Bhutan Women-only Yoga Retreat Fall 2026
Dates: September 21 – October 3, 2026
Number of Days: 13
Cost: $6,250
HIGHLIGHTS of the Bhutan Women-only Yoga Retreat:
- Enjoy 6 nights at a retreat center in beautiful Punakha with daily yoga sessions
- Eat exquisitely prepared healthy meals each day of the retreat
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest, the country’s most photographed monastery
- Attend at least one festival, the popular Thimphu Tschechu
- Visit stunning Punakha Dzong – considered the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan
* ONLY ONE SINGLE NOW AVAILABLE!
Join us on an unforgettable retreat where yoga meets the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, peaceful monasteries, and warm-hearted locals, you’ll soak in the healing energy of this extraordinary country while deepening your practice!
You’ll get the most out of this retreat if you already have a yoga practice and want to immerse yourself in daily sessions that include other healing modalities. All while enjoying an inspiring setting!
Secure your spot by registering with a deposit via PayPal by clicking on the Register Now button. You can sign in as a guest and do not need a PayPal account.
Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.
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The group will fly from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan very early on the morning of September 21 (this could be as early as 5:00 AM, depending on the Druk Air schedule). It’s best to arrive in Bangkok at least 24 hours prior to departure to Bhutan in the event of flight delays.
We can suggest hotels in downtown Bangkok if you’d like to arrive in advance, or you can stay near the airport to make it easier on yourself the morning of our departure.
Bhutan Women-only Yoga Retreat Itinerary
Day 1
Monday, September 21, 2026 Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Upon landing in Paro, we’ll be met by our guide and driver for the start of our journey through this pristine and peaceful kingdom.
You’ll immediately be struck by the crisp, clean air as you take in the scenery of this country that’s located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
We will make our way to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital (population 115,000; 7,520 feet) about 90 minutes away. This is the world’s only capital city with no traffic lights!
On our way to Thimphu, we’ll stop to visit the Buddha Dordenma statue. This 170-foot-tall gilded Buddha is perched on a hill above the city. It sits atop a meditation hall where there are 125,000 Buddha statues that range between 6 and 12 inches tall–all glittering in gold.
We’ll have lunch in Thimphu before doing some more local sightseeing with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most visited religious sites in Thimphu.
This stupa was built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan. It’s a sight to see (and hear!) with its golden spire and ringing bells.
We’ll check in to our hotel in the late afternoon and then have dinner and overnight at the Capital Hotel or similar in Thimphu.
Day 2
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – Thimphu (festival day!)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, after breakfast, we’ll experience a tshechu (festival)!
The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the largest festivals in the country, with hundreds of performers and thousands of locals–from both the city as well as the countryside–in attendance. Important as a social gathering for the community, these festivals celebrate Buddhism, the country’s primary religion.
We’ll take a break for lunch, but we will spend the day here, enjoying the traditional music, singing and dancing by both monks and laypeople. We’ll also enjoy the antics of light-hearted performers in elaborate costumes and masks.
In the afternoon, there may be time to wander the small city to explore and shop for handicrafts, tapestries, crafts, jewelry and clothes.
Dinner and overnight at the Capital Hotel or similar in Thimphu.
Day 3
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – Thimphu – Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we’ll start making our way west to our boutique hotel in Punakha, where we’ll begin our retreat!
Our first stop will be Dochu La Pass (10,000 feet). It’s here that a relatively new memorial was built in honor of soldiers who fought against Indian rebels in 2003. It includes 108 chortens and, on a clear day, has beautiful views of the Himalayas.
From the pass, we’ll descend a series of hairpin turns and drive onward to the small village of
Lobeysa. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the temple of the divine madman. This “mad saint” is best known for his unorthodox methods of teaching Buddhism. Among other things, he used singing, humor and outrageous behavior that included sexual overtones.
From here, we’ll drive onward to our accommodations, where we’ll get settled in and perhaps have time for a yoga session.
Dinner and overnight at Dharma Siddhi Guest House or similar in Punakha.
Note – there are limited single rooms at our guest house. Priority will be given to those who register first!
Day 4
Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Punakha Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today will be the first full day of our yoga retreat. We’ll start with a sunrise yoga session before enjoying a hearty breakfast at our accommodations.
