*** REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – reservations: tsering.om@gmail.com ***

It is with deep joy and gratitude that I invite you to join the Bhutan Yoga Tour 2026.

I am honored to return once again to this extraordinary Himalayan kingdom — a land I was fortunate to call home 15 years ago.

This year’s retreat will be an opportunity to reconnect with the sacred landscapes of Bhutan, deepen our yoga and meditation practice, and experience the stillness, wisdom, and beauty that this magical country so generously offers.

We will be practicing Tibetan Heart Yoga, a profound system rooted in Buddhist wisdom and tracing back to a lineage founded by the great yogis Naropa and Niguma, who lived around 1100 AD.

This unique approach blends ancient and modern yoga asana (postures) with corresponding meditations, guiding us to cultivate virtuous states of mind and heart.
We work from the inside—through our thoughts, intentions, and ethical choices—and from the outside, using physical movement and breath. Yoga becomes far more than physical exercise; it unfolds as a transformative spiritual practice.

Through this work, we’ll reconnect with our true nature by exploring the mind itself—recognizing our negative patterns and shifting the perspectives that cloud our ability to see things clearly, as they truly are.

This retreat is an immense opportunity to experience, simultaneously, a journey through Bhutan—a Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom—and a yoga practice deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy.
There is something deeply moving and powerful about practicing in a land where yogis still meditate in mountain retreats and ancient caves. The energy of this sacred place creates ideal conditions for profound personal growth and spiritual reflection.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

When: 31st March to 12th April 2026 (during the Easter break).

Itinerary: Delhi – Paro (1 night). Thimphu (1 night). Punakha (2 nights). Phobjikha (3 nights / Retreat). Paro (3 nights) – Delhi. [see below for the detailed program]

Price: per person for a group of 6-8 participants: 4.045 € / person.
Single room occupancy (in homestay only on request): 4.295 €.
(We reserve the right to adjust prices in the event of significant changes in exchange rates, fuel (kerosene/gasoline) prices, or other major cost factors).

Travel agent organiser: Bhutan Insight Travel Agency in Munich.

Registration deadline: December 31, 2025.

Contact: you can call or write to me if you have questions or want to book your place:
email: tsering.om@gmail.com
phone: +49-157 7173 1858 (Signal / Whatsapp available)

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • Yoga and meditation journey in a small group, from/to Paro as per itinerary
  • Flight Delhi–Paro–Delhi including taxes
  • 10 nights in selected mid-range hotels/lodges as per program
    Including 3 nights in a monastery guesthouse
  • Daily breakfast and dinner (half-board) + 7x lunch (meals or picnics)
  • All transportation in a minibus
  • Daily Yoga and Meditation in Bhutan with me: Tsering Om (Dr. Christine Boucard)
  • Activities, hikes, cultural encounters, and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Local English-speaking tour guide from/to Paro
  • Bhutan tourism fee (SDF), visa and processing
  • Detailed travel documents and financial security certificate (R+V)

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • International long-haul flight to/from Delhi (Bhutan Insight is happy to assist with booking)
  • Drinks in restaurants/hotels, and meals not mentioned
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Services outside Bhutan
  • Online Indian visa (currently USD 25)
  • Costs in case of illness, mountain rescue, route changes due to force majeure, or flight schedule changes
  • Personal travel insurance (trip cancellation/interruption, international health and accident insurance)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Morning Tibetan Heart Yoga combining yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation — followed by a nourishing breakfast.

Scenic hikes along peaceful trails through magnificent forests, traditional villages, and picturesque valleys, with breathtaking views and plenty of fresh mountain air. Bhutan’s nature is spectacular, and spring is a beautiful season when the land gently awakens from its winter rest.

Visits to culturally significant landmarks such as the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the majestic Punakha Dzong.

Experience the Paro Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s most vibrant festivals, with ancient masked dances and the sacred Thongdrel ceremony.

Fresh vegetarian meals and carefully selected accommodations hosted by warm and welcoming locals.

Meaningful conversations, light-hearted moments, and new friendships along the way.

