Pratham yoga

Familiar character, very quiet, food

Words are not enough to describe the amazing feeling I have in my body and warm and peaceful heart after completing the 200TTC course at Pratham.

Carolin & Vijay have created a beautiful community which feels like family. Intimate, caring and very authentic course where you dive deep into the real meaning of Yoga and how it can impact your life in so many different dimensions! For the better!!!

The location is amazing, peaceful, surrounded by nature and animals. The teachers are so caring and authentic, the staff. A lot of care and love put into this course.

Beyond greateful for this experience. Anyone looking for authentically getting to know Yoga this is your place!

Experienced teachers from various backgrounds. A familial atmosphere, it’s very open & intimate.

In February 2025, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training at Pratham Yoga School. As soon as you step inside, you are truly taken care of. Whether it’s food, a warm shower, or an extra blanket—everything is arranged to make you feel comfortable.

The classes were intense and well-structured, with a perfect balance between theory and practice. The asana practice made me physically and mentally stronger, pushing me beyond my perceived limits while respecting my body's needs. The focus on technique and alignment has deepened my understanding and improved my practice immensely.

The excursions were absolutely fantastic. What made these trips even more meaningful was the way the teachers shared beautiful stories about the culture and traditions. Visiting a temple wasn’t just a sightseeing trip; it became a deeply spiritual experience, filled with understanding and connection.

The accommodation has a wonderful location, right next to a peaceful river. The view and the sound of the flowing water are a gift every single day, bringing a sense of calm and grounding. The meals were nourishing and delicious, prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

I am deeply grateful for this experience. The teachers at Pratham Yoga are teachers for life. They truly see each student and share their wisdom with so much love and dedication. The only downside? After 200 hours, you just want to spend many more hours here!

Namaste!

Ich bin sehr dankbar, Pratham-Yoga für meinen YTTC gewählt zu haben. Die Location direkt am Fluss ist wirklich perfekt für eine tiefe innere Introspective. Weit ab von Lärm und anderer Ablenkung, konnte ich ihn die Yoga Lebensweise eintauchen. Ich habe mich zu jeden Zeitpunkt wohlgefühlt. Die Zimmer sind super groß, und einige mit Blick auf das Wasser. Wirklich ein Paradies.

Danke an alle Lehrer, die mich begleitet haben. Dank euch, konnte ich über mich hinauswachsen. So viel Einfühlungsvermögen, Wissen, tolle Art zu lehren, positive Aura und so viel mehr, das weiß ich sehr zu schätzen.

Danke für alles.

Pratham Yoga school is such a beautiful choice for your yoga studies, you won't regret it! I completed the 200ttc in September 23 and I was so pleased with having chosen Pratham.

The teachers are truly authentic in their desire to share their knowledge and I felt looked after and safe in their hands. Each teacher brings a different flavour and a world of experience to their subject and unique ways of teaching. I loved the addition of Ayurveda with Carolin, and her tender care for us made a huge difference in the feeling of security and genuine care here. I loved the very different styles of practice that Vijay and Negi gave us, and the passion that Siddhant brought to philosophy, pranayama and meditation classes. The anatomy module was short but sweet with Kushal. A massive amount of love for Grish who nourished us with a clean, Sattvic diet which was delicious and exactly what the body needs.

The school itself is a beautiful environment set in a quiet and green location, right on the banks of the Ganga. Sunrises here open each day perfectly and prepare you for the intense timetable of chanting, pranayama, asana, anatomy, ayurveda, adjustment/alignment, philosophy and meditation. The rooms are clean, comfortable and have lovely views. It's outside of the busy centres of Rishikesh which allows for a deeper experience, away from the shopping and tourist distractions of Rishikesh.

Thank you so much to the whole Pratham team, see you again, no doubt 🪷✨🙏

Choosing to become a student at Pratham Yoga School, is one of the best decisions, I’ve made in my life. I had high expectations for my stay, and they were by far exceeded. A small group made it an intimate experience, where we all got full attention and assistance and got to know each other, and bond in ways, I never expected. I came on my own personal journey, but left feeling I became just as big of a part of the journey of the other students, as they did mine.

The daily schedule is tough and so is the asana practice, learning a lot of new things, being challenged on your view of the world in philosophy and being filled with wisdom and knowledge from all members of staff. Hardship and dedication, is what changes you and teaches you what is important in life.

Pratham Yoga school has a well rounded itinerary, and if you are looking for a place to grow, are at a cross road in your life, stuck in a rut or just want an experience of a lifetime, then I would highly recommend for you to join the Pratham Yoga Family.

