Bhutan Yoga Journey
with Jacqueline Wigglesworth
The experience of a lifetime on a guided Yoga tour in magical Bhutan!
Bhutan is undoubtedly one of the world's most fascinating travel destinations. Our carefully planned 12-night journey incorporates 9 nights exploring Bhutan's stunning scenery, ancient temples and thriving monasteries, as well as 3 nights in Kathmandu, Nepal. You will attend Paro Festival (or Paro Tsechu), one of the biggest and most spectacular festivals in Bhutan.
Deepen your yoga practice with this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey with yoga instructor Jacqueline Wigglesworth!
US$5,795pp*
12 NIGHT TOUR
21 March - 2 April 2024
Departs: kATHMANDU, nEPAL
Minimum group size: 8 people
* Price based on twin-share accommodation. Single-room supplement available subject to availability. Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here.
Trip Inclusions
Return flights from Kathmandu to Bhutan
Transfer from airport to hotel when you arrive in Kathmandu
Transfer to airport in Kathmandu for flight to Bhutan
Transport by luxury private bus in Bhutan
3 nights’ accommodation in quality hotels in Kathmandu
9 nights’ accommodation in charming hotels in Bhutan
All breakfasts in Kathmandu
All meals in Bhutan
All entrance fees at monasteries and museums in Bhutan
Bhutan visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes
English-speaking Bhutanese guide
Use of yoga mats
Trip Exclusions
International flights to Kathmandu
Transit accommodation if required
Nepal Tourist visa
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
Transfer to airport in Kathmandu at end of journey
Comprehensive travel insurance
Alcoholic or soft drinks
Laundry
Tips for guide and driver
Any additional activities (e.g. hot stone massage)
About this trip
Your Yoga Journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. Spend your first two nights in a relaxing hotel, an oasis in this bustling city. After morning yoga, there will be free time to explore the heritage sites such as the ancient stupa of Boudhanath.
Your flight to Paro passes Mt Everest before landing in the delightful Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Spend your first night in the picturesque Paro Valley at a boutique hotel. Built in traditional Bhutanese style this resort is located on the edge of a beautiful forest. Spend the afternoon and next day enjoying the spectacular Paro Festival - an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Experience a colourful celebration of Bhutanese culture and faith and witness sacred dances and rituals performed by monks and laymen in elaborate costumes.
Wake up to breath-taking views of Himalayan peaks in your deluxe villa. The spacious wood-clad yoga studio looks out on one of Bhutan’s highest mountains, inspiring daily yoga practice.
The next day, travel from Paro via the scenic Dochu La Pass to Punakha, which served as Bhutan’s capital for 300 years. Walk to Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the most revered temples in Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an ancient monastery built in 1637. Situated on the confluence of two rivers, this is arguably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan.
Returning over the Dochu La Pass we reach Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital “city”. It is the only capital in the world without traffic lights! Spend two nights exploring this fascinating little city, staying in a luxury 5-star hotel.
Leaving the capital behind, drive to the lush hidden valley of Haa, dotted with traditional villages with many walking trails. Spend two nights soaking up the serene and soul-cleansing atmosphere of this remote valley, staying in an immaculately restored traditional Bhutanese farm house.
Return to Paro across the Cheli La Pass for the final part of your journey. Visit Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Bhutan's most famous landmark. A hike up through blue pines, passing water-powered prayer wheels, leads you to this most holy site. This ancient monastery clings miraculously to a sheer cliff, rising 1,000 metres from the valley floor. The views are magnificent over the surrounding Bhutanese valley and the only sounds to be heard are prayer flags blowing in the wind.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Free time to relax or explore the city. Afternoon yoga in the garden. Meals not included.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Altitude: 1,400 m
Day 2
Kathmandu: After morning yoga, spend the day exploring the city. Recommended destinations include the ancient stupas at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and the Patan Durbar Square. Breakfast included.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Altitude: 1,400 m
Day 3
Paro: Take the short flight to Paro and arrive in beautiful Bhutan. You will be met at the airport by your Bhutanese guide. Travel the short distance to your boutique hotel located on the edge of a forest looking out at Mount Jomolhari. After settling in, attend the Paro Festival. This is an enormous festival with hundreds of local people in their finest clothes. Watch the masked dances, religious rituals, and comedic entertainment. It’s an absolute must-see! All meals included.
