Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand: The Rishikesh Gurukul, Abroad
Yes, a yoga teacher training in thailand course taught in the Rishikesh gurukul way can keep daily discipline alive abroad, when practice, study and rest follow one clear routine.
Key Takeaways
Thailand 200-hour course: $999-$1,600.
Rishikesh 200-hour course: $799 for 24 days.
Teachers: Yog Guru Naveen Joshi and Yogi Ajay Joshi.
What the Gurukul Day Looks Like Abroad
A gurukul day begins before sunrise, with quiet sitting, cleansing and steady breath before the body is asked to work hard. In Thailand, the setting changes, but the order of the day should not change without reason. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika places asana, pranayama and mudra in a clear order, and the Patanjali Yoga Sutras place practice and detachment side by side, so the student learns both effort and restraint. That order is what keeps a course in Thailand a gurukul course, rather than a holiday with yoga classes added on.
Morning cleansing often starts with Jal Neti, followed by Kapalabhati to clear the breath. Pranayama then follows, with Anulom Vilom and Nadi Shodhana to balance the channels, and Ujjayi to keep the breath audible and steady during asana. These are not tricks for a photograph. They are tools that prepare the mind for sitting still, and the teacher should explain why each one is used, when it is not used, and how to stop if dizziness or strain appears.
Wake, cleanse and sit quietly before sunrise.
Practise pranayama, then Hatha asana with clear alignment.
Study the Yoga Sutras and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika after the morning session.
Rest, eat simply and walk without rushing between sessions.
Practise evening meditation, then sleep early and regularly.
Morning Practice
Morning practice should be the longest and most focused session of the day. Hatha asana builds heat, strength and steadiness, while the breath keeps the work honest. A teacher who rushes through poses to fill time is not teaching gurukul yoga. The student should leave the mat tired in the body and quiet in the mind, not confused about what was practised or why.
Study and Rest
Study is part of practice, not a break from it. Read one sutra at a time, test it in the next session, and ask the teacher about the point that is unclear. Rest matters in the same way. A student who sleeps poorly, eats heavily at night or skips rest will practise with a dull mind, and the course will feel long even when the timetable is fair.
Fees and Course Lengths
Fees and lengths are best read together, because a short course and a long course do not teach the same depth. The table below gives the school's published course fees and lengths, so you can compare a Rishikesh course with a Thailand course on the same terms.
Course: 100-hour yoga teacher training. Length: 12 days. Fee: $549.
Course: 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. Length: 24 days. Fee: $799.
Course: 300-hour yoga teacher training. Length: 28 days. Fee: $899.
Course: 500-hour yoga teacher training. Length: 49 nights. Fee: $1,499-$2,199.
Course: 200-hour yoga teacher training in Thailand. Length: 200 hours. Fee: $999-$1,600.
Course | Length | Fee |
100-hour | 12 days | $549 |
200-hour Rishikesh | 24 days | $799 |
300-hour | 28 days | $899 |
500-hour | 49 nights | $1,499-$2,199 |
200-hour Thailand | 200 hours | $999-$1,600 |
Who Teaches the Course
Yog Guru Naveen Joshi teaches Hatha and Kundalini yoga, and Yogi Ajay Joshi teaches Hatha, Raja and Ashtanga yoga. Their roles are clear, and the student should know who teaches each part of the course before the first session starts. A good teacher explains the pose, the breath and the reason for both, and then watches the student practise, rather than only showing the pose.
Sanskar Yogashala is a traditional Yoga Alliance USA Registered Yoga School in Rishikesh. The school claims more than 10 years of teaching and more than 5,000 students. Those are the school's claims, and they are stated here as claims, not as facts checked in this post. The course list also includes Kundalini teacher training at 100, 200 and 300 hours.
How to Prepare and Apply
Prepare by practising regularly for at least a few weeks before travel, sleeping early, eating simply and learning the names of basic poses and breaths. Pack light, bring a notebook, and keep expectations plain. A teacher training course is work, and the first week often feels hard even for fit students. To apply for yoga teacher training, read the course dates and fees first, then check travel dates, visa needs and rest days before you book.
Details are on the page for yoga teacher training in thailand.
When you are ready, apply for yoga teacher training.
Visit sanskaryogashala.com for the full school details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Thailand course the same as a Rishikesh course?
The course level can be the same, but the place, climate and daily routine will differ. A Thailand course from the Rishikesh school should still follow gurukul order, with early practice, study and rest. Check the timetable and the teachers before you judge a course by its location alone.
How much does the 200-hour Thailand course cost?
The Thailand 200-hour course is listed at $999-$1,600. The range covers different dates, rooms and inclusions, so read what is included before you compare it with the Rishikesh 200-hour course at $799 for 24 days. Ask for the full fee list in writing before you pay.
Do I need to be an advanced student to join?
No, you do not need to be advanced, but regular practice helps a great deal. A student who practises a few times each week, can sit quietly and can follow simple breath work will settle faster. Tell the school about injuries, health needs and experience before the course starts.
What should I practise before the course?
Practise basic Hatha asana, Ujjayi breath and short sitting each day. Add Jal Neti only if a teacher has shown you how, and stop any breath work that causes strain. Keep a notebook for questions, because the first week moves fast and small points are easy to forget.
What do the Yoga Sutras teach about practice?
The Patanjali Yoga Sutras teach practice and detachment together, so effort is held without grasping for a result. A student practises each day, yet does not judge the whole course by one hard morning. That balance is the test of gurukul learning, both in Rishikesh and in Thailand.
Is Kundalini training part of this school?
Yes, the school lists Kundalini teacher training at 100, 200 and 300 hours, taught by Yog Guru Naveen Joshi. Kundalini work needs a steady teacher and a careful pace, so ask about the daily plan and the safety rules before you choose that path. Do not practise strong Kundalini breath work alone from a video.
What should I pack for Thailand?
Pack light clothes for practice, a notebook, a water bottle and simple sleep clothes. Leave heavy books and extra gear at home, because the course day leaves little time for sorting bags. Check the school list for mat, neti pot and other items before you travel.
How long is the 100-hour course?
The 100-hour course is listed at $549 for 12 days. It is a shorter course, so it suits a student who wants a strong base before a longer training. Check the daily hours and the teacher list before you choose a short course.
Can I teach after a 200-hour course?
A 200-hour course is the usual first step for teaching, but teaching skill grows with practice after the course. Start with small groups, keep a notebook and ask a senior teacher to watch your early classes. Do not promise results you cannot yet guide safely.
Where is Sanskar Yogashala based?
Sanskar Yogashala is based at Yogi House, Upper Tapovan, Near Deccan Valley, Badrinath Road, Rishikesh 249192. The school email is sanskaryogashalarishikesh@gmail.com, and the school website is https://sanskaryogashala.com/. This post is about the Thailand course, so confirm Thailand dates and fees with the school before you travel.
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