Earth & Spirit Community Retreat
5363 Belitsa, Bulgaria
Up to 14 in group
May 1 - September 7, 2024
Retreat Highlights
- RisingSoul provides a unique Yoga Community Retreat experience.
- We invite you to join our spiritually & eco-conscious community to benefit from our collective offerings of spiritual, ceremonial, shamanic, meditation, self-care, therapeutic and yogic practices.
- This diverse retreat is ideal for those who wish to experiment with yoga asana styles, and meditation practices during their stay.
- The retreat has a relaxed atmosphere with structure around daily practice and meals to keep things running smoothly
- There are many opportunities for personal space and reflection time within the retreat, community areas, and forest to allow you to process and spend time with yourself when needed.
- Life here is deliberately basic and rustic.
- Guests receive support and encouragement from the combined personal journeys of our international resident coaches and volunteers, who share their diverse range of practices.
- We also love to learn new things, and we ask that you come as you are, to be yourself, and bring and share your talents and skills with us!
- As a guest, you will be invited to become part of the RisingSoul Community, get involved, and take part in all aspects of community living.
- Benefit from unrestricted access to the yoga barn and meditation room for self-practice, (when not in use for scheduled classes)
- Multiple libraries, and various spaces indoors and out in nature to chill out, relax, self-reflect, and journal to support your healing journey.
- Hidden silent waterfall right next to a meditation platform, a short walk away, inside the forest for moments of silence and reflection…
- At RisingSoul we believe that healing spaces should be available to everyone who is drawn and in need, and so we operate as a nonprofit collaboration, with our entire team devoting their time to Karma Yoga (the practice of selfless giving) without financial gain.
- This act of service enables us to charge affordable prices so as many guests as possible can receive and heal here regardless of financial status. By joining us you are supporting our work and helping the project to grow and reach more and more people.
- This includes taking part in karma yoga for 30 minutes, twice a day, which could include helping with cleaning and tidying up after meal times, taking care of the community garden that helps sustain us, walking the resident RisingSoul dogs, or feeding our resident cat, Princess Amira.
- Please bring Bulgarian Les or Euro in cash, if you want to receive treatments. You can also support us, by joining extra workshops, activities, or classes and by eating lunch in our village Chai House. All are sources of income for our volunteers and community.
- We look forward to welcoming you as part of the RisingSoul Community. By joining us you are supporting our work and helping the project to grow and reach more and more people.
About this Retreat
Enjoy classes and self-practice with the founder of the RisingSoul & Retreat Space Rowena and the other community resident yoga coaches.
Rowena is passionate about a yogic plantbased life style and dedicates her practice to guidig Kundalini Kriyas and Flow classes. She also has an Ayurvedic massage qualification and has 10 years of experience working with young people and adults who have suffered trauma and or addictions and harm within the home or family.
Individual Sessions can be arranged to support you with healing and self awareness.
Rowena’s Yoga Journey…
My first experiences of Yoga were through my mother who went to classes when we were children.
Aged 17 I was hit with the tragic loss of my father it was a very confusing and difficult time for me.
Aged 20 I traveled to Nepal to trek up the Himalayas for charity where I was exposed to the deeply spiritual nature of the Buddhist mountain people our Sherpa guides who taught us their self-practice of Thai Chi and through the experience presence and self awareness a sense that everything is just as it should be.
It was a life-changing experience and this allowed me to accept my father’s death in a way I had been unable to before.
It ignited a curiosity to find out more about the religious and spiritual practices of the East and their implications which I later studied.
Having suffered a serious horse riding accident 10 years later I found myself becoming a yoga student for entirely different reasons.
Following surgeries and courses of Western steroid injections to enable me to continue my career as a professional Equestrian Rider I was now practicing daily and using Yoga as a pain management system.
In 2017 I retired from competitive riding and began to consider what came next this led me to India where I was accepted on a scholarship to complete my Yoga Teacher Training and qualify to practice in Ayurvedic Massage.
