Packing for your 200-hour YTT in Goa? This no-stress guide covers everything you need for a month of yoga in India's heat. Find out which clothes work best, what yoga gear we provide, and the essential health and tech items to bring—and what you can definitely leave behind.
So you're coming to Goa for yoga teacher training. Awesome! Now you're staring at your empty suitcase thinking... what do I even bring? We hear this question all the time at DivinePath Yoga School. Students message us weeks before arrival, worried they'll forget something important. For a bigger picture of what to expect, check out our Ultimate Yoga in Goa Guide.
Here's the truth: packing for a month of yoga in Goa is pretty simple once you know what to expect. Goa is hot. Goa is humid. And you'll be join multiple session whole day like pranayama ,asana in morning Satangana and philosphy in afternoon again hata and vinyasha in evening. We've helped hundreds of students pack for this trip. We know what people actually use. We also know what sits in suitcases untouched for four weeks. This is your no-stress packing list for YTT Goa. Real advice from people who do this every day.
Goa is not like home. The weather here changes everything. Mornings feel nice and cool. By afternoon? Hot and sticky. Really sticky. The air feels thick, especially during our 4pm yoga class. We've seen students show up with thick leggings and heavy shirts. By day two, they're uncomfortable and sweaty. The right clothes make a big difference when you're holding poses in tropical heat.
But Goa isn't just yoga. You'll have free time too. Beach walks. Dinner at little restaurants by the water. Maybe a weekend trip to see local temples. Pack for yoga. Pack for the beach. Pack light. That's the secret.
Thin. Light. Loose (or stretchy). That's what works in Goa. Cotton is great. Bamboo fabric is great. Those thick, heavy workout clothes? Not great.
For women: Tank tops and sports bras work well. Just make sure tops aren't too baggy—you don't want fabric falling in your face during headstands. For men: Light shorts or thin cotton pants with a basic t-shirt. Some guys skip the shirt during morning practice when it's cooler. Totally fine here.
Quick tips:
Way less than you think. Seriously. Almost everyone brings too much. Here's what actually works for four weeks:
"But that's not enough for a month!" It is. There's cheap laundry service near our campus. About 200 rupees (like $3) to wash a whole bag of clothes. Most students do laundry once a week.
Bring a swimsuit. You'll want it. Sundays are rest days during training. Most students head to the beach. The water is warm. The beaches near us (Morjim and Ashwem) are quiet and peaceful. Pack:
That's it. Simple.
Good news: we have all the yoga stuff you need. At Divine Path, we provide:
You don't need to bring any of this. But some students like using their own mat. If your mat feels like "yours" and helps you feel at home, bring it. Just get a travel mat—they fold small and weigh almost nothing. Here's a trick from a recent student: she brought just a thin mat towel. She put it on top of our mats for grip and cleanliness. Barely took any space in her bag.
You'll learn a lot. Like, a lot a lot. Anatomy. Philosophy. How to teach. How to sequence classes. Your brain will be full. Bring:
We give you training manuals with everything. But you'll want your own notebooks for personal notes and ideas that pop up. For reading, these two books are helpful:
You don't need to read them before coming. We teach from them during training. But having your own copy to write in is nice.
Your phone will help you learn. Here's how students use theirs:
Bring headphones too. We have quiet hours at night. You'll want to listen to recordings without bothering your roommate.
The Goa sun is strong. Stronger than it looks. Even cloudy days can burn you. We've seen students get bad sunburns in the first week and feel miserable the rest of training. Bring sunscreen. SPF 30 or higher. Use it. Reef-safe sunscreen is better for the ocean. You can find it online before you come.
When the sun goes down, mosquitoes come out. This is just how Goa works. Bring bug spray or repellent with DEET. Or natural stuff like citronella if you prefer. Put it on before sunset. A student tip that works great: repellent wipes. Easier than spray, no mess, fits in your pocket.
You'll sweat more than normal here. Yoga classes plus heat equals lots of sweating. Bring a water bottle. Big one—at least 1 liter. We have filtered water all over campus. Fill up your bottle often. Aim for 3-4 liters a day. Yes, really. When you drink enough water, you feel better. More energy. Better focus. Easier practice.
You can buy most of this in Goa. But having your usual stuff from home feels easier during a big life experience.
India uses different plugs than most countries. If you're from the US, UK, or Europe, your charger won't fit the wall. Bring a universal travel adapter. You can find them cheap online or at airports. Also bring:
Power goes out sometimes in Goa. A power bank means your phone won't die when that happens.
A local phone SIM is cheap and super useful. Companies like Jio and Airtel have good tourist plans. To get one, you need:
Our campus has WiFi. But a local SIM means you can use maps and call people when you're out exploring.
A few smart habits:
Goa is safe. But these habits are good anywhere you travel.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 more months after your training ends. This is the rule for Indian visas. Most people can get an e-Visa online. It's pretty easy. Apply 2-3 weeks before your trip so you're not stressed. Bring:
Want to register with Yoga Alliance after training? You don't need to bring special papers. Divine Path is a registered yoga school. When you finish training, we give you:
We handle all of that. You just focus on learning.
After years of seeing students arrive, here's what gets forgotten most:
Good news: you don't need to bring everything. We provide:
You also don't need:
When in doubt, leave it out. You can buy almost anything here if you really need it.
Print this. Check things off. Done.
You're Ready. That's it. That's the whole list. Packing for yoga teacher training doesn't need to be complicated. Light clothes. Basic toiletries. Important papers. Done.
We've set up our campus so you can focus on learning, not on stuff you forgot to bring. We have what you need for practice. Your job is just to show up ready. Students who pack light always seem happier. Less stuff to carry. Less to worry about. More room in your bag for things you'll buy in Goa (the markets here are fun).
Ready to Pack Your Bags?
Now that you know what to bring, take the next step on your yoga journey. Secure your spot in our upcoming training.
We'll see you on the mat.
No, you don't. DivinePath Yoga School provides yoga mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets. However, if you prefer your own mat, you are welcome to bring a travel mat.
Pack thin, light, and loose (or stretchy) clothing. Cotton and bamboo fabrics are best due to the heat and humidity. Avoid thick, heavy workout clothes.
We recommend bringing 5-6 yoga tops and 4-5 yoga bottoms. Most students do laundry about once a week using affordable local services.
Yes, leave behind fancy clothes, heavy jackets, too many books, expensive jewelry, and full-size toiletries. Goa is casual, and you can buy most necessities there.
