Frequently asked questions
Travel Information
DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY EXISTING MEDITATION PRACTICE?
Not at all. Meditation practice will be open to all levels – there will be plenty of opportunity to develop and refine your practice whether you are new to meditation or an advanced practitioner.
WILL THERE BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSION FOLLOWING MEDITATION?
Yes – there will be a range of opportunities in which you can engage, entirely according to your preference. In each Himalayan meditation session, there will be daily structured sessions, morning and evening, mentoring, time for feedback and optional silent meditation.
WHAT IS THE CORE MODE OF MEDITATION PRACTICE OFFERED?
Ancient Paths offers secular – of our age – retreats, meaning we are open to people of any and no faith. Our retreats are informed by both ancient knowledge and contemporary understandings about human flourishing, including scientific findings about health and well-being.
While mindfulness is a natural human capacity, there is now a huge amount of research showing the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve our concentration, our memory, thinking creatively and flexibly, and even build more brain cells. It increases our positive emotions, builds empathy and emotional intelligence, makes us less anxious, and more accepting of ourselves and others, and leads to better relationships.
You will learn a combination different types of meditation; and by practicing each you will discover which are the most effective for you personally.
The guided sessions will include:
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breath meditations
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mantra meditations
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mindfulness body scan
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open-awareness meditations
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compassion / self-compassion meditation
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walking & movement
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silent
You don’t need to be an expert; you only need to be curious and open to experience.
HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS ARE YOU EXPECTING?
We will accept a maximum of 12 participants. Space is extremely limited because I would like to make sure that you receive plenty of individualised attention. The smaller number also allows us to get to know each other well and to benefit from the intimate and trusting atmosphere that this creates.
WILL WE HAVE TIME FOR SIGHTSEEING OR WILL WE BE MEDITATING ALL DAY?
Each day will begin with a (1 hr) morning body movement and guided mediation, followed by spending time visiting the spectacular sights and sacred spaces in Bhutan; evening meditation (1 hr) will consist of guided and silent sessions (optional). All sessions have been created to integrate the sights, sounds & tastes of the Himalayan landscape. The program as a whole is designed to inspire your own personal reflection through daily excursions and hikes, and through active experience and immersion in the culture. Generally, we try to leave some free time each day where possible, this may vary on locations for personal time. All activities are optional.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
A unique mix of hand-picked accommodation including heritage properties, all accommodation is 3 star or above (twin share or single room with supplement, depending on your travel preference) All on-the-ground transportation within Bhutan & return internal flight, including airport transfers and private air-conditioned vehicles throughout. All activities. Entrance fees, and expert English-speaking local guides. All meals breakfast, lunch, dinner, and daily bottled water. Your committed retreat host, Julie, will be with you every step of the way to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
WHAT WILL THE FOOD BE LIKE?
All of your meals are included in the cost of the trip. A lot of meals will be a vegetarian menu. Western style of food is available at most stays, Bhutanese food is hearty, simple, and famously spicy (should you choose this option), centred on red rice, buckwheat, and maize, with chilli peppers and cheese featuring in almost every meal. The national dish, Ema Datschi (chilli and cheese), represents the country's love for heat. Ancient Paths only chooses hotels and restaurants where the kitchen staff maintains the highest standard for health and hygiene.
IS THE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT INCLUDED?
No, international flights are not included. This allows everyone to choose their preferred travel style, some prefer to use frequent flyer points, others are staying within a budget, and some might want to fly Business Class. You have the freedom to choose what works best for you. I will inform all participants of my flight details, should you wish to be on the same flights.
HOW DO I GET TO BHUTAN?
All flights to Bhutan land in the town of Paro. There are four southern departure cities for entering the country of Bhutan: Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore and New Delhi. You should choose the most convenient departure city (BKK, KTM, SNG or DEL) to your home city, and book your flight from your home country to that departure city accordingly.
Our representative in Bhutan will issue your individual visa, and will help you book a flight from each departure city, to land in Paro, Bhutan. Expect to pay about AUD$880-$1500 RT from Bangkok, AUD $450-$720 RT from Kathmandu, and AUD$650-$850 RT from New Delhi. These are just general estimates to give you an idea. We’ll meet you at the Paro airport and take care of the rest! For Australian travellers the route via Bangkok is the most direct.
I will share my flight details should you want to travel along with me from Sydney, Australia.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND DEPART?
Please inform us if, due to flight arrival and departure dates, you require an extra night or two on either end of the trip and we'll place a reservation on your behalf. (A fee for extra hotel nights would apply.)
ARE AIRPORT TRANSFERS INCLUDED?
