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.
This retreat is level II. This means it’s suitable for you if you:
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.
Note: The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 30 to 40 miles at most. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail routes, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
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.
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.
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 (not a run) to Tiger's Nest will be the most strenuous, with a 1,500 feet of elevation gain in the first two miles. But the reward of visiting this iconic site will be well worth it.
April is one of the best times to visit Bhutan! Spring is 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. Please note that weather can be cooler at higher elevations and can change quickly in the Himalayas. We recommend you come prepared with layers, a warm jacket, a hat and light gloves.
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.
The Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is an upgraded spa-inclusive resort with just 24 guestrooms. Here, you can find the peace to let go of the daily craziness, find balance between body, mind and spirit, and experience the essence of Bhutan. Enjoy elegant spaces to relax and unwind that are luxuriously comfortable whilst still in keeping with the spirit of Bhutan. During your stay, enjoy free yoga and meditation classes, access to the sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and heated indoor pool. You may take a cooking class with a Bhutanese chef or enjoy a pottery class in the art studio. In the dining room, enjoy a variety of Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served. Book spa treatments during your stay for an additional fee.
Venture beyond the empty beauty of a hotel chain and experience the warmth and comfort of Zhiwa Ling Ascent, an upgraded hotel living in harmony with nature, culture and tradition. Enjoy first class hospitality at this wholly Bhutanese owned and operated hotel, where the essence of Bhutanese hospitality begins. At this hotel enjoy a rooftop bar and lounge with 360-degree views of the Timphu valley and surrounding forested mountains, a dedicated yoga area complete with mats, bolsters, straps and access to the Spa Therapy room, a tranquil place to rest and unwind. Simple, modern decoration adorns this intimate space, so as not to distract from your experience of serenity where you can book a special treatment such as a manicure, pedicure or massage for an additional fee.
Encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha -- home to the very rare Black Necked cranes, the Dewachen Hotel is a lovely sanctuary immersed in nature. At this hotel enjoy magnificent restaurant views, spa and fitness facilities and a traditional hot stone bath. (Spa services and some classes may include an additional cost not included in your retreat package.)
You'll have some free time to enjoy the spa amenities at the hotel on day 5. The best time to reserve your spa appointment is between 2:30pm - 5:30pm on April 12, 2025. Appointments can be scheduled at the hotel upon check-in.
Dhensa Boutique Resorts sits in the heart of the lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor. At this hotel enjoy a simplistically designed suite set in a cottage with a private balcony, spa access with a variety of exceptional treatments and therapies, yoga and a unique outdoor wood-fired bath. (Spa treatments and some other activities are not included in the retreat package and may involve an additional cost.)
Experience exceptional dining! Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality restaurants for unforgettable culinary experiences.
Bhutanese cuisine is a delightful blend of spicy and savory flavors, featuring a variety of dishes centered around rice, red and white meats, and abundant vegetables. Traditional Bhutanese meals often incorporate fiery chili peppers, cheese, and unique herbs, offering a distinct culinary experience reflective of the country's rich cultural heritage.
We make every effort to accommodate your dietary preferences and restrictions. However, there are occasions when we may face limitations. You'll have a chance to indicate your specific dietary requirements in the retreat participant intake form.
Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.
One of the best ways to deepen your experience with mindfulness during and after your retreat is to add the Transformational Travel Journal to your package. This co-branded journal by Run Wild Retreats in partnership with the Transformational Travel Journal provides an intentional space