In June 2023 I decided to spend a month in Bulgaria as a digital nomad at BalkanNomads.

Balkan Nomads is the sister business to RisingSoul Retreat. Rising Soul is a space created by Rowena for people to come and live in a community. They offer affordable yoga retreats in Bulgaria. When she realised there was a need for digital nomads and remote workers to have a space to come and settle for some time, stay connected to a community, and practice yoga all while working, she decided to create BalkanNomads.

I found out about this space via a comment in a Facebook Group! And wow I’m so glad I followed my intuitive guidance to come here (even though I was looking for a beach destination, not the mountains!).

In this post, I’ll share all about my experience during my month-long stay. To sum it up, this place really fills a gap that many remote workers, spiritual seekers and conscious beings seek: Community, nature, connection, practice and lots of wifi!

*This post isn’t sponsored – I paid in full myself for my stay so am sharing my genuine feedback.

What is Balkan Nomads?

BalkanNomads is a co-living & co-working community initiative. It’s set up in the tiny village of Belitsa in the province of Gabrovo in Bulgaria. Belitsa is a small Bulgarian Mountain Village (with a whopping 6 permanent residents!!).

Here you can book monthly stays. These stays include spacious double rooms (with a living area & desk), a private bathroom, small kitchen facilities, a co-working space and wifi. PLUS 2 plant-based meals a day AND 1 yoga and meditation class per day.

The BalkanNomads location itself is inside an old hotel. It has been given a new lease on life by the Rising Soul Team. It is a 3-minute walk down the road from the main Rising Soul community. This means you can tap into the community and the classes while also being able to get away to have your own space and get work done.

The special thing about Balkan Nomads, which I am yet to see anywhere else, is it offers an affordable place to stay that is specifically designed for remote workers but also is part of a conscious community offering a full schedule of classes, workshops, retreats and will even make food for you (that is healthy and vegan). 

Plus it is in a tiny village where nature is all around. Sure, there aren’t any shops nearby! But the nearest village with connections to the rest of Bulgaria is a short drive away. There are always people coming and going from town so getting anything you need or making a weekly escape is easy.

At Balkan Nomads you get to tap in and tap out of this lifestyle as you please.

 I mean, this is pretty special right!?

You can book your stay during the warmer months between May and October.

About RisingSoul 

The RisingSoul Retreat provides the perfect place to “Connect Nomads & Yoga In Nature”. Enabling our amazing residents and guests to find their own mind, body and spiritual connection (while getting shit done for the Digital Nomads).

The venue is built from earthy organic materials and brings the guests are a fusion of rustic practice spaces, mountain valleys and ancient church views. It is in an old farmhouse and all the buildings are original, which is so cool.

Yoga retreat guests stay in rooms or tents in and around the main house, which is a 3-minute walk up the road from the BalkanNomads hotel.

The RisingSoul Retreat is developing as a yoga community which values equability, sustainability and freedom of expression. At RisingSoul, you have the opportunity to tap into multiple yoga and meditation classes throughout the day as well as workshops that may be put on by volunteers and other guests. 

You can also have the opportunity to participate in the schedule if you are a teacher yourself (I taught yin yoga a couple of times and it was so special!!). If helping in the kitchen is something you’d like, you can also help with meals on certain days of the week.

Workshops, retreats & ceremonies

RisingSoul also occasionally hosts cacao ceremonies and one-off workshops and retreats by guest teachers. It is up to you whether you want to take time off your work to participate in these workshops & retreats for an additional (low by the way!) fee per day. 

I took 6 days off to attend an incredible ‘Reconnect to Your Inner-Self’ magical retreat while I was there hosted by teachers Maria & Tom. It was such a gift to be able to fully switch off and participate in the venue as a retreat guest. So glad I took the opportunity and would highly recommend you set some time aside to take off and fully be immersed in the retreat experience, it was a highlight of the month for me! 

We did yoga and meditation twice per day, workshops on magic and manifestation and other awesome workshops and classes like partner yoga, ecstatic dance, laughter yoga (what a joy!), yoga alignment and music and fire nights.

The cost of this was an additional 40EUR per day (because food & accommodation was already paid for). 

There was also a Wim Hoff workshop and a cacao ceremony while I was there. 

The room

Balkan Nomads is made up of four double bedrooms upstairs, with a kitchenette, co-working & seating area on the ground floor.

Each of the rooms is laid out differently! I saw each one and they’re all very spacious. Three of the rooms have a double bed and a living area with a couch and some of the rooms have a desk. There is also one room that is set up as a dorm.

Each room has its own ensuite too.

My room even had a bathtub! 

I loved my room, there was plenty of space to put all my stuff away and even enough floor space for yoga and exercise (a big plus for me!). I loved being able to work from my room as I need to have silence to focus properly on my work. And also just having a space to hang out alone and recharge (I am an introvert!).

My room was warm with a gorgeous view over the mountains and was sun filled every morning.

The decor, fixtures and fittings are a bit dated but I know it will keep improving as Row develops the space more and more (I was one of the first guests to stay here!). It’s also pretty standard and what you would expect from an old, almost deserted village in the middle of nowhere in Bulgaria – considering that, it’s pretty amazing!!

The wifi

The internet infrastructure in Bulgaria is quite good, which may be surprising to you! The government invested in the internet, thank goodness.

This is one of the reasons why Bulgaria is attractive to many digital nomads. It is affordable, beautiful and has good wifi. 

