THE TRAVEL YOGI
Bhutan Yoga 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.
Adventure Details
THIMPHU
PUNAKHA
PARO
Upcoming Dates
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.
Leslie Sikes
Leslie Sikes
Leslie Sikes is a Cincinnati yoga instructor with over 20 years of teaching in studio, institutional, and private settings. She has participated as a student on a trip with The Travel Yogi the Galapagos Islands, and has led trips with The Travel Yogi to Panama, Kenya and soon to be Iceland and Patagonia. These experiences have truly changed her life in many ways.
Leslie teaches yoga studies for The University of Cincinnati. This curriculum allows college students to access yoga and meditation through their college career. She was the driving force behind the creation of a yoga studies certificate at the university. She also teaches yoga for the athletics teams at UC.
Leslie’s yoga training consists of 200 YTT in Ashtanga Yoga, 300 YTT in Rocket Yoga and certifications in Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Mindfulness. She recently completed her 500 YTT at Modo Yoga Nicaragua and currently teaches hot yoga and workshops for Embra Yoga Cincinnati.
When it comes to teaching, Leslie’s goal is to help students use yoga to stay connected both spiritually and physically, on and off their mats. She loves music and is constantly creating new music playlists to match her teachings, which she subsequently shares with her students. Leslie currently lives in Clifton with her husband and two girls, Lila and Rose.
Leslie’s Travel Yogi Story
I found The Travel Yogi through the Yoga Journal as a sweepstakes to win a free yoga retreat adventure to Iceland. While I didn’t win, I reached out to the company to see what they were all about. I’m a 44 year old yoga instructor who lives in Cincinnati with my husband and two kids, ages 16 and 13. The Galapagos Island trip had been on my bucket list since I was a little girl. I knew this was the right time in my life to travel again. I decided I should travel as a student first to see the experience from that side. I was completely blown away by my experience! The food, culture, hospitality, yoga practice, local guides of the island, and time to detach from everything at home was crucial for my mental health. I returned home recharged with a fresh outlook on life, and couldn’t wait for the next trip. I made a new group of friends as The Travel Yogi trips seem to attract open-minded, non-judgemental, diverse and friendly people. This is what inspired me to lead yoga retreat adventures with The Travel Yogi to Panama and Kenya in 2024.
In Panama we had 14 amazing women who joined for yoga and adventure in Panama City and Bocas del Toro. The weather was beautiful, and we all came home feeling like we actually had time to rest and take care of ourselves. We all had a blast making connections with each other and the amazing souls in Panama. This was the perfect adventure in February when the weather was cold in the US.
Kenya was a dream come true. Going to Africa was also something that I hoped to experience. Little did I know the change it would make in my life. The animals, guides, accommodations and people of Kenya were some of the most incredible experiences I have ever witnessed. Kenya is a healing place in so many ways. I will forever hold this in my heart.
Iceland and Patagonia are on the horizon. I hope you can join me for these experiences and more around the world.
Jess Gumkowski
Jess Gumkowski
Jess Gumkowski is a mindset coach, author, yoga instructor, retreat adventure leader, and co-founder of YogiTriathlete, a holistic performance coaching company. With over two decades of experience in yoga, Ayurveda, and endurance sports, Jess integrates ancient wisdom with modern insights to guide individuals toward greater ease, resilience, and self-mastery.
Her journey began as a sports and orthopedic massage therapist, but she quickly realized that true transformation goes beyond the physical. Through yoga, mindfulness, and endurance training, Jess discovered the power of presence and the profound connection between movement and mental freedom. Whether leading retreat adventures, coaching athletes, or hosting her Awake Athlete Podcast, she helps others cultivate clarity and connection in both adventure and stillness.
From dynamic flows to deep relaxation, from exploring wild landscapes to embracing the unknown, her guidance calms the nervous system and awakens the soul. Whether on the mat, on the trail, or mid-air over turquoise waters, Jess inspires others to live with purpose, awareness, and an open heart.
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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)
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 adventure 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
A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Bhutan and for transit through Thailand. As a requirement for entry, your passport must be/have: valid for at least six months from your date of departure from Thailand and have three blank stamp pages. Please check your passport expiration date. If any of these requirements are not currently being met, you must have your passport renewed.
A visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Bhutan, and we will be taking care of these visas for all travelers. In order for us to do so, we will require a full color, scanned copy of your photo passport page (photographs and phone scans are not allowed) as well as a picture of an additional passport style photo. A digital arrival card is also required for all travelers transiting through Thailand and should be completed 3 days before arrival into Thailand. You can click here to access the Thailand Digital Arrival Card and begin the process.
As entry requirements can change, please visit the State Department’s page for Bhutan and Thailand for up to date information.
Nationals of all other countries should check travel requirements well in advance of their adventure, but please note we will be obtaining visas for all travelers.
Please schedule your flights to arrive in and depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, Thailand. You will need to arrive into Bangkok at least one day before the trip begins. The Travel Yogi will take care of your flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan on Day 1 of the trip, but flight times are determined closer to the trip so everyone needs to be in the night before.
We will also fly you back to Bangkok on the last day of the adventure and we require that you not book any outbound flight from Bangkok any earlier than 11:30pm on the last day. Additional details will be included in your Welcome Email, which will be automatically sent after booking, as well as in the travel app you will receive shortly afterward.
Yes! Without a doubt. Our Bhutan Yoga Adventure goes to remote locations (that’s the point, right?) and as such travel insurance including trip interruption, trip cancellation and medical evacuation and rescue, at minimum, is required. A quote will be generated for you during the booking process with our insurance partners Ripcord, however, you may purchase your insurance through any reputable provider.
At this time, no vaccinations are required for travel to Bhutan. However, we recommend that you are up to date on all routine vaccinations and encourage you to review the latest guidance on the CDC page for Bhutan before traveling, as recommendations can change. Any specific vaccination or health-related questions should be discussed with your personal physician.
Absolutely! Although this is a remote location, the cuisine is delicious and dietary requests can be accommodated provided that you notify us at least four weeks in advance. Please contact The Travel Yogi with any dietary questions.
Yes! Wifi is readily available at all properties, with the exception of the overnight stay at the monastery. Enjoy the night unplugging and spending a unique evening with the monks.
On this adventure, you will need to bring your own yoga mat with you. Classes will be designed without props in mind, but bring any props you need to be comfortable in your practice. If you find your regular yoga mat to be too bulky, we recommend bringing two travel mats as they generally fold up well and offer appropriate support.
Electricity in Bhutan runs on 220V. Bhutan utilizes the European plug types C, D, F and G. You may need an adaptor and converter, it will be up to you to check your individual electronics. Please note that our hotel in Paro uses U.S. outlets.
Once you book your trip, you’ll receive access to our travel app where you’ll find our suggested packing list to help you get trip-ready. In general, we recommend bringing comfortable yoga clothes, casual wear, a swimsuit and sturdy walking shoes for excursions.
Bhutan’s weather varies by elevation but is generally mild and pleasant. Days will generally bring comfortable daytime temperatures, clear skies, sunshine and cool mornings and evenings. Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-75°F (15-25°C), and nighttime lows will be between 40-50°F (4-10°C). In the the higher elevations it can feel crisp, especially early and late in the day, so layers are recommended.
In Bhutan, it’s best to stick with filtered or bottled water for drinking. All of our accommodations will provide plenty of fresh and filtered drinking water. You will want to bring a reusable water bottle with you for daily use and while out on walks and drives.
Yes! Of course. Once you’re booked you’ll receive a Welcome 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 please purchase your travel insurance once you have deposited on this adventure.
