About Us
Founded in 1985 by our teacher Yoga Master Sharat Arora, the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre was the first Yoga School in both North Goa and Himachal Pradesh. Since that time Sharat Arora has taught and helped over 40,000 students.
At the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre we practise and teach an evolution of Classical Iyengar Yoga, as developed by our teacher who was a long term student and assistant teacher for his Guruji BKS Iyengar.
About Iyengar Yoga Practice
His dedicated 7 years with Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar led him to explore and develop his own yoga practice in line with Guruji’s teachings of alignment & healing. The Yoga we practise and teach at the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre is therefore an EVOLUTION of the Traditional Iyengar Yoga.
Master Sharat Arora’s relentless exploration led him to discover the importance of the foundations in Yoga Practice. From there the Yoga Asanas grow and alignment is found. The revelation about footwork and handwork is integral and specific to Master Sharat Arora’s style of teaching. This uniqueness and authenticity makes the HIYC one of the best Iyengar Yoga Schools in India.
Iyengar Yoga Courses & Training
We run a range of Iyengar Yoga Courses, Yoga Teacher Training, Intensive Courses and Silent Retreats at our Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centres and Yoga Ashram. All students starts with an introduction to the yoga method regardless of previous Iyengar Yoga Training or other Yoga Practices experience because of the subtle differences between these styles and what we teach. For students who wish to learn the method properly and take away a full Hatha Yoga Self-Practice, we recommend 3 weeks of classes at one of our Top Iyengar Yoga Studios or an equivalent 9-Day Intensive Yoga Course.
Students who are inspired to go deeper still are encouraged to visit our Yoga Ashram and complete an Intensive Courses or Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Course. We also offer shorter Intensive Courses, Silent Meditation Retreats, Yoga Therapy Courses, Yoga Workshop for Back Pain, Yoga for Vipassana Meditators, Yoga for Women and more.
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Testimonials
Our Students Love Us
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.
This is not a yoga experience for everybody. The founder of the place is a textbook example of a narcissist. Barging into the room while his assistants are teaching and directing his anger at a few selected students - usually the more docile ones who won't answer back. Sitting quite pleased with himself and the aura of fear he commands, and ordering his assistant - who is in the process of teaching - to get him a drink.
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.
We stayed in a cozy apartment sheltered by the beautiful garden of this place. Lucy was amazing and welcomed us super well, even though we didnt have a pre-reservation and just checked-in while the monsoon rain was falling heavy on us! Lucy made sure to give us plenty of nice recommendations to enjoy lovely Dharamshala during our stay, being the best host we could have had 🙂 Hope to come back again!
Great place. I've been in Monsoon season so it's been good for interospections. The kitchen etc could use some work. My room is very comfortable. Could be cleaner.
Response from the owner 13:06 19 Aug 25
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We’re happy your experience is overall a positive one. Cleaning in the monsoon is tough be we endeavour to improve upon it and our facilities. Thanks again 
We’ve been living here with my girlfriend and our dog for a month now, and we’re truly happy — Lucy is the best manager, always helping and advising us on any questions. The territory is beautiful and well-maintained, and there’s an opportunity to attend yoga classes with students of Sharath Aurora. I often even practice at home — the atmosphere here really inspires it. We really wanted to find a retreat in India where both body and soul could rest, and now, in our second month here, we’re experiencing exactly that! Thank you so much — I’m even thinking about taking a course with you as well 🙏🏻
Response from the owner 13:04 19 Aug 25
We’re so happy to hear it! 
My friend did a course at the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre a while back and accidentally left her veena (a traditional Indian instrument) in the room. She got in touch soon after but the owner, Sharat Arora, said it was missing and suggested someone might have taken it. There wasn’t much effort to help or even check properly.
I happened to visit the centre recently and asked one of the staff about it. They casually mentioned the veena was still there but said they couldn't return it without the owner's permission. So clearly it was never lost, just not given back.
Honestly, that felt really shady and disappointing. You’d expect more honesty and responsibility from a place that teaches yoga and talks about awareness and integrity.
Wouldn’t recommend this place based on how they handled something this simple. Actions really do speak louder than words.
I happened to visit the centre recently and asked one of the staff about it. They casually mentioned the veena was still there but said they couldn't return it without the owner's permission. So clearly it was never lost, just not given back.
Honestly, that felt really shady and disappointing. You’d expect more honesty and responsibility from a place that teaches yoga and talks about awareness and integrity.
Wouldn’t recommend this place based on how they handled something this simple. Actions really do speak louder than words.