Many digital nomads head to Sofia or Bankso, however the experience at BalkanNomads is more unique and niche considering the nature and the yoga community on tap.

The wifi at BalkanNomads was sufficient for my needs! At times it was faster than others but in general, it was good enough to do all of the things I needed to do, including Zoom calls.

If you require high-speed internet and deal with downloading & uploading massive files, you may find it to be slow.

The only times the Wifi didn’t work was when there were power cuts which happened twice while I was there. To overcome this, get a SIM card with data as 4G coverage is good there and just charge up your devices each night in case.

At times the actual Wifi might stop working (this is due to the internet company doing some maintenance work usually). When this happens you can either rely on a hotspot or Balkan Nomads have a backup modem that runs on mobile data.

The Internet really wasn’t much of an issue here (and was much better than the Internet I had in Bali for reference).

The co-working space

There were numerous options when it came to spaces to work.

First, there is the comfort and privacy of your own room. For more social options, there were plenty of tables and chairs downstairs to sit and co-work with others. 

There is also a room in the Rising Soul house with a desk and a co-working room in the Tea House which is just across the road from the RisingSoul house (and where lunch is served!).

The community 

The biggest emphasis at RisingSoul is a community, not just a community but a conscious community that is co-created by volunteers and guests alike.

This is a place to feel seen, recognised, and included and offers you a sense of belonging (which can be hard as a digital nomad!).

Expect to form strong bonds with the volunteers, Row, the other guests and even Bogdan, who is the owner of the Balkan Nomads house (lovely Bulgarian man who doesn’t speak a word of English but is incredibly hospitable and will offer you coffee and cookies every day!).

When you stay for at least a month as a BalkanNomad, you will have the chance to participate in and connect with the community deeply. You will see how everything works and the waves a place like this goes through with people coming, going and staying. It is truly magical and challenging all at the same time.

A key aspect of Rising Soul & BalkanNomads that helps to foster this sense of community is Karma Yoga. Each day you’re expected to do 30-40 minutes of ‘chores’ such as washing up, walking the dogs (yes there are dogs and cats!!), picking fruit, helping in the garden, going to the market and so on. You may feel resistant to the idea but it is a wonderful way to feel like a useful member of the community.

RisingSoul is a collaborative effort and if you are after a space to connect with the community in this way, close to nature and with sustainability in mind, then you will love this space!

The yoga & classes/schedule

The yoga and meditation schedule was very full of amazing yoga classes such as hatha, yin, restorative and kundalini. There were also exercise classes, yoga nidra, sound meditation and more. There is a yoga barn and also a meditation room for practising in. One sunny mornings there is also a lawn to practice yoga on in the sun!

Every morning there is a chance to meditate/do a kundalini kriya and practice yoga. In the afternoon there are generally two classes and another one in the evening after dinner. So lots to choose from!!

As a BalkanNomad guest, I could attend one yoga class and one other meditation class per day. With so many options I could slot in going to classes when it suited me.

On Saturdays, the morning schedule is the same however in the afternoon there is a hike and mountain yoga instead! Sundays are rest days where everyone can do their own thing.

The classes and timetable will vary depending on what teachers are currently at RisingSoul.

The food

Community meals

There are two main shared meals a day, brunch and dinner. These are both included! They also have a fruit bowl in the main kitchen which you can graze from throughout the day! 

For brunch, you have sweet and savoury options. Typically there will be oats and fruit along with a selection of breads, spreads and salads.

For dinner, there are usually potatoes, lentils, curries, soups, salads, rice and delicious spreads.

Meals change depending on what ingredients are available and the creative inclination of the amazing chef!

The Tea House

There is also an incredible lunch served every day in the Tea House with drinks, coffee and treats. This isn’t included but is very affordable and delicious (and a great excuse to take a lunch break!). 

You can also buy supplies from the Tea House such as plant milk, chocolate, snacks, soap and so on.

All of the food is vegetarian and mostly plant-based. They are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements.

Most of the ingredients are sourced from the local market and everything is made from scratch.

The nature

The best thing about BalkanNomads (for me anyway!) is how close it is to nature and how your lifestyle is integrated with the forest, mountains and rivers nearby.

Just across the road from BalkanNomads is a road that goes all the way up into the mountains which has beautiful meadows and stunning views. This makes for an amazing walk!

Behind Rising Soul there is a walkway into the forest with a river, a waterfall and lots of mushrooms (that are regularly foraged!).

There is a river across the road which is clean and great for swimming to cool off from the sun. Expect to see plenty of dragonflies and fireflies during your stay.

There is no shortage of snails, lizards and even snakes in the area!

The excursions

Every Sunday RisingSoul usually arranges a group outing to nearby towns such as Veliko Tarnovo, Tryavna and Gabrovo. There is the option to go on overnight trips to explore different areas a little more like Plovdiv.

I did a couple of trips to Veliko Tarnovo which is a gorgeous town. A group of us did an overnight trip to Gabrovo with a few others to see visit an amazing Ethno Village (Etar) and to see a creepy monument to communism on a mountain (Buzludzha).

Tryanva was a quick and easy trip which I did a few times to explore and to just take a break from the community with others by going for dinner and drinks!

I also spent a day in Plovdiv before I arrived in RisingSoul which was amazing.

I loved having the freedom to explore with my new friends, stock up on some snacks and treats for myself and also be fully immersed in the BalkanNomads and retreat experience. This was important for a month-long stay (for me anyway!).