I came to India to become a yoga teacher, what I left with wasn’t just a diploma, it was meaning and purpose for my life.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the wonderful time, the knowledge, the attention, the opportunity, the trips out, the lovely food, and especially thank you for all the laughs. You will all be missed!

My month of July at Pratham yoga was incredible! I did not expect that I would find such a peaceful environment and meet beautiful souls ✨🥰 This experience made me so much stronger, flexible, I also gained in physical health and spirituality 🙏🏼🪷 even though the schedule of the classes seems so full, when you are passionate about yoga, time flies by. I enjoyed every bit of knowledge I gained there. The teachers are all wonderful and I wish to thank them once again for everything. It is a full and holistic experience at Pratham yoga. You are thought how to grow on every aspect and you get amazing healthy, sattvic and delicious food prepared by a wonderful chef!

Yes the accommodation is outside the centre of Rishikesh, but it did not matter. Actually I preferred it like that. The environment is green, calm and peaceful, very close to mata Ganga. You are not disturbed by any distractions and can fully focus on your training! Plus if you go on your days off to ram jula the took took are very cheap 😉

I can only recommend this place. I am already missing them and I left yesterday!

This yoga teacher training was without doubt the most intense experience that I have opened up in my life so far. It was way beyond learning yoga. We experienced deep connections to each other both in between student and teacher and also student and student. There was always this deep understanding for each other's processes. I went through a lot of grief and sadness in this month and it felt so amazing to feel held by the energy of the group and this magnificent yoga center. I enjoyed our daily morning yoga sessions with Vijay a lot and his way of teaching deeply impressed me. With his lightfulness and joyfulness he always made us smile even in the hardest postures. He supported us through the intense moments and opened a sacred space to remove all our masks and live our truest selfs.

Manoj Negi, our 2nd yoga teacher always taught us in the evening. He had an extremely solid way of teaching and I LOVED the way he supported us in any way he could.

Carolin Dutt Bhatt is just one of the most amazing souls that I ever met in my entire life. She is fully devoted to the indian culture and any rituals and practices. Her lovely and joyful way of teaching her Ayurveda classes always brought so much fun.

Last but not least, I just want to say THANK YOU AND NAMASTÉ.

I am deeply grateful for this experience and I will for sure think of it till my last breath.

Long story short: 100 % recommended. :))

Le lieu au bord de la rivière Ganges, La qualité des enseignements. La bienveillance de tout le monde.

I did my 200h YTT there in March 2022 and I really want to recommend this to everyone who wants to deepen there yoga practice. Those four weeks where absolutely amazing!! I have gained so much useful knowledge there, it's a truly transformative experience! The School is located just 5 Minutes walk from Ganga River. Its within enough distance to the noisy mainstreets and market area that you can really focus on your practice without distraction. All the teachers are very wellknown in there field. Thanks again for this great experience!!

Wow, what an experience - caring, funny and inspirational teachers, I couldn’t imagine doing my 200hr YTTC anywhere else. I have learned so much through an experience which will stay with me for life. If you are looking for an all-round, fully comprehensive course I highly recommend it 🙏🏻❤️🧘🏻‍♀️☀️🍃

The Quality of teaching and teacher, was impressive. From the first moment I arrived, I felt at home. The atmosphere and the community during this training increased positive from day to day.

The new skills and experience I got are very precious to me and I want to say a big thank you to the people who made that possible!

The theacher/ staff crew were honest and lovely people, who help as much as they can, open for any issue, doesn’t matter pro or contra.

This courtesy I appreciate so much.

I left with a feeling like leaving home.

Thank you

I am so glad I followed my instinct and intuition and decided to do the 200 hours YTT with Pratham Yoga in February 2020.

It’s difficult to describe what this month has meant for me. But overall, it has been absolutely great! If you are looking for an authentic yoga experience, in a quite and peaceful area just outside the center of Rishikesh, with passionate and truthful yoga teachers, please choose Pratham Yoga. The quality of teaching and the personal connection between teachers and students is an absolute plus. Groups are small and full attention is dedicated to each student. Complementary activities, such as special meditations, mantra chanting and sharing circles are organized throughout the month to enhance the learning experience and spiritual development. It is an intense and complete programme that I would recommend to both experienced practitioners as well as beginners. It suits perfectly each and every level.

Thank you Pratham Yoga for being who you are! ❤️

The most incredible teachers and human beings.

The training was delivered in a way that can be applied when returning home on both a personal and professional level.

