bhutan YOGa retreat
WITH OMM RETREATS
Long-time friends Federico Orozco of Omm Retreats and John Leupold, CEO of Champaca Journeys are collaborating to curate this Bhutan yoga retreat. This journey open to all, no need to be a yoga expert, and guaranteed to be fun and illuminating to anyone as we explore both ancient and modern aspects of Bhutan and its culture, history, nature and Bhutan's success at modernizing while maintaining its identity. You will see and experience all the beauty of Bhutan, and meet many of its people, friends of John, who will share their take on life in this most remarkable and unique of countries. Federico has lead yoga retreats across the globe, and the combination of yoga in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is guaranteed to be self nourishing, soul enriching and lots of fun.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Bangkok Arrival
Arrival day. Meeting at the The Tawana hotel
DAY 2: TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Bangkok
Enjoy Bangkok, have a massage, eat amazing Thai food and get ready for
tomorrow. Overnight at the The Tawana hotel.
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DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Bangkok to Bhutan
Our departure from Bangkok at 5:00 AM to arrive Paro, Bhutan at 7:00 AM. Upon arrival
we will be met by our guide and driver and transfer to Gangtey Palace Hotel, the former
home of a Bhutanese noble family. We’ll explore downtown Paro, have lunch in a local
restaurant, and have the afternoon to relax. Welcome dinner at Gangtey Palace Hotel.
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DAY 4: THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Explore Paro
Today we visit Paro town and explore its impressive 4-century old Dzong (fortified
monastery), the museum and the Paro Valley, including the ancient Kyichu Monastery.
Late afternoon free. Overnight at Gangtey Palace Hotel
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DAY 5: FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Paro to Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel, and then we prepare for 90-minute drive to Thimphu, capital of
Bhutan. We have the afternoon to a walk to get acquainted with some of the sights
of Thimphu. Friday evening is great night to observe in Thimphu’s fun nightlife, and
our Bhutanese friends will join us for the evening. Overnight at Druk Hotel.
DAY 6: SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Explore Thimphu
Today we’ll visit several interesting sights in Thimphu, National Memorial
Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, a traditional paper making factory
and Buddha Point Statue. Late afternoon free to wander or relax. Dinner
with Bhutanese friends. Overnight at Druk
Hotel.
DAY 7: SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Hike to ancient Monastery, afternoon drive to Punakha
This morning we take an hour hike to the impressive Cheri Monastery in the hills above
Thimphu. After lunch in Thimphu we drive 3 hours, crossing the 10,300′ pass at Dochu-
La and then descend into sub-tropical Punakha. Overnight at Drubchhu Resort.
DAY 8: MONDAY, AUGUST 17
Explore Punakha
Punakha is home to Bhutan’s most beautiful Dzong and we spend the morning exploring
this 4-century old fortified monastery, visiting the seldom seen chambers and temples
inside the dzong. Following lunch we have optional 1 hour hike across rice fields to
Chimi Lhakang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a beloved historical
figure in Bhutan. Overnight at Drubchhu Resort.
DAY 9: TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
River Rafting!
After breakfast we drive 20-minutes to the put in site for the river rafting. We float along
the gentle and safe Mother River. The trip takes about 90 minutes, passing small villages,
the Dzong and the confluence of the Mother and Father Rivers, shortly after which we
disembark, return to the hotel for change of clothes and lunch. Afternoon free. Overnight
at Drubchhu Resort.
DAY 10: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
Punakha to Thimphu
Morning drive to Nalanda Monastery, meet with monks who make this their home, then
gentle downhill walk to Punakha town, lunch in town and then we drive back to
Thimphu. Overnight at Druk Hotel.
DAY 11: THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
Further exploration of Thimphu
The School of the 13 Traditional Arts and the National Textile Museum are on the
agenda today. You will also have time to wander around Thimphu on your own or with
the guides. As it’s Friday night, for those looking for nightlife, our Bhutanese friends will
be happy to join us. Overnight at Druk Hotel.
DAY 12: FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Thimphu to Paro
Late morning departure from Thimphu to Paro. Lunch in Paro, and then afternoon arrival
at our hotel, the Zhiwa Ling Hotel, chosen by National Geographic Society as one of the
unique lodges of the world, this exquisite hotel makes a lovely venue for the final 2 days
of our Bhutan journey. Relax on the beautiful grounds, the tea house, meditation room or
spa.
DAY 13: SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
After breakfast we drive 20-minutes to base of mountain where Taksang
Monastery is located. Also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this most
iconic of all buildings inBhutan is perched on a cliff 2,700’ above the
valley floor. Guru Rimpoche arrived here on the back of a flying tiger in the
year 746, and meditated in a mountain cave for 3 months. The site has
since been sacred and a monastery has been constructed to commemorate
thisvisit. It is a pilgrimage site for all Bhutanese who gain merit by making
the ascent. You too can gain merit while by making the 3-hour ascent and
visiting the monastery seemingly glued to the barest concavity of the cliff
face. After descending we’ll have lunch and you may opt for Bhutanese
traditional hot stone bath or massage in hotel.
Farewell dinner at our hotel, the Zhiwa Ling Hotel.
DAY 14: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Thimphu to Paro
Late morning departure from Thimphu to Paro. Lunch in Paro, and then afternoon arrival
at our hotel, the Zhiwa Ling Hotel, chosen by National Geographic Society as one of the
unique lodges of the world, this exquisite hotel makes a lovely venue for the final 2 days
of our Bhutan journey. Relax on the beautiful grounds, the tea house, meditation room or
spa.
PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of food, beverages, accommodations, ground transportation, entrance fees, services of licensed Bhutanese guide and driver, daily yoga practice, services of USA based trip leader, Bhutanese visa and airport taxes.)
$5900. (Based on double occupancy)
$7100. (Based on single occupancy)
NOTE: International airfare to Bangkok,Thailand, and Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan, gratuities, alcoholic beverages other than local beer with meals, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature and travel insurance are NOT included.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Bhutan is accessed most easily from Bangkok, Thailand from where there are daily flights. Flights always depart in the early morning and participants should give themselves at least a 24-hour layover in Bangkok in the event flight to Bangkok is delayed. Fares are subject to change without notice.
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BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $980. ROUND TRIP, economy class
BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $1160. ROUND TRIP, business class
Flights are with DRUKAIR, ROYAL BHUTAN AIRLINES, operating Airbus 319 jets.