The cost

There are three different prices:

• 750 EUR per month for a bed in a dorm room 
• 1000 EUR per month for a private double room single occupancy
• 1500 EUR per month for a private double room double occupancy

All rooms come with an ensuite and living area.

The price includes 2x meals per day and 1 yoga and 1 meditation class.

When you take into account all that is included in the price, it is a pretty amazing deal!! Plus you won’t be spending much money when you’re there (there isn’t much to spend money on) and Bulgaria, in general, is very affordable. So even when you go on your excursions, it won’t cost much!

The downsides

There are a few downsides to BalkanNomads, which are actually upsides really!

1. You may leave your job after staying here!

When you live in a place like this and practice a lot of yoga in nature surrounded by conscious people, it may give you the clarity to question your career decisions. This is actually a great thing!

2. You may find it hard to have the discipline to fit in your work 

When you’re surrounded by others on a retreat who are enjoying their entire days to participate in the community it can be hard to get work done. 

Having set meal times which involve socialising and karma yoga as well takes up more time than you probably usually would expect. This combined with the yoga class schedule, may leave you feeling like you don’t have much time! 

I found it challenging to fit in all my work while also wanting to be a part of the community, it took an adjustment but was definitely worthwhile.

3. Getting used to living according to a schedule and set food may be challenging at first.

If you’re a digital nomad who tends to live alone, do your own things and manage yourself fully then you may find it challenging at first having set meal times with food that may be very different to what you’re used to.

Give yourself a week to adjust to the food and your new schedule! Trust me you will feel so much healthier and lighter eating the food they provide and sticking to a healthy routine!  

How to get there

There are a few ways you get to RisingSoul. Driving is always an option if you have a car.

Otherwise, you need to get yourself to Tryanva from either Plovdiv or Sofia. From Tryavna you will either be picked up or a taxi will be booked to collect you and take you to Belitsa. 

There are many flights from all over Europe to Sofia and some international flights to Plovdiv (especially from London where I came from).

From Sofia

Most likely you will be flying into Sofia. You can get to Tryanva via bus from Sofia (this is definitely the easiest option). There are also trains from Sofia however, unless you’ve been to Bulgaria before you may find the trains really stressful and difficult to navigate (especially with luggage). 

From Plovdiv

I flew into Plovdiv and spent a day exploring there before going to BalkanNomads. So I caught the train from Plovdiv to Tryavna which was really challenging. The train ride itself was fine, it was just getting to the train that was the hard part. I couldn’t understand any of the signs or the ticket and people at the station were very unhelpful. 

Plus it was almost impossible to get my luggage on board by myself (the trains are old and are basically a ladder up onto the carriage) f and there wasn’t anywhere to put it (if you travel light this won’t be so much of an issue).

When I left I caught the bus from Tryavna to Sofia which was a much easier and more enjoyable option.

Saying all that, Plovdiv was such a beautiful place. I’m glad I stopped there for a day and I do recommend this option! Just be prepared for the train and definitely book the direct train to Tryavna (there is one per day).

>>> Find more travel info here.

The best way to book

Book directly through the website or by emailing office@balkannomads.com.

Usually, Row will give a little discount for booking direct!

The best time to go

Balkan Nomads is open from May to October. During July and August, there will be many more people at Rising Soul on shorter-term holidays, this is when the weather is also the hottest.

If you prefer cooler weather and to be around more people who are staying longer term then May – June and September – October are the best months to go.

Overall Experience

My month at BalkanNomads was a truly unique experience and something I feel is very hard to find (maybe impossible!). BalkanNomads is a unique set-up serving Digital Nomads who want to:

• Connect with others,
• Be close to nature,
• Practice yoga and meditation
• Connect with like-minded conscious individuals
• Get shit done
• Not spend a fortune

I had such a great time spending a month with the Balkan Nomad and Rising Soul Community. I created many lifelong memories created and friendships that will stand the test of time.

Travelling around Bulgaria isn’t the easiest (think public transport system that makes no sense, very little English speaking and some very grump faces!) so it was incredible to have the haven of BalkanNomads to settle into and feel at home and like I belonged somewhere, even if it was just for a month. I felt seen and recognised and fully accepted for who I am while I was there.

If this sounds like something that would also resonate with you and you’re curious about being a *conscious* digital nomad in Bulgaria, then don’t hesitate! Take the plunge and book a month-long stay at BalkanNomads!

Website: https://www.chasingcoconuts.co/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcoconuts_/

Link to post on my site: https://www.chasingcoconuts.co/whats-it-like-to-be-a-digital-nomad-in-bulgaria-my-experience-at-balkan-nomads/

In June 2023 I decided to spend a month in Bulgaria as a digital nomad at BalkanNomads.

BalkanNomads is the sister business to RisingSoul Retreat. RisingSoul is a space created by Rowena for people to come and live in a community. They offer affordable yoga retreats in Bulgaria. When she realised there was a need for digital nomads and remote workers to have a space to come and settle for some time, stay connected to a community, and practice yoga all while working, she decided to create BalkanNomads.

I found out about this space via a comment in a Facebook Group! And wow I’m so glad I followed my intuitive guidance to come here (even though I was looking for a beach destination, not the mountains!).

In this post, I’ll share all about my experience during my month-long stay. To sum it up, this place really fills a gap that many remote workers, spiritual seekers and conscious beings seek: Community, nature, connection, practice and lots of wifi!

