Classical Panchakarma
Panchakarma is Ayurveda's classical cleansing programme, done in three stages over two to four weeks: preparation with oils and steam, the main treatments, then a slow return to normal food. A resident Ayurveda doctor sees you every day and decides what you have, and when.
- How long
- 14–28 days
- Price, per guest
- $3,450–$13,200
- Best for
- People who want the full classical programme and can give it two to four quiet weeks
Stage by stage
What happens, and when.
Days 1–7
Preparation
A consultation, then daily oil massage and steam. For a few days you take a little ghee or medicated oil first thing, with very light meals.
Days 8–15
Main treatments
The core treatments your doctor chooses, often a planned herbal purge on one day and a course of herbal enemas. Rest is part of the treatment.
Days 16–21
Recovery and diet
Gentler therapies while simple foods are brought back slowly. Yoga and walks get a little longer.
Last days
Going home
A final consultation with a plan for food and routine at home. Longer stays (28 days) add a rebuilding phase (rasayana).
A guide, not a fixed schedule: the centre's doctor sets your programme and changes it as you go. Longest stays run to 28 days.
The treatments
In plain words.
Ayurveda uses Sanskrit and Malayalam names. Here's what each one actually is.
Snehana
ghee or medicated oil taken by mouth for a few days, plus daily oil massage (Abhyanga)
Swedana
herbal steam to warm the body after massage
Virechana
a supervised herbal purge, on one planned day
Basti
herbal oil and decoction enemas, given as a course
Diet afterwards
simple food reintroduced step by step (samsarjana krama)
Is it for you?
Who it suits, and who should wait.
Usually a good fit
- Adults in reasonable health who want a structured reset of food, sleep and routine
- People with long-standing digestive discomfort, low energy or stiffness who've already seen their own doctor
- Anyone able to rest properly for at least 14 days, without work
Talk to your doctor first, or wait
- Pregnancy, or trying to conceive during the stay
- Recent surgery, or an operation planned soon
- Serious heart, kidney or liver disease, or cancer under active treatment, unless your own doctor agrees
- Diabetes, blood pressure or other conditions that aren't under control
- Anyone who can only manage a week: a shortened Panchakarma isn't the classical programme
Where, and how much
Centres that offer it.
| Centre | Where | Feel | Package | Per guest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort | Kerala | Calm resort | 14 days | $3,450 |
| Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort | Kerala | Luxury retreat | 14 days | $5,320 |
| Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort | Kerala | Calm resort | 28 days | $6,800 |
| Soukya Holistic Health Centre | Karnataka | Integrative centre | 21 days | $8,700 |
| Six Senses Vana | Himalayas | Integrative centre | 14 days | $9,100 |
| Kalari Kovilakom | Kerala | Traditional and strict | 21 days | $9,950 |
| Ananda in the Himalayas | Himalayas | Luxury retreat | 14 days | $11,200 |
| Kalari Kovilakom | Kerala | Traditional and strict | 28 days | $13,200 |
Indicative prices per guest from published rates: room, doctor, treatments, herbal medicines and meals. Flights and visa are extra. We confirm the price in writing before you book.
Questions
Is Panchakarma unpleasant?
Parts of it can be: the oil you drink tastes strong, and the purge day is tiring. Most of the stay is massage, steam, rest and simple food. The doctor adjusts things if you're struggling.
Why does it take at least 14 days?
The three stages need time: about a week of preparation, the main treatments, and several days of bringing food back gradually. Shorter stays usually leave out stages.
Can I work during Panchakarma?
We'd advise against it. Centres ask you to rest, keep screens to a minimum and avoid stress, especially during the main treatments.
Will I lose weight?
Some people do, because the food is light and simple, but it isn't a weight-loss programme and nobody should promise a result.
Which visa do I need?
For treatment at an Ayurveda centre, India's official e-Visa site lists an e-Medical visa for Ayush (traditional Indian medicine) purposes, which needs a letter from the centre. Eligibility depends on your passport, the same as for other e-Visas. We check which visa fits your stay and get the centre's letter for you.
Is it safe if I have a health condition?
Tell your own doctor before you book, and tell the centre's doctor everything you take. Keep taking prescribed medicines unless your own doctor says otherwise. Some stays aren't suitable in pregnancy, after recent surgery or with serious heart, kidney or liver disease.
Can Ayurveda cure my condition?
We don't make that claim, and you should be wary of anyone who does. Many people find a stay restful and helpful. Evidence for many treatments is limited, and Ayurveda isn't a replacement for medical care.
Thinking about panchakarma?
Tell us when you could travel and what you'd like from the stay. We'll suggest centres and send written prices.
Other programmes
General information, not medical advice. A separate service from our medical travel. Each centre's doctors are responsible for your programme.