Yes. Arrival and departure airport transfers are included when you are arriving and departing in line with the retreat itinerary and staying at the designated retreat accommodations booked through Ancient Paths. If you choose to book your own accommodation or create an independent extension outside the Ancient Paths retreat itinerary, airport transfers are not included for those dates.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
All participants must be covered by comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers you for international travel for the duration of your trip, including evacuation insurance. Please contact your travel insurance provider for coverage details.
CAN I CHOOSE MY ROOMMATE?
Yes, you can. If you are registering with a friend, or partner, just enter each other’s names on your booking form in the roommate selection area.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMING OPTIONS?
You can choose to attend retreat with a buddy (twin share) sharing a twin room with a retreat companion you book with (for example: a friend, a sibling, a parent/adult child). Please note we do not offer room matching for solo retreat participants, to book at the share twin price, you’ll need to travel with – and book alongside – your own companion.
CAN I GET A SINGLE ROOM?
Private rooms (single supplement) are available for an extra fee of $1,500pp.
WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION DO WE STAY IN?
Ancient Paths prefers unique experiences. Our accommodations are a handpicked mix of heritage gems and boutique Hotels, including home stay experiences, all are uniquely rich in character. They are selected for their charm, comfort and sense of place they offer in their environment. These are not all five-star Hotels with a uniform high gloss finish, rather they are inviting, warm hospitality, beautiful spaces, providing a personally unique experience. Each stay is part of the retreat experience – authentic, welcoming, one-of-a-kind.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL IN BHUTAN?
Yes. A visa is also required for travel in Bhutan, however, instead of getting a visa on your own, we will get your visa as part of Ancient Paths meditation retreat. After registering for a Bhutan retreat you will be asked to send your up-to-date passport to us right away so that we can secure a Bhutan travel visa for you.
ARE THERE ANY IMMUNISATIONS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO BHUTAN?
Immunisations are not currently required for entry into Bhutan; however, there are some vaccines you should consider for your own health and safety. It is recommended that you get medical advice from your doctor at least 12 weeks prior to departure.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON THE TOUR?
Ancient Paths retreats are deliberately small, with a maximum of 12 participants. This allows us to travel smoothly as a group while creating a warm, friendly space where you can focus your attention on your retreat intension.
WHO IS YOUR RETREAT HOST AND WHAT IS THEIR ROLE?
Julie Trista is the founder of Ancient Paths and the curator behind every retreat.
Julie has been in professional helping practice for over 28 years and in this process of paying attention to people’s needs and accumulating different modes of helping, she has expanded her practice to sharing what she knows, choosing to help more people than one-to-one. Through Ancient Paths retreats, Julie’s intention is to create experiences that encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and discover what becomes possible when mindful practice is supported by inspiring places, shared community, and the enduring spirit of the journey. The intention is to practice morning and evening mediation, while each day offers plenty of time to explore rich cultures, sacred sites, and breathtaking landscapes.
Julie’s background, she is trained to deliver Mindfulness Stress Reduction (MBSR) Meditation, trained in mindfulness-based therapies including Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) & Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Sand-play Master Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapy Certified, Registered Psychologist. With over 28 years of active allied health work.
She is passionate about promoting wellness in its many forms, including wellness retreat programs. She is equally passionate in cultivating deep connections with expert guides, hotels, restaurants, artisans, trusted drivers. Julie develops each retreat with care and creativity to give participants a rich, authentic experience.
As your host, Julie’s role is to ensure everything runs smoothly and to make your retreat as joyful, comfortable, relaxed, and memorable as possible. Julie is there to manage the logistics, equally important to offer support whenever it’s needed – creating a balance between adventure and mindful moments. If something isn’t quite right, Julie encourages participants to speak up - she is always there to do her best to assist, some issues a quick and easy to resolve others may not be, however you can rely on Julie to be there supporting you with your needs. Julie is your organiser, and in the moment problem solver, and always your ally on these ancient paths that we travel.
HOW DO I BOOK AND WHAT’S THE PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY?
To secure your place on an Ancient Paths retreat, a non-refundable deposit of AU$1,500pp is required. Once we have received your deposit, you’ll get a booking confirmation.
Payment Schedule – 4 months prior to retreat start date 100% of payment must be received. If your final payment is not received by 4 months prior to retreat start date, Ancient Paths may treat your booking as cancelled.
Should your plans change, we completely understand that this can happen, however please note that cancellations must be made in writing, and the following charges apply:
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121 days or more prior to retreat start date, we will hold your deposit amount
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30-120 days prior to retreat start date, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost
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29 days prior to retreat start date, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the total booking cost
It is a requirement that you have comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered in case of any unexpected changes.
CAN I OPT-OUT OF ANY ACTIVITIES OR EXCURSIONS?
Absolutely. This retreat is about having the best experience possible, and if you decide you'd like to take a rest, you are more than welcome to do just that.