*This post isn’t sponsored – I paid in full myself for my stay so am sharing my genuine feedback.

What is BalkanNomads?

BalkanNomads is a co-living & co-working community initiative. It’s set up in the tiny village of Belitsa in the province of Gabrovo in Bulgaria. Belitsa is a small Bulgarian Mountain Village (with a whopping 6 permanent residents!!).

Here you can book monthly stays. These stays include spacious double rooms (with a living area & desk), a private bathroom, small kitchen facilities, a co-working space and wifi. PLUS 2 plant-based meals a day AND 1 yoga and meditation class per day.

The BalkanNomads location itself is inside an old hotel. It has been given a new lease on life by the RisingSoul Team. It is a 3-minute walk down the road from the main RisingSoul community. This means you can tap into the community and the classes while also being able to get away to have your own space and get work done.

The special thing about BalkanNomads, which I am yet to see anywhere else, is it offers an affordable place to stay that is specifically designed for remote workers but also is part of a conscious community offering a full schedule of classes, workshops, retreats and will even make food for you (that is healthy and vegan). 

Plus it is in a tiny village where nature is all around. Sure, there aren’t any shops nearby! But the nearest village with connections to the rest of Bulgaria is a short drive away. There are always people coming and going from town so getting anything you need or making a weekly escape is easy.

At BalkanNomads you get to tap in and tap out of this lifestyle as you please.

 I mean, this is pretty special right!?

You can book your stay during the warmer months between May and October.

About RisingSoul 

The RisingSoul Retreat provides the perfect place to “Connect Nomads & Yoga In Nature”. Enabling our amazing residents and guests to find their own mind, body and spiritual connection (while getting shit done for the Digital Nomads).

The venue is built from earthy organic materials and brings the guests are a fusion of rustic practice spaces, mountain valleys and ancient church views. It is in an old farmhouse and all the buildings are original, which is so cool.

Yoga retreat guests stay in rooms or tents in and around the main house, which is a 3-minute walk up the road from the BalkanNomads hotel.

The RisingSoul Retreat is developing as a yoga community which values equability, sustainability and freedom of expression. At RisingSoul, you have the opportunity to tap into multiple yoga and meditation classes throughout the day as well as workshops that may be put on by volunteers and other guests. 

You can also have the opportunity to participate in the schedule if you are a teacher yourself (I taught yin yoga a couple of times and it was so special!!). If helping in the kitchen is something you’d like, you can also help with meals on certain days of the week.

Workshops, retreats & ceremonies

RisingSoul also occasionally hosts cacao ceremonies and one-off workshops and retreats by guest teachers. It is up to you whether you want to take time off your work to participate in these workshops & retreats for an additional (low by the way!) fee per day. 

I took 6 days off to attend an incredible ‘Reconnect to Your Inner-Self’ magical retreat while I was there hosted by teachers Maria & Tom. It was such a gift to be able to fully switch off and participate in the venue as a retreat guest. So glad I took the opportunity and would highly recommend you set some time aside to take off and fully be immersed in the retreat experience, it was a highlight of the month for me! 

We did yoga and meditation twice per day, workshops on magic and manifestation and other awesome workshops and classes like partner yoga, ecstatic dance, laughter yoga (what a joy!), yoga alignment and music and fire nights.

The cost of this was an additional 40EUR per day (because food & accommodation was already paid for). 

There was also a Wim Hoff workshop and a cacao ceremony while I was there. 

The room

BalkanNomads is made up of four double bedrooms upstairs, with a kitchenette, co-working & seating area on the ground floor.

Each of the rooms is laid out differently! I saw each one and they’re all very spacious. Three of the rooms have a double bed and a living area with a couch and some of the rooms have a desk. There is also one room that is set up as a dorm.

Each room has its own ensuite too.

My room even had a bathtub! 

I loved my room, there was plenty of space to put all my stuff away and even enough floor space for yoga and exercise (a big plus for me!). I loved being able to work from my room as I need to have silence to focus properly on my work. And also just having a space to hang out alone and recharge (I am an introvert!).

My room was warm with a gorgeous view over the mountains and was sun filled every morning.

The decor, fixtures and fittings are a bit dated but I know it will keep improving as Row develops the space more and more (I was one of the first guests to stay here!). It’s also pretty standard and what you would expect from an old, almost deserted village in the middle of nowhere in Bulgaria – considering that, it’s pretty amazing!!

The wifi

The internet infrastructure in Bulgaria is quite good, which may be surprising to you! The government invested in the internet, thank goodness.

This is one of the reasons why Bulgaria is attractive to many digital nomads. It is affordable, beautiful and has good wifi. 

Many digital nomads head to Sofia or Bankso, however the experience at BalkanNomads is more unique and niche considering the nature and the yoga community on tap.

The wifi at BalkanNomads was sufficient for my needs! At times it was faster than others but in general, it was good enough to do all of the things I needed to do, including Zoom calls.

If you require high-speed internet and deal with downloading & uploading massive files, you may find it to be slow.

The only times the Wifi didn’t work was when there were power cuts which happened twice while I was there. To overcome this, get a SIM card with data as 4G coverage is good there and just charge up your devices each night in case.

At times the actual Wifi might stop working (this is due to the internet company doing some maintenance work usually). When this happens you can either rely on a hotspot or BalkanNomads have a backup modem that runs on mobile data.

