Days of guided meditation and quiet — from a gentle introduction to structured silent courses — in ashrams, monasteries and mountain retreats.
- Tradition: Yoga · Buddhist
- Length: Usually 3–10 days
- Price: Confirmed by the centre in writing
- Before booking: Practitioner video consultation
Kinds of retreat
Daily teaching and practice, with talking allowed outside sessions. A good start.
Noble silence (no talking, reading or phones) for several days, with guidance from a teacher.
Structured courses run by established organisations, with a fixed timetable of many hours of sitting each day.
Visits to Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, Sikkim and Himachal, with teachings and meditation.
Preparing for silence
Silence is easier than most people expect, and harder in unexpected ways. Practise sitting for short periods before you travel, bring a cushion if you have a favourite, and tell the teacher about any mental-health history before you begin. Intensive retreats are not advised during periods of acute distress; please speak to your doctor first.
A typical day
- Wake bell
- Sitting meditation
- Breakfast in silence
- Group sitting
- Lunch
- Walking meditation
- Sitting and instruction
- Tea
- Evening talk
- Rest
An illustration only. Each centre and practitioner sets their own timetable.
Who it suits
- Guests who want to learn or deepen meditation
- Those seeking real quiet
- Experienced practitioners looking for a structured course
If you have a history of depression, anxiety, trauma or psychosis, talk to your doctor and the teacher before an intensive silent retreat.
Official sources
- Ministry of Ayush, Government of India
- National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
- National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)
Rules, registrations and visa terms change. Where this page and an official source differ, the official source applies.
Questions guests ask
Can a beginner join a silent retreat?
Yes, but a shorter guided retreat is a gentler start. Ten-day silent courses are intensive.
Where is best for meditation?
Rishikesh and Varanasi for ashrams on the Ganges, Dharamshala and Ladakh for Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and quiet Kerala centres for a gentle start.
