Some of the deepest experiences are the most uncomplicated. At Ailyak Stays there’s an experience that doesn’t shout for attention—it invites you in gently. Forest Bathing is not bathing in water, but bathing in nature itself. Picture this: you step into the forest, not to hike, not to get to a destination, just to be. You slow down. Breathe. You begin to observe—the rustle of leaves under your feet, the light glimmering off a pine cone, the rich smell of wet moss. In this mindful silence, there is a shift in you.
Based on the Japanese exercise of Shinrin-yoku, our self-guided and guided forest bathing trails will help you to reconnect with what the rapid world often leaves us forgetting—stillness, awe, and the healing power of nature. Whether you are a solo traveller needing some calm, or a couple wanting to enjoy the gentle silence step under cedar trees, forest bathing at Ailyak allows you to listen not only to the birdsong, but to yourself.
What is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)?
Born in Japan in the 1980s, Shinrin-yoku literally means “taking in the forest atmosphere.” It’s a form of nature therapy that encourages you to slow down and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest—mindfully and without distraction.
Unlike a hike or trek, forest bathing isn’t about covering distance or breaking a sweat. It’s about presence. You walk gently. Pause often. You allow yourself to be held by the forest. At Ailyak, our serene trails in Shoja and Seri are designed to encourage this intimate nature connection, whether you’re wandering alone or on a guided forest bathing session.
Science backs what your body already knows—mindfulness in nature reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improves your mood, lowers heart rate, and even boosts your immune system.
Our forest paths don’t just lead you through the woods—they simply return you to yourself.
Forest Bathing the Ailyak way– Where Stillness Finds You
At Ailyak Stays in Shoja and Seri, forest bathing isn’t just an activity—it’s a slow unfolding, a return to rhythm.
Whether you choose to indulge in the activity yourself or are guided by us, you are invited to wander through age-old cedars and pines, smell the sap, and listen to the songs of birds you cannot see. These are not just trails; they are opportunities for pausing, breathing, and listening.
Ailyak Experiences are created with intention. Our forest bathing experiences are designed with care, led by people who grew up in these forests, who understand their rhythms, and who respect their energy. Whether you join a guided morning walk or prefer a solo session with journal prompts, this is your space to slow down and breathe.
For those of you who feel comfortable with solitude, our self-guided forest therapy paths allow you the freedom to walk at your pace. You will find gentle markers along high-quality walking trails to help you decide where your time will be spent on focusing on stillness, breathwork, and reflecting. Alternatively, you can engage with a guided experience led by one of our trained facilitators who will guide you in various ways through mindfulness, nature connectedness, and Shinrin-yoku experiences that will guide you to enhance your understanding of the quiet wisdom of the forest.
Along the trails, glimpses of the flowing river and distant Himalayan slopes peek through the trees, while moss-draped boulders and sunlit clearings invite you to lie back and watch the canopy sway. It’s not just about walking—it’s about awakening.
Whether you’re seeking forest bathing in Jibhi, grounding wellbeing experiences in Himachal, or simply space to breathe deeply, Ailyak’s forest immersion offers a sanctuary crafted with intention.
What to Expect from Your Forest Bathing Experience at Ailyak Stays
Get ready to immerse yourself in a tranquil world where time takes a step back and the rhythm of nature slows down for you to relax. Each forest bathing session lasts about 1-2 hours, however there isn’t a hard stop, so you can choose to hang out longer and let the good vibes and calm energy of the forest deepen your experience.
Our properties in Shoja and Seri, near Jibhi, offer guided and self-directed (DIY) forest bathing experiences. Every session begins with an exercise to calm your breath to centre the mind and immerse your senses. After which, you will be led slowly through the cedar and pine groves to engage with the subtle sounds and sights of the forest.
At a certain point, this isn’t about doing-it’s about just being: letting go of stress, finding stillness, and connecting with the healing power of nature. Forest bathing will leave you feeling renewed and give you a mindful pause deep in the heart of the Himalayas, whether you are on your own, with a partner, or as a small group.
Timing Your Forest Bathing Experience for Maximum Calm
The period from spring to autumn (March – October) is the best time for forest bathing when the Himalayan forests around Jibhi, replete with rich and colorful wildflowers, new greens, and fresh and clear air. The weather is pleasant during this time of the year, which makes each step forward taken through the cedar and pine grove invigorating.
For the most magical moments, we recommend taking your walk in the early morning or late afternoon before sunset. These quieter times of day offer soft, golden light filtering through the trees, minimal disturbance from wildlife or fellow travelers, and the perfect atmosphere to fully immerse yourself in mindfulness and nature connection.