The Internet really wasn’t much of an issue here (and was much better than the Internet I had in Bali for reference).

The co-working space

There were numerous options when it came to spaces to work.

First, there is the comfort and privacy of your own room. For more social options, there were plenty of tables and chairs downstairs to sit and co-work with others. 

There is also a room in the RisingSoul house with a desk and a co-working room in the Tea House which is just across the road from the RisingSoul house (and where lunch is served!).

The community 

The biggest emphasis at RisingSoul is a community, not just a community but a conscious community that is co-created by volunteers and guests alike.

This is a place to feel seen, recognised, and included and offers you a sense of belonging (which can be hard as a digital nomad!).

Expect to form strong bonds with the volunteers, Row, the other guests and even Bogdan, who is the owner of the BalkanNomads house (lovely Bulgarian man who doesn’t speak a word of English but is incredibly hospitable and will offer you coffee and cookies every day!).

When you stay for at least a month as a Balkan Nomad, you will have the chance to participate in and connect with the community deeply. You will see how everything works and the waves a place like this goes through with people coming, going and staying. It is truly magical and challenging all at the same time.

A key aspect of RisingSoul & BalkanNomads that helps to foster this sense of community is Karma Yoga. Each day you’re expected to do 30-40 minutes of ‘chores’ such as washing up, walking the dogs (yes there are dogs and cats!!), picking fruit, helping in the garden, going to the market and so on. You may feel resistant to the idea but it is a wonderful way to feel like a useful member of the community.

RisingSoul is a collaborative effort and if you are after a space to connect with the community in this way, close to nature and with sustainability in mind, then you will love this space!

The yoga & classes/schedule

The yoga and meditation schedule was very full of amazing yoga classes such as hatha, yin, restorative and kundalini. There were also exercise classes, yoga nidra, sound meditation and more. There is a yoga barn and also a meditation room for practising in. On sunny mornings there is also a lawn to practice yoga on in the sun!

Every morning there is a chance to meditate/do a kundalini kriya and practice yoga. In the afternoon there are generally two classes and another one in the evening after dinner. So lots to choose from!!

As a Balkan Nomad guest, I could attend one yoga class and one other meditation class per day. With so many options I could slot in going to classes when it suited me.

On Saturdays, the morning schedule is the same however in the afternoon there is a hike and mountain yoga instead! Sundays are rest days where everyone can do their own thing.

The classes and timetable will vary depending on what teachers are currently at RisingSoul.

The food

Community meals

There are two main shared meals a day, brunch and dinner. These are both included! They also have a fruit bowl in the main kitchen which you can graze from throughout the day! 

For brunch, you have sweet and savoury options. Typically there will be oats and fruit along with a selection of breads, spreads and salads.

For dinner, there are usually potatoes, lentils, curries, soups, salads, rice and delicious spreads.

Meals change depending on what ingredients are available and the creative inclination of the amazing chef!

The Tea House

There is also an incredible lunch served every day in the Tea House with drinks, coffee and treats. This isn’t included but is very affordable and delicious (and a great excuse to take a lunch break!). 

You can also buy supplies from the Tea House such as plant milk, chocolate, snacks, soap and so on.

All of the food is vegetarian and mostly plant-based. They are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements.

Most of the ingredients are sourced from the local market and everything is made from scratch.

The nature

The best thing about BalkanNomads (for me anyway!) is how close it is to nature and how your lifestyle is integrated with the forest, mountains and rivers nearby.

Just across the road from BalkanNomads is a road that goes all the way up into the mountains which has beautiful meadows and stunning views. This makes for an amazing walk!

Behind RisingSoul there is a walkway into the forest with a river, a waterfall and lots of mushrooms (that are regularly foraged!).

There is a river across the road which is clean and great for swimming to cool off from the sun. Expect to see plenty of dragonflies and fireflies during your stay.

There is no shortage of snails, lizards and even snakes in the area!

The excursions

Every Sunday RisingSoul usually arranges a group outing to nearby towns such as Veliko Tarnovo, Tryavna and Gabrovo. There is the option to go on overnight trips to explore different areas a little more like Plovdiv.

I did a couple of trips to Veliko Tarnovo which is a gorgeous town. A group of us did an overnight trip to Gabrovo with a few others to see visit an amazing Ethno Village (Etar) and to see a creepy monument to communism on a mountain (Buzludzha).

Tryanva was a quick and easy trip which I did a few times to explore and to just take a break from the community with others by going for dinner and drinks!

I also spent a day in Plovdiv before I arrived in RisingSoul which was amazing.

I loved having the freedom to explore with my new friends, stock up on some snacks and treats for myself and also be fully immersed in the BalkanNomads and retreat experience. This was important for a month-long stay (for me anyway!).

The cost

There are three different prices:

• 750 EUR per month for a bed in a dorm room 
• 1000 EUR per month for a private double room single occupancy
• 1500 EUR per month for a private double room double occupancy

All rooms come with an ensuite and living area.

The price includes 2x meals per day and 1 yoga and 1 meditation class.

When you take into account all that is included in the price, it is a pretty amazing deal!! Plus you won’t be spending much money when you’re there (there isn’t much to spend money on) and Bulgaria, in general, is very affordable. So even when you go on your excursions, it won’t cost much!

The downsides

There are a few downsides to BalkanNomads, which are actually upsides really!