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,250 m
Day 4
Paro: After morning yoga, visit the Sunday market in town, walk across the traditional Nyamai Zam bridge to the beautiful Paro dzong and enjoy more of the colourful Paro Festival. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. All meals included.
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,250 m
Day 5
Punakha: Drive via the Dochu La Pass (3,140m) offering panoramic views of the Himalayas towards the lush landscapes of the Punakha valley. Take a gentle 1-hour round trip walk through rice fields to the Temple of Fertility at Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century monastery. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and enjoy afternoon yoga back at your hotel. All meals included.
Overnight: Punakha | Altitude 1,310 m | Driving time: 3 hours
Day 6
Thimpu: After morning yoga, travel to Thimphu, the charming little capital of Bhutan. Visit the Textile Museum and School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. All meals included.
Overnight: Thimpu | Altitude: 2,350 m | Driving time: 2.5 hours
Day 7
Thimpu: After breakfast, visit the Great Buddha Dordenma, an immense golden Buddha statue housing a monastery and Trashichhoe Dzong. Visit the charming Thimpu post office and spend time exploring the city or take a short hike through beautiful forest to Wangdiste Monastery with great views down the valley. Morning and evening yoga. All meals included.
Overnight: Thimpu | Altitude: 2,350 m | Driving time: 1 hr
Day 8
Haa: Drive to the picturesque Haa valley. This spiritual valley is a peaceful haven of forested hills traditional villages and shrines. On the way, visit the 7th century Lhakhang Nagpo and Lhakhang Karpo (Black and White Temples). Stay at a charming, rustic farmhouse lodge. In the afternoon explore this serene landscape, its temples and farmhouses before practicing yoga in the fields. Relaxing hot stone baths are available. All meals included.
Overnight: Haa | Altitude: 2,700 m | Driving time: 3.5 hours
Day 9
Haa: The wooded hills of Haa provide an ideal location for hiking. After morning yoga, enjoy a hike of your choice through the remote forested valley dotted with quaint villages and shrines . All meals included.
Overnight: Haa | Altitude: 2,700 m
Day 10
Paro: Return to Paro. Visit the National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Bhutanese Kingdom. Enjoy afternoon yoga in a serene yoga studio back at your hotel. All meals included. Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,250 m | Driving time: 2 hours
Day 11
Paro: Day hike to the iconic Taktshang Gomba, more famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The walk through blue pines, passing water-powered prayer wheels, leads you to the holy site. This ancient monastery clings miraculously to a sheer cliff above the valley floor. The views are magnificent over the Paro Valley. All meals included.
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,250 m
Day 12
Kathmandu: After morning yoga, depart Bhutan for Kathmandu once more. There will be time for last minute sight-seeing and shopping. Breakfast included.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Altitude: 1,400 m
Day 13
Depart Nepal
How to Book
Please contact us! Once we confirm that a space is available for you, a deposit of US$1000 will be required to secure your place (or full payment if within 75 days of departure date). You can also email info@beyondtheclouds.org.nz to register your interest.
Your Yoga Leader
Jacqueline Wigglesworth
Jacqueline experienced her first yoga class in 1997 whilst at Drama school and has since trained in London (at Triyoga,) India and LA, studying many styles of yoga including Vinyasa Flow with Shiva Rea and Yin Yoga and Mindfulness with Sarah Powers.
Her own style of teaching is authentic, relaxed, safe and joyful, always relating to the bigger picture; both dynamic (solar/yang) and relaxing (lunar/yin) and always includes quotes, breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditations to inspire and uplift.
She has worked for many years teaching clients at London's prestigious private member's club Home House and is currently based in the UK. Jacqueline is a global adventurer and trip leader who has worked on 6 continents and travelled to over 90 countries.
Her goal is that you return home with a healthy body, a peaceful mind and an enlightened spirit having been immersed in Bhutan's magical culture.