Rooted Intuition: a herbalism and vegan cooking journey

Location icon
RisingSoul Retreat, Belitsa 5363, Gabrovo, Bulgaria
Users icon
Up to 14 in group
Date
May 4 - 10, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • Reconnect to the earth and your roots
  • Explore your authentic creativity
  • Learn about medicinal weeds
  • How to form a relationship with plants
  • Get to know how plants communicate to you individually
  • Learn responsible foraging
  • Medicine making from weeds that grow near you
  • Hands-on vegan cooking from raw vegan to nourishing and more substantial comfort foods but still healthy
  • Get to know our personal palate and taste preferences a bit deeper
  • Learn how to make delicious meals from foraged weeds
  • Daily meditation, forest bathing and ecstatic dance

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Welcome friends, I’m a clinical herbalist and plant-based chef. My work bridges ancient herbal wisdom with unique cooking techniques – guiding others to reconnect with nature, nourish the body and awaken the inner artist.

As a passionate vegan chef, I create vibrant, healing meals that show how food can be medicine for both the body and soul. My approach to teaching is rooted in intuition, simplicity and respect for the earth.

Whether you’re seeking to connect with the spirit of plants, deepen your knowledge of herbal medicine, elevate your plant-based cooking or reclaim skills for food resilience and sovereignty - this retreat is like no other and offers empowerment by learning skills that allow people to take health, wellbeing and food back in your own hands. It is designed to help you ground more deeply into your own intuitive knowing and wisdom.

Wild plants are hardy, resilient, strong. No matter how weather conditions change, their presence can be counted upon as they do not depend on particular weather in order to thrive. This is the meaning of being Wild, not depending on anything to thrive. What amazing guides! We all have hardiness, strength and resilience within us and weeds are great teachers when we have forgotten and need some support to dust off old patterns that keep us stuck.

Medicinal weeds are loaded with vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. They stimulate or restore organs or pathways when there is a disfunction, but they never do the work for the body which would lead to atrophy. So they empower the body to get itself back into balance. They also have a lot to teach us about how to live our lives which is why they feature heavily in myth and folkore.

During our time together you will:

- discover your unique way of communicating with wild plants
- learn to decipher the hidden meaning and messages plants convey
- learn practical herbal medicine making
- learn the best way to cook and prepare different vegetables and fruit
- learn various cooking techniques
- explore what makes up a delicous meal and troubleshooting why meals don’t work
- get to know your personal taste and palate preferences
- explore the spiritual and energetic side of plants

Schedule

4th May
15:00 – Arrival, Welcome Smoothie & Check-in at Chai House
18:00 – Gather for dinner
19:00 – Opening Ceremony

5th May
08:00 – Forest bathing
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Cultivating a relationship with wild plants
10:00 – How wild plants communicate with us, Foraging walk
11:00 – Herbal actions and energetics
12:00 – Healing with teas, infusions and decoctions
13:00 – River swim, time alone in nature
15:00 – How to build a salad, salad dressings, How to cook without oil
16:00 – Vegan staples: milk, cream, butter, cheese, mayo, tofu, hummus, aquafaba
17:00 – How to cook grains, beans, vegetables drawing from different cultures
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Ecstatic Dance

6th May
08:00 – Chakra Clearing Meditation
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Ways to dry weeds
10:00 – Tincture making
11:00 – How to research the safety of weeds and find contraindications and dosage
12:00 – Using foraged weeds in the kitchen: pesto, jams, flours, chutneys, coffee substitute, superfood powders, finishing salts, infused butter …
13:00- River swim, time in nature
15:00 – Explore sweet and savoury gluten-free baking, sourdough bread and pizza
17:00 – Dough-making for pies, tarts, galettes and crackers prepare dinner together
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Ecstatic Dance

7th May
08:00 – Forest Bathing
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Be Water, My Friend: The soft power of flower essences
11:00 – The power of Oxymels
12:00 – Exploring fasting, intermittent fasting
13:00 – River swim, time in nature
15:00 – How to make fermented and probiotic foods and drinks: sauerkraut, cheeses, kimchi, yoghurt, vinegar, rejuvelac, kvass, mustard, salsa, ketchup, hot sauce, juice…
17:00 – Make delicious soups
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Ecstatic Dance

8th May
08:00 – Kriya Yoga Meditation
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Making infused oils, salves, poultices
10:30 – How to make herbal blends
11:30 – Dessert dreams: how to make raw vegan delights
13:00 – River swim, time in nature
15:00 – All about Smoothies and Juices
16:00 – How to prepare raw vegan meals, sprouting, prepare dinner together
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Osho Meditation

9th May
08:00 – Kriya Yoga Meditation
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Working with the spirit of plants
11:00 – Space for special requests regarding herbalism or vegan cooking not yet covered. Time to do research and prepare to cook your version of a meal that appears in a movie/book
12:00 – Foraging hike on the mountains
15:00 – Start cooking dinner
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Bonfire and letting go ceremony

