Bhutan Wellness & Yoga Retreat

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom. On arrival in Thimphu, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); visit the Traditional paper factory, and visit the school of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). Later in the evening, welcome briefing and introduction to your yoga retreat followed by Yoga and meditation. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Early Morning Yoga session at the largest Buddha Dordenma statue. After breakfast, you will drive approximately 1hr to Tselung Nye, the sacred place of prophetic longevity, where the Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. To discover more tranquility meditation mood, Tselung Ney is the best place. Nestled in the heart of nature, this tranquil haven offers the perfect environment to help you clear your mind and find inner peace. After explored the Tselung Ney, drive back to Thimphu. After lunch, visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan: the Takin, and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. If time permits, you can stroll through Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Evening Yoga session at Hotel. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Morning Yoga session at hotel. After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way you will stop at Metsina village and hike through rice paddies up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the “Divine Madman” who is believed to bless women who seeks fertility. After lunch, you will visit beautiful Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha Dzong is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. After this, you will visit Longest Suspension bridge in Bhutan. Your today’s Yoga or meditation session will take place at Sangchhen Dorji Lhendup Nunner temple. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Morning Yoga session as usual. After breakfast, before you hit the road to Phobjikha, you will drive to Yabesa village, and hike through the rice fields up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten (stupa), built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. Best view of the Punakha Valley is seen from the top of the temple. After explored the temple, hike back to the valley and then proceed to Phobjikha. About 30 minutes’ drive from Punakha is Wangduephodrang, the last town before central Bhutan. This district is famous for its bamboo work and stone carving. On the way, you will stop at the Wangduephodrang and visit Wangduephodrang Dzong. From Wangduephodrang, the road winds up through dense forest of oak and rhododendron till Lawa-La pass (3250m). From the pass, drive downhill through the blanketed with dwarf bamboos, oak, rhododendrons and then arrive arrive Phojikha. Evening Yoga session at temple or open ground. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.

Morning Yoga session at Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. After breakfast, you sightseeing in the phobjikha valley includes Black-necked crane information center, Gangtey Natural Trial hike, the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjkha valley so beautifully from this hike. Return to your hotel for a relaxation. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy
scenic drive to the south of the Phobjikha valley to enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscapes and sunset yoga session, soaking in the serene ambience of the Phobjikha valley. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.

Morning Yoga session at hotel. After breakfast, drive back to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch. After lunch you will continue your drive to Paro. Later in the afternoon you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century, and visit the Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House. The Memorial House in Kyichu, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s primary residence in Bhutan, was inaugurated as a museum and opened to the public in 2010 to celebrate his centennial. It has been preserved almost exactly as it was when he lived there. Khyentse Rinpoche was one of the main spiritual teachers of the Bhutanese Royal Family. The house includes the reception room where Rinpoche gave private audiences and teachings and his bedroom where he meditated daily and recited prayers. If time permits, stroll in the Paro town. Evening yoga session at hotel or by riverside. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Today, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Evening you will visit farm house and experience Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath and test local cuisine. Overnight Paro.

Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.