I realized the depth of the teachings of Yoga and began to understand that this was not something that was practiced once a week in the village hall it is a way of life and a belief system with the potential to lead you to self-awareness and spiritual salvation
In 2019 I traveled to China for a work project during this time events in my personal life led me to reassess everything I knew and believed.
I began down a path of self-discovery and spiritual awareness building self-practices and listening to teachings that would enable me to begin to break down and dissolve ego and mind and my identification with pain in the body.
Having left China I travelled solo around Thailand and Cambodia and became acquainted with the teachings of Eckhart Tolle his work has inspired me and resonated with me in a way that has influenced me in all dimensions of my life.
During my time in Cambodia, I befriended a girl who initiated my journey across Cambodia to the town of Kep where I enrolled on a Yoga retreat which inspired me to create this project and to develop my teacher training in Kundalini Yoga
I have the greatest gratitude to all who have been part of my journey to date and I look forward to sharing my experiences and understanding of spiritual awareness with all that seek it at the RisingSoul Retreat.
This season you will be able to join up to try a variety of Yoga, Ariel, Poi and other theatrical based classes.
Akie teaches Yoga Pranayama Meditation and is a violin player.
"Hi, I'm Akie! I've been practicing yoga for more than 17 years (Time flies!!) and enjoying this lifelong spiritual journey.
I feel very blissful to share what I've been learning and experiencing about yoga and yogic life. Yoga is literally how you live with such amazing ancient wisdom.
In addition to traditional meditation, I love to facilitate a music meditation session with my violin.
Probably it's not what you just imagined by the words. It's gonna be a unique and interesting experience!
Let's respect traditional ways, and also keep our doors open to something new. They will all be for your spiritual journey.
You might see your true you today or maybe not. Don't expect, let's simply enjoy the fruitful moment, and see what's coming!"
Details of this retreat
Full Description
Earth & Spirit Community Yoga Retreat has been co created as a non-profit Initiative enabled by Karma yoga. The RisingSoul is an eco & spiritually conscious community, bringing vibrancy back to a forgotten village. Our intention is to provide a safe, sustainable magical healing space, accessible to all those who are drawn here, regardless of race, faith or financial status.
Immersed in the beauty of the Balkan mountains, our community embraces the simplicity and culture of village life, and recognises the benefits of a reduction in white noise and constant media exposure.
We invite you to experience how little we truly need and the lightness that this brings when we reconnect with each other & the elements, as we let go of expectation and attachment to the material world.
We are especially conscious of providing a safe space, where solo travellers can feel at home, safe, respected, and comfortable. Therefore we do not accept instant bookings please contact us with your room and dates
We embody an encouraging yet flexible approach to our schedule where everyone is free to join classes, as they wish with the exception of karma yoga and our weekly sharing circle, which are essential practices creating connection, support, and unity among us.
Our venue is built from earthy organic material, bringing our guests a fusion of natural practice spaces, outdoor summer kitchen, stone courtyard with open-air chill-out zone, offering great views of the sunrise, ancient nearby church and mountain valleys.
Accommodation is provided in our historic, homely Bulgarian farm house and old stable room with en-suite, situated across the courtyard, next to the main house. There is also a forest glamping area, for those who want to connect more deeply to nature.
At RisingSoul, we are a Plant-based, substance-free community and abstain from meat, fish, and alcohol to enable detoxification and healing at a deeper level. To support our meditation practices, coffee is only available at the village Chai House between 12 pm and 4 pm.
We encourage awareness of personal struggles and recognise the importance of each individual healing journey. If you are struggling with any level of dependency please reach out to us info@risingsoulretreat.com, before booking, so we can talk, without judgement, about how we may best support you.
At RisingSoul we believe that healing spaces should be available to everyone who is drawn and in need, and so we operate as a nonprofit collaboration, with our entire team devoting their time to Karma Yoga (the practice of selfless giving) without financial gain.
This act of service enables us to charge affordable prices so as many guests as possible can receive and heal here regardless of financial status. By joining us you are supporting our work and helping the project to grow and reach more and more people.
