What’s Included

✔ Accommodation in handpicked boutique hotels & lodges
✔ All meals as per itinerary
✔ Private vehicle transfers
✔ Experienced English-speaking local guide
✔ Sightseeing, activities & entrance fees
✔ Bhutan visa processing
✔ Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
✔ Cultural immersion experiences & local interactions

Absolutely not. You never have to do yoga. You can stretch, nap, breathe, or just exist on your mat. Zero gold stars for pushing, full credit for listening to your body.

We understand that life can bring unexpected transitions. Because our journeys are intimate and involves significant advance planning, our deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel before the final balance is due (90 days before the start of the trip), we offer a fifty percent refund of any additional payments made, minus the initial deposit and a small processing fee. Within ninety days of departure, we are unable to offer any refunds. However, we do allow you to transfer your place to another traveler for a small administrative fee if you are unable to join us.

Our compass is set firmly on the ground. While we have the TICO credentials to navigate the world of air travel, we choose to focus my energy on what I do best: crafting the visceral, land-based experiences that make your journey unforgettable. Think of us as your architect for everything that happens once you touch down. You are responsible for your own passage through the clouds, but once you land, you can simply breathe and let us take the lead. We are always happy to provide guidance on arrival times and preferred airports to ensure your transition into our sanctuary is seamless. We can also recommend a trusted travel agent to help you book your flights.

Yes. To ensure you are fully protected against the unpredictable, comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for every guest. This serves as your safety net for any medical needs, travel delays, or last-minute cancellations. We will ask for proof of your insurance prior to departure to ensure you are covered for the entirety of our time together.

Bhutan is perhaps one of the most peaceful and secure places on earth for a woman to explore. The kingdom is deeply rooted in Buddhist values, which emphasize compassion, non-violence, and a profound respect for all living beings. This cultural foundation creates an atmosphere of safety that is felt the moment you arrive. Crime is exceptionally rare, and the local people are known for their gentle nature and their genuine desire to ensure that guests feel welcome and protected.

As we move through the valleys as a small group of women, you will find that the local community is incredibly respectful of our presence. While the physical safety of the kingdom is a given, we also focus on your emotional and spiritual safety. Travelling within our intimate circle allows you to fully open yourself to the experience, knowing that every detail of your well-being is being looked after by both our local guides and your founder. You are free to wander the quiet streets of Paro or sit in meditation in a village temple with a complete sense of ease and tranquillity.

There are currently no mandatory vaccinations required to enter the Kingdom of Bhutan, though we always recommend that you visit your healthcare provider or a travel clinic several weeks before your departure. It is a wise practice to ensure your standard boosters are up to date and to discuss any personal health needs for international travel. While Bhutan is a pristine environment, your physical comfort is our priority, and we want you to arrive feeling prepared and vibrant.

The primary health consideration for this journey is our gentle transition to the higher altitudes of the Himalayas. We have carefully timed our itinerary to allow your body to acclimatize naturally as we move through the valleys. We encourage a pace of slow and steady movement, accompanied by deep hydration and mindful rest. While the mountain air is incredibly pure, the sun can be quite strong at these elevations, so we advocate for high-quality sun protection and skin care. Rest assured that we are always prepared with the necessary support to ensure you feel your best as we journey toward the clouds together

The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is fixed at the same value as the Indian Rupee. While some larger shops in Paro and Thimphu may accept credit cards, Bhutan is very much a cash based society, especially when we visit local artisans or small village stalls. We recommend bringing US Dollars in clean, crisp bills to exchange upon arrival or using the ATMs available in the larger towns. We will be there to assist you with currency exchange so that you always feel prepared for a spontaneous purchase of a handwoven textile or a handmade prayer bowl.

The national language of the kingdom is Dzongkha, a beautiful and rhythmic tongue that translates to the language of the fortress. While Dzongkha is the primary way the local people connect with their heritage, you will find that English is exceptionally common throughout Bhutan. It is the medium of instruction in schools and is spoken with great proficiency by our guides, the artisans we meet, and many of the people you will encounter in the valleys.

You will never find yourself at a loss for words during our journey, as communication is treated with the same warmth and patience that defines all other aspects of Bhutanese life. While English will carry you through your daily needs, learning a few simple phrases in Dzongkha is a wonderful way to bridge the gap between guest and friend. Our local guides take great joy in teaching us how to offer a heartfelt Kuzuzangpo La, which is a respectful greeting used to wish someone good health. This small effort of the heart is always met with a bright smile and a deepening of the connection between the local community.

Every guest travelling to Bhutan requires a visa, which we take care of on your behalf as part of your retreat experience. One of the most unique aspects of Bhutanese travel is the Sustainable Development Fee, often referred to as the SDF. This is a daily contribution made by every visitor to support the kingdom's carbon-neutral status, free healthcare, and education for its citizens. This fee is already included in your journey price, meaning your presence directly contributes to the preservation of the culture and environment you have come to admire.

