Some people struggle to stay in one place, even on holiday. For them, a retreat entirely focused on slowing down may seem frustrating. The combination of yoga and hiking meets this need exactly: moving, exerting oneself outdoors, then stretching and soothing the body on the mat. Here’s why this duo works so well, and who it’s for.
What walking brings to practice
Hiking and yoga complement each other naturally. Walking strengthens the legs, breath, and endurance, but it also shortens the muscles and puts strain on the joints over time. Yoga precisely comes to undo these tensions, open the hips, relax the back, and give the body the flexibility that effort tends to reduce.
Walking for several hours also puts the mind in a particular state, close to meditation. The regular rhythm of the steps, the attention paid to the path and the breath, create an inner calm that the evening session comes to prolong. Many participants thus discover a form of meditation in motion, without ever having had to sit in silence.
What does a day look like
The rhythm remains active without becoming excessively sporty. The day often starts with a gentle practice to wake up the body, followed by a hearty breakfast. Hiking then occupies the morning or the whole day, depending on the elevation and the place, with breaks to contemplate the landscape and catch one’s breath.
The return to the venue is accompanied by a period of rest, followed by a slower session at the end of the day, focusing on stretching and recovery. This alternation between effort and relaxation leaves a healthy fatigue, the kind that calls for a deep sleep. It’s a format that suits those who usually return exhausted from the office without ever really exerting themselves physically.
Is it for you
This type of stay is particularly suitable for people who love nature and dislike inactivity. If the idea of sitting all day bothers you, hiking will provide the exercise you need, while yoga will prevent stiffness and blockages.
A basic level of fitness is useful, even if most venues adapt the routes to the level of the group. Find out about the elevation gain, the duration of the hikes, and the planned pace before booking, to avoid a stay that is too demanding or, on the contrary, too quiet for you. The season also matters, as the mountains are mostly hiked from late spring to early autumn.
The venues in our selection that truly combine walking and practice are gathered on the Hiking page. And if you’re looking above all to rest in a different way, our article on how to really rejuvenate explores other paths.