Drop-In Yoga Classes in Upper Bhagsu: Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, and Dharamkot

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In the quiet refuge of Upper Bhagsu—just a short hop from Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, and Dharamkot—lies Shivam Neelkant Yoga Kendra. Here, newcomers learn more than asanas; they tap into a tradition that awakens body, breath, mind and spirit.

Why Upper Bhagsu Welcomes First-Timers

Upper Bhagsu is a hidden gem for those new to yoga. Unlike urban studios, this peaceful hamlet rests beneath the Dhauladhar range, where each inhale feels purer and every movement carries extra meaning. Sandwiched between McLeod Ganj’s vibrant Tibetan quarter and the tranquil lanes of Dharamkot, Upper Bhagsu strikes a rare balance: cultural richness at your doorstep and serene practice under open skies.

Your Teacher: Yogi Shivam (Bipan Gill)

Born near McLeod Ganj, Yogi Shivam brings 25 years’ worth of Himalayan practice to every session. Trained at Sivananda Yoga Center in Rishikesh and certified by the Vivekananda Yoga Center at the University of India, his teaching blends classical technique with the ancient Dooninath Babaji Kriya lineage. Beginners benefit from his steady pace, clear cues and genuine warmth—qualities only decades of practice in these mountains can nurture.

What Makes Drop-In Classes Ideal

Forget long courses or rigid schedules. Drop-in classes let you:

  • Start any day, no sign-up needed
  • Fit yoga around your travel plans
  • Sample both Hatha foundations and Ashtanga-style flows
  • Move at your own speed, with plenty of options for modifications

Your First Class: What to Expect

  1. Arrival & Centering
    Arrive five minutes early. Cotton mats and mountain views set a calm scene. Soon after, the class begins with simple breathing exercises—think Naadi Sudhi (alternate-nostril breathing) and soft Ujjayi breath.
  2. Warm-Up
    Gentle stretches and joint movements prepare your body without strain.
  3. Main Practice
    Foundational postures receive detailed alignment tips. Beginners enjoy plenty of adjustments—blocks, straps and wall support make each pose accessible.
  4. Breath & Balance
    After asanas, you’ll revisit pranayama to deepen awareness.
  5. Relaxation
    Savasana or a guided meditation closes the session, leaving you grounded and refreshed.

Bringing the Himalayas to Your Practice

These drop-in sessions go beyond physical exercise. You might:

  • Explore a brief mantra or chanting
  • Practice simple chakra harmonization
  • Join in a small fire ritual or daily offering

Such traditions infuse your practice with a sense of purpose and connection.

What You Need

  • Comfortable, modest attire that moves with you
  • Water bottle—mountain air is dehydrating
  • Open mind, ready for new experiences
  • Optional journal to note reflections

Rise Above Your Routine

In Upper Bhagsu, you trade studio four-walls for fresh pine-scented air and Himalayan vistas. Here, practice slows down enough for real learning. Many who drop in for “one class” end up extending their stay, drawn by the clarity this environment brings.

Ready to begin? Book your first drop-in session at Shivam Neelkant Yoga Kendra and discover why these mountains are the cradle of authentic practice.