Yoga Retreat & Trekking in Bhutan in 2025
Meditate with Buddhist monks, trek to Tiger's Nest and Dagala Thousand Lakes, and admire the world's highest peaks in Bhutan!
Overview:
Embark on a transformative journey through the mystical landscapes of Bhutan with our 8-day trekking and yoga retreat. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Bhutan offers a serene and enchanting backdrop for seekers of both adventure and inner peace. Over 8 days, you'll traverse ancient trails, winding through pristine forests, serene meadows, and majestic mountain passes.
Each day begins with a rejuvenating yoga session, allowing you to connect with your body, mind, and spirit amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. As you delve deeper into your practice, you'll find yourself grounded in the present moment, ready to embrace the challenges and discoveries that lie ahead.
Guided by knowledgeable local experts, our trekking routes lead you to hidden gems, including sacred monasteries, remote villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture, interacting with friendly villagers and savoring traditional cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
As the sun sets over the Himalayan peaks, settle into comfortable accommodations, whether it be cozy guesthouses or enchanting campsites under a blanket of stars. Reflect on the day's adventures, sharing stories and laughter with fellow travelers around crackling campfires.
Whether you seek solace in silent meditation or exhilaration in the thrill of exploration, our Bhutan trekking and yoga retreat offers a holistic experience that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Join us on this transformative journey and discover the magic of Bhutan's ancient traditions and natural wonders.
Dagala Thousand Lakes trek is a renowned trekking route in Bhutan, known for its stunning alpine scenery and the opportunity to explore numerous high-altitude lakes.
The Dagala Thousand Lakes 5-day trek offers a memorable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Along the way, trekkers pass through remote villages, verdant forests, alpine meadows, and, of course, the picturesque lakes that give the trek its name. One of the highlights of the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is the opportunity to immerse oneself in Bhutanese culture by staying in traditional homestays or camping under the starry sky. Trekkers may also encounter yaks, blue sheep, and various bird species endemic to the region.
Program:
Day 1 - Welcome to Bhutan, Paro airport
Paro International Airport is among the most thrilling airports due to its lofty Himalayan location. If your flight originates from Delhi via Kathmandu, gaze to the plane's left side allows you to witness the grandeur of Everest, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga, three of the world's tallest mountains, along with other mountains.
Pick up from the airport 10-11 am, accommodating to the hotel. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan Ta Dzong.
Next head to the Rinpung Dzong. Rinpung Dzong is an ancient fortress in traditional Bhutanese architecture with a complex of courtyards, temples, administration offices, and open space surrounded by towering walls. All the buildings are equipped with huge windows with elaborate wooden carvings of traditional Bhutanese motifs. Paro Dzong is considered one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture and it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Bhutan.
Evening yoga and welcome dinner in a nice local restaurant where we can enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
Day 2 - Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery 3180 m.a.s.l., 5km, 4-5 hours, 900 m ascent
After yoga and breakfast, we will hike the most iconic sight of Bhutan - the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Tiger's Nest, also known as Paro Taktsang, is a prominent Buddhist monastery and temple complex situated on the cliffside of the upper Paro Valley in Bhutan. It's one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks and a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
The monastery is located around 3,120 meters (10,240 ft) above sea level and is known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking location. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), a revered Buddhist master, meditated in a cave at the site in the 8th century, giving it its spiritual significance.
The name "Tiger's Nest" comes from the legend that Guru Padmasambhava flew to the site on the back of a tigress, which adds to the mystical aura surrounding the monastery. Today, it's a popular tourist destination and a challenging trekking destination for those seeking both spiritual fulfillment and adventure.
If we hike above the Tiger’s Nest monastery to another monastery called Zangdopelri (about 1 hour more hiking) – there is a beautiful lawn outside the monastery to have a Yoga session, overlooking the Paro valley. It’s a beautiful and dramatic spot perched on the cliff above Tiger’s Nest monastery. In the evening traditional hot-stone bath and dinner.
Day 3 - Trek starts. Genekha-Gur-Kepchen, distance 9 km, time 5 hrs, ascent 550 m, decent 60 m, camp elevation 3290 m
Morning yoga and breakfast. Driving to the starting point of the trek 45 minutes.
The trek starts from the beautiful Genekha village (2800 m) with a short descent down to the river. After crossing the river, we will start climbing until we reach a huge rock platform at 3350 m, with a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours, we reach Kepchen where we will have an outdoor yoga session, dinner, and stay at night.
Day 4 - Kepchen-Labatama, distance 12 km, time 6 hrs, ascent 1220 m, descent 110 m, camp elevation 4100 m
Morning yoga outdoors and breakfast.
While trekking across the ridges, we will enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. The path winds through flowers and wild asparagus. The meadows are refreshing and inspiring and we will have a spectacular view of all the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks.
Day 5 - Labatama
Morning yoga outdoors and breakfast.
Explore Sertsho and Jagetsho lakes.
Day 6 - Labatama-Pankha, distance 10 km, time 5-6 hrs, ascent 260 m, decent 520 m, camp elevation 4000 m
Morning yoga outdoors and breakfast.
Today the trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to the saddle at 4520 m from where we will have majestic views of Himalayan peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, and others.
Day 7 - Pankha-Chamgang, distance 18 km, time 8 hrs, ascent 180 m, descent 1630 m
Early start after the breakfast. This day entails crossing several passes, each more impressive than the other, transport to Timphu 25 minutes, settling in the hotel, last yoga session, and goodbye dinner.
Day 8 - Thimphu - Paro, 54 km, 1 hrs
After the morning yoga and breakfast, we will drive to the airport for departure and say goodbye!
Accommodation:
3 star Hotels, camping tents on trek
Food:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free
- Organic
- Lactose-Free
- Whole food
Your investment:
Very early bird (booking until September 26, 2024) 2390 USD
2 persons 4380 USD (2190 per person)
Last-minute booking 2590 USD
2 persons 4780 USD (2390 per person)
The single supplement is 25 USD per night.
Booking and refund options:
We ask for a deposit of 300 USD per participant to reserve your spot in this yoga hiking retreat.
The remaining balance should be paid 60 days before the retreat starts.
Cancellation less than 60 days before the start of the retreat: 100% cancellation fee (no refund)
Fees are completely non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payment methods:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Bank transfer
- Wise
Card & Paypal payments have a +4% fee.
To avoid this fee, please contact us for payment by bank transfer.
What is included:
- Sustainable Development fee (levied by the Royal Government of Bhutan to all tourists visiting Bhutan) 100 USD per night, reflecting Bhutan's commitment to high-value, low-impact tourism.
- Visa fee 40 USD per person
- Accommodation on twin-sharing
- Local English-speaking guide
- Transport during the retreat
- Permits, entrance fees
- Yoga mats
- On the trek all 3 meals, tea, coffee, water, sleeping tents twin-sharing, sleeping mats, pillows, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables and chairs, trek chef, and horses to carry the trekking equipment and food supplies.
- Welcome dinner in Paro
- Hot Stone Bath
What is not included:
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Sleeping bags
- Drinks and beverages
- Tips
Additional Information:
The Kingdom of Bhutan reopened its borders to tourists on September 23, 2022. However, it will do so with a renewed emphasis on the sector’s sustainability. The tourism industry will be revamped, with a focus on three key areas. They are infrastructure and services, tourist travel experiences, and the environmental impact of the sector.
A tourist must pay a tourism levy known as the Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per night, which may be revised from time to time by the Competent Authority. The proceeds go toward carbon-neutral activities and the development of a more sustainable tourism sector.
There is one international airport in the country. Regular flights are conducted by the two airlines; Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.
VISA
Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to our tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
