in the price.
If I pay the deposit while submitting the application does it secure my spot on my chosen YTT course?
Yes, paying the deposit secures your place on the teacher training course.
How do I calculate the cost of the course if I am from another country than the United Kingdom?
All our prices are given in GBP (British sterling pounds). You can calculate the conversion into your country’s currency on this website: www.xe.com
What is the best way of getting there (Kullu Valley, India)?
You can either take a flight by Air India or travel by bus. We will send you all the details on how to either book a flight or a bus ticket (with our recommended bus company) once you enroll on the course. We will also provide you with a hotel recommendation and details on where to stay in New Delhi. This is especially helpful for first-time travellers to India. Once in Kullu Valley we will organize a pick up and take all course participants to our ashram venue. We will organize a pick up from the Bhuntar airport on the morning of the arrival date and take all course participants to venue by private taxi – whether you are arriving by flight or by bus the meeting point is Bhuntar airport, also called the Kullu airport.
What is the best way of getting there (Isle of Losinj, Croatia)?
We recommend flying to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, from where we will organize an airport pick up and take all course participants to our resort venue on the isle of Losinj.
Are the YTT courses only taken in India or Croatia? Or do you have them also in London?
At the moment we only offer yoga teacher training courses in India and Croatia.
How long will it take to know if my application is approved?
The application is most often reviewed on the same day and the approval is sent out within 1 or 2 working days.
Will my deposit be returned if my application is not approved?
Yes, in the unlikely event of an unapproved application, all deposits are instantly refunded.
Is there any difference between the YTT in Croatia and the one in India?
The courses are entirely identical. The only difference is the location.
I'm a bit uncertain about how to get there - are you experienced in helping the students at getting in contact with each other before so that for example one could try to take the same bus as some of the others?
Upon receipt of your application and deposit we will send you detailed information on how to get to Kullu Valley and we will also share other students' email ID's once everyone has confirmed their participation upon receipt of the balance payment, so you will be able to plan your travel with others.
Are the students mostly British or do they come from different places/countries?
The students are from all around the world. Our groups are international.
What are the chances of finding a job once I have the certificate?
Yoga is a growing trend and more people than ever before practice yoga. New students are joining the world of yoga every single day. Work opportunities present themselves at yoga studios, gyms, resorts, yoga retreat venues, schools, colleges, universities, community centres, corporate settings, spas, health and beauty clinics, women’s centres and senior homes, just to mention a few. There may also be work opportunities with the Himalayan Yoga Institute or we may recommend some of our alumni to other institutions and resorts, whenever there is an enquiry.
What are the yoga styles covered on the YTT courses?
Our yoga teacher training courses are primarily based on the teachings of the Rajadhiraja school of yoga. In terms of asana practice you will learn how to apply Hatha and Vinyasa styles. Also, guidelines on designing a restorative class will be provided while on the course.
What is the primary style of yoga you teach at the Himalayan Yoga Institute?
The school of yoga is Ashtanga Rajadhiraja based on the 8 limbs of Patanjali’s system of Ashtanga yoga (not to be confused with the Ashtanga Vinyasa style)
There are so many different styles of yoga – it can all get a little confusing! Here we will explain what Rajadhiraja Yoga is in order to help you understand what we teach. This is probably the most frequently asked question we get asked here at the Himalayan Yoga Institute. Unlike other ‘styles’ of yoga, Rajadhiraja Yoga is not a style of yoga as such but rather a school of yoga. Broadly speaking it is classical yoga encompassing a variety of practices.
What in today’s world is understood as a style of yoga mainly pertains to the style or way in which asanas are performed or executed.
Classical yoga however, the way yoga was traditionally practiced, is far more comprehensive and not limited to asanas alone. Classical or Raja Dhiraja yoga is a complete system of self-transformation, including a wide variety of practices, designed to develop body, mind and soul.
The fundamental techniques of yoga were systematized by Shiva - a great personality and spiritual master who lived around 7000 years ago. Over time the original systematization of yoga as given by Shiva was distorted and some aspects were misunderstood and lost.
About 2100 years ago an attempt was made by a sage called Patanjali, to reclassify the techniques into what he called Ashtanga, or eight-limbed, yoga. This original eight-limbed path is the basis, the overall structure of all present day forms of yoga and is sometimes also called Raja Yoga, or ‘the yoga of kings’, implying that the yogi never feels subjugated by anyone.