Each day of the retreat will offer new activities to relax the mind and body while immersing ourselves in Bhutan’s uniquely spiritual atmosphere. In addition to daily yoga at the retreat center, we will also partake in:
- Journaling
- Vision-boarding
- Guided meditation
- Sound bowl healing
All activities are optional and will be led by yoga instructor and life coach, Monica Kelly. Depending on the weather and the scheduling of local festivities, we will likely spend the mornings together at the retreat center and get out each day after a delicious lunch for a hike, walk or some other local excursion.
We’ll be back at the retreat center in the late afternoon, possibly for more yoga and/or a meditation session.
Dinner and overnight at Dharma Siddhi Guest House or similar in Punakha.
Note – there are limited single rooms at our guest house. Priority will be given to those who register first!
Day 5
Friday, September 25, 2026 – Punakha Retreat (festival day!)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Although we are just at the start of our retreat, today we’ll take the opportunity to go to another tschechu! This festival is located in the Phobjikha Valley, considered the most beautiful valley in all of Bhutan.
This will be similar to the festival we witnessed in Thimphu but will be much smaller. You’re sure to find the area breathtaking and this smaller event to be quite charming. We’ll take a break for either a picnic lunch or eat at a local hotel. Either way, there will be plenty of time to wander around the area to photograph, meet the locals and purchase souvenirs from the many vendors.
Once we return to our guest house, we’ll have time to reflect on today’s experience and discuss with our in-country guide how the Bhutanese blend their beliefs with their daily lives.
Dinner and overnight at Dharma Siddhi Guest House or similar in Punakha.
Note – there are limited single rooms at our guest house. Priority will be given to those who register first!
Day 6
Saturday, September 26, 2026 – Punakha Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Day 4 for retreat schedule.
Dinner and overnight at Dharma Siddhi Guest House or similar in Punakha.
Day 7
Sunday, September 27, 2026 – Punakha Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Day 4 for retreat schedule.
Dinner and overnight at Dharma Siddhi Guest House or similar in Punakha.
Note – there are limited single rooms at our guest house. Priority will be given to those who register first!
Day 8
Monday, September 28, 2026 – Punakha – Punakha Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Day 4 for retreat schedule.
Dinner and overnight at Dharma Siddhi Guest House or similar in Punakha.
Note – there are limited single rooms at our guest house. Priority will be given to those who register first!
Day 9
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, after our last sunrise yoga session and breakfast, we’ll begin our way back toward Paro, stopping in Thimphu for lunch.
We’ll also have time to take in some more sights in the capital city including a trip to the Royal Takin Preserve. This is where we’ll see the extraordinary takin, the country’s national animal. Also located in this secluded park are Samba deer and several kinds of birds.
After any additional sightseeing, we’ll drive onward to Paro where we’ll check in to our hotel.
Dinner and overnight at River Valley Resort or similar in Paro.
Day 10
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, after breakfast, we’ll do some sightseeing in and around Paro.
We’ll begin with a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan. The building in which it’s located dates back to the 17th century and was once a ta dzong (watchtower). It now holds artifacts including thangkas (Buddhist paintings), textiles, armor and other relics that help tell the history of the country.
We will also visit Rimpung Dzong (literally translated as “fortress on a heap of jewels”), also built in the 17th century. But rather than a watchtower, this was built to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll have some time to wander around Paro. This has a small downtown area with lots of shops and cafes. It’s the perfect place to wander on your own so you can souvenir shop or enjoy a coffee and pastry (yum!).
We’ll return to our hotel in the mid to late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at River Valley Resort or similar in Paro.
Day 11
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, after breakfast, we’ll drive to the Haa Valley via Chela La Pass (13,083 feet). This is the highest motorable road in Bhutan! On a clear day, there are spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jomolhari.
After taking in the views, we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant.
We’ll then take a hike through a gigantic rhododendron forest to the Kila Goempa nunnery, which is spectacularly perched on the side of a hill.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel in Paro.
Dinner and overnight at River Valley Resort or similar in Paro.
Day 12
Friday, October 2, 2026 – Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll have an early start (departing our hotel around 7:15 AM) in order to hike Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), the country’s most photographed and well-known monastery.
We’ll take breaks along the way, but expect the hike up to the main buildings (at 10,240 feet) to take more than two hours.
About halfway up, there is a cafe/tea shop if you’d like to stop and wait for the group to return. (Note – there are mules that will take you up about halfway, but to get to the monastery and to return all the way down, you’ll need to use your own legs. 😁)
Once at the top, we’ll tour the few temples located here and have time to take in the stunning views.
On the way down, we’ll stop at the cafe/tea shop for lunch and enjoy the unparalleled views of Tiger’s Nest up above.