Response from the owner 14:47 04 Aug 25
Hi Aditi, We were really shocked to read this review so we consulted Sharat directly and this was his response:Hello Aditi, I am very upset with what you say here. It's the first time I hear about the Veena, I was never asked & would never never say it can't be returned.We have recently sacked the person dealing with students as we saw the lack of care.I am truly shocked, Saying sorry would be understated, please forgive our institution for such bad behavior.I am a musician myself and willing to help in any way I can.SharatPlease feel free to contact us on the office number 9816611075 and we will help you and your friend as best we can.Kind regards, 
While most places teach Yoga as means to physical or mental wellbeing, Sharat sir's teachings go beyond and teach one to connect with themselves. His teachings are direct and simple (not easy) and if sincere, one can see their effects from day 1 itself. He uses the functions of doing, to get in touch with our sense of being. Truly transformative. The yoga hall is spacious, well-lit and with ample props for everyone, requiring only your presence. The vibe of the center in Dharamkot also lends itself to this teaching and the assistant teachers (Emma, Udai and Chinmay) ensure that everyone is being gently monitored and corrected during the practice. They're also there for any guidance and willing to go out of their way to help you. Whatever you learn here, you are most likely to carry forward into your life.
Response from the owner 13:06 19 Aug 25
So happy you enjoyed! Thanks for taking the time to review us 
I had a disappointing and frankly concerning experience at the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre. I visited to book a room and expected a welcoming, well-organized environment. Unfortunately, what I encountered was quite the opposite. When I arrived, I asked a worker at the gate who I could speak to about bookings. He told me he handled it himself. A few moments later, another staff member came and guided me to the office, where I received completely different information. The inconsistency was confusing and made it difficult to know who was actually responsible or what to trust. Before leaving, I politely asked the first worker at the gate if I could speak to the owner for some clarity. His reaction surprised me, he became cold and dismissive, abruptly telling me to go back to the office and not to ask him anything else. For a place associated with mindfulness, calm, and respect, the lack of clear communication and the unprofessional attitude I encountered were genuinely disappointing. It left me feeling uneasy and unsure about the values the centre claims to represent.
I attended the 9 day immersion Yoga Course at HIYC.
Posture is the incorrect translation of the word “Asana”.
Yoga Sutra of Patanjali translates the word Asana as Poise which means inner alignment with the Atman/Soul (Higher Self).
Hatha Yoga taught at HIYC focuses on a unique way of practice of postures to activate the energy system & create inner alignment to feel the Presence of Atman/Soul or Higher Self. In this method Posture is used as a vehicle to unite with Atman. This is the true meaning of Yoga – Union with Atman. Other schools focus on postures while Hatha Yoga at HIYC leads to Poise. Regular practice has helped me maintain the clarity, serenity & poise throughout the day while handling the challenges of a business & personal life.
Highly recommended for Business executives & Spiritual seekers.
Posture is the incorrect translation of the word “Asana”.
Yoga Sutra of Patanjali translates the word Asana as Poise which means inner alignment with the Atman/Soul (Higher Self).
Hatha Yoga taught at HIYC focuses on a unique way of practice of postures to activate the energy system & create inner alignment to feel the Presence of Atman/Soul or Higher Self. In this method Posture is used as a vehicle to unite with Atman. This is the true meaning of Yoga – Union with Atman. Other schools focus on postures while Hatha Yoga at HIYC leads to Poise. Regular practice has helped me maintain the clarity, serenity & poise throughout the day while handling the challenges of a business & personal life.
Highly recommended for Business executives & Spiritual seekers.
I had the chance to participate in two workshops at the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, first for 5 days with Maria, then for 9 days with Sharat.
This place is much more than a place where you come to practice yoga: it's a space of excellence, clarity, and transformation.
Maria guides each student with gentleness and a subtle presence that invites serenity and inner listening.
Sharat teaches with rare rigor and straightforward honesty. He encourages each student to go beyond the mind, to fully inhabit the body, to rediscover their connection to the earth.
The approach is deeply rooted in the Iyengar tradition, but above all, it focuses on the essential: the search for truth, through alignment of the body... and the inner self. I came away touched, more aware, with the desire to continue on this path.
It's not comfortable, but it's precious. We unlearn in order to better relearn. We work seriously and deeply.
And we receive profound support. Emma, Udai, and Chinmay, her assistants, embody this commitment with kindness. Their attention allows us to feel supported at every moment, in every pose.
Lucie, who provides the connection and organization, brings a touch of magic, fluidity, and humanity to our daily lives.
I recommend this place to those seeking more than simple postural yoga: a demanding, authentic, and profoundly transformative path.
This place is much more than a place where you come to practice yoga: it's a space of excellence, clarity, and transformation.
Maria guides each student with gentleness and a subtle presence that invites serenity and inner listening.
Sharat teaches with rare rigor and straightforward honesty. He encourages each student to go beyond the mind, to fully inhabit the body, to rediscover their connection to the earth.
The approach is deeply rooted in the Iyengar tradition, but above all, it focuses on the essential: the search for truth, through alignment of the body... and the inner self. I came away touched, more aware, with the desire to continue on this path.
It's not comfortable, but it's precious. We unlearn in order to better relearn. We work seriously and deeply.
And we receive profound support. Emma, Udai, and Chinmay, her assistants, embody this commitment with kindness. Their attention allows us to feel supported at every moment, in every pose.
Lucie, who provides the connection and organization, brings a touch of magic, fluidity, and humanity to our daily lives.
I recommend this place to those seeking more than simple postural yoga: a demanding, authentic, and profoundly transformative path.