Raja Dhiraja Yoga, or in other words, ‘the yoga of the king of kings’ is a more extensive and comprehensive form of Ashtanga Yoga. This term was first coined by Ashtavakra, author of the famous philosophical text AshtavakraSamhita over 2000 years ago
The present day form of Raja Dhiraja Yoga uses the eight-limbed structure as its basis, but includes techniques of the original system, given by Shiva, which were lost or overlooked – clarifying and correcting misinterpretations – and with recent additions brings the whole practice into relevancy for modern day life and human psychology.
In terms of asana practice (which is just one of the limbs, the 3rd limb, of Patanjali's Ashtanga yoga), a specialty of the Raja Dhiraja school is that there is great emphasis on proper breathing and certain aspects of pranayama are incorporated in the asana practice as well.
This is important, because pranic energies are to be awakened and moved throughout the body during asana practice in order to facilitate deep healing and to direct prana, or vital energy, to various inner organs and glands.
When this is accomplished, asana practice results in a general sense of well-being, which can be felt on the physical, mental and emotional level. Hence, the emphasis is on proper breathing, proper positioning and a quiet but persistent flow of movement.
Raja Dhiraja yoga is today the most complete form of yoga – an all-round systematic and scientific process for the development of body, mind and soul.
What is Raja Dhiraja yoga and how is it different from other styles of yoga?
There is quite a bit of confusion nowadays in terms of yoga styles and their names as they do not reflect the original meaning of the terms they use. We will explain this using the example of Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. The way the terms Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga (or Ashtanga Vinyasa) are used popularly today actually pertains to the style of execution of asanas and not so much to a particular system or school of yoga. The teacher of both, BKS Iyengar (well known for his precise Hatha yoga – Iyengar- style emphasizing alignment) and Pattabhi Jois (known for his more dynamic 'flowing' or vinyasa "Ashtanga yoga" style) was Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who was a well known Hatha Yoga practitioner. Hence, both BKS Iyengar, the "Hatha Yogi" as well as Pattabhi Jois, the "Ashtanga Yogi" have used or taught the same set of asanas, which they have learned from their teacher Krishnamacharya, but their style of performing or executing the asanas differs one from another. So, in Iyengar or Hatha yoga we are used to find a longer and steady holding of the asanas (in popular usage), whereas in the Ashtanga Vinyasa style, we find a flow, the asanas are performed in a sequence. The Sanskrit word vinyasa means 'flow' or 'sequence'.
However, the term Ashtanga cannot actually be used in that context (describing a style) as the term Ashtanga does not denote a particular style of yoga nor the way asanas are executed, but it rather refers to the 8 limbed yoga as given in Patanjali's yoga sutras. You can read more about these 8 limbs on our website (Raja Dhiraja Yoga page). On our teacher training courses you will also receive a very thorough training in the theoretical and practical aspects of those 8 limbs. Ashtanga yoga was also named Raja Yoga. Raja means "king" or "royal", so another name for "Ashtanga yoga" is 'kingly' or the 'royal' yoga. Raja Dhiraja means "the king of kings". This is a term that was used for the first time by the sage Ashtavakra who lived around the time of Patanjali. The present day form of Raja Dhiraja yoga uses the eight-limbed or Ashtanga ('ashta' means eight, 'anga' means limb) system as its basic structure, but includes certain other yogic techniques, which you will learn about in-depth on the course.
So, as you will be exposed to the teachings of Raja Dhiraja yoga you will be introduced to an entire system, a school of yoga not just a style. Once you have such a comprehensive and broad fundament or basis in terms of yogic practices, you will be able to apply a more "Hatha" style or "Vinyasa" style to your asana practice - using the terms as they are popularly used today. Both, the holding of postures for a prolonged period of time as well as a vinyasa practice will be provided and taught during the course.

Himalaya-h27 Powers Personal Development & Yoga RetreatsHimalaya-h2

What are some of the unique features of the 7 Powers Personal Transformation Yoga Retreats?
Our Seven Powers course is truly unique and combines personal development sessions, based on the latest scientific research into neuroscience and brain function, with daily participation in deep relaxation exercises like sensory awareness practice and yoga postures.