This includes taking part in karma yoga for 30 minutes, twice a day, which could include helping with cleaning and tidying up after meal times, taking care of the community garden that helps sustain us, walking the resident RisingSoul dogs, or feeding our resident cat, Princess Amira.
Please bring Bulgarian Les or Euro in cash, if you want to receive treatments. You can also support us, by joining extra workshops, activities, or classes and by eating lunch in our village Chai House. All are sources of income for our volunteers and community. By joining us you are supporting our work and helping the project to grow and reach more and more people.
If you're still reading then we welcome you to join our community, disconnect from the material world and regain connection to Earth and Spirit…Just get in touch with dates and room preference to help us reduce admin 🙂
Earth & Spirit Community Yoga Retreat has been co created as a non-profit Initiative enabled by Karma yoga. The RisingSoul is an eco & spiritually conscious community, bringing vibrancy back to a forgotten village. Our intention is to provide a safe, sustainable magical healing space, accessible to all those who are drawn here, regardless of race, faith or financial status.
Immersed in the beauty of the Balkan mountains, our community embraces the simplicity and culture of village life, and recognises the benefits of a reduction in white noise and constant media exposure.
We invite you to experience how little we truly need and the lightness that this brings when we reconnect with each other & the elements, as we let go of expectation and attachment to the material world.
We are especially conscious of providing a safe space, where solo travellers can feel at home, safe, respected, and comfortable. Therefore we do not accept instant bookings please contact us with your room and dates
We embody an encouraging yet flexible approach to our schedule where everyone is free to join classes, as they wish with the exception of karma yoga and our weekly sharing circle, which are essential practices creating connection, support, and unity among us.
Our venue is built from earthy organic material, bringing our guests a fusion of natural practice spaces, outdoor summer kitchen, stone courtyard with open-air chill-out zone, offering great views of the sunrise, ancient nearby church and mountain valleys.
Accommodation is provided in our historic, homely Bulgarian farm house and old stable room with en-suite, situated across the courtyard, next to the main house. There is also a forest glamping area, for those who want to connect more deeply to nature.
At RisingSoul, we are a Plant-based, substance-free community and abstain from meat, fish, and alcohol to enable detoxification and healing at a deeper level. To support our meditation practices, coffee is only available at the village Chai House between 12 pm and 4 pm.
We encourage awareness of personal struggles and recognise the importance of each individual healing journey. If you are struggling with any level of dependency please reach out to us info@risingsoulretreat.com, before booking, so we can talk, without judgement, about how we may best support you.
At RisingSoul we believe that healing spaces should be available to everyone who is drawn and in need, and so we operate as a nonprofit collaboration, with our entire team devoting their time to Karma Yoga (the practice of selfless giving) without financial gain.
This act of service enables us to charge affordable prices so as many guests as possible can receive and heal here regardless of financial status. By joining us you are supporting our work and helping the project to grow and reach more and more people.
This includes taking part in karma yoga for 30 minutes, twice a day, which could include helping with cleaning and tidying up after meal times, taking care of the community garden that helps sustain us, walking the resident RisingSoul dogs, or feeding our resident cat, Princess Amira.
Please bring Bulgarian Les or Euro in cash, if you want to receive treatments. You can also support us, by joining extra workshops, activities, or classes and by eating lunch in our village Chai House. All are sources of income for our volunteers and community. By joining us you are supporting our work and helping the project to grow and reach more and more people.
If you're still reading then we welcome you to join our community, disconnect from the material world and regain connection to Earth and Spirit…Just get in touch with dates and room preference to help us reduce admin 🙂
Schedule
Earth & Spirit Schedule & Yoga Info (Please Read Fully)
Our international resident coaches teach yoga through a variety of styles. Including Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Hatha, Flow, Restorative, Yin & Yang, and Moving Meditation. Along with daily self practice morning meditation, evening group meditation or activity, a weekly local hike and two plant-based community meals a day.
Guests can join our ashram-style non profit Earth & Spirit Community Yoga Retreat which is collectively run by our residents & karma yogis and our Wild Forest Awakening deep healing and rewilding retreat which runs twice a year on specific dates. (please see separate listing).