IS THE FOOD AND WATER SAFE?
Scheduled meals will take place in restaurants and hotels, where the standards for health and hygiene are the highest. If dining separately from the group, you'll want to avoid buying food from street vendors or stalls. To be safe, you'll want to choose food that is hot and freshly prepared and avoid drinking water and brushing your teeth from the tap. Bottled water will be supplied daily
WILL WE BE TRAVELING AT HIGH ALTITUDES?
The highest elevation we’ll reach in Bhutan is a slightly more challenging 10,240 ft. (3,120m) when we take an optional day-hike up to the spectacular Taktsang Monastery -Tiger’s Nest, high above the Paro Valley. You'll need to drink lots of water in the Himalayas but you won't need to be concerned too much with the effects of altitude.
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED FITNESS LEVEL FOR AN ANCIENT PATHS RETREAT?
Ancient Paths retreats are designed for participants aged 18+ there is no age upper limit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper detailed medical advice at least 4 months prior to travel for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination. Groups are often a mix of ages, fitness levels, and life stages. A good general level of fitness is important. We explore a combination of city scapes and remote villages on foot, often walking for extended periods throughout the days. Surfaces can be uneven, and many beautiful Dzongs, temples, Heritage Hotels and Mountain pilgrimages have many stairs (some hotels are without lifts). You need not be super-fit or athletic, however you do need to be comfortable walking, standing, and climbing stairs at a steady, relaxed pace. If you can manage daily walking, standing, and don’t mind stairs, you’ll be completely fine.
HOW DO WE TRAVEL BETWEEN LOCATIONS DURING OUR RETREAT?
We mostly travel between location via private, air-conditioned vehicles. Drives may vary between 1 hour – 6 hours, traveling through the Himalayan region often roads are meandering, passing through villages, countryside along the way views can be amazing. There will be breaks along the way. We may also take internal flights to minimise the long travel days, this will be specific to your individual itinerary booked.
WHAT ABOUT EMERGENCY SERVICES?
Medical services are available in Thimphu, Bhutan. We recommend that you have adequate medical and travel insurance in the unlikely event that you require medical evacuation. Please, read the section above for more information on travel and medical insurance.
WHAT'S THE CLIMATE LIKE?
Expect sunny days and cool, pleasant nights. Daytime temperatures can vary from pleasantly warm to hot, so arm yourself with a good hat or sunscreen. You'll want a warm jacket or fleece for the evenings.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
A pre-departure information pack detailing everything you need to know before your trip will be sent. It contains a list of useful items to pack, health advice and many more helpful travel tips!
WHERE CAN I GET LOCAL CURRENCY? HOW MUCH CASH WILL I NEED EACH DAY?
Local currency can be easily obtained upon arrival at our destination (specifically for Bhutan & Nepal) airport via counter or automatic teller machines.
We recommend that you carry just enough for souvenirs that you might find on the path, and for any extra drinks, snacks, and little treats along the way. While many stores and markets do accept cards, smaller vendors and roadside stops will prefer cash. It’s always a good idea to have a little cash on hand.
Phone tap payments may not always work; you’ll need a physical card.
The main out-of-pocket expenses on retreats are any extras like shopping, massages, laundry, souvenirs, alcohol, and gratuities to guide and driver (recommended gratuities $10-20 per person/per day) this will be collected before the farewell dinner and presented to our guide and driver.
WHY IS THE DEPOSIT NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE?
Once your deposit is received, Julie begins thoroughly planning your retreat. This includes gathering passports and flight details, providing assistance with visas - (where necessary), coordinating room arrangements, paying necessary deposits to our overseas guides, including securing hotel bookings, and curating a seamless meditation practice plan. It covers the time and care Julie places in designing your personalised retreat experience. Due to each retreat being small in numbers and tailor-made, your deposit is non-transferable – it cannot be shifted to a future trip – the planning and costs associated with your booking begin as soon as the deposit is received. Ancient Paths is a small, independent business offering distinctive retreats with a personal care. Your deposit plays a vital role in helping us operate sustainably so we can continue delivering the thorough, thoughtful, tailored retreat experience.
IF THERE IS AN INTERNAL FLIGHT ON THE ITINERARY, CAN I CHANGE THE FLIGHT?
Internal flights are a fixed part of the retreat itinerary and booked as part of the group retreat itinerary. If you choose to opt out of this flight or change flights, the cost is non-refundable, and you will need to organise your own onward travel and airport transfer. If you would like Ancient Paths to arrange this for you, this can be done at an additional cost.
Ancient Paths are here to help, browse our frequently asked questions. Should you like further information please contact us info@ancientpaths.com.au or call Julie on +61 408964747
