OKAY YOGIS! We've had over two years of hunkering down and social distancing without travel. I think for many of us, it was a time of reflection on what we value, how we want to show up (for ourselves and others), and how we want to move forward. And one thing is for sure: I know that I want to continue traveling to new places, connecting with YOU, and learning together. So, now that it's a little safer to be traveling and places are opening their doors, I'm ready to explore. This time, I'm checking off a big bucket-list item of mine: BHUTAN!!! I really hope you'll join because we've got a lot planned.
Where You'll Be Staying
This is a moving retreat, meaning that we adventure to different locations and will stay in three different places over the course of our 10 days together.
THIMPHU: Family-run hospitality and the gorgeous handiwork of local artisans welcome you to Bhutan. Every aspect of these first nights reinforce the beauty and pride of Bhutanese art and history. Enjoy modern amenities and charm of the Namgay Heritage Hotel and the seclusion it offers, just a few minutes walk away from the heart of Thimphu.
PUNAKHA: Enjoy understated luxury and the simplicity of clean design and floor to ceiling windows in your deluxe rooms in the Punakha Valley. Surrounded by thick pine forests and overlooking the Punakha River, Dhensa Boutique Hotel is simple and luxurious comfort. Train your camera on the hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor.
PARO:Floor to ceiling windows warm and brighten each cottage while highlighting the all-encompassing forest and Himalayan mountain range views. The Himalayan Keys Forest Resort is a wholly Bhutanese-owned, boutique hotel designed to capture a luxurious treehouse experience. Tucked away and off the beaten path, the cottages are also close to it all and only a few minutes walk to Drukgyel Dzong. Wandering through the beauty out-of-doors to local ruins is a stunning way to end your Bhutan yoga retreat adventure.
What's Included
10 days in-country with an expert local English-speaking guide
Bhutan visa and permit management
Round trip flight from Bangkok to Bhutan
9 nights luxury boutique hotel accommodation (in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro)
3x daily fresh meals in local restaurants or at our hotel
Daily yoga + meditation
Full day excursion and hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Blessing by the High Lama of Bhutan
White water rafting adventure
Overnight in an active monastery
Evening prayer sessions with local nuns
Friendly soccer match with monastery monks
Explore Punakha Dzong
Up close and personal with one of the worlds largest Buddha statue – the Buddha Dodernma
Cooking class with organic and local food pioneer Aum Karma
Drive through and time to explore the Chelala Pass’s vibrant flora and views of Mt. Jomolhari
Stroll the paddy fields to Chimi Lhakang
All entry fees for the above sights and additional activities as listed on the itinerary
What's Not Included
International flights to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)
Any video or still camera fees assessed by the monuments or places of interest
Alcohol
Gratuities (for your Bhutanese guide – all other gratuities are covered)
Items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, spa services, etc)
We start our adventure by flying into Bhutan together with a welcome blessing from the High Lama of Bhutan. We spend a couple of days in Thimpu with to join a prayer ceremony with local nuns, a cooking lesson with Aum Karma, a hike to Dodeydra Monastery, and even some soccer with the monastery's monks who lead us with an evening prayer session. When we head to Punakha, we'll walk the paddy fields, hike to Khamsum Yuelley Monastery, raft the Mo Chu or Po Chu rivers, and traverse Bhutan's longest suspension bridge. We'll also visit with a Bhutanese architect and explore the ancient village of Rinchengang. When we finally head to Paro, we get to learn the technique of textile dyeing and weaving, visit the sacred mountains of Jomothari and Jichu Drake, and hike to the famous Tiger's Nest, and follow up with a traditional hot stone bath before departing back home. And of course, there will be daily yoga with me in the mix.
Book Your Stay
Choose a little extra privacy in your own room or share quality time with a friend or partner.
This retreat is not possible without the support and encouragement of The Travel Yogi and my wonderful yoga community. I especially would like to thank those of you involved, whether it's simply been encouragement by words or sponsorship and physical involvement. Want to get involved? Please reach out!! I would love to find a way to collaborate. Mahalo to these previous sponsors:
Flax of Life Grit & Grace Hawaiian Bath & Body Hawaiian South Shore Homecooked Love Hui Aloha 'Aila Lululemon Marissa Phillips Photo Natural Aloha Pena Photography The Travel Yogi Waiakea
