Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre (HIYC)

I took this 9-day yoga course where I learned many techniques and postures from Ivegar yoga, which I wasn't familiar with before. It helped me learn the basics of many postures I already knew, and although it's a bit challenging and pushes your body to its limits, you start noticing the benefits from the very first moment. It's very helpful not only for any ailments you might have (since it directly links health to the exercises) but also for connecting much more with your body and feeling more focused, clearer, and able to disconnect. Sharat, who teaches the course, is a great teacher with over 40 years of experience, and the whole team is amazing. Lucie, who manages the social media, is a super cheerful, friendly, and professional girl :) She's one of us! As for some areas for improvement: I think you need to be patient because the explanations are very detailed, and each posture is explained for quite a while, which can sometimes feel a bit long. On the other hand, I felt there was a lack of innovation throughout the days, as it became repetitive. Also, the afternoon meditations should have been guided at the beginning to learn how to do them more correctly. Furthermore, if you plan to stay overnight at the center, I recommend considering other, more economical options that get sun during the day, as it can get very cold. Overall, it was a very rewarding experience that I highly recommend. You learn a lot on the course in an idyllic Himalayan setting, and you meet international people with similar interests; you feel like you belong to a family during your stay. Thank you very much, and until next time!

I had the most profound experience participating in Sharat’s Healing Prana Intensive course held at the Shanti Ashram in lower Dharamsala. Bathed in silence, it is an amphitheatre for the busy mind to become still… through aligning the body and therefore touching one’s soul.

The best and the oldest yoga center, Sharat sir direct disciple of BK S Iyengar, is the best teacher to teach yoga with props, and meditation in asanas itself, he made props usage clear and technically sound.

Wow. Incredible, unbelievable experience at Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre with Maria & Sharat. I initially did the 5 day course and was astounded with the almost immediate improvements in my day to day alignment, an old knee injury regularly causing jip is now completely stable. It honestly works magic in your body. I’ve been on a yogic journey for a while and done plenty of courses in India, but by far this one trumps it for authenticity, rawness & more importantly content. There’s no new age fads here - pure, unadulterated true yoga. Build a TRUE connection with your body, an awareness to your breath and realign your values around what yoga truly is. Maria is so warm, friendly & a lovely person and Sharat’s knowledge is so clearly delivered you just feel like you’ve hit the jackpot getting the opportunity to attend. I really loved it. The vibe on the course was great. Assistants Emma & Uday were the best & Lucie the photographer is also fantastic. I will definitely come back for more and thank you everyone here I’m so grateful and feel so lucky that I had this experience. Please - if you’re in the area, attend this course! You’re so lucky if there’s one on while you’re here and also the schedule is super flexible allowing you to feel a lot more freedom to do what you want (eat lots of cake!) Thank you Sharat, Maria & the team - you’ve changed my life and for that I am so grateful!

Got briefly introduced to the roots and method of Iyengar yoga by Sharat through Chinmay - one of the best assistant teacher at the centre. I enrolled for the 5 day course with Maria - the shared knowledge druring the sessions, meaning behing each performed asnas, personal assistance by each teachers and bringing awareness to the core foundation amongst all. On the last day, our group was lucky to get an extra up-side down hanging class led by Chinmay and getting the 1st time experience under his guidance was a fortunate as this excersice is one of the most intense form that needs undivided attention, patience, and a safe space by the teacher to allow the person to embrace the triggering emotions and surrender willfully. This class was a deal breaker for me to come back for the 9-day course during my next visit.