Bhutan Yoga retreat-PEACEFUL DRAGON KINGDOM- Explore and experience the beauty and culture of Bhutan while doing yoga across the western kingdom. This Bhutan yoga and wellness retreat tour weaves together the best of the country’s culture and nature as you explore ancient fortresses, temples and mingle with the monks. You can visit some of the world’s most scenic destinations and the idyllic nature of Bhutan, with its beautiful valleys, majestic mountains, and breathtaking views.
Overview
The 07 days Yoga retreat Tours is a journey of yoga, meditation, sound healing day tours to ancient temples, fortresses, lush green nature, and monasteries within Thimphu, Punakha & Paro valley.
Give yourself over to the experience of a 7 day yoga trip to Bhutan with ALAYA @Traveling.
Tour Highlights
- Inspiring daily yoga practice in a variety of stunning locations
- Traditional hot stone bath and traditional herbal treatments
- Meditation and healing sessions
- Discover the well-preserved unique traditions
- Internationally Qualified Yoga and Wellness Instructor
- White water rafting
Itinerary
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where ALAYA dedicated team who will be welcoming and greeting you holding placard and silk sacrfs (khaddar) and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu River taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu.
Visit Iron Bridge Tachongang Lhakhang- En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time. Chuzom- Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait of our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan. Visit to Simply Bhutan it is a highly interactive “living Museum" that offers you an excellent guided introduction to different aspects of the traditional Bhutanese life. As a visitor, there is so much that you get to learn about when you visit this museum.
Explore Thimphu City- If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights.
Dinner at 07:30 Pm. Overnight Stay At Hotel (Lunch& Dinner). Overnight in Thimphu,
Thimphu City- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as the world’s only city without traffic lights.
Morning at 7:00 AM proceed for Morning Yoga: Hike to Cheri Monastery- is a Buddhist monastery established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal. You can easily notice the monastery from a distance with the bright colored prayer flags circling it. To get in a more relaxed meditation mood, Cheri monastery is a best place. You’ll experience a peaceful and quiet environment to help you clear your mind off any disturbances.
Explore the Thimphu city By 10:00 AM. Thimphu Sightseeing: Buddha Dordenma- the Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley.Takin Reserves- Takin is our national animal, the Himalayan goat antelope found mostly in northern part of Bhutan, Its reserve is located in Motithang upper Thimphu Town. Painting School and Folk Heritage Museum-This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
Lunch at 01:00 Pm, after Lunch Transfer to the Hotel for Leisure.
Around 03:00 PM will explore The Craft Bazaar Located in Hearts of Thimphu City, Authentic Bhutanese Crafts shops. It showcases wide range of authentic Bhutan-made art and craft products with reasonable price range.
Around 04:00 Pm will proceed for Evening Yoga: Just 15 Minutes Trekking will reach at top of the mountain near Buddha Dordenma, Where u can enjoy beautiful scene of the Thimphu City.
Dinner at 07:30 Pm. Overnight Stay at Hotel (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After Breakfast Around 09:00 AM we will start our journey towards Punakha- a very warm valley. Punakha Valley is one of Bhutan’s most scenic destinations, is the perfect place to awaken the nature lover. Take in the splendid views of the Himalayas; listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley.
En Route will do the Morning Yoga at Dochula Pass Dochula- The pass is a popular location as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
Lunch At 01:30 Pm and check in to the Hotel.
Later will visit the Punakha Dzong fortress. Punakha Dzong- Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. The third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.
Suspension Bridge- The Punakha Suspension Bridge is located very much near to the Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built above the Po Chu River. Overnight in Punakha.
Dinner at 07:30 PM. Overnight Stay at Hotel (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
In the morning at 07:00 am: After Breakfast Proceed to Remain Sightseeing At Punakha. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten- It is 45 minutes uphill hike from the base of the hill through rice fields. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten sits majestically on a ridge above Punakha valley with amazing view of the countryside and the hills below. It is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
White water rafting at Mochu River Punakha, The crystal clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s most precious natural resources. The pristine environment and the sheer variety of the rivers' courses provide a unique opportunity for travellers to explore Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness. Mo Chu is 10km long with 10 rapids of class 2 and 2+. Mochu Chhu River is one of the most popular rafting spots amongst tourists. You'll pass through stunning landscapes of Punakha valley and see rare exotic birds such as White-Bellied Herons and Kingfishers.
Picnic Lunch At 01:30 PM in Zomlingthang.
After breakfast 09:00 AM drive to Paro. This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping. En route visit to Chimi Lhakhang- The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Riverside- We will stop by the river side and enjoy a good place to take picture. National muesuem of Bhutan- Perched over Paro Rinpung Dzong is the Ta Dzong (watchtower) built in 1649 to protect the dzong. It was renovated in 1968 as the National Museum of Bhutan under the command of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It’s unusual round shape resembling a conch shell makes the museum highly attractive. It has in its possession over 3,000 Bhutanese art works, covering more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Paro Town- Later you can stroll around tiny Paro town and peep into local restaurant and handicraft stores. Enjoy traditional herbal hot stone bath in one of the authentic Bhutanese farm house- and also you get to enjoy wearing Bhutanese dress. Evening 05:00 Pm Yoga at Hotel/Resort.
Evening at leisure and Overnight hotel in Paro.
Dinner at 07:30 Pm. Overnight Stay at Hotel (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Morning 07:00 AM After Breakfast will proceed to the Tiger Nest temple known as “Taktsang Lhakhang “is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and spiritual site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. For those who cannot hike up, we will give optional visit to Chele La Pass- one of the highest road pass at 3988m. During clear weather, we can enjoy view of the most sacred mountain in the country Mt. Jomolhari 7314m. Later drive back to Paro.
Evening at leisure and Overnight hotel in Paro.
Evening 07:00 Dinner. Over Night Stay At Hotel (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Morning drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination
The Trip Cost Includes
- USD 40 Visa fee
- USD 100 nightly SDF Fee (Sustainable Development fee) that goes for free education and health care for the citizens of Bhutan and tourist alike.
- Airport Transfer (Pick & Drop) – Paro Airport
- Yoga practice in a variety of stunning locations (Temple, Woods, Mountain, Riverside, resorts)
- Sightseeing in a comfortable private car as per the itinerary
- All Meals
- 3 star Hotels/Resorts (06-nights) - Double/Twin Sharing Rooms
- Activities & Sightseeing as per itinerary.
- English speaking Guide the entire trip
- All entrance fees for Museum & Monuments
- Unlimited drinking water bottle
- White water rafting (Mochu Punakha)
- Picnic Lunch (Zomlingthang Punakha)
- Wear Our national Dress Gho and Kira trial (Paro)
- Hot stone bath (Paro) Archery trial (Paro)
- All the taxes levied
- Domestic travel insurance.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- All expenses of personal nature.
- FLIGHT FARES
- Tipping to guides & Driver
Frequently asked Questions
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