ABOUT ME

Tsering Om (Dr. Christine Boucard) – (click here for more)
I am French-Italian, born in Barcelona; I live at the moment with my family in Munich.
I have lived in various parts of Europe and Asia, including three years in Japan as a neuroscientist and two years (2009-2011) in Bhutan.
I have been teaching yoga since 2007 and have studied various teaching styles. However, my focus is Tibetan Heart Yoga, which is based in Tibetan Buddhism.
In Bhutan, I especially taught yoga to locals, people in fragile communities, and to foreign visitors. I organized retreats as well. In parallel, I took part in a research project on the subject of happiness.
The years I had the chance to call Bhutan home were essential for my personal inner growth.
At present, in addition to teaching yoga, I work as a humanistic psychotherapist. I support my clients with the knowledge and wisdom that I have acquired over these many years of study.
Yoga, meditation, psychology, neuroscience – they all have the goal of understanding the mind and the potential to accompany people in their search for change.

DETAILED TRAVEL PROGRAM

Day 1 | 31.03.26 | Arrival
Individual arrival in Delhi.

Day 2 | 01.04.26 | Flight to Bhutan & Paro Tshechu
Morning flight to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Warm welcome and short transfer to our accommodation. Depending on the arrival time, we’ll start with a good breakfast.

We then head to Paro Dzong, where the Paro Tshechu — “Festival for the Gods” — is held in the courtyard. The dancers prepare through meditation and prayer, transforming into divine beings and performing sacred dances in exquisite brocade costumes and elaborate masks. These age-old rituals are symbolic and powerful, aimed at dispelling evil spirits and demons.

Later, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, featuring a Buddha statue from the 8th century. As we circle the temple, we spin 108 prayer wheels. Nearby is the Memorial House, once the residence of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991), a revered teacher of the Nyingma tradition and mentor to Bhutan’s royal family. The house displays photographs, ceremonial robes, personal artifacts, and his books.

Evening: Group introduction and meditation.

[Overnight in Paro | B, D]

Day 3 | 02.04.26 | Thongdrel Ceremony & Capital City Thimphu
For early risers, a rare spectacle awaits: the Thongdrel, a giant silk scroll depicting Guru Rinpoche, is unfurled at dawn. Its spiritual energy is believed to cleanse and bless all who gaze upon it. The scroll is taken down before the sun’s rays can touch it, marking the end of the Paro Tshechu.
As locals return home, we journey on to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, which, despite having around 120,000 inhabitants, still feels more like a large village.

Highlights include:
Buddha Dordenma: a giant statue offering panoramic views.
National Library: showcasing handmade paper, traditional inks, and woodblock printing.
Royal Textile Academy: home to elegant examples of weaving and royal garments.
Centenary Farmers Market: full of scents, spices, yak cheese, and local crafts.

If time allows, we will circumambulate the Memorial Chorten, spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras like the locals.

[Overnight in Thimphu | B, D]

Day 4 | 03.04.26 | Hiking the Divine Madman Trail
Early departure for the Dochu La Pass (3,116m). Weather permitting, we enjoy sweeping views of Bhutan’s eastern Himalayas and the sacred Gangkhar Puensum (7,564m), the highest unclimbed mountain in Bhutan.

We descend through a beautiful forest of rhododendron, cypress, ferns, and orchids to the village of Thinleygang on the Divine Madman Trail, named after Drukpa Kuenley (1455–1529), an eccentric saint we’ll learn more about tomorrow. We then continue into the Punakha Valley (1,250m).

Afternoon: Yoga and meditation session.

Hiking time: ~4 hrs | Picnic lunch

[Overnight in Punakha | B, D included (2 nights)]

Day 5 | 04.04.26 | Meeting the “Divine Madman”

Morning: Meditation, Pranayama, Tibetan Heart Yoga
After breakfast, we visit the Punakha Dzong — “Palace of Great Happiness” — an architectural gem and royal coronation site. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, it houses sacred relics and the Je Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) in winter.

Lunch with a renowned weaver at her farm by the river.

Afternoon walk through rice fields (slightly steep at the end) to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, blessed by Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. Known for his unorthodox methods, he demanded beauty and drink in exchange for blessings. Bhutan’s widespread phallus symbols, which offer fertility and protection, originate from his legacy.

Day 6 | 05.04.26 | Over the Lhowala Pass into Phobjikha Valley

Morning: Meditation, Pranayama, Tibetan Heart Yoga
After breakfast, we drive through forested roads and turn off just before Pele La Pass toward Lhowala, the start of our scenic descent into the Phobjikha Valley.

