Reconnect with Yourself in the Himalayas

During the flight, you may enjoy views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, followed by the Traditional Paper Factory and the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School. In the evening, you will have a welcome briefing and introduction to the yoga retreat, followed by your first yoga and meditation session. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Early in the morning, you will have a yoga session at Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu Valley. After breakfast, you will drive for approximately one hour to Tselung Nye, a sacred site associated with Guru Rinpoche and known for its peaceful natural surroundings. You will spend time exploring the area and practising meditation in this quiet setting before returning to Thimphu. After lunch, you will visit the Motithang Takin Preserve and Folk Heritage Museum. If time permits, you can stroll through Thimphu town and observe the daily lifestyle of the local people. In the evening, you will have another yoga session at the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After your morning yoga session at the hotel, you will drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m). On a clear day, the pass offers views of the Eastern Himalayas.The road then descends through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock into the warmer Punakha Valley. En route, you will stop at Metsina Village and walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and the nearby Punakha Suspension Bridge. Your evening yoga or meditation session will take place at Sangchhen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery, offering a peaceful setting overlooking the valley. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After your morning yoga session, you will drive to Yabesa Village and hike through the rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Located on a hill above the valley, the temple offers beautiful views of Punakha. You will then continue towards Phobjikha Valley, passing through Wangdue and stopping at Wangduephodrang Dzong. The road climbs through forests of oak and rhododendron to Lawala Pass (3,250m) before descending through dwarf bamboo forests into Phobjikha. In the evening, you will have a yoga session at a suitable temple or open area, depending on the weather. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

Your day begins with a morning yoga session at Gangtey Goenpa, an important Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. After breakfast, you will explore Phobjikha Valley, including the Black-necked Crane Information Centre. You will then hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through pine forests and dwarf bamboo, with views across the valley. After returning to the hotel, you will have time to relax. Later in the afternoon, you will drive to the southern side of the valley to enjoy the surrounding landscape and sunset. A sunset yoga session will be held in the peaceful surroundings of Phobjikha Valley. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After your morning yoga session, you will drive back to Paro, with a stop at Dochula for lunch. From Dochula, the road continues through the mountains and into the Paro Valley. In the afternoon, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. You will then visit the Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House, which preserves the former residence of the renowned Buddhist teacher. If time permits, you can stroll through Paro town. In the evening, you will have a yoga session at the hotel or by the riverside. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, located at 3,180m. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave where the monastery now stands. Perched on a steep cliff about 900m above Paro Valley, Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria before you explore the monastery and hike back to the valley. In the evening, you will visit a traditional farmhouse where you can experience a Bhutanese hot stone bath and enjoy local cuisine. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.