10th May
08:00 – Plant Spirit Meditation
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Giving thanks to Weeds and Closing Ceremony
11:00 – Depart
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon RisingSoul YogaBarn, RisingSoul Retreat, Belitsa 5363, Gabrovo, Bulgaria

Directions

Travel info

Top Tip! For guests who book through the website we also offer a 5% thank you discount for supporting us by booking directly with us. Head to our pricing page to select your bed preference and read our booking procedure.
It is also possible to get a bus to Gabrovo or Veliko Tarnovo and then a taxi or connecting bus to Tryavna.
The cheapest airlines with regular flights are Wizzair, RyanAir and EasyJet. You can fly to Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv or Sofia. Without a car, Burgas or Plovdiv which is a great stopover option with a scenic mountain train ride to Tryavna. The trains are slow and scenic but very affordable if you are not in a rush this is a great option. Please note on the BDZ train booking system Tryavna is spelt Tryavna you can get tickets at the station or even on the trains.
A rental car is cheap & easy, we recommend TopCarRental or their economy partner, but you can make it as far as Tryavna or Voneshta Voda by bus or train.
Coaches to Tryavna run from Sofia, Gabrovo, Varna, Stara Zagora and Burgas many go via Veliko Tarnovo. There is a bus from Belitsa to Veliko Tarnovo and Tryavna-Gabrovo. Taxis are cheap and we can arrange an airport transfer if needed and are around 120 euro each way.
We highly recommend flying to Plovdiv and staying with the Old Plovdiv Hostel (please mention us) for a night to discover the sites and vibe of Plovdiv with its ancient sites, old town and university vibe. Awarding a European Culture award it’s a perfect stop over. To get to us, you can rent a car or take the scenic mountain train to Tryavna via Stara Zagora.
You can also break up the journey with an overnight stop in the nearby village of Veliko Tarnovo. We recommend the Rooster Hostel or Sofia where there are many options.
A rental car is cheap & easy, we recommend TopCarRental, but you can make it as far as Tryavna by bus or train. There is a bus from the village to Veliko Tarnovo and Tryavna-Gabrovo. Taxis are cheap and we can arrange an airport transfer if needed.
However, the train or bus is considerably cheaper. Please get in touch for help with travel arrangements and further help if you wish to arrive from other destinations such as Greece, Istanbul & Bucharest which also have ok bus and train routes.
We provide free transfers from Tryavna and Voneshta Voda Once a Day Tuesday – Thursday.
If you are arriving outside of these times, there are taxi’s (15lv, equivalent to around 7 euro) outside Tryavna train or bus stations but we can arrange a taxi for you, if you prefer.
PLEASE NOTE we are not Belitsa near Bansko regardless of what Google tries to tell you. Use RisingSoul Retreat on google maps or the full address Belitsa 5363, Tryavna, Gabrovo and it will bring you straight to use.


What To Pack
Shoes to hike in
Swimsuit
Warm scarf, poncho, comfy cardigan for chili evenings
Wooly hat and gloves if your visiting in Spring or Autumn evenings & mornings can be chilly
Head torch if you like to camp or walk in the evenings
Water bottle with a lid
Insect repellant
Journal
Any meds or special foods you need
Cash in Bulgarian Lvs
Travelling & COVID
Jan 2023 Bulgaria is not currently under any restrictions you are not required to present any COVID related documents. but please be aware that due to the war in Ukraine it is currently an immigration requirement for longer stay guests (over 6 days) to register within 3 days of arrival at the passport office in Tryavna. we will facilitate this for you.
At RisingSoul we are pro freedom of choice, self responsibility and respect that everyone has their own personal circumstances and beliefs regarding our current world situation. We make no judgment whether you vaccinate or not and everyone is welcome. We do kindly ask that you act in the best interests of others and if you have a sickness of any type you delay your arrival until you are happy that you are well enough to be around others.
Of course we can all get sick so you might want to know that private health care is good and not expensive in Bulgaria. Please check your own insurance and rights as a non national in Bulgaria . We have a hospital in Tryavna and good dentists.
Latest COVID Travel Advice
Reopen Europe and the Bulgarian embassy tend to be the best places for recent info.
Please note Bulgaria is not in the Schengen Zone and in most people's cases non EU visitors can stay three months, this now includes the UK.