We hike through lush rhododendron forests and enjoy magnificent views. Along the way, we pause for a picnic and hang prayer flags like local pilgrims. At the Kumbu Temple, our driver picks us up and takes us to Gangtey.

Phobjikha is a glacial valley known for its pastoral beauty, traditional homes, and as a winter refuge for the endangered black-necked cranes (Nov–Feb).

Evening: Optional participation in monks’ evening prayers at the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery.

[Overnight in Phobjikha | B, D included (3 nights)]

Day 7 | 06.04.26 | Gangtey Nature Trail

Morning: Meditation, Pranayama, Tibetan Heart Yoga
After breakfast, we visit Gangtey Goenpa, one of Bhutan’s wealthiest monasteries, decorated with colorful mandalas and a rare image of the mythical land of Shambhala. The affiliated monastic school (Shedra) preserves the Nyingma tradition.

We hike the Gangtey Nature Trail through hamlets and wetlands to Khewang village, then return via open woodland.

Hiking time: 2–4 hrs depending on group pace
Lunch in a farmhouse offering insights into rural life.
Evening: Optional prayer participation at the monastery

Day 8 | 07.04.26 | A Day with the Nuns of Ngenglung Drechagling

Morning: Meditation, Pranayama, Tibetan Heart Yoga
After breakfast, we explore the spiritual heritage of the Ngenglung Valley, historically linked to pre-Buddhist Bon religion and the arrival of Buddhist masters like Longchen Rabjam in the 14th century.

We spend the day at Ngenglung Drechagling Nunnery, engaging with the nuns, observing daily life, and receiving a simple blessing ceremony.

Picnic or lunch at the monastery

Day 9 | 08.04.26 | Return to Paro

Morning: Meditation, Pranayama, Tibetan Heart Yoga
Drive back to Paro via Dochula Pass and Thimphu.

Lunch at the Neyphug Heritage Foundation Café, overlooking rice fields. Option for a short yoga session in their peaceful meditation room.

Afternoon free for personal exploration.

[Overnight in Paro | B, D included (3 nights)]

Day 10 | 09.04.26 | Spiritual Hike to Chumphu Nye

Early morning transfer to the start of our forest hike to Chumphu Nye (3,078m), a serene pilgrimage site filled with legends, spiritual stories, and deep peace.

Highlights:
Stunning wall murals and statues of revered Buddhist masters.
Veneration of Dorji Phamo, the highest female incarnation in Tibetan Buddhism, known to grant heartfelt wishes.

The trail begins at Zee Go, a natural rock gate, and winds through flower-filled woodlands. The last section is a steep climb to the temple.

Hiking time: approx. 4.5 hrs uphill, 3 hrs downhill | Picnic lunch

Day 11 | 10.04.26 | Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

Our final spiritual highlight is the hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) at 3,120m. The path steadily ascends through forests with scenic valley views. From the viewpoint cafeteria, we admire the dramatic cliffside monastery.

We cross a gorge and climb over 300 steps to reach this sacred site, perfect for meditation and reflection.

Hiking time: 4–5 hrs round trip | Elevation gain/loss: ~650m

Day 12 | 11.04.26 | Farewell or Bhutan Extension

Farewell to Druk Yul — “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Transfer to the airport and return flight to Delhi. Individual onward travel or optional Bhutan extension, e.g., a flight to Bumthang or a short trek.

Day 13 | 12.04.26 | Return Home

REMARKS

The tour price is based on a group size of 5–8 participants.
Price adjustments may be made in the event of significant currency fluctuations, changes in group size, or increases in fuel costs (kerosene/gasoline), etc.

You should be in good general health, enjoy hiking, be open to meaningful encounters and cultural exchange, and be willing to forego a certain level of comfort.

As we travel in very small groups, the journey will begin and end with the Druk Air flight Delhi–Paro–Delhi. We are, of course, happy to assist you with booking your international flight to/from Delhi.
Extension stays or additional nights at the beginning or end of your Bhutan journey can be booked upon request.

For any questions regarding passport or health requirements, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Cancellation by the organizer: possible up to 90 days before departure.

The times given are average values ​​and may vary depending on road and weather conditions or for other reasons.
Program subject to change.

Contact: you can call or write to me if you have questions or want to book your place:
tsering.om@gmail.com
+49-157 7173 1858