The Land of the Thunder Dragon:
A journey to the world’s last kingdom of happiness
February 22-28. 2027 (Mon-Sun)
Thimphu · Punakha · Paro, Bhutan
Join us for this transformative 7-day, 6-night retreat in the mystical Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, guided by physician and renowned yoga teacher, Ingrid Yang, M.D., C-IAYT, E-RYT-500.
A Journey to the World’s Last Kingdom of Happiness
Tucked into the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan has long protected something the rest of the world has nearly forgotten: the art of living slowly, intentionally, and in harmony with the sacred. This is a country that measures its prosperity not in GDP but in Gross National Happiness. It is, in every sense, a place that has something to teach us.
This immersion invites you into the gentle intersection of Bhutanese traditions and evidence-informed wellness. Through guided movement, meditative stillness, cultural rituals, and extraordinary natural landscapes, you will reconnect with what genuine vitality feels like — not the optimized, quantified version, but the kind that arises from reverence, stillness, and awe.
“Bhutan does not ask you to do more. It asks you to be more.”
Unlike resort-based retreats, this journey moves through three distinct regions of Bhutan — the capital Thimphu, the valley of Punakha, and the ancient fortress city of Paro — giving you a lived experience of the country, not just a view of it from one property.
The monasteries, the dzongs, the mountain paths, the medicine doctors. Each day offers a different quality of silence. Some mornings begin in movement — gentle vinyasa at altitude, breathwork in crisp mountain air. Others begin in stillness — sitting with monks, watching sunrise paint the Himalayas, or simply arriving into a landscape that asks nothing of you.
All levels are welcome. This is not a rigorous yoga retreat. It is an invitation to inhabit your body differently, in a place that makes that very easy.
Have questions?
Email contact@ingridyang.com. Ingrid reads every note personally and replies promptly.
Q&A
1) What’s included in the price?
All accommodation, all meals, Bhutan visa, Sustainable Development Fee, guides and drivers (for group of 6), transportation, site entry fees, wellness treatments, and all sessions with Dr. Yang. Airfare is not included but can be arranged through the tour operator.
Bhutan sits at high altitude, and that alone is something to take seriously before joining this retreat. If you have concerns about altitude sensitivity, heart or lung conditions, or limited mobility, we strongly encourage you to consult your physician before registering. This trip is genuinely rewarding, but it rewards those who come prepared.
The Tiger’s Nest hike is the centerpiece of our time in Paro, and it is not to be underestimated. You will hike approximately 1.5 miles uphill at altitude for the second half of the ascent — a horse is available to carry you partway up the mountain, but the final stretch must be done on foot. The full round trip takes approximately 4–5 hours. It is challenging. It is also one of the most extraordinary experiences of a lifetime.
All yoga and movement sessions with Dr. Yang are fully adaptable to any level. But we want you to come to Bhutan with honest eyes open: this is a physically active journey through mountain terrain, and that is part of what makes it so alive.
7) Is there free time?
Some days there may be more than others, but most days will be fairly full with touring and hiking. There will always be free time in the later afternoon before dinner, and you are always welcome to skip certain activities to rest.
8) Is transport included?
All intra-country transport is included. Flight to Paro is NOT included. The tour operator can make this booking for you and add the cost to your tour fee. Note that only a few airports have flights to Paro (examples: Bangkok, New Dehli, Kalkota, with other airports with 2-3x weekly flights such as Singapore or Dubai).
Our retreat will include…
Wellness Activities
Daily movement, meditation, breathwork.
Cultural activities
Monasteries, hikes, temples.
Monastery stay
Sstay at Dodeydra monastery
Where you will sleep
At Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, each day begins with an à la carte breakfast, followed by a multi-course chef’s lunch and a six-course chef’s special dinner. House wines, fresh juices, teas, and locally crafted beers are all included. A consultation with a Traditional Bhutanese medicine doctor and 2 wellness treatments are included, with choices such as a massage, hot stone herbal bath, and moxibustion therapy.
At Six Senses properties, full board is included — breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodges’ restaurants — alongside non-alcoholic beverages, house wine, and local beer. Every meal is an act of nourishment, not just sustenance. Laundry (up to 3 pieces per guest) are included.
Our itinerary
See more photos of Bhutan