1. You may leave your job after staying here!

When you live in a place like this and practice a lot of yoga in nature surrounded by conscious people, it may give you the clarity to question your career decisions. This is actually a great thing!

2. You may find it hard to have the discipline to fit in your work 

When you’re surrounded by others on a retreat who are enjoying their entire days to participate in the community it can be hard to get work done. 

Having set meal times which involve socialising and karma yoga as well takes up more time than you probably usually would expect. This combined with the yoga class schedule, may leave you feeling like you don’t have much time! 

I found it challenging to fit in all my work while also wanting to be a part of the community, it took an adjustment but was definitely worthwhile.

3. Getting used to living according to a schedule and set food may be challenging at first.

If you’re a digital nomad who tends to live alone, do your own things and manage yourself fully then you may find it challenging at first having set meal times with food that may be very different to what you’re used to.

Give yourself a week to adjust to the food and your new schedule! Trust me you will feel so much healthier and lighter eating the food they provide and sticking to a healthy routine!  

How to get there

There are a few ways you get to RisingSoul. Driving is always an option if you have a car.

Otherwise, you need to get yourself to Tryanva from either Plovdiv or Sofia. From Tryavna you will either be picked up or a taxi will be booked to collect you and take you to Belitsa. 

There are many flights from all over Europe to Sofia and some international flights to Plovdiv (especially from London where I came from).

From Sofia

Most likely you will be flying into Sofia. You can get to Tryanva via bus from Sofia (this is definitely the easiest option). There are also trains from Sofia however, unless you’ve been to Bulgaria before you may find the trains really stressful and difficult to navigate (especially with luggage). 

From Plovdiv

I flew into Plovdiv and spent a day exploring there before going to BalkanNomads. So I caught the train from Plovdiv to Tryavna which was really challenging. The train ride itself was fine, it was just getting to the train that was the hard part. I couldn’t understand any of the signs or the ticket and people at the station were very unhelpful. 

Plus it was almost impossible to get my luggage on board by myself (the trains are old and are basically a ladder up onto the carriage) f and there wasn’t anywhere to put it (if you travel light this won’t be so much of an issue).

When I left I caught the bus from Tryavna to Sofia which was a much easier and more enjoyable option.

Saying all that, Plovdiv was such a beautiful place. I’m glad I stopped there for a day and I do recommend this option! Just be prepared for the train and definitely book the direct train to Tryavna (there is one per day).

>>> Find more travel info here.

The best way to book

Book directly through the website or by emailing office@balkannomads.com.

Usually, Row will give a little discount for booking direct!

The best time to go

BalkanNomads is open from May to October. During July and August, there will be many more people at RisingSoul on shorter-term holidays, this is when the weather is also the hottest.

If you prefer cooler weather and to be around more people who are staying longer term then May – June and September – October are the best months to go.

Overall Experience

My month at BalkanNomads was a truly unique experience and something I feel is very hard to find (maybe impossible!). BalkanNomads is a unique set-up serving Digital Nomads who want to:

• Connect with others,
• Be close to nature,
• Practice yoga and meditation
• Connect with like-minded conscious individuals
• Get shit done
• Not spend a fortune

I had such a great time spending a month with the BalkanNomads and RisingSoul Retreat Community. I created many lifelong memories created and friendships that will stand the test of time.

Travelling around Bulgaria isn’t the easiest (think public transport system that makes no sense, very little English speaking and some very grump faces!) so it was incredible to have the haven of BalkanNomads to settle into and feel at home and like I belonged somewhere, even if it was just for a month. I felt seen and recognised and fully accepted for who I am while I was there.

If this sounds like something that would also resonate with you and you’re curious about being a *conscious* digital nomad in Bulgaria, then don’t hesitate! Take the plunge and book a month-long stay at BalkanNomads!

https://www.chasingcoconuts.co/whats-it-like-to-be-a-digital-nomad-in-bulgaria-my-experience-at-balkan-nomads/

Website: https://www.chasingcoconuts.co/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingcoconuts_/

Summary

Teepee & Sweat Lodge Ceremony Retreat

This is an opportunity to experience traditional teachings and medicine from North- and South America with a wonderful Peruvian ceremonial leader, here in our own continent.

A Prayer for the Water Mni Wiconi – Water is Life

This is a prayer for the future generations. A prayer for our children and grandchildren. A prayer for those who are not yet born, may they know that we prayed for them.

What is a prayer? A prayer in the red road way of life, is the longings we have in our hearts. Our hopes, our worries, our dreams, our fears. All of that which we carry in our heart, is our prayer.

Why water? All life begins and ends with water: it is essential for life here on our planet. We are created by the water of our father and mother. We grow in the water of our mothers womb. And until we die, we need water to stay alive.

Features

Styles

Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, General Yoga, Kriya Yoga

Skill Level

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Food

Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-allergy-friendly, Sugar conscious, Keto-friendly, Organic

FREE Gifts

• Welcome RisingSoul Natural Handmade Soap
• Astrological Planner

Description

A Prayer for the Water Mni Wiconi – Water is Life

This is a prayer for the future generations. A prayer for our children and grandchildren. A prayer for those who are not yet born, may they know that we prayed for them.

What is a prayer? A prayer in the red road way of life, is the longings we have in our hearts. Our hopes, our worries, our dreams, our fears. All of that which we carry in our heart, is our prayer.