In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner and overnight at River Valley Resort or similar in Paro.
Day 13
Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Paro – Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
Following breakfast, we’ll leave for the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Flights from Paro usually arrive into Bangkok in the late afternoon (but could be as late as 8:30 PM depending on the Druk Air flight schedule). Though you can connect with an international flight that night, you might consider staying in Bangkok for one night in case flights out of Paro are delayed (not uncommon).
If you’d like to overnight in Bangkok and would like suggestions for hotels in the city or near the airport, we’d be happy to provide you with some recommendations.
** Itinerary subject to change without notice.
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* ONLY ONE SINGLE NOW AVAILABLE!
Join us on an unforgettable retreat where yoga meets the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, peaceful monasteries, and warm-hearted locals, you’ll soak in the healing energy of this extraordinary country while deepening your practice!
You’ll get the most out of this retreat if you already have a yoga practice but also want to immerse yourself in daily sessions that include other healing modalities. All while enjoying an inspiring setting!
Secure your spot by registering with a deposit via PayPal by clicking on the Register Now button. You can sign in as a guest and do not need a PayPal account.
Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.
Costs
Land cost: $6,250
Singles for full tour: $975
Singles excluding retreat center: $450
Flights from Bangkok to/from Paro: $950 (approximate)
NOTE: There are very limited single rooms at the Dharma Siddhi Guest House and these will be assigned on a first come basis ($975 added for a single room). THERE IS CURRENTLY ONLY ONE SINGLE AVAILABLE AT THE GUEST HOUSE!
All other rooms will be shared rooms for two people. We encourage you to register with a friend, otherwise we are happy to pair you up with another fabulous tour participant! 💜
If you are in a shared room during the retreat, it is possible to have a single room at hotels during the non-retreat nights. Cost is $450 for those six nights.
NOTE: We will book your flights from Bangkok, Thailand to/from Paro, Bhutan. Price above for flights is approximate and will be confirmed once final payments are due.
Booking and Payment Details
Price includes: Transportation and accommodation in Bhutan, 36 meals, snacks, tea/coffee, bottled water during activities outside of the retreat center, all yoga sessions and activities that are part of the retreat, tips for guide and driver, Bhutanese visa, government Sustainable Development Fund fee, entrance to monasteries and festivals as noted in itinerary.
Price does not include: Flights to and hotel in Bangkok, ground transportation (if required) in Bangkok, travel insurance (highly recommended), personal purchases such as beverages, souvenirs and laundry.
This trip is limited to 14 women and requires a $900 deposit on a first come, first served basis.
Minimum bookings required: 8 people (minimum not yet reached)
Final payment due no later than July 23, 2026.
As a boutique tour company, we really appreciate checks as it helps cut down tremendously on bank fees. We ask that if you’re able, please pay the deposit or full amount by check, Venmo or wire transfer.
Here’s our mailing address:
WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116
Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.
The fine print
Bhutan Women-only Yoga Retreat Fall 2026 Registration Form (will be sent once you’ve sent in deposit)
Bhutan Women-only Yoga Retreat Fall 2026 (PDF)
We have partnered with Travel Insured International. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues.
For tour questions, please contact Beth at:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-317-1860
Trip Leaders: Monica Kelly and Beth Whitman
Monica Kelly is a yoga teacher, life coach, published author and retreat leader whose work is a soulful invitation to awaken. Through her platform, Awakened Soulmate, she guides women to rediscover the radiant light they were born with—helping them shed old stories, embody their truth, and rise into their fullest expression.
Her approach is deeply spiritual yet refreshingly grounded, blending movement, mindfulness, and intuitive coaching into transformative experiences that feel sacred, empowering, and uniquely personal.
Whether she’s leading a retreat in nature or holding space in a one-on-one session, her energy is pure magic: warm, wise, and wildly uplifting. Monica is beyond thrilled to be leading the wellness aspect of this trip to Bhutan!
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Beth Whitman
Beth has traveled to Bhutan more than a dozen times, on trips that focus on both the 
culture as well as for trekking.
She’s experienced the country from east to west and north to south, covering hundreds upon hundreds of miles on foot and by vehicle. Until now, she has never been part of a group that focuses on yoga and well-being (both mental and physical) and is beyond excited to discover more about herself and the country with her childhood friend, Monica.
Beth is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick guides including The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo and For Women Traveling to India. She is the publisher and founder of Wanderlust and Lipstick and WanderTours and hosts the She’s Bold podcast, which can be found through your favorite podcast provider.