We welcome you to the kingdom of Bhutan. Upon arrival in the beautiful mountain town of Paro, we’ll settle into our guides’ favorite family hotel that overlooks the town of Paro. It’s a historic and characteristic old palace constructed over 100 years ago by the Bhutanese royal family. In addition, we will have a gentle unwinding yoga practice and opening circle outside under prayer flags. You can also enjoy the scenic view of the valley below. Then, the dinner is at the lovely Gangtey Palace restaurant… you are in for a treat of Bhutanese food in it’s finest traditional expression!

After our invigorating morning yoga practice and a delicious breakfast, we will delve into the history and culture of Bhutan. Starting off with a visit to the National Museum and the historic monastery of Paro Dzong. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to wander the small town of Paro, getting a feel for the local culture, looking in shops, etc. Or return to the hotel for a good siesta and a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath or massage. Late afternoon there will be a restorative yoga and pranayama practice followed by a lovely and healthy dinner at our hotel.

After morning yoga and breakfast, we depart Paro and drive 90-minutes along a sweeping valley to Bhutan’s capital, Thumphu. Our base for these next three nights is the modern and beautiful 5-star hotel located in the center of Bhutans’ largest city (with a population of about 100,000!) Here you will have a glimpse into how present day Bhutanese people have adapted to the 21st-century. Moreover, our guide will take you to some of his favorite local sights and experiences. In the evening, enjoy great Bhutanese cuisine and an optional night out at one of Thimphu's dance clubs renown for great electronic beats! Note that all activities are optional and you can choose to do your own thing, or just lounge and relax

Following yoga and breakfast, we embark on an exciting and challenging 2-hour trek into pine and rhododendron forests above the Thimphu valley. Next, a journey to a monastery with sweeping views of cascading mountain ranges. Observe how resident monks live, and join in meditation and prayer.

Following yoga and breakfast we will walk the hill to visit the world’s largest Buddha, which overlooks the town of Thimphu. Great yoga photo opportunity under this magnificent golden Buddha! We’ll then travel 4-hours along the scenic 10,300 ft pass to a small village called Punakha, arriving to our next lovely family resort, a peaceful haven amidst gardens and rice paddies.

After yoga and breakfast, we’ll trek through the rice fields to arrive at Chimi Lhakhang, also known as The Temple of the Divine Madman. Built in 1499 and named after Lama Drukpa Kunley, this fertility temple is one of Bhutan’s most sacred… and funny temples, as you will see! We’ll lunch in a wonderful local restaurant, then return to our hotel for a siesta and afternoon restorative yoga and pranayama practice – enjoying full use of the lovely yoga space overlooking rice paddies and green hills!

After yoga and breakfast, we’ll drive about 30 minutes to explore the most important and beautiful buildings in Bhutan: The Punakha Dzong. It was first constructed as a war fortress in the 1600’s, evolving over the years as Bhutan’s central administrative hub… but this does not begin to express the awesomeness of this architectural wonder. Next we’ll visit a small hilltop temple situated among farming fields and meditate with the resident monks. However, depending upon weather, we’ll have a lovely hike down a hill through forests.

No yoga this morning, as we have a surprise for you… weather depending! After an adventurous morning, we’ll relax into the long ride back to Paro town. There, we’ll spend our final three nights at a stunning boutique hotel that is a model of Bhutanese art and architecture. Just to wander the hotel and grounds is an experience of uniquness and beauty.

Luxuriate at the hotel spa, an iconic blend of Bhutanese craftsmanship and modern amenities set on 11-acres of meadows and mountains! We choose this lovely haven for the last three nights of our retreat because it offers an exquisite atmosphere to relax, restore and delve more deeply into yoga. Additionally, there is a lovely full-service spa, yoga studio with props, a temple to meditate, and beautiful sports, indoors and out. Hence, you can to relax and enjoy your retreat time exactly as you wish! You will also have a chance to shop in Paro for souvenirs and gifts.

During the last few days, after we have acclimated to the altitude of Bhutan, we will attempt (weather-depending) to hike to the famous Taksang Monastery. Nicknamed the Tiger’s Nest Monastery for its geography and history, the Taksang Monastery is renown for its cliff-side location. It is perched 2,700 feet above the valley floor where it is said that the Guru Rimpoche first arrived on the back of a flying tiger. He then meditated in a mountain cave for three months. You too can gain merit by making the 3-hour ascent and visiting the monastery seemingly glued to the barest concavity of the cliff face.
Our closing circle and yoga practice will carry us into our final dinner together, celebrating our new friends and new perspectives from this sacred time together in Bhutan!

Breakfast and a leisurely transport to the airport for your flight home. With joy and gratitude, we bid farewell to Bhutan!