Indescribable magic awaits you on our annual trip to the “Land of the Dragon,” giving you the chance to discover the culture, nature, people, and Bhutanese way of life. We will start most mornings with a yoga practice and spectacular views. We will spend our days with adventures, from hiking through the hills and lush valleys to visiting towns and monasteries and meeting the local communities. We will travel through several towns and villages, including Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Tangsibje, Bumthang, and Paro. The trip will culminate with our most challenging and scenic hike: the Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), which is Bhutan’s most iconic temple and landmark.
We will also raft down the stunning Puna Tsang Chu River, which is framed by quaint riverside villages and rice fields. A chilly dip in the glacial river will leave you invigorated before we picnic in this beautiful Punakha Valley. A crown favorite retreat of this retreat is the opportunity to spend time with a Bhutanese family in their traditional pastoral hamlet.
Two days of living, sleeping, and working with this family truly helps us understand their traditions and life. This country’s traditions, spirituality, and culture have been beautifully preserved, making Bhutan the “Happiest Country in the World.” And of course, we will visit the ancient temples and fortresses where we will learn and participate in their spiritual ceremonies and traditional festivals.
After our challenging hike to the Tiger’s Nest, we will fill our final night with relaxation and festivity. Try the local hot stone baths before ending our night with a closing ceremony, delicious dinner, and slumber at National Geographic’s hidden gem, a 5-star hotel.
Every day of this adventure retreat will be laden with activities, attractions, and views that will enliven your senses. Join us as we hike, raft, bike, and drive through the soul of Bhutan. This trip will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Trust us, you won’t leave the same way as you came.
What to expect:
Bhutan has recently opened its borders for tours. We will be part of an exclusive offering designed to give you an unparalleled experience. You will get the chance to explore and get to know the culture, the people, and the Bhutanese way of life. Enjoy daily yoga and meditation practices, hikes through spectacular landscapes, rafting trips in Punakha, and all the thrills of riding your mountain bike through the best kept secret trails of Bhutan and the Phobjikha valley.
We will then venture further into the countryside by car to visit our Bhutanese family’s village in Trongsa. Here, we will experience the traditional lifestyles of rural Bhutan – a totally off-the-beaten-path exclusive experience. We will proceed to the central heartland of Bumthang Valley to witness a beautiful festival and enjoy impressive day hikes. Finally, we will fly back to Paro to visit Bhutan’s ultimate highlight – the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Highlights:
11 days of adventure-filled activities – hiking, yoga, philanthropic activities, cultural experiences, optional mountain biking and much more.
10-nights of accommodations that range from 5-star hotels to guest homes.
Our last 2 nights will be spent at the Zhiwa Ling – one of National Geographic’s Hidden Gem. The Zhiwa Ling is a work of art, painstakingly constructed, carved, and painted by Bhutanese artisans over five years. It is not an old hotel—it first opened its doors in 2005 and is equipped with all the modern amenities you’d expect—yet the stunning architecture conveys an atmosphere of timeless tradition that fits right into Bhutan’s cultural landscape. The hotel’s temple exemplifies this emphasis on the authentic: it was built using 450-year-old wood from the original Gangtey Goemba monastery, one of Bhutan’s most cherished sites.
Restaurant with indoor and garden seating.
Yoga classes.
Meditation sessions in tranquil Meditation House.
Tea House with traditional Bhutanese teas.
Spa, steam room, and massage offerings.
Boutique with local goods.
Greenhouse with rare Bhutanese orchids and other beautiful plants.
The Herbal hot stone bath at a local farm will calm and relax us on our last night. Afterwards, we will eat a delicious meal and end the trip with our closing ceremony.
Hikes to many Buddhist temples, including the Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The most Memorable challenging hike with incredible views but also an amazing spiritual experience.
Rafting in the spectacular Punakha valley will enhance our adventure. As we float down the river surrounded by incredible views, we will stop for a quick and somewhat chilly swim in the glacial river.
Cultural walks and visits to temples, bridges, stupas, gardens, and more.
Sunrise yoga most mornings – most with spectacular views.
Village life: two incredible days with our guide’s family, enjoying their traditional lifestyle and listening to stories, legends, and music from the locals. We will also try our skills at archery (national sport), dart throwing, and milking the cows.
Handloom weaving demonstration.
Craft beer and music.
We love to give back! We will visit the Dsraktsho Foundation which supports children with disabilities. Get to know the children and enjoy a special concert performed exclusively for us. We will have the chance to support this organization by purchasing any of the art, baskets, toys, and other memorabilia that they create.
Lifelong friendships and magical experiences.
Yoga
We will wake in the morning to a gentle yoga and meditation practice. Please bring your yoga mats.