There is a relaxed atmosphere with structure around daily practice and meals to keep things running smoothly.
We embody an encouraging yet flexible approach to our schedule where everyone is free to join as they wish, with the exception of karma yoga (the practice of selfless giving 1h a day) and our weekly sharing circle which are essential practices creating connection, support and unity amongst us.
However, we are always ready to respond to our guests’ needs and modify our practices in accordance. There are many opportunities for personal space and reflection times within the retreat and community areas and forest to allow you to process and spend time with yourself when needed.
Private sessions, ayurvedic massage, detox and cleansing classes, reiki healing, tarot card readings, and guest coach workshops may be available and can be booked and paid for as extras.
Example of our Monday & Saturday Spring Schedule below.
MONDAY - FRIDAY:
07.00: Morning gong & noble silence
07.15: Fruit, honey & herbal tea
07.30: Silent/Candle meditation (self-practice)
08.10: Kundalini or hatha flow yoga
09.30: Community brunch
10.30: Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless giving, please see extra info)
11.00: Relax - Treatments and private sessions available
12.00: Optional yoga class or workshop (not included minimum contribution of 10 Euros)
12.00: Chai House opens for snacks and drinks lunch 13.00 - 14.00 workshops are available (not included)
14.30: Private Sessions treatments available
16.30: Vinyasa/yin/yang or restorative yoga
18.00: Community dinner
19.00: Karma yoga
19.15: Relax
20.30: Heart sharing/ garden club/Osho meditation/ games Night
SATURDAY
07.00: Morning gong & noble silence
07.15: Fruit, honey & herbal tea
07.40: Silent/candle meditation (self practice)
08.10: Kundalini or hatha/flow yoga
09.30: Community brunch
10.30: Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless giving, please see extra info)
11.00: Relax
12.00: Extra yoga class (Not included minimum contribution of 10 Euros)
12.00: Chai House opens for snacks and drinks lunch 13.00 - 14.00 workshops are available (not included
14.30: Private sessions treatments available
16.30: Included Hike or local excursion (Poke Bowl Picnic Included)
16.15: Mountain view meditation & breathwork
17.45: Sunset picnic
19.00: Karma yoga
20.30: Social music & fire
SUNDAY
Sunday is a free day the yoga schedule does not run but often guests or volunteers run a morning class or workshop.
Only breakfast is included so guests can have the day to explore and eat out.
Day trips and activities can be arranged.
PLEASE NOTE:
The schedule is subject to weather-induced time changes and thus will not alter the number of sessions included.
We are a nonprofit community and Karma Yoga is the yoga of selfless giving is an act of service, not a class.
It is where we all pull together after meals for 30 minutes or at a to support the community's needs. It enables us to create a feeling of unity and helps us to offer our retreats at affordable prices.
Karma Yoga Tasks Examples:
Tasks for cleaning up after meals
Walking dogs
Sweeping and tidying the Yoga Barn
Collecting flowers
Harvesting fruit and veg
Collecting herbs
Artistic contributions
Editing or tech help with website and platforms
Watering flowers
Helping the chef or creating a themed meal if you're inspired
Our international resident coaches teach yoga through a variety of styles. Including Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Hatha, Flow, Restorative, Yin & Yang, and Moving Meditation. Along with daily self practice morning meditation, evening group meditation or activity, a weekly local hike and two plant-based community meals a day.
Guests can join our ashram-style non profit Earth & Spirit Community Yoga Retreat which is collectively run by our residents & karma yogis and our Wild Forest Awakening deep healing and rewilding retreat which runs twice a year on specific dates. (please see separate listing).
There is a relaxed atmosphere with structure around daily practice and meals to keep things running smoothly.
We embody an encouraging yet flexible approach to our schedule where everyone is free to join as they wish, with the exception of karma yoga (the practice of selfless giving 1h a day) and our weekly sharing circle which are essential practices creating connection, support and unity amongst us.
However, we are always ready to respond to our guests’ needs and modify our practices in accordance. There are many opportunities for personal space and reflection times within the retreat and community areas and forest to allow you to process and spend time with yourself when needed.
