Silence & Connection

No technical experience is needed, but you should be comfortable walking 4 to 6 hours a day on sand, stony plateaus and dry riverbeds. A camel caravan carries the baggage, so you walk with only a small daypack.

Partly. Much of each walking day is held in noble silence, so we can listen deeply to ourselves and to the desert. Silence is balanced with Dharma sharing, tea meditations, creative expression and evening conversations.

The monastics offer the teachings as part of the retreat. Your contribution follows Plum Village's model: the Sustaining and Supporting levels include a donation to Plum Village, and the Basic level is there for those who cannot afford more.

We spend six days walking through the desert at a steady, unhurried pace. Some days are shorter and gentler, others longer, depending on the route and the weather. This is not an endurance challenge, but you should feel comfortable walking 4 to 6 hours a day on varied terrain.

The rhythm is spacious. We stop regularly for water and snacks, and each day includes a long midday pause to rest, eat and shelter from the warmest hours. Camels carry the luggage and camping equipment, so you carry only a small daypack.

Yes, for those in good health who are comfortable walking several hours a day. Participants of many ages have completed this pilgrimage. The most important consideration is not age but your ability to comfortably walk for several hours each day over varied desert terrain and under the sun. If you have any concerns about your mobility or endurance, we encourage you to contact us before registering so we can help you determine whether the retreat is a good fit. A private camel is also available to hire for those who would like additional support during the walking days.

We will have one emergency camel available for unexpected circumstances that may arise during the journey. Our nomadic support team travels with the group. If you need to rest, a camel can be arranged so you can still move with the caravan. However, if you know in advance that you tire easily, have concerns about your stamina, or would simply appreciate the flexibility to rest whenever needed, we strongly recommend hiring a private camel for the duration of the retreat. This allows you to alternate between walking and riding at any point during the day while remaining with the group. Email mindfulimmersions@gmail.com with your request.

The first night and the last two nights are at Riad Dar Daïf in Ouarzazate. The six nights in between are in shared nomadic tents in the desert, with a private tent option, mattresses, and kitchen, toilet and washing tents at basecamp. Bathing is under the open sky.

Shared tent: €2,200 to €3,100. Private tent: €2,800 to €3,700, depending on the contribution level you choose.

All meals are vegetarian, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 10. They are prepared fresh by our desert team and eaten mindfully together.

February days in the desert are usually mild and pleasant for walking, with strong sun. Nights are cold, sometimes near freezing, so warm layers matter; a cold-weather sleeping bag is included. A full packing list is shared once you register.

Travel to Ouarzazate on February 15. We pick you up at Ouarzazate airport or bus station. Many people fly into Marrakech and continue by bus or a short domestic flight.

Yes. Most participants arrive alone, and the group is curated with care so that a practice community forms quickly.

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory. Please bring proof of it before arrival.