Travel info

Top Tip! For guests who book through the website we also offer a 5% thank you discount for supporting us by booking directly with us. Head to our pricing page to select your bed preference and read our booking procedure.
It is also possible to get a bus to Gabrovo or Veliko Tarnovo and then a taxi or connecting bus to Tryavna.
The cheapest airlines with regular flights are Wizzair, RyanAir and EasyJet. You can fly to Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv or Sofia. Without a car, Burgas or Plovdiv which is a great stopover option with a scenic mountain train ride to Tryavna. The trains are slow and scenic but very affordable if you are not in a rush this is a great option. Please note on the BDZ train booking system Tryavna is spelt Tryavna you can get tickets at the station or even on the trains.
A rental car is cheap & easy, we recommend TopCarRental or their economy partner, but you can make it as far as Tryavna or Voneshta Voda by bus or train.
Coaches to Tryavna run from Sofia, Gabrovo, Varna, Stara Zagora and Burgas many go via Veliko Tarnovo. There is a bus from Belitsa to Veliko Tarnovo and Tryavna-Gabrovo. Taxis are cheap and we can arrange an airport transfer if needed and are around 120 euro each way.
We highly recommend flying to Plovdiv and staying with the Old Plovdiv Hostel (please mention us) for a night to discover the sites and vibe of Plovdiv with its ancient sites, old town and university vibe. Awarding a European Culture award it’s a perfect stop over. To get to us, you can rent a car or take the scenic mountain train to Tryavna via Stara Zagora.
You can also break up the journey with an overnight stop in the nearby village of Veliko Tarnovo. We recommend the Rooster Hostel or Sofia where there are many options.
A rental car is cheap & easy, we recommend TopCarRental, but you can make it as far as Tryavna by bus or train. There is a bus from the village to Veliko Tarnovo and Tryavna-Gabrovo. Taxis are cheap and we can arrange an airport transfer if needed.
However, the train or bus is considerably cheaper. Please get in touch for help with travel arrangements and further help if you wish to arrive from other destinations such as Greece, Istanbul & Bucharest which also have ok bus and train routes.
We provide free transfers from Tryavna and Voneshta Voda Once a Day Tuesday – Thursday.
If you are arriving outside of these times, there are taxi’s (15lv, equivalent to around 7 euro) outside Tryavna train or bus stations but we can arrange a taxi for you, if you prefer.
PLEASE NOTE we are not Belitsa near Bansko regardless of what Google tries to tell you. Use RisingSoul Retreat on google maps or the full address Belitsa 5363, Tryavna, Gabrovo and it will bring you straight to use.


What To Pack
Shoes to hike in
Swimsuit
Warm scarf, poncho, comfy cardigan for chili evenings
Wooly hat and gloves if your visiting in Spring or Autumn evenings & mornings can be chilly
Head torch if you like to camp or walk in the evenings
Water bottle with a lid
Insect repellant
Journal
Any meds or special foods you need
Cash in Bulgarian Lvs
Travelling & COVID
Jan 2023 Bulgaria is not currently under any restrictions you are not required to present any COVID related documents. but please be aware that due to the war in Ukraine it is currently an immigration requirement for longer stay guests (over 6 days) to register within 3 days of arrival at the passport office in Tryavna. we will facilitate this for you.
At RisingSoul we are pro freedom of choice, self responsibility and respect that everyone has their own personal circumstances and beliefs regarding our current world situation. We make no judgment whether you vaccinate or not and everyone is welcome. We do kindly ask that you act in the best interests of others and if you have a sickness of any type you delay your arrival until you are happy that you are well enough to be around others.
Of course we can all get sick so you might want to know that private health care is good and not expensive in Bulgaria. Please check your own insurance and rights as a non national in Bulgaria . We have a hospital in Tryavna and good dentists.
Latest COVID Travel Advice
Reopen Europe and the Bulgarian embassy tend to be the best places for recent info.
Please note Bulgaria is not in the Schengen Zone and in most people's cases non EU visitors can stay three months, this now includes the UK.

Please see Find us page on www.risingsoulretreat.com

Accommodation

Various Room & Glamping Options. Full discriptions on www.risingsoulretreat.com

Accommodation
GrassHopper Dorm (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
FireFly Twin (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Single Occupancy (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Double Occupancy (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
KingFisher Ensuite Single Occupancy (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
KingFisher Ensuite Double Occupancy (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
ChurchView Yurt 2 Beds Shared (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
Waterfall Yurt One Bed (7 Day Price)
Accommodation
DIY Camping - Bring Your Own Tent (7 Day Price)

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Immersed in the beauty of the bohemian Balkan mountains of Bulgaria, our community embraces the simplicity and culture of village life. We recognise and embrace the benefits community connection and a reduction in white noise and media exposure.

We are a collaboration of international Karma Yoga Volunteers, providing non profit retreats for all that are called to this magical healing place. We invite you join a Safe & Sacred Space, to Reconnect With Your Authentic Self & Mother Earth.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

Natural Home Cooked Plant Based Food Ethical and eco-conscious practices are important to us at the RisingSoul Community! Local Healthy Delicious!

What's Included

  • Accomodation
  • Herbalism Classes
  • Vegan Cooking Classes
  • Meditations
  • Forest Bathing
  • Ecstatic Dances
  • Camp Fire
  • Foraging Walks

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Transfers

Customer Reviews

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