Private & Custom vs Trek & Paint Retreat
Both are structured Himalayan retreat programs. The difference lies in purpose, pacing, and who each format is best suited for. This comparison outlines the key distinctions to help you choose.
At a Glance
| Private & Custom | Trek & Paint Retreat | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | A retreat designed entirely around your needs, timeline, and intentions. | Walk the Himalayas by day, paint what you see by evening — where trail meets canvas. |
| Duration | Flexible (custom) | Flexible (custom) |
| Primary Location | chakrata | chakrata |
| Why that location | Our primary location. Logistically optimal for most custom configurations. | Dense forests, varied terrain, and stunning ridge viewpoints make Chakrata ideal for combining walking with painting. |
Who Each Retreat Is For
| Private & Custom | Trek & Paint Retreat | |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for |
|
|
| Not for |
|
|
Daily Rhythm
Private & Custom
We begin with conversation. What do you need? What are you seeking? What does your body know? What does your heart want? From that conversation, we design your retreat. Duration, location, practices, pacing, depth, community level—all customized. We source teachers, facilitators, and support specific to your needs. We handle accommodations, meals, logistics. You arrive into a container that was built specifically for your unfolding. The rhythm is yours, held within our expertise and care.
Trek & Paint Retreat
Mornings begin at sunrise with tea and a light breakfast. We pack art supplies and water, and hit the trail by 7:30 AM. The trek lasts 3–5 hours depending on the day, with frequent stops to observe and quick-sketch interesting subjects. After lunch at a viewpoint or camp, the afternoon is dedicated painting time. The facilitator guides composition and technique while you work from the live landscape. Evenings are relaxed. Dinner, then optional sharing of the day's work. The group sees the same trail through different eyes — and that's part of the learning. Rest days are built in for solo exploration and sustained painting sessions.
How to Choose
If your primary need is a retreat designed entirely around your needs, timeline, and intentions, the Private & Custom retreat may be more aligned.
If your primary need is walk the himalayas by day, paint what you see by evening — where trail meets canvas, explore the Trek & Paint Retreat retreat instead.
For a broader overview of all retreat programs and formats, visit our complete guide to Himalayan Retreats in India.