If you have ever had thoughts like, “I’m not good enough”, “I’ve never been able to be disciplined” or “I’m useless”, you may be holding on to self-limiting beliefs, which are preventing you from making progress in your life. During the 7 Powers retreat you'll reach a new level of understanding about how your mind and brain operate, how you create your own reality and how to harness this power in order to master your own life.
What are the 7 Powers?
The first power is thepower of presence and it’s your most fundamental power to create a life of joy, success and peace of mind. This power will help you discover the joy of being fully present in the moment, explore the magic of observing your mind as it works, and learn how to stay present in the middle of a hectic workday or a relationship crisis.
The second of the 7 powers is the power of observation. This power enables you to discover your personal epistemology and learn how to observe your mind, your perceptions, thoughts and your emotions. You will understand how your brain is generating your personal reality, your self-conception and how to utilise both your conscious and unconscious mind to unleash your true potential as a human being.
The third power is of choice & willpower. The power of choice & willpower will help you choose your own direction and manage your daily behaviour. Everyone struggles with temptation, addiction, distraction and procrastination. Learn the neuroscience behind willpower and take full control.
This power will give you the skills you need in order choose to be the best person you can be, because you have the power to choose your response to any situation.
The fourth of the 7 Powers is the power of belief. Have you heard about the placebo effect? This demonstrates the potential power that belief commands.
Your beliefs about yourself, life, people, success, work, family are shaping your life in the most profound way. A belief is nothing but the generalisation of a past incident. During your lifetime you have developed your personal belief system, your “philosophy of life” and it is your inner frame of reference guiding you through any given challenge.
Harnessing the power of beliefs will help you discover not only your hidden belief structures, but also their emotional background, how they developed, what their benefits are, but also their limitations.
The fifth power is the power of purpose. If you want to live with energy, passion, focus and joy, you have to identify, acknowledge and honour your personal life purpose – the “why” behind everything you do. Ask yourself, what is giving meaning to your life, what are you deeply passionate about? Why do some things matter so deeply to you? The power of purpose will help you develop a strong passionate vision and personal success strategy. You will discover the deeper reasons why you are doing what you are doing, and the passion that comes with a clear understanding of your deepest life purpose.
The sixth power is the power of focused action.
Nothing brings results as fast as focused action. Here you will rethink your lifestyle management: your daily habits, routines and your time and life management systems! In order to accomplish certain goals, we have to do certain things and live in a certain way.
The seventh power is the power of context. When you think about what influences your life you immediately think about people. The seventh power deals with creating a powerful force field internally and externally, which will boost us in the direction of our dreams. In this part of the program we will look at people and relationships, the context of our life, affecting our level of vitality, and what we can do to reshape the external field of positive force which will support our advancement in life. Also, we will touch upon your power to influence people, to enroll everybody in your vision, goals and passions.
Beyond the seventh power there is the eighth power, the power of wisdom, the power to learn, to understand, to see life clearly and to find lasting peace. Profound inner peace arises from the extraordinary discovery that you are already a whole person. Lasting peace comes from discovering your spiritual essence, and connecting with that essence which supports and sustains you through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
The truth is that you are much more than you imagine yourself to be, far more than you may believe. Your essence is not flawed. Deep inside you are already worthy and whole.
What are the pre-requisites of attending the 7 Powers retreat?
This retreat is suitable for all levels of yoga practitioners, as the classes will be mixed, from beginner to advanced. There are no special pre-requisites, except a keen desire to unleash your hidden strength, to remove limitations from the past, to find your passion and life purpose. At the end of the retreat you will feel empowered to achieve anything you feel is truly important and meaningful for you.
What are some of the benefits of regular yoga practice?
The huge benefits of regular yoga practice are abundant and influence every aspect of a person’s life. In fact, the first thing I usually hear from new students of yoga is that they quite simply feel better in every possible way, physically, mentally, emotionally as well as spiritually.
The asanas, or yoga postures, not only tone the muscles and increase flexibility but also improve posture through alignment. The major benefit however is the effect asanas have on the endocrine system, when they are practiced in a certain way. In Rajadhiraja Yoga we practice asanas in a way that balances the hormone secretion. Hormones regulate our emotions. When there is balanced hormone secretion we experience emotional balance. This, along with all the other benefits that come with practising yoga regularly, has a massive effect on the physical and psychic well-being of the practitioner.