I loved the intimate student group size which enabled us a more individual learning time with our teachers.

Would highly recommend Pratham, Vijay and Carolin Dutt.

Pratham yoga is a truly special yoga teacher training school. I loved the small group approach and it truly did feel like a family (especially as we were there for Christmas and the teachers worked so hard to make that a special day for all of us - thank you so much for our beautiful Indian Christmas!)

The course was really well structured and there was a lovely rhythm to our days. Everything was very authentic with beautiful Sattvic food and amazing teaching from true yogis who live their lives according to yoga philosophy. The location is stunning with views of the Ganga River and is so peaceful being outside of Rishikesh itself (though only a tuktuk ride away for our Sunday free days).

I feel like I left Pratham different to when I arrived. The experience was immersive, transformational and authentic and I truly believe I have made friends for life. Huge thank you to the amazing teacher’s who run the teacher training course so beautifully - Carolin, Vijay, Kuldeep and Rahul, as well as the drop in teachers bringing specialisms in their fields - thank you Simon Ji for all your stories in philosophy!

Much love to my Pratham family and if you’re reading this to decide where to do your TTC, you are very lucky to have stumbled across such an incredible school. There is such a range of quality in the schools in Rishikesh and I believe that Pratham is one of the best 😊💫

My time at Pratham was a super special month and when the month was over I really didn't want to leave!

The location really made the experience more focused and allowed me to feel a certain sense of tranquility that I'm almost certain I wouldn't have felt, had I have chosen a school that was based around the Tapovan/Laxman jhula periphery.

The teachers were all amazing... Each one in their own special way, which allowed me to feel very safe throughout as I felt like all bases were covered both in terms of practical teaching and also in terms of emotional support.

The teachers generally always gave us their full attention and effort and this was optimised because of the limited group size stipulated by Pratham. On our course for example we learned in a group of only 12 students.

Both the yoga asana and alignment was very well covered and I really enjoyed meeting and learning with several different teachers. Philosophy with Simon-Ji was an absolute treat and also the extra classes like Ayurveda and Anatomy were very well taught which made the package seem extra complete!

The food was incredible, wholesome vegetarian cuisine with a large range of flavors and local ingredients. Super sattvic too so we were feeling very energized, clean and ready to practice! I already miss that food... Carrot halva stole my heart!🥕😋😍

Spending December at Pratham was special, and when Christmas day arrived we all felt like a big family and thanks to all of the staff we celebrated in style!

Oh, I finished my 200 hours YTT at Pratham Yoga school 3 weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier. All the teachers are so well prepared, dedicated and inspiring...I’ve learned so many stuff about yoga and myself... I felt at home for the whole time. The school is 30 minutes far away from the crowded Rishikesh so you can really focus on your studies and your practice and enjoy the holy/quiet presence of Mother Ganga that is a few steps far from the school. I recommend this place and this experience to everyone! Thanks, Pratham Yoga for all the positive vibes. I will be forever grateful.

I don’t have enough words to explain or I don’t even know if I am able to explain in words what was like to be at Pratham yoga.

You will feel part of a family and they will always make sure you are feeling comfortable and at home. Everything is planned with so much care and mainly love that it is impossible not to enjoy it.

All staff are great, philosophy classes are awesome and so inspiring. Ayurveda classes were also super interesting and every teacher do their job with so much love.

Vijay has such an amazing energy and brings so much passion to his asana and mantra classes.

Koldeep will challenge your body with vinyasa classes and always maintain the discipline and support you in every step.

Carol is so nice and kind and always has a smile in her face, making every ayurveda class more and more interesting. She also gave as some moon cycle classes and basic knowledge in pre natal yoga.

Anatomy classes were really interesting and teacher shared some of her experiences in yoga and life in general as well.

To add more: food was amazing always.

Everything is great. You will fall in love with Pratham yoga the same as I did. It is impossible not to.

My heart is full of love and full of energy to step to another part of my life after this experience. I’ll take with me so much of what I’ve learnt here.

Pratham yoga you will always be in my heart. Thank you ❤️

Let’s start by the location. It is 30 min away from Laxman Juhla and Ram Jhula (main areas with shops, restaurants, etc.), which are nice to hang out and full of the noise of the crowd.

On the opposite, Pratham yoga is in a quiet and peaceful village, just two minutes from a beautiful white sandy beach where you can calmly rest/meditate/ study with the sound of mother Ganga that flows in front of you.

Believe me, I was going there every day and always had the beach just for me in the afternoon.

