Yoga and Qigong Retreat in Madzharovo: October 16-18

Join us for a weekend in the Eastern Rhodopes. From October 16 to 18, 2026, we are holding a yoga and qigong retreat in Madzharovo, Bulgaria. The town sits in the crater of an ancient volcano, the Arda River winds through the valley in its famous meanders, and griffon vultures circle above the house.

Where we stay

We stay at Staroto Gnezdo (“The Old Nest”), a two-hundred-year-old house with a yard of about one acre. There are outdoor spots for practice, a separate hall in case the weather turns cool, and a place for a big bonfire. The house is rated 9.6 on Booking.

The program

Four sessions over two days: two of qigong and two of yoga therapy. We work gently with the back and posture, breathe, and learn to meditate. No acrobatics: everything is manageable, suitable for any age and for complete beginners.

On Saturday we go on a long walk to the Pyramid and the Cross hills, a seven-kilometer loop starting right from the house. If you are not up for the climb, you can take a shorter route with a guide and come back earlier. In the evening we will walk up to the Tower to watch the sunset or sit by the fire.

Who leads it

I teach the qigong sessions. I am Anatoly Yasinsky, a physicist by my first degree and an instructor-methodologist in adaptive physical education, yoga therapist and qigong teacher by my second. I have been studying Eastern practices for more than 25 years and approach them with the scientific method. I recently wrote and published the book “Yoga vs Qigong: Basic Techniques”.

My wife, Anastasia Yasinskaya, will give a talk on nutrition and lead yoga sessions for the spine (yoga therapy). She holds a PhD in medical sciences and is a nutritionist, so there will be someone to answer your health questions.

Cost and how to join

Money matters are simple, with no prepayment. You book your room yourself on Booking, pay for meals on site to the host, and pay us 100 euros per person for the sessions and organization, also on site.

There are still free rooms in the house. If you would like to come, book right away, they go fast.

The full hour-by-hour program and the Booking link are in the Facebook event. Ask your questions there in the comments or write to us through the contact page.

Anatoly YasinskyPhysicist (MIPT), qigong instructor, yoga therapist. 25 years of practice, Yoga Journal contributor.About the author →