Private sessions, ayurvedic massage, detox and cleansing classes, reiki healing, tarot card readings, and guest coach workshops may be available and can be booked and paid for as extras.
Example of our Monday & Saturday Spring Schedule below.
MONDAY - FRIDAY:
07.00: Morning gong & noble silence
07.15: Fruit, honey & herbal tea
07.30: Silent/Candle meditation (self-practice)
08.10: Kundalini or hatha flow yoga
09.30: Community brunch
10.30: Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless giving, please see extra info)
11.00: Relax - Treatments and private sessions available
12.00: Optional yoga class or workshop (not included minimum contribution of 10 Euros)
12.00: Chai House opens for snacks and drinks lunch 13.00 - 14.00 workshops are available (not included)
14.30: Private Sessions treatments available
16.30: Vinyasa/yin/yang or restorative yoga
18.00: Community dinner
19.00: Karma yoga
19.15: Relax
20.30: Heart sharing/ garden club/Osho meditation/ games Night
SATURDAY
07.00: Morning gong & noble silence
07.15: Fruit, honey & herbal tea
07.40: Silent/candle meditation (self practice)
08.10: Kundalini or hatha/flow yoga
09.30: Community brunch
10.30: Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless giving, please see extra info)
11.00: Relax
12.00: Extra yoga class (Not included minimum contribution of 10 Euros)
12.00: Chai House opens for snacks and drinks lunch 13.00 - 14.00 workshops are available (not included
14.30: Private sessions treatments available
16.30: Included Hike or local excursion (Poke Bowl Picnic Included)
16.15: Mountain view meditation & breathwork
17.45: Sunset picnic
19.00: Karma yoga
20.30: Social music & fire
SUNDAY
Sunday is a free day the yoga schedule does not run but often guests or volunteers run a morning class or workshop.
Only breakfast is included so guests can have the day to explore and eat out.
Day trips and activities can be arranged.
PLEASE NOTE:
The schedule is subject to weather-induced time changes and thus will not alter the number of sessions included.
We are a nonprofit community and Karma Yoga is the yoga of selfless giving is an act of service, not a class.
It is where we all pull together after meals for 30 minutes or at a to support the community's needs. It enables us to create a feeling of unity and helps us to offer our retreats at affordable prices.
Karma Yoga Tasks Examples:
Tasks for cleaning up after meals
Walking dogs
Sweeping and tidying the Yoga Barn
Collecting flowers
Harvesting fruit and veg
Collecting herbs
Artistic contributions
Editing or tech help with website and platforms
Watering flowers
Helping the chef or creating a themed meal if you're inspired
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
RisingSoul YogaBarn, 5363 Belitsa, 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
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 Booking Hub www.risingsoulretreat.com
GrassHopper Dorm (7 Day Price)
FireFly Twin (7 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Single Occupancy (7 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Double Occupancy (7 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Single Occupancy (7 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Double Occupancy (7 Day Price)
GrassHopper Dorm (10 Day Price)
FireFly Twin (10 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Single Occupancy (10 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Double Occupancy (10 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Single Occupancy (10 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Double Occupancy (10 Day Price)
GrassHopper Dorm (14 Day Price)
FireFly Twin (14 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Single Occupancy (14 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Double Occupancy (14 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Single Occupancy (14 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Double Occupancy (14 Day Price)
GrassHopper Dorm (21 Day Price)
FireFly Twin (21 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Single Occupancy (21 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Double Occupancy (21 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Single Occupancy (21 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Double Occupancy (21 Day Price)
GrassHopper Dorm (30 Day Price)
FireFly Twin (30 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Single Occupancy (30 Day Price)
Old Stable & Eco Bathroom Double Occupancy (30 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Single Occupancy (30 Day Price)
KingFisher Ensuite Double Occupancy (30 Day Price)
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
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.
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 Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
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
- Yoga Classes
- Kundalini Kriya Classes
- Meditation
- Camp Fire
- Mountain Picnic Hike
- Coolection from Tryavna Tue-Thur
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Transfers
- Outside Meals
- Dinner on Sundays