Where to Go for a Solo Retreat in the Mountains
Quiet corners of the mountains, made for one
When the noise of normal life wears you down, the mountains offer something rare: silence, stillness, and an area to breathe. A solo mountain retreat isn’t about escaping—it’s about reconnecting. You may be seeking a break from everyday life, a chance to rejuvenate, or a chance to write your next chapter. A solo mountain retreat doesn’t necessarily suggest trekking across glaciers or residing off-grid in a cave. It’s about locating a quiet spot where you may just be, without the noise of normal life.
Here are some of the best spots in India to go on a relaxing solo trip to the mountains. There are fewer crowds and less noise, just you and the scenery.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Stark, Silent, Transformative
Spiti isn’t for people who just want to see the sights; it’s for people who are looking for something. This freezing desert is 12,500 feet high and has huge quiet, monasteries that are older than memory, and lunar-like landscapes, and days without digital interference make this valley perfect for a true mental reset.
What to do:
- Stay at Key Monastery or a mud hut in Langza or Dhankar.
- Enjoy the beauty of snow-capped peaks while journaling in the mornings.
- Find a spot where time seems to move more slowly and practice stillness.
Tip: Visit between May–September. Roads are blocked by snow in winter.
Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand – Where the Silence Has Power
For decades, this small ridge near Almora has drawn the attention of mystics, writers, and seekers, including Vivekananda, D. H. Lawrence, and Bob Dylan. Kasar Devi is situated on the Van Allen Belt, which is considered one of the most powerful energy domains on Earth, like Sedona or Machu Picchu.
Highlights:
- Consider meditating at the Kasar Devi Temple, where Swami Vivekananda once sat in solitude.
- Reserve a mountain cabin that offers a sunrise view of the Himalayas.
- The Crank’s Ridge trail, also referred to as “Hippie Hill,” was once the residence of poets and seekers. Take a stroll along it.
Ideal for: Writers, spiritual seekers, solo meditators.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – For the True Isolationist
Tawang, in the far northeast of India, is peaceful and untouched. Featuring tiered mountains, a town that borders both Bhutan and Tibet, the world’s second-largest monastery, and freshly fallen snow, this location is really a wonderland. The trip may be difficult, but once you reach your destination, time seems to stand still.
Retreat-worthy activities:
- Immerse yourself in the spiritual rhythm of Tawang Monastery by staying at a guesthouse nearby.
- For serene beauty and pristine reflections, take a stroll around Pangateng Tso Lake.
- Find a quiet, undisturbed spot to practise your attentive practices.
Important: You’ll need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to travel here.
Dehradun, Uttarakhand – Gateway to Peaceful Solitude
Dehradun, situated in the Shivalik range between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, strikes a balance between the peace of the mountains and the comforts of city life. As you progress deeper into the forested outskirts, such as Maldevta, Thano, or the ancient highways leading to Mussoorie, you will experience a reduction in pollution.
The song of birds, pure blue skies, and curving pathways are all in existence. Spend your mornings reading under pine trees or strolling along hillside paths. The most delightful aspect? It is easily accessible, yet it still appears to be situated in a remote location during peak hour.
Why it works:
- Explore the calm Forest Research Institute (FRI) or take a leisurely stroll through the caves surrounding Tapkeshwar Temple.
- Book a stay at a forest-side homestay in the surrounding area of Purkul village, Thano, near Rajpur or Maldevta, where you can escape the city’s life.
- If you are spiritual, consider spending a few peaceful days at Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centres in India.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh – Green, Slow, and Grounded
Ziro, another northeastern treasure, is tranquil, green, and quite calming. Wander through rice fields, stay in a bamboo cabin, and let the Apatani culture subtly change your viewpoint. Ziro doesn’t yell. It murmurs. That’s what makes it ideal for a solo retreat.
What makes it perfect for a solo retreat:
- In Hong village, stay in a traditional bamboo house.
- Sit peacefully with the people of Apatani or ride your bike across fields during the day.
- There are no strict schedules to follow. No WiFi. There are only sights of greenery and deep breaths to take in.
Best time to go: March–May and September–November.
Idukki, Kerala – Western Ghats Retreat Without the Chill
Prefer warm climates and verdant surroundings over chilly deserts and elevated terrain? Kerala’s Idukki: The Western Ghats offer a gentler retreat. Misty hills, spice farms, and peaceful homestays where you may lose yourself for a bit can all be found in Idukki. This area is characterised by misty mornings, thick woodlands, and a slower pace of life.
Ideal for:
- Writers, yoga practitioners, and others are seeking well-being.
- Nature enthusiasts seek hikes in spice gardens and treks away from tourists.
- solo travellers seeking peace away from harsh terrain.
Tip: Combine your trip with a few days in Munnar for tea trails and quiet hilltops.
Tips for Your Solo Mountain Retreat
- Pick your season carefully: Winter closes several parts of the region. For instance, May through September is the ideal time of year to explore Tawang and Spiti.
- Pack lightly and wisely: bringing offline maps, novels, journals, and warm clothing.
- Be careful: Tell someone about your itinerary. Steer clear of unexpected shortcuts and late-night hikes.
- Intentionally unplug: Switch to aeroplane mode on your phone. Disconnecting is the goal.
- Stay long enough to decompress: Give yourself at least three to five days to relax. Slowing down inside takes time.
Looking for a Quiet Place to Start?
If Dehradun is calling you, and you are seeking a peaceful stay in the hills—not too far off, not too touristy—there are hidden homes tucked inside the foothills that offer simply the right balance. Some spots close to Mussoorie provide solitude, woodland views, and the type of quiet that’s difficult to locate in cities.
One such space is Ramnate Homes, placed just outside the busy centre, where mornings are calm, nights are starry, and the air invites deep breaths. It’s no longer just a retreat; it’s clearly a place to escape to.