Why water? All life begins and ends with water: it is essential for life here on our planet. We are created by the water of our father and mother. We grow in the water of our mothers womb. And until we die, we need water to stay alive.

It seems that many of us have forgotten what water is. And that we are in fact water. Maybe we know it in theory, but what does it really mean? As a result of this forgetfulness a lot of the exterior waters -our lakes, lagunes, rivers and oceans- are contaminated. And so are our internal waters – our emotions. Our fertility as a species is dropping. The intelligence that resides in the reproductive waters in our bodies knows that our habitat is becoming inhabitable at a concerning rate.

If we acknowledge that the premise of life on earth is clean water, then ensuring that there is clean water for the generations to come, may be one of the most important things we can do.

Before we forgot, our ancestors knew the importance of water. The stories, songs and ceremonies that have been preserved, let us know that the consciousness of water has been central in the awareness of all of our ancestors. Not only for physical survival, but also for emotional and spiritual wellbeing. There are many things that we can learn from the water. And the ceremonies that elders all over the world have protected, shows us the entryway to how we can begin to listen to the messages of the water.

A Family Prayer

Our paths were weaved together almost four years ago. Coming to the path of remembrance from different directions. Since then we have been praying together.

What binds us together is our shared hopes and dreams for the future. The future of all of our children and grandchildren. A wish to do our part in this time of great change, to help by sharing what has been shared with us. A wish to honour the elders that have been giving their lives to protect the altars and medicines of our ancestors. The medicine and altars that we are referring to do not belong to one group or tribe, they belong to all of creation. We are weaved together by a wish to do what we can to help, in the best way we know how. With the ways and medicines that are helping us to remember why we are here.

Behind the altar leading the ceremony we have Gregorio Diaz. Gregorios roots are on his fathers side from the Peruvian part of the Amazon jungle and from his mothers side from Pachacamac. From a young age he has been apprenticing with Shipibo Conibo, Huni Kuin, Yanawana from the South, and later on the Red Road elders from the Lakota (Sioux) from the North.

There are many different prayers and intentions on the path of medicine. When we are happy to pray with Gregorio in Europe, it is because we know the difference he has made in our lives. We are not talking about a shaman or curandero or guru, but of a human that has found his path, and is walking it in a way that changes the lives of those that crosses his path. And by that we can assist or inspire the healing of others – by walking our own path, and share with others what we are finding out along our way.

There is more to be shared about his way and from whom and where he has received his teachings, but it is to be transmitted in person.

The ways of ceremony:

Teepee Ceremony

The teepee ceremony honours a formula from the North American natives called the four tobacco half moon altar.

It is a ceremony that is carried out from the evening, all the way through the night till after sunrise.

The structure of this way of ceremony has been shared for hundreds of years. It has a particular form that is designed to recalibrate us and awake the memory within our DNA. To be able to let this wisdom work through us, we do things in a certain/particular way – we sit up all night, we don’t eat until the last prayer, we don’t drink water at the beginning of the ceremony, we move in the direction of the sun and so on. There are reasons for all of this, but it is impossible to put it in short writing, it has to be experienced, felt from the inside, and then little by little understood. During the night medicine (huachuma/San Pedro) is offered several times.

If possible this way of ceremony always ends with a sweat lodge ceremony.

Huachuma Walk

Another way of huachuma ceremony is the andean way of huachuma walks. This ceremony takes place during the day. We walk in nature from the morning til late afternoon. During the walk we have a few stops where medicine, prayers, words, songs ect. is shared.

Sweat lodge

Many native cultures throughout the Americas and Europe have been using sweat lodges in their traditions, for praying, purification, cleansing and healing of body, mind, emotions and spirit. It’s one of the oldest ceremonies that exist.

In Mexican traditions the sweat lodge is called temazcal in nahuatl language, which means ‘the house of steam’.

Among Northern American Sioux nations it is called ‘Inipi’. The purpose of the Inipi- is for people to keep their connection with the creator.

Although there are several different designs and names for the sweat lodge, they all carry the same essence. The construction itself is connected to all the 7 directions of the universe East, South, West, North, above, below and the centre. The lodge represents the womb of our first mother: Mother Earth. The fire represents the father of all life, father sun. The rocks that have been heated in the fire are our ancestors, the natives refer to them as our grandparents. They are the ones we receive the teachings from inside the lodge. The water that is being poured over the hot rocks, represents the water of the womb. And the air represents the first breath, the breath of life.

When we are about to enter the lodge (the womb), we bow down on all fours like a baby, we bow to the ground and ask permission to re-enter the womb and to be reborn. It is a ceremony of rebirth.

The one who enters the lodge has an opportunity to start from the beginning and to release blockages that block us in our life. Every time we leave the lodge is an opportunity of re-birth.

There are many layers and levels to this ancient ceremony/medicine. On a physical plane sweat lodge stimulates the lymphatic system, and helps dispose of toxins. When the temperature rises over 40°c the skin becomes a third kidney. High temperatures inside the lodge causes the body to sweat, humidity doesn’t allow sweat to evaporate, so the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic system responds, the circulation accelerates and we sweat even more, eliminating toxins to the maximum. And everything that takes place on a physical plane, is reflected on the mental, emotional and spiritual plane.

The Medicine – Huachuma

In the Andes of South America a long standing tradition of praying with the sacred plant called Huachuma, dates back over approximately 5000 years.

