Questions & Answers

What kind of programs do you offer at Haritha International Sound Healing School?

Haritha International Sound Healing School offers four kinds of programs in Rishikesh, India: (1) Yoga Alliance certified teacher training courses — Sound Healing, Tibetan Singing Bowl, Reiki, Chakra Healing, Crystal Healing and Meditation, (2) multi-day wellness retreats in Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation, (3) short workshops in Handpan, Pranayama and Sound Healing Therapy, and (4) one-off therapy sessions. Most teacher trainings are residential with sattvic meals and accommodation included.

Is the training suitable for beginners?

Yes. Our foundation level welcomes complete beginners. The curriculum builds gradually — from theory and self-practice to full group sessions — so nothing is assumed and nothing is rushed.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. Selected modules and healing sessions are available online. However, teacher trainings are residential-first so that the transmission happens in person, with live bowls and in nature.

How do I apply or book a session?

You can use the Online Registration or Book Now links at the top of the page, reach us on WhatsApp, or write to us using the enquiry form on the contact page. Our team responds within a working day.

Do I need any prior experience to join the Sound Healing course?

No. The course starts at foundations and moves carefully. If you have practised before, you'll recognise layers — if not, you'll build them gently. Most students arrive with no formal training.

Do I need to bring my own bowls or instruments?

No — we provide singing bowls, tuning forks, mallets, cushions and all course materials. Many students choose to buy a personal bowl in town during the course; we can help you pick one from a trusted local shop.

What does a typical day at the course look like?

Mornings begin with pranayama and meditation, followed by a sattvic breakfast. The day flows through theory classes, practical sessions, Ayurveda workshops, a gentle evening practice, Ganga aarti, and a light dinner — with silence after 9 pm.

How many students are in each cohort?

Cohorts are intentionally small — typically twelve students or fewer. This is so every hand gets held, every question gets answered, and the practice rooms stay calm.

In what language are the courses taught?

All teacher trainings and group sessions are taught in English. Sanskrit terms are used where they belong, with translation. Hindi is spoken on campus for daily life.

Are meals included in the course fee?

Yes. Three sattvic meals plus chai (twice daily) are included for residential students. Meals are vegetarian by tradition; we accommodate vegan, gluten-free and most allergies — just let us know in advance.

What is the accommodation like?

Shared twin-room is the default — clean, simple, with hot water and Wi-Fi. Private single rooms and premium suites are available for an upgrade fee. The campus is residential and walkable to the Ganga.

Can I extend my stay before or after the course?

Yes. Many students arrive a few days early or stay on at the end. We offer an extra-day residency rate. Please let us know in advance so we can hold your room.

What should I pack and is there a dress code?

Comfortable clothes you can move in, a warm layer for evenings (Rishikesh nights are cool), modest attire for temple visits, a notebook and a water bottle. Yoga mats and props are provided.

How do I travel from the airport to Haritha International Sound Healing?

The closest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant (DED) — about 45 minutes by road. We can arrange a pre-paid pickup if you share your flight details in advance. From Delhi, the easiest options are a domestic flight to Dehradun or an overnight train to Rishikesh.

Do you offer airport pickup?

Yes — pickup from Dehradun (DED) is included for most teacher training programs. Pickup from Delhi (DEL) is available as a paid upgrade. See our How to Reach page for full details.

When is the best time to visit Rishikesh?

September through April is the most comfortable — clear skies, cool air, full of birdlife. May and June are warmer but still beautiful. We recommend avoiding mid-July through August due to heavier monsoon rain.

Do I need a visa to come to India?

Most international students will need an Indian visa. The Tourist e-Visa is the simplest route for short courses; longer stays may need a regular Tourist Visa. We can provide an admission letter for visa support — write to us once you've registered.

Are the certifications internationally recognised?

Yes. We are Yoga Alliance USA registered, ICAHP accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified. On completion, students receive a YACEP-valid, internationally recognised certification.

What certification will I receive after the course?

Graduates of the Sound Healing Teacher Training receive a printed certificate of completion plus a digital copy. The certificate carries our Yoga Alliance and ICAHP credentials so you can teach worldwide.

Can I use this certification to teach in my home country?

Yes. Our certifications are accepted across most countries that recognise Yoga Alliance and ICAHP credentials. Some regions (e.g. parts of the EU and US healthcare contexts) have additional local registrations — we'll guide you on what's needed.

How much is the advance deposit to confirm a seat?

The standard advance deposit is USD 99 for international students and INR 5,000 for Indian students. The deposit is non-refundable but transferable to a future cohort within 12 months. Balance is due on arrival. Some longer programs use a higher deposit — your registration confirmation will state the exact amount.

What payment methods do you accept?

International students pay the advance via PayPal in USD (PayPal balance, credit card, or debit card). Indian students pay the advance via bank transfer or UPI in INR — submit a proof-of-payment screenshot through the registration page and a team member verifies it within one working day.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

The advance deposit is non-refundable, but it is fully transferable to any future cohort within 12 months at no extra fee. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, balance fees already paid are refunded minus accommodation costs already locked in. If you cannot travel due to a documented medical or visa emergency, write to us — we'll do our best to find a workable solution.

Do you offer discounts for groups or returning students?

Yes. Groups of 3 or more students who register together receive a 10% discount. Returning students (anyone who has completed a previous program) get a 15% alumni discount on subsequent courses. Both discounts apply to course fees and accommodation. Mention the group or alumni reference in your registration enquiry to apply.

What is the total cost including accommodation and food?

For the Sound Healing Teacher Training Course, the all-inclusive fee with shared deluxe accommodation and three sattvic meals daily starts at USD 1,300 / INR 108,000. Without accommodation (for students who arrange their own stay), the course-only fee is USD 999 / INR 65,000. Other programs are priced similarly — see each course page for the current price grid.

Who founded Haritha International Sound Healing School?

Haritha International Sound Healing School was founded by Aashish Rastogi in 2015 in Rishikesh, India. He continues to lead the teaching faculty and personally delivers parts of every teacher training intake. Read his full background and message on the Founder page.

What is the minimum age to join a course?

The minimum age is 18 years for all teacher trainings and most retreats. We occasionally make exceptions for 16–17 year olds enrolled with a parent or guardian — contact us in advance to discuss.

Do I need to be a yoga teacher already to enroll?

No prior teaching certification is required. Most of our students arrive as enthusiastic practitioners, not certified teachers. The Sound Healing TTC, Reiki TTC and Meditation TTC are designed to take you from foundational practice to certified teacher in a single residential course.

What level of English proficiency do I need?

Conversational English is sufficient. All classes are delivered in clear, accessible English with key concepts written on the board. We host students from over 40 countries every year and the teaching pace accommodates non-native speakers. Translation is available for Hindi speakers.

Can my partner stay with me if they are not enrolled in the course?

Yes. Partners and family members can stay in the same room with an accompanying-guest accommodation fee of approximately USD 300–500 for a 12-day course, depending on room type. Non-enrolled guests are welcome at meals and around the campus but do not attend classes.

Can you accommodate vegan, gluten-free or other dietary restrictions?

Yes. The kitchen prepares sattvic vegetarian meals by default. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-allergy, lactose-free and Ayurvedic dosha-specific meals are all accommodated — mention any requirements during registration so the kitchen can plan ahead. Meat and alcohol are not served on campus.

Will you provide a visa support letter for my application?

Yes. Once you have registered and paid the advance deposit, the admissions team issues an official admission letter on Haritha International Sound Healing School letterhead, which you submit with your Tourist e-Visa or Tourist Visa application. Most international students use the Indian e-Visa, which is approved in 3–5 working days.