Wonderful technique especially focused on correct alignment, and great learning whether beginning or regular practitioner (7+ yrs in my case). Teacher gives his all with heartfelt dedication and care toward every student, and the assistants Emma and Udai are incredibly kind and helpful. Excellent synthesis of Iyengar yoga practice with Vipassana to awaken physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Loved the course experience!!
What a transformative journey it has been, learning with the Himalayan Iyengar Center!
I never thought I would rediscover Yoga with such a new lens. I never thought I would feel this whole through Yoga.
This yoga method is simply otherwordly. It restores, heals and connects you to your body, your breath and empties your mind. It grounds you unlike any other practice. Therapeutic and transformative at the same time.
I took the 5 days foundations course with Maria, the method was so transformative for my body and mind, that I just knew I had to learn this deeply further.
I rediscovered my body and breath through the practices taught by Maria in these 5 days.
Maria is one of the most wonderful, compassionate and Intuitive (not to mention sharp and attentive) teachers I have ever encountered. She made sure everyone got the precision of each pose.
The teaching assistants: Chinmay, Udai and Emma were really caring and helpful in correcting us, setting up our props, correcting our minor mistakes. Special mention to Chinmay for his extremely helpful and guiding nature.
I joined the 9 days course the very next week, which was taught by Sharat Arora, who invented this Iyengar Method. My deepest gratitude to him.
Each day was a rediscovery of what it means to feel your body, through your feet and your hands, our foundations. Throughout the 9 days, my body learnt what it means to meditate through these healing asanas.
The practice was gentle and progressively challenging, suitable for anyone. We had participants in all age groups, going up till 70-80 years of age.
Sharat taught everyone with a lot of patience and grace, being thorough and precise with each instruction. He taught us a life giving and affirming practice that can restore health and unity as soon as you start practicing it.
Not to mention, his sense of humor and childlike persona kept the room filled with laughter.
We were taught Standing Poses initially, probably my favorite: which taught me a new way to feel my feet and sole, and through it the whole body became aligned. My breath itself felt, and still feels, calmer and more connected.
We were also taught Twists, Back bends, Inversions and how to meditate. These asanas and poses, if practiced enough, can really transform anyone's life into a blissful experience.
All of these different variations and practices were taught using a lot of props and support so that we could just stay in these poses for a long time, and just feel this UNITY across the mind, body and our soul.
These 9 days were probably one of the most fun, revitalising, eye-opening and transformative experiences I have been through(sorry about using so many adjectives but it really was all of these things). I had so many lovely and amazing people in my batch, who made this experience such a laugh riot.
Special mention to Emma and Udai during the 9 days course. They are one of the most kind yoga teachers who assisted and corrected us with so much patience and care that even toughest poses felt easy.
I am running out of words here, or maybe not. But please try Sharat's Iyengar Method and experience true healing.
I never thought I would rediscover Yoga with such a new lens. I never thought I would feel this whole through Yoga.
This yoga method is simply otherwordly. It restores, heals and connects you to your body, your breath and empties your mind. It grounds you unlike any other practice. Therapeutic and transformative at the same time.
I took the 5 days foundations course with Maria, the method was so transformative for my body and mind, that I just knew I had to learn this deeply further.
I rediscovered my body and breath through the practices taught by Maria in these 5 days.
Maria is one of the most wonderful, compassionate and Intuitive (not to mention sharp and attentive) teachers I have ever encountered. She made sure everyone got the precision of each pose.
The teaching assistants: Chinmay, Udai and Emma were really caring and helpful in correcting us, setting up our props, correcting our minor mistakes. Special mention to Chinmay for his extremely helpful and guiding nature.
I joined the 9 days course the very next week, which was taught by Sharat Arora, who invented this Iyengar Method. My deepest gratitude to him.
Each day was a rediscovery of what it means to feel your body, through your feet and your hands, our foundations. Throughout the 9 days, my body learnt what it means to meditate through these healing asanas.
The practice was gentle and progressively challenging, suitable for anyone. We had participants in all age groups, going up till 70-80 years of age.
Sharat taught everyone with a lot of patience and grace, being thorough and precise with each instruction. He taught us a life giving and affirming practice that can restore health and unity as soon as you start practicing it.
Not to mention, his sense of humor and childlike persona kept the room filled with laughter.
We were taught Standing Poses initially, probably my favorite: which taught me a new way to feel my feet and sole, and through it the whole body became aligned. My breath itself felt, and still feels, calmer and more connected.
We were also taught Twists, Back bends, Inversions and how to meditate. These asanas and poses, if practiced enough, can really transform anyone's life into a blissful experience.
All of these different variations and practices were taught using a lot of props and support so that we could just stay in these poses for a long time, and just feel this UNITY across the mind, body and our soul.
These 9 days were probably one of the most fun, revitalising, eye-opening and transformative experiences I have been through(sorry about using so many adjectives but it really was all of these things). I had so many lovely and amazing people in my batch, who made this experience such a laugh riot.
Special mention to Emma and Udai during the 9 days course. They are one of the most kind yoga teachers who assisted and corrected us with so much patience and care that even toughest poses felt easy.
I am running out of words here, or maybe not. But please try Sharat's Iyengar Method and experience true healing.
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!
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!