A riad is a traditional Moroccan residence designed with a profound focus on privacy and inner peace. The word itself comes from the Arabic term for garden, which is exactly what you find at the heart of the home. Unlike Western architecture that looks outward toward the street, a riad is oriented inward toward a central courtyard. This open-air space often features lush greenery, lemon trees, and reflecting pools, creating a quiet sanctuary that feels miles away from the vibrant energy of the medina just outside the walls.

Each room is uniquely situated around this central garden, offering a sense of intimacy and stillness that is truly unparalleled. Staying in a riad is not just about luxury; it is about experiencing the architectural soul of Morocco, where the "Grit" of the busy city streets is balanced by the "Grace" of the hidden oasis within.

The pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest is a moderately challenging but deeply rewarding experience. The path is a steady uphill climb that takes approximately two to three hours to ascend, depending on our pace. We treat this as a walking meditation rather than a race, allowing plenty of time to pause, breathe, and take in the spectacular views. For those who may feel uncertain, there is often the option to hire a horse for the first half of the ascent. Reaching the monastery is a powerful moment of grit and grace that most women find to be the highlight of their entire journey.

Our itinerary is intentionally designed to help your body adjust gracefully to the mountain air. We begin in Thimphu and Punakha, which sit at lower elevations, allowing you to acclimatize before we move into the higher valleys of Phobjikha and Bumthang. We encourage you to move at your own pace, stay deeply hydrated, and listen to the wisdom of your body. While the air is thinner, it is also incredibly pure, and most women find that a slow and steady rhythm allows them to enjoy every moment of the ascent.

Layers of Light and Warmth: Dressing for Bhutan

When packing for the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, we invite you to think of your clothing as a soft armour of comfort and respect. The November days are often filled with an extraordinary, clear light that feels warm against the skin, yet as soon as the sun dips behind the peaks, the temperature drops into a refreshing Himalayan chill. A system of high-quality layers is essential, allowing you to easily adjust as we move from the sun-drenched valleys to the cool, stone interiors of ancient monasteries. Think of breathable base layers in silk or fine wool, topped with a versatile fleece or a lightweight down vest that provides warmth without any unnecessary bulk.

Respect for local tradition is a cornerstone of our journey together. Bhutanese culture is modest and deeply respectful, and our attire should reflect this same grace when we enter sacred spaces. For our visits to the majestic dzongs and village temples, both shoulders and knees must be covered. Long sleeves are often required for the most sacred inner sanctuaries, so a beautiful pashmina or a structured jacket is a vital addition to your day bag. Above all, your footwear is your most important ally. We recommend a pair of sturdy, well-worn hiking shoes or trail runners with excellent traction for our climb to the Tiger’s Nest and our gentle walks through the pine forests of the Tang Valley.

Bhutanese cuisine is soulful and hearty, designed to warm you from the inside out. The most famous dish is Ema Datshi, a spicy and savoury blend of chillies and local cheese, though we always ensure there are plenty of milder options available. You can expect an abundance of red rice, fresh vegetables, and delicious dumplings known as momos. We take great care to curate meals that are both authentic and comfortable for your palate, and we can easily accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free requirements.

While Bhutan is a place of deep spiritual practice, it also has a long and interesting relationship with local brews and spirits. You will find that many Bhutanese people enjoy a drink in social settings, and the country even produces its own range of quality whiskies, rums, and a very popular selection of craft beers. The Red Panda Weiss Beer, brewed in the Bumthang Valley, is a local favourite that we will certainly have the chance to sample during our stay in the heartland.

In the boutique lodges and hotels where we reside, you will find well-stocked bars offering a variety of international wines and spirits. It is important to note that while alcohol is widely available, the kingdom observes a Dry Day every Tuesday, during which no alcohol is sold in shops or served in public bars as a mark of respect for local tradition. However, as our guests, you may still enjoy a quiet glass within the comfort of our private accommodations. We approach our evening drinks with the same sense of presence that we bring to our meditation, enjoying a crisp local cider or a warming glass of wine as a way to toast to the day’s adventures and the connections we have made.

In the Kingdom of Bhutan, tipping is a deeply appreciated gesture that reflects the Buddhist value of generosity. While it is not a mandatory requirement, it is a significant way to honour the hard work and heart that our local guides and drivers pour into our experience. These individuals become our protectors and storytellers during our time in the Himalayas, and a thoughtful tip is a beautiful way to say thank you for their wisdom and care.

For our primary local guide and driver, we suggest a collective gift from the group at the end of our journey, typically ranging from fifteen to twenty dollars per guest for each day of the trip. In the boutique lodges and farmhouses where we stay, a small contribution to the general staff tipping box is a lovely way to support the entire team behind the scenes. For smaller personal services, such as a rejuvenating massage or a porter who assists with your luggage, a few dollars or the equivalent in local currency is a perfect token of thanks. We will be right there to help you with the nuances of these exchanges, ensuring that your final farewells are as graceful and seamless as the journey itself.