Huachuma (later known by some as San Pedro) use as a sacrament has been used by healers since the very beginning of the Andean civilization. The shamans/ healers of that time considered it “Materia prima” which is, “a formless primaeval substance regarded as the original material of the universe.”

Huachuma is known as a heart opening medicine. In its gentle yet powerful way, it reminds us who we are in our true nature by waking up the ancient memory that is always waiting for us in our DNA.

The psychoactive substance in the cactus is the alkaloid mescaline, which is inert. This means that it is not contradictory to any pharmaceutical products.

With Much Love

Eva, Gregorio, Mireille, Vlaho

What Makes This Retreat Special

The Good News:

Many of us feel a big wave of something that is hard to describe with words. But we feel it. Great change is upon us. All of us have our part to do in this. Alone we might feel overwhelmed or powerless, but together we can begin to take the steps needed.

Within the altars and ceremonies of our ancestors, they protected and passed down their instructions of what to do in these times that they knew thousands of years ago would come.

Above everything we come to the altars of our ancestors, to nourish our spirit. We come to seek clarity. We come to pray.

If you need healing. If you feel lost. If you are in pain. If you are confused. If you are worried. If you are seeking a new way. If you are longing for something. If you want to pray for your life, and/or the lives of your children and grandchildren (born or unborn).

You are welcome.

Program

SCHEDULE

First we would like to share that although there is a particular time for everything in these ways of ceremony, the idea of linear time is not so applicable. A ceremony or sweat lodge ends when we are done, not before nor after. Things come up for individuals and sometimes for the whole group throughout the days, that needs to be tended to and so on. But beneath you’ll get an idea of how we will spend our time together.

WEDNESDAY (13TH Sep)

• 14.00 – 16,00 Arrival welcome drink & tour.
• 16.30 Optional afternoon yoga class
• 18.00 Community Dinner & Karma Yoga
• 20.30 Meditation

THURSDAY

• 08.30 Kundalini Yoga & Meditation
• 09.45 Community Brunch
• 11.00 There will be some hours to get settled in, land and meet each other and for those that wish you can help set up the ceremonial areas
• 13.30 Community Lunch
• 15.00 Rest
• 16.30 Optional afternoon yoga class
• 18.00 Around 6pm we will gather in the teepee. Here we will have a thorough introduction to the Red Road way of life that comes for the North American Native Indians. We will share words about our lineage, the medicine Huachuma, the structure of the ceremony, the cosmovisions and prophecies from the northern and southern hemispheres that are the reason for the ceremonies etc. Before we begin the ceremony there will be time for questions.
• 21.00 Approx. between 9 and 10pm we will begin the ceremony which will last until sometime the following morning. We typically close this part of the ceremony by 9.00 – 10am, the teepee ceremony and sweat lodge between 11.00 and 14.00 friday.The ceremony ends with a sweat lodge Friday.

FRIDAY

• After the ceremony and sweat lodge we will share a community meal. Now at this point some people are tired since they had no sleep during the night, while others still feel energised by the medicine. Those that are tired go to rest. Some people sleep until the next day. And for those who are awake there will be good company, dinner and fire.
• 16.30 Optional yoga class.
• 20.30 Meditation

SATURDAY

• 08.30 Kundalini Yoga & Meditation
• 09.45 Light community Brunch
• 11.00 We gather for our daytime ceremony. This ceremony will be a daytime Huachuma ceremony that will last until the end of the afternoon/dinnertime. Before we start walking we will explain the Andean way of being with the medicine. We will walk all day and along the way there will be stops to have more medicine and to share songs, stories and prayers.

• 18.00 When we come back from our walk we will have a community meal.
• 20.00 Usually we light the fire in the teepee in the evening where more stories and songs and the experiences of the day are shared.

SUNDAY

• 08.30 Kundalini Yoga & Meditation
• 09.45 Community Brunch
• 11.00 After breakfast we are gathering for a sharing circle.
• 13.30 Community Lunch
• 15.00 Goodbye hugs and lift to Tryavna

QUESTIONS

Practical info about diet and what to bring will be sent out 2-3 weeks before the retreat.

For any questions or need for a personal phone call regarding the ceremony or the medicine please contact Mireille.

FB: Mireille Golle.

Or whatsapp: ‪+45 52 79 46 53‬.

A Wonderful Retreat Designed By Maria & Thomas

Schedule & Full Info Coming Soon

Learn how to intergrate the ancient wisdom of Eastern Ayurvedic & Yogic practices, to bring balance and harmony into your daily lifestyle. Share an incrediable healing journey through Robine & Will, who bring a wealth of knowledge directly from the East.

Having spent many years travelling the Globe immersed deeply in the yogic & Ayvedic teachings of their masters. They are passionate to share with you here in the Bohemian Balkan mountains of Bulgaria everything they have learnt. This is the perfect place to experience a deeper connection with your true nature and begin to walk the path of self perification and enpowerment.

Supported by mother nature breathing the pure prana of the mountain air, connected to earth like the trees of the mountain forest and energised by the spring mountain water. Here you will become part of our supportive family style community of international teachers and travellers.

We look forward to welcoming you to our heart opening circle and offer the opprortunity for you to take away with you the benefits and joys of Ayvedic & Yogic teachings.

We offer a intermit and personally connected retreat with limited places, so please do contact us on yoga@risingsoulretreat.com to register your interest. Robine & Will welcome any and all questions and are happy to reply with a personal response blissbyrobine@gmail.com