While monsoon months bring their own lush charm, we suggest forest bathing only when the skies are clear and the trails are safe to explore, ensuring your experience remains comfortable and serene.
Whichever version of travel wellbeing you pursue, organizing your forest bathing during these chosen, quiet hours will ease your overall travel wellbeing and leave you well rested and deeply rooted in this beautiful place called Himachal.
Forest Therapy Guidelines for Your Wellbeing Journey at Ailyak
Embrace these simple, mindful practices to deepen your connection with the forest and unlock the full healing power of nature.
- Dress for Comfort and Breathability Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows you to move freely and stay comfortable. Soft fabrics help you blend gently into the natural surroundings, inviting ease and calm throughout your walk.
- Keep Devices on Silent or Switched Off To fully surrender to the forest’s calm, silence your phone or turn it off completely. This small step helps you disconnect from the noise of everyday life and tune into the subtle sounds and rhythms of the woods.
- Walk Slowly and With Intention Forest bathing isn’t about covering distance—it’s about slowing down and letting the forest guide your pace. Move mindfully, notice the textures underfoot, the whisper of leaves, and allow your breath to sync with the natural world.
- Live the Moment Before Capturing It We encourage you to soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest fully before reaching for your camera or phone. This ensures the experience is deeply felt and remembered, even if the photos don’t capture the forest’s true magic.
- Respect the Forest — Leave No Trace Please help keep our trails pristine by carrying out all your litter and respecting the environment. Forest bathing is a sacred practice, and protecting the forest’s health is part of honoring its gift to us.
Local Wisdom and the Healing Power of Forests
Here in Himachal, forests embody so much more than just trees; they are sacred places meant to rejuvenate the body and soul. The inhabitants of these forests have long recognized these spaces as natural healers; spaces where unhurried walks through the trees provides clarity, peace, and renewal.
In many ways, forest paths have always acted as long meditative spaces, places of prayer, and venues of communion within oneself and with nature. This ancient wisdom is telling us that the forest is a living place where we invite time to stand still, to listen, and to heal. At Ailyak, we value these traditions and respectfully acknowledge these local truths and history by weaving traditional insights into every forest bathing experience, creating an authentic coherence and experience of nature therapy.
How to Book Your Forest Bathing Session at Ailyak?
Step into a mindful journey designed to reconnect you deeply with nature’s healing rhythms at Ailyak.
- Select Your Experience Choose between a self-guided forest bathing trail or a guided walk. The self-guided option comes with a thoughtfully crafted PDF guide that encourages mindful connection while minimizing environmental impact.
- Guided Walks on Request Our trained facilitators lead personalized guided sessions designed to deepen your mindfulness and nature connection. Guided walks can be scheduled in advance based on your preferred date and time.
- Contact Our Team When you arrive, simply speak to the friendly staff at Ailyak Stays Reception at any of our properties. They will provide all the information you need and help you book your session hassle-free.
- Flexible Scheduling Forest bathing sessions is personalised depending upon availability and energy levels — whether you want a short mindful walk or a longer immersive experience.
- Respecting Nature We provide all necessary guidance to ensure your walk is safe, serene, and leaves no trace, helping preserve the pristine Himalayan forests for future visitors.
What Guests Say About Their Forest Bathing Experience at Ailyak
“I thought it would just be a peaceful walk,” says Yashica from Delhi, “but the quiet and the fresh forest air really helped me clear my mind. It was calming in a way I didn’t expect.”
Haresh who is also from Delhi, opted for a guided session, shared, “I liked how the walk wasn’t rushed. The small pauses and breathing exercises made a big difference. It helped me slow down and just be present for a while.”
Pair it With Other Ailyak Experiences
Deepen your connection to nature and self by weaving forest bathing into a day of mindful exploration at Ailyak.
- Morning Yoga: Begin your day with gentle movement and breathwork amidst mountain stillness, setting the tone for a grounded forest walk.
- Riverside Meditation: After your forest session, unwind by the river’s edge. Let the sound of flowing water guide you deeper into calm.
- Local Himachali Lunch at Ailyak Café: End your experience with a warm, wholesome meal prepared with regional flavours—nourishing both body and soul.
These combinations create a thoughtful rhythm to your day, turning a simple walk into a richer journey of wellbeing in Himachal.
Find Your Nature Connection at Ailyak
Come experience forest bathing in Jibhi and Shoja—a gentle yet powerful invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover your connection with nature and yourself. Whether through a quiet solo walk or a guided journey into the forest, let the stillness of the woods remind you of your own inner calm.
