THE TRAVEL YOGI
Bhutan Yoga Retreat Adventure
Trip in One Word: Bliss
What You’ll Experience in Bhutan
This Bhutan yoga retreat adventure is full of only-here immersion and wonder. Through our unique connections you will experience a blessing from the nuns, stay at an active monastery, explore ancient fortresses and temples, raft the Pho Chu, mingle with monks and discover yourself in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. In this world apart, you’ll discover a moving feast of culture, nature and infectious local smiles. It’s an ideal destination for personal enrichment and deepening your yoga practice. Bhutan culture is preserved by issuing only a limited number of tourist visas each year, so they are able to welcome visitors sustainably while preserving their endemic and natural beauty.
How You’ll Experience Bhutan
Your Bhutan yoga retreat adventure will weave together the best of the country’s culture and nature—all while grounding your experience with deep breaths and yoga. Exclusive, hyper-local experiences, hiking and culture are at your fingertips. You’ll stay in beautiful, luxurious local hotels in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, as well as a unique overnight in a monastery, hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest (i.e., Paro Taktsang), play a friendly soccer game with monks, visit the world’s largest Buddha statue, the Buddha Dodernma and plenty more. Soak your body in a traditional hot stone bath and your spirit in the mysteries and enchantment of Bhutan.
How You’ll Feel When You Return Home
Bhutanese humor will invoke your inner (laughing) sage and your friends and family may start wondering, what happened on that Bhutan yoga retreat adventure?! You’ll emit a deep vibration of bliss as you walk through your normal life, just knowing that a place that measures success by an index of happiness exists.
Bhutan Yoga Retreat Adventure Details
THIMPHU
PUNAKHA
PARO
Upcoming Dates
Gioconda Parker
Gioconda Parker
Gioconda has been practicing, teaching, and studying yoga for over 15 years. She is registered with Yoga Alliance and as an EYRT-500 and has led workshops, teacher trainings, and retreats, both nationally and internationally.
In 2008 she initiated and co-founded the Austin based community movement “Changing The World, One Om at a Time,” a seva project designed to unite yoga communities in practice and service. A continual student, Gioconda completed her Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology and is working at the advanced level training in Somatic Experiencing. The blending of these skills, along with her years of exploration in the philosophies of yoga and principles of Ayurveda, provide the foundation on which she founded her private practice, where she assists clients to heal, grow, and explore their full potential.
Gioconda combines alignment and flow to empower students to grow in their practice, inviting challenge in a nurturing environment. She encourages playfullness and enjoyment while exploring the science and art that is yoga. She believes passionately in yoga’s ability to bridge unity at an individual, community and global level.
Debbi Murphy
Debbi Murphy
Exploring the mind-body connection is Debbi’s life work. After years in academia researching and teaching subjects that elevated one or the other half of that equation (doctorate in exercise science, master’s degree in counseling psychology), she turned her attention to the study of yoga – a perfect nexus of both.
Throughout her years in academia, Debbi studied with leading yoga masters to deepen her knowledge and hone her practice. Her alignment based, mindful flow style evolved from early work with Rodney Yee, Annie Carpenter and Shiva Rea. But the heart of her teaching comes from Erich Schiffmann, whose message of self-trust and the transformative power of yoga really resonated with her background.
Through more than 40 years of study and experience, including a dozen as creator and director of Shanti Yoga Teacher Training, Debbi found that the best approach to mind-body vitality is informed by both western science and the spirit of eastern yogic philosophy. Whether you’re attending her popular local classes (which won her the title of Boise’s Best), national conferences, or international retreats you can expect an artful blend of sound science, ancient wisdom, and mind-body-spirit integration woven together in the beautiful, juicy flow of the vinyasa tradition.
Debbi also shares her message online in various blogs and trainings. You’ll also find her informative and inspirational posts on her website, and her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds.
