Overview
Mindfulness can be cultivated through the transformative practice of Yoga. By directing your attention to your breath, your actions, and your internal sensations, you can effectively prevent your mind from wandering and convert any endeavor into a mindful experience. Our highly skilled yoga trainer will guide you through various topics, including the art of residing in the present moment, embracing nonjudgment, letting go of attachments, fostering connection, and ultimately discovering inner peace. This exclusive tour presents you with the invaluable chance to break free from the tumultuousness of your everyday existence and fully immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture, which revolves around the pursuit of happiness and overall well-being.
Trip Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and vibrant culture of Bhutan.
- Experience the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness practices.
- Learn from professional yoga trainers who will guide you through various techniques and topics.
- Visit sacred monasteries including tiger nest Monastery and other ancient temples to deepen your spiritual journey.
Itinerary
After arrival at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and driver who will take you to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, about an hour’s drive. On the way, we will make a short stop and visit the oldest iron bridge at Tamchogang. Upon arrival in Thimphu, we will visit several sites, such as the Memorial Stupa, Tashochodzong, and centenary farmers’ market. Overnight in Thimphu.
Today your day starts with sunrise yoga at the famous Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu. Then back to the hotel for breakfast and prepare for our day. Today we will visit various sites including the Bhutan Post Office to make your own stamp ($ 7-10 per sheet). Later we will visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum (School of 13 Arts & Crafts), Motithang Takin Zoo Centre. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant, Simply Bhutan. After lunch visit Changangkha temple, Changlimithang Stadium, and archery ground, and Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar to buy Bhutanese handicraft items. You have the choice to end your day with a nightly yoga exercise to calm and center your mind for a restful night's sleep. (Optional) After the morning yoga session if you are interested we will visit the Buddhist astrologer institute for your chart read (need to pay extra).
Early morning yoga at the hotel before breakfast. After breakfast, we will travel to Punakha by driving across the Dochula Pass (3,100m). Before descending into the Punakha valley, you can catch a glimpse of the eastern horizon and do an hour yoga class at Dochula Pass. In Punakha, we will make a short excursion to the temple of the “divine madman,” also well known as the temple of fertility. Your evening will be free. Hotel in Punakha.
This morning yoga will be with an advanced yoga instructor for those that are interested. Today we will visit the Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge. We will have a picnic lunch on the riverbank near the Dzong. You will have to opt for white water rafting for an hour (additional $ 200-250 per board-Per board can carry 6 people). Optional evening yoga as the temperature in Punakha is mild.
Start your morning with yoga. Later we will drive back to Thimphu to explore the botanical park and nearby surrounding for birds for diverse flora. Lunch will be on the way at a local restaurant. We will continue to Paro tonight. The popular attractions within Paro include visiting Rinphung Dzong, the National Museum, temples of Kichu. Today we will have a nightly yoga class that isn’t too strenuous because of the nature of the day’s activities.
Since today we have a full schedule of hiking, we will forgo yoga this morning. After breakfast, we will drive to the trailhead and hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery (3120m/10,200ft). Visible from afar, this magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 1,000 feet above the valley floor. It is one of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan. If you are uncomfortable hiking all the way, you will have the option to hire a pony to take you to the ½ waypoint (which is also a great viewpoint and cafeteria). However, you must be able to walk all the way back down. After a short tour of the monastery, we will return to Paro. Tonight, we will arrange a hot stone bath to soothe any sore muscles you may have. This afternoon, you will have the option of just relaxing, shopping, or joining a yoga class. You can discuss your options with your guide.
After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport for Departure
Cost Inclusion
- Bhutan sustainable fees
- Accommodations in 3 star Hotel
- All meals, evening tea/coffee with snacks
- All land transfers and transportation
- English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide/Leader
- Daily Tourist Fees & Taxes
- Dedicated Yoga Instructor
- Yoga Mat
- Bhutan Visa and all applicable permits
- Sightseeing with entrance fees to all monuments
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Cost Exclusion
- Flights into and out of Bhutan
- Optional Travel/Medical Insurance
- Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others
Yes! Our yoga instructors emphasize safety, awareness, and intelligent sequencing. They offer modifications for beginners and greater levels of challenge for advanced students. Our yoga classes are designed to balance your nervous system, relax your body and calm your mind.
It is not necessary to bring your own mat. Druk Experience will provide mats (that have been sanitized and will be sanitized after each use). However, feel free to bring your own if you would like.
Yes, if you do not wish to join a group, we can arrange for a private tour (for either a solo traveler or for a family). Just talk to one of our travel specialists and we can customize any tour.
Yes, you can! We suggest if you want to take a shorter tour, that you request a private tour. If you want to extend your tour, we can work with you to make that happen too!
The daily tariff that you pay, pays for your tour guide, driver, hotels and all your meals. The only money you need to budget for is for alcohol, souvenirs, and tips. It is best to bring cash and exchange it for local currency at the airport in Paro. There are ATMs available in some locations, but they work sporadically.
It depends on what time of year you go. The fall or the spring are the best times to travel to Bhutan. Typically, the days are cool and sunny, and the nights are cold. Some places, like Punakha, are sub-tropical and you can expect warmer temperatures.
Druk Experience provides vehicles based on tour size. For small tours we provide 4-door SUV-type cars, for larger tours, we provide smaller tour buses that can accommodate 8-10 individuals. Our cars are in excellent shape and our drivers are always safe and careful. All vehicles will be equipped with air conditioning or heaters.
Pack light for all of our tours, soft suitcases/duffel bags are best. Dressing up will not be necessary, dress for comfort. Layer, layer, layer. Wear sturdy shoes for walking/hiking. When we visit holy sites, you will be asked to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Yes, please feel free to take as many pictures as you would like. However, you will be asked to not take pictures in our temples. If you have any questions about when you can take pictures, please ask your guide.
If you would like to have a snack (protein bar, etc.) while hiking/trekking, or if you just think you might miss your favorite snack – then yes, please bring some snacks with you. However, they are not necessary. Druk Experience will make sure that you are well-fed on your tour.