Hiking
We will be doing some extensive hiking throughout the trip. Some of this hiking will be at altitude. We suggest starting an aerobic conditioning routine as soon as possible. We will hike to the tops of some mountains with an altitude of 12,000 feet, but we will be sure to go at a pace that is good for everyone. There is always the option of a shorter hike, relaxing at the hotel, or meditating at a temple.
Rafting
The rafting is a gentle float in a 10-person raft accompanied by expert guides. We will stop for a brief swim in the chilly glacial water before ending with a picnic alongside the beautiful river.
Weather
October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan. Expect it to be mid 70’s to low 80’s in the sun, but there will be cooler temperatures in the evenings and at higher altitudes.
About
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About The Host
We provide enriching and rejuvenating adventure retreats to renew the spirit and strengthen the body. A unique and powerful approach to creating vibrant health and personal empowerment deals for women of any age, background, or athletic ability. Programs targeting the mind, body, and spirit have been developed and refined over 16 years by world champion triathlete Colleen Cannon.
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
I am out of shape, can I do the retreat?
YES! Because women of all ages, backgrounds, and athletic abilities attend the retreats there is a strong sense of support and camaraderie. Participants are inspired to overcome their limitations, celebrate their bodies, and refresh their spirits. Whether you have just started a fitness walking program and want to learn new wellness tools, or are a competitive athlete looking for your next adventure, Activ Retreats invites you to comfortably challenge yourself with fun and adventure.—whether that means a long hike or speedy bike ride down a trail, or giving yourself quiet time to sit on a rock and stretch. You will be encouraged to playfully explore at your own pace.
The ability levels are always varied: The staff provides expert technical instruction for all ability levels and we really have fun teaching the advanced as well as the beginners. We want to help you achieve your goals and fulfill your expectations, whether that means learning or perfecting cycling, hiking a 14,000 ft peak, surfing or doing yoga for the first time. We keep the groups small so that everyone gets individual attention.
Who is your typical quester?
Backgrounds range from:
*Business professionals who want a fit and fun vacation with everything planned
*Mom’s that really need to talk to someone their own age and refresh from the Inside-Out!
*Empty Nesters that are finally FREE to PLAY
*Women that did not have the chance to learn sports as children and they want a safe place to learn
*Girlfriends that want a fun getaway to laugh and celebrate life
*Athletic women that want to learn from the Pro’s and learn their training secrets
*Single women that want to travel and find adventure. The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!
*Mother/Daughters, single, married WOMEN!
You see…everyone is a Quester!!
What is the typical age?
We have had questers as young as 8, and as old as 82 but the bulk of our participants range from 30-65.
What is the The Mind/Body Balance?
Activ Retreats has always had the balance of the Mind/Body. We were doing it before it was cool because Colleen realized from her coach Phil Maffetone, that it was important to be Healthy as well as Fit and Healthy was balancing the Body, Mind and Spirit. The retreats offer a mixture of traditional and alternative methods to give you the powerful tools for personal discovery and transformation. For each of the physical activities, you will receive expert, and often individual, instruction. You also will be introduced to a variety of mind/body exercises and inspirational lectures to help nurture balance and encourage you to voice and follow your life’s dream.
What will I discover?
Have you ever had an experience that really changed your life? Many of us have had a few magical, poignant moments that made us see things in an entirely new way – bringing what we value most into sharp focus. These experiences encourage us to step beyond our limitations and discover our power and passion. Activ Retreats retreats invite these sorts of special memories. In the company of supportive and inspirational women, you will experience moments of laughter, excitement, and reflection that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Activ Retreats invites you on a journey to find balance in you life—a quest for INTEGRATION, PASSION, and VITALITY of mind, body, and spirit. You will develop the tools and motivation needed to realize your unique potential and create a plan for what you want to create with your “one wild and precious life.” Our participants report profound and lasting change as a result of their retreat experience.
Where are the retreats held?
Our adventure retreats for women are held at resorts in spectacular and inspirational places such as the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Vermont, Sonoma Wine Country, Hawaii, Tuscany, Italy, Costa Rica, Croatia, Peru and Bali The splendor of the natural environment invites women to reflect upon their own innate beauty and experience their relationship with the natural world. Serene forests, singing streams and glorious wildflowers will be your wise companions on the journey. Accommodations, gear, and healthy, delicious food are included in every retreat.
Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?
No! All activities and outings are optional. This is YOUR retreat. We encourage you to do what feels most nurturing and right for you. You will be fully supported in doing as much or as little as you choose. All of our activities will be guided by expert staff, and instruction and support will be offered for every activity according to your experience level.