Bhutan Mindful Running Retreat

Apr 8 to Apr 17, 2026

Bhutan Mindful Running Retreat
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Women Only

On this unique trail running and wellness retreat, you'll explore the world's only country that is ruled by happiness-centric policies and fosters a culture of heart-swelling kindness. As you run through the velvet-green valleys of this remote Himalayan kingdom, share paths with yak herders, hear the droning chants of monks residing in cliffside monasteries and inhale crisp mountain air tinged with incense.

Bhutan is the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” where colorful prayer flags and flowering alpine meadows inspire spiritual renewal. Over 10 spirit-enriching days, you’ll run and trek through tidy rice paddy terraces, rural villages and picturesque blue-pine forests and sleep in Himalayan valleys peppered with sacred sites. 

Much more than a running retreat, the Bhutan Mindful Running Retreat is an immersion in a culture that embodies mindful living and measures wealth in terms of Gross National Happiness. You'll meditate with Buddhist monks, relax in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, try your hand at the national sport of archery and learn to cook traditional delicacies with a Bhutanese chef.

Highlights:

Experience the joy of running mindfully with no pressure to perform .

Gain insights into Bhutanese culture through Buddhist spiritual leaders and teachers.

Heal your runner's body through spa and pools.

Feel the thrill of experiencing new things like archery, Bhutanese cooking classes.

Connect with like-minded women through shared experiences on and off the trail.

Immerse yourself Bhutanese culture and local people in a respectful, responsible manner.

Explore Bhutan’s unique approach to Gross National Happiness.

Relax knowing we handle all the logistics and planning so you can be fully present.

Cultural Discovery and Inner Renewal

Experience Bhutanese culture and spirituality with a rooftop yoga session, a private meeting with monks at Dodeydrak Monastery, and a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest trailhead.

Gain rare insight into Bhutan’s unique approach to well-being during a conversation with a local expert about the country’s policy of Gross National Happiness.

Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes on scenic runs and hikes through Kuensel Phodrang National Park, the Phobjikha Valley, Dochula Pass, and the lush countryside near the Temple of the Divine Madman.

Explore Bhutan’s most revered sites including the Great Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong, and the sacred Yueley Namgyel hike.

Enjoy moments of movement and mindfulness with outdoor yoga and a chance to learn Bhutan’s national sport in a setting of peace and natural beauty.

It's For You If:

Are comfortable running 8 miles over 2-3 hours, including breaks for water, photos, and taking in the views.

Don’t mind running at a conversational pace and stopping to enjoy the scenery.

Embrace a sense of adventure and enjoy trails that may include some roots, rocks, uneven terrain and narrow trails at times.

Love trying new things and are open to learning and practicing mindful running techniques.

Don’t mind getting your shoes a little wet in small streams.

Are prepared for the possibility of rain, equipped with the essentials from a provided packing list.

Seek a meaningful balance of adventure, relaxation, and personal growth.

About the Trails

The trails on this retreat are a mix of single-track trails, with some unpaved and paved roads leading us through small villages. The terrain is a varied mix of rice terraces, expansive alpine valleys, Himalayan forests and mountainside monasteries. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. 

Lower Stress and Find Flow with Mindful Running

Mindful Running is this retreat's defining experience. Your dedicated Retreat Leader will lead you through experiences on and off the trail that are designed to help you discover how to run with more ease and flow. And if you've never run trails before, you'll learn how to adapt your road running technique for this new terrain. And if you're an experienced trail runner, you'll take your running to a whole new level of efficiency and joy. Connect more deeply with nature, yourself and other women through this powerful practice that provides you with skills and insights to maximize the stress-reducing effects of running. 

Travel Mindfully to Truly Unwind

This retreat can be the kind of vacation that truly transforms your state of mind and body, if you're open to it. Our retreats are designed to support you as a whole woman, not just a runner. That means you can expect free time to yourself, away from the group. It means that there are wellness experiences included in your retreat package to support your nervous system reset. This is your chance to heal from the effects of stress and focus on doing the things that energize you, inspire you and feed your soul. 

Weather and Climate

Bhutan's pristine environment, with high rugged mountains and deep valleys, offers ecosystems that are both rich and diverse. With some of the strictest environmental conservation laws in the world, this country is filled with robust forests, and wildlife. 

Bhutan is 8,000 feet above sea level on average. This retreat has been designed so the elevation increases as you travel, allowing for better acclimatization. The retreat starts at about 4,500 feet above sea level in Kathmandu and eventually you will reach a high point of 10,000 feet above sea level at the Tiger's Nest Monastery on day 9. The hike to Tiger's Nest has 1,500 feet of elevation gain in the first two miles. The reward of visiting this iconic site will be well worth it the effort.

April is one of the best times to visit Bhutan! Spring has settled in, the Rhododendrons are in bloom, and the weather is typically dry and sunny. You can expect cool evenings in the high 40s to low 50s, with day time temperatures in the 60s and low 70s. 

On this retreat, runners will find they need to adjust their running pace at higher elevations. We have taken this slower pace into account, so you will have plenty of time to run or hike at your own speed. 

A Soulful Journey Through Bhutan: Run, Reflect, and Reconnect

Join a small group of like-minded women for a once-in-a-lifetime retreat through the Kingdom of Bhutan, where every detail is thoughtfully curated by your expert retreat leader so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by the serenity of luxurious accommodations—each offering a tranquil space to rest and reflect. Enjoy the camaraderie and connection that naturally unfolds as you explore sacred sites, share nourishing meals, and move mindfully through Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes. With every step, you’ll deepen your sense of presence, purpose, and joy in one of the world’s most peaceful and inspiring destinations.

About
About The Host

The host specializes in trail running- and wellness-based travel experiences that support women’s overall health and well-being. Our programs feature mindful running techniques that help women run better while maximizing running’s stress-reducing effects on the body and mind. Set in some of the world’s most inspiring natural destinations known to runners, each itinerary is an immersion in nature and wellness experiences such as yoga, hot springs, or spas.

We include the specific elements you need to have a wonderful retreat and leave out anything that doesn’t support that mission.

Itinerary

Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