So, the location itself has something you won’t found in the schools of the main areas.

Small batches are also a huge plus. You get a personalize approach.

Now, the classes. You might see yourself struggling some time, realizing for example that yoga from a Indian point of view is quite more “complete” that one can experience in a western country. Also possible to realize that some asanas you were practicing home were not as perfect as you thought ! But it is a good thing, you will start to see asanas with a different angle, see how indian philosophy is connected to practise, as well as pranayama, mantra, etc.

It is for sure a “humbleness” experience that can just be good for the ego !

Inspiring beautiful teachers. Their commitment, generosity, humility, and so on.

You will experienced discipline (social and personal); “putting yourself out there” making you sometime feel “naked”, vulnerable. Roller coaster of emotions.

Food was absolutely delicious!!!

My time at Pratham Yoga was just wonderful! The yoga hall is a little outside of Rishikesh, next to Mother Ganga, with a wonderful river view, and a beautiful beach nearby. The teachers, staff and fellow-students feel like one big family, learning and growing together, and making the whole experience unforgettable. Next to yoga philosophy (with the amazing Simon Ji), anatomy and asana and alignment classes, we also had an introduction in Ayurveda and yogic nutrition! Each and every one of the teachers has so much knowledge to share, so you will learn A LOT. It's a truly transformative experience, which I can only recommend. Once you're called to Rishikesh and to Pratham Yoga, just go for it! You will not regret it, I promise.

Pratham Yoga is perfect! The teachers are so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They went put of their way constantly to make our stay more comfortable. They made my stay!

All aspects of yoga was covered from pranayama, asana, meditation, philosophy and on and on!

I didn't go with any expectations but I came away with a world of information and confidence.

It's non stop so be prepared for full on days, it's intense but so worth it! Make sure to pack the electrolytes!

Thank you to everyone at Pratham Yoga for making my experience so memorable. I felt safe, included and cared for <3 and ready than ever for this life long yoga journey!

Everything

Sometimes you have to take a break from your life, to find back to yourself. This break I took at PrathamYoga. My goals were more personal - finding back to my old balance, getting my inner+outer strength back, getting even stronger. Now I have to say, I achieved my goals and I'm so happy and thankful for this wonderful life experience. Within this month, I deepened my Yoga practice + knowledge more than I've ever expected. There are so many things to point out, so please check my full review on www.prathamyoga.com. The small size of the group allows the teachers to respond to each student in a very individual way. Each of us made their own experience/development - and each of this unique path had place to grow and was accepted and appreciated. The Yogashala is situated in a quiet place next to the Ganga. It was amazing to see and feel the Ganga at the morning walk, when the sun raises and the spirits awakens. It felt like home from the very first moment. Vijay and his amazing family make this place to a wonderful, magic spot full of love, life + positive energy. The Yoga classes with Vijay were structured in a very good way to deepen the practice of Asanas, Pranayama and Mantra Chanting step by step. Also all other classes helped me to get the holistic meaning of Yoga and were very interesting and full of knowledge. The Meditations were very powerful, intense and deep. The weekend-trips were amazing experiences, full of life and gave me a lot of energy. The food-delicious.

The school is located 30 minutes away from the crowded Rishikesh and it is very important as you can focus more on the practice without distractions. The school is very nice with big shared rooms and spaces to study and make practice. Teachers and all the staff were amazing; they help us solving every kind of problem and doubt we had and, above all, they teach very well! I learned a lot of things during the month I spent in Pratham Yoga; I feel myself enriched, I know more about the world and especially about myself but as we say many times during the course, the new journey is starting right now! Thank you India, Namastè

L’energie de notre petit groupe m’a permis d’aller profondément dans la compréhension et la pratique du yoga mais aussi des méditations, guidées par des profs de qualités, investis et disponibles. Dans un lieu loin du bruit de la ville. Une expérience qui vous redonne de l’énergie pour le reste de votre vie.

The school s a quite area just off the River Ganga, Teachers knowledgeable and well prepared.

I had a magic and challenged month with Pratham Yoga. It was really more than a TTC, a life experience. The place near the Ganga is peaceful (really nice), food is delicious and sattvic, teachers are supportive, wise and sharing, Yoga is challenged.

I learnt so much with these amazing teachers, I really enjoyed every aspects of the TTC.

More, I feel I met a family and found a new home. I met amazing human beings taking care on every seconds. Studying and practicing with a small group was a big chance.

I feel honored to have been a student in Pratham Yoga: the best place and circumstances to pass TTC.