How can I benefit from participating in a yoga retreat?
Although yoga can, and should ideally be practised on a regular basis, a great way to accelerate your progress and achieve rapid transformation in your practice is to attend a yoga retreat. Our yoga retreats can be enjoyed by anyone, and no previous experience of yoga is required.
What is the one most unique benefit I will experience in a retreat?
When you remove yourself from the stresses and strains of daily life and immerse yourself in an environment of complete tranquillity, your state of mind is also bound to change.
Practising yoga in a serene, natural environment has a profoundly calming effect. Just the setting itself provides a stimulus to move within and find inner peace and clarity. The practice of meditation and yoga in a tranquil environment allows for reflection on the breadth and depth of the experience we call life.
The deep peace and relaxation achieved by the end of a yogic retreat, will allow you to bring newly found strength and enthusiasm to your life back home, on and off the mat.
Where do you conduct your personal development and yoga retreats?
We have handpicked several magical locations for your personal development yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses. The first two are beautiful, serene properties near the beach on the isle of Korcula and the isle of Losinj in the Adriatic Sea, while our third, and slightly more distant, location is our country retreat in the Western Himalayas, in Kullu Valley, India. All the locations offer the perfect setting in which to relax and connect with your inner self.
What is the closest airport to the retreat?
For the venue in Korcula the closest airports are in Split and Dubrovnik. There are ferries going to the isle of Korcula from both Split and Dubrovnik. Both these cities are well worth visiting and exploring, and of the two Dubrovnik is the more famous one.
If you are attending the retreat in Losinj, we will organize an airport pickup from the airport in Zagreb to the isle of Losinj. We will take all retreat participants by private taxi to the venue in Losinj. The airport transfer costs are not included in the retreat fee.
What type of yoga are you teaching on the 7 Powers Retreat?
We offer an eclectic range of yoga styles and will adopt the yoga to the level of the practitioners. It will be a blend of Hatha, Vinyasa and restorative yoga. The morning classes will usually be more dynamic in the style of vinyasa (flow), to awaken the body and mind for the day, whereas the afternoon classes will be more gentle Hatha and restorative.
Are any consultations, treatments or massages included in the package?
All additional massages, consultations etc, not mentioned in the package, are not included, but can be separately booked, for an additional fee. We are also offering life coaching sessions after the retreat if anyone would want to pursue further consultations/sessions and we can allocate a coach who will assist you in achieving your goals. Again these are not included in the package but can be separately booked.
Are any excursions included in the program?
Excursions are not included, but we can help you with information on excursions to some of the historical sites on the island and/or surrounding islands, in case you wanted to stay on for a day or two after the retreat. You would need to book your accommodation for that separately. In the afternoon there is a break between 12.45 and 15.00 during which you can go for walks or explore the beach and even visit the city of Vela Luka or Korcula, and if on the isle of Losinj, you may explore the city of Mali and VeliLosinj, just a short walking distance away from the venue.
Is alcohol included during the retreat?
Alcohol is not recommended during the retreat as it would be counterproductive to the objectives of the retreat. It interferes with the physical and mental benefits gained from the yoga practice and as one of the goals of this retreat is to find mental clarity and an enlightened perspective on life, we are offering the nutrition which will support this endeavour. We have worked out a menu plan which is in accordance with ancient and modern knowledge on how nutrition affects our physical and mental/emotional well-being. Alcohol is counterproductive to this process.
Is there wifi and TV?
There is TV and wifiis available too for a small charge.
What is the daily schedule during the retreat?
  • 6.45 - 7.15 Tea and fruit
  • 7.15 - 7.45 Breathing techniques and meditation
  • 7.45 - 8.00 Deep Relaxation
  • 8.00 - 9.15 Yoga
  • 9.15 - 9.30 break and snack
  • 9.30 - 12.00 Workshop - 150 min
  • 12.00 - 12.45 Lunch
  • 12.45 - 15.00 Task/Free time
  • 15.00 - 17.30 Workshop - 150 min
  • 17.30 - 19.00 Yoga
  • 19.00 - 19.30 Meditation
  • 19.30 - 20.00 Dinner
  • 20.30 - 22.00 Evening session - 90 min