NEW ADVENTURE DATES COMING SOON
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What's Included
- Ten days in-country with an expert local English speaking guide
- Bhutan visa and permit management
- Round trip flight from Bangkok to Bhutan
- Breakfast each morning at our hotels
- All lunches including local eateries and picnic(s)
- All dinners in a local restaurant or at our hotels
- Morning and evening yoga on most days (please see the full itinerary for yoga schedule)
- Four nights luxury boutique hotel in Thimphu
- Two nights luxury boutique hotel in Punakha
- Two nights luxury boutique hotel in Paro
- Full day excursion and hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Blessing and ceremony with local nuns
- Pho Chu rafting adventure
- Overnight in an active monastery with the monks
- 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 and eats
- 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
- 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)
- Travel Insurance (required)
Bhutan Yoga Retreat Accommodations
THIMPHU
Welcome to Bhutan and the gorgeous views of Thimphu at our first boutique hotel set within the foothills of the Himalayans. Enjoy modern amenities and charm of the Postcard Dewa and the seclusion it offers, just outside of the heart of Thimphu.
PUNAKHA
Enjoy sleek, understated luxury and the simplicity of modern-meets-Bhutanese design in the Punakha Valley. Surrounded by thick pine forests from its mountain perch and overlooking the Punakha Valley, Dhensa is luxurious and calm comfort. Train your camera on the stunning view and villages dotting the valley floor.
Paro
Having recently reopened after a renovation, the Zhiwa Ling Heritage in Paro has the look of a beautiful monastery and all the comforts of a luxury hotel. Wandering through the beauty out-of-doors to the tea room or the yoga shala is a stunning way to end your Bhutan yoga retreat adventure.
Itinerary
Board your included flight from Bangkok to Paro and begin your unique Bhutan yoga retreat and ten days of amazing cultural exploration.
Yoga retreat adventure schedules will vary and final itineraries will go out to the travel crew about a month prior to departure. The trip outline gives you an overall picture of what an adventure in Bhutan will be.
1
DAY ONE
- Fly into Bhutan through the Paro Valley and spy the Pa Chu (Paro river) and Ta Dzong (watchtower)
- Exit the arrivals at the airport to meet up with our guide and head out for the 1 hr drive to Thimphu
- Explore Tamchog Lhakhang and Zorig Chusum
- Head to Thimpu to check-in and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
- Join local nuns for an evening prayer ceremony
- Opening yoga class
- Group dinner and welcome to Bhutan!
2
DAY TWO
- Sunrise yoga at the base of the Buddha Dordenma statue
- Breakfast picnic at the statue and entrance
- Traditional Bhutanese cooking lesson (and eats!)
- Transfer back to town for a lunch sampling the local cuisine
- Return to the hotel for the evening yoga class
- Group dinner at the hotel
- Optional – if you’ve got the energy, head out to one of Thimpu’s dance clubs (electronic beats anyone?)
3
DAY THREE
- Early morning yoga and breakfast
- Hike to Dodeydra Monastery
- Learn the rituals and participate in a butter lamp offering
- Enjoy lunch at the monastery with the monks
- Head outside this afternoon with the monks for a friendly soccer match
- Practice your passing skills and bring a sense of humor to the pitch!
- Early evening meditation with the monastery’s lama
- Evening prayer session with monastery’s monks
- Evening dinner and overnight at the monastery
4
DAY FOUR
- Enjoy morning yoga with your new friends from the monastery
- Say goodbye and hike back to Thimphu and catch a ride to Punakha
- Mid-drive stop in the Dochu La pass and lunch, and stunning views, at Druk Wangyel
- Walk the paddy fields to the Chimi Lhankhang – a temple dedicated to a great yogi known as the “Divine Madman”
- Check-in and enjoy an evening yoga session
- Dinner at the local hotel
5
DAY FIVE
- Early morning yoga and breakfast at the hotel
- Hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Monastery
- Head out for a big day on the river rafting either the Mo Chu or Po Chu rivers
- Raft through the stunning Bhutanese backdrop and by the 17th century Punakha Dzong – no experience necessary, just a willingness to paddle and get wet!
- Enjoy a post-rafting riverside picnic
- Head to explore the Punakha Dzong on an ancient walking path
- Traverse Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge
- Dinner and bonfire evening at Aum Karma’s farm home (no evening yoga)
6
DAY SIX
- Morning yoga and group breakfast
- Enjoy a day of leisure as you take a well-deserved pause to explore Punakha, get a massage or relax on property
- Enjoy lunch together on property
- Stroll the river, head off for a hike or continue with a fully rejuvenating and relaxing afternoon
- Evening outdoor yoga
- Group dinner at the hotel
7
DAY SEVEN
- Early morning yoga and breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to the historic town of Paro
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
- Head into the woods with local experts to learn the technique of textile dyeing and weaving
- Traditional textiles in Bhutan are highly regarded and have an important cultural and historical language all their own
- Evening yoga session and dinner at the hotel
8
DAY EIGHT
- Early morning yoga at the chorten-style Buddhist temple Dungtse Lhakhang
- Enjoy breakfast a local cafe
- Drive to the stunning Chelela Pass
- Luxuriate in a picnic at 13,000ft with stunning views of the sacred mountains of Jomothari and Jichu Drake
- Evening yoga to unwind
- Group dinner at the hotel
9
DAY NINE
- Early morning hike to the Taktsang Monastery Tiger’s Nest
- Morning yoga along the hike
- Enjoy a picnic breakfast
- This most famous of Bhutan landmarks requires a hike of approximately 5 hours to reach the monastery
- Learn the history and significance of the monastery as one of the most sacred and venerated sites in Buddhism
- Head back into town post-hike and explore Paro
- Luxuriate hike weary muscles in a traditional hot stone bath
- Final Bhutan yoga
- Group farewell dinner
10
DAY TEN
- Group breakfast and final Bhutan goodbyes
- Transfer to the Paro airport for your flight to Bangkok and onward back home
TESTIMONIALS
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
ADVENTURE WELL(NESS)
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll want to schedule your flight into Bangkok (BKK) at least one day before the trip begins. We have your flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan taken care of on day one of your trip, but flight times are determined closer to the trip so everyone needs to be in the night before. We’ll also fly you back to Bangkok on the last day of your adventure and we require that you not book any outbound flight from Thailand any earlier than 9pm on the last day.
Electricity in Bhutan runs on 220V. Most U.S. based devices that need to be charged (including camera batteries, mp3 players, etc.) work with outlets ranging from 110–240 volts, so they typically do not require a power converter. However, it will be up to you to check your individual electronics. This information is located on the plug itself and is usually very easy to find. Outlet configurations in Bhutan are normally European-style: round, two- or three-pronged. As outlets can change from place to place, we recommend you bring an outlet adapter to ensure you do not have problems plugging your devices in. Hotel Zhiwa Ling in Paro uses U.S. outlets.
Yes! Please note that travel insurance in required for all travelers and proof on insurance will be required on day one. All plans must include medical evacuation coverage. Please contact The Travel Yogi with any questions.
Yes, all of our lux hotels will have wifi available.
On this adventure, yes, it is necessary that you bring your own mat with you. Our guides will carry them for you, along with your luggage. A mat and a strap are good options but unless you absolutely need a block, we recommend you leave that at home. The Travel Yogi teachers that head out to Bhutan devise classes without props.
There are no inoculation requirements at this time but it is suggested that you be up to date on your tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A. Any questions about your specific inoculation needs to should directed to your personal physician in advance of this adventure.
Yes! Of course. Once you’re booked you’ll receive an email with important logistical information and a link to your invoice. You can pay any amount at any time on the invoice; you can use it as a payment plan or leave it alone until the final due date. Remember that deposits are non-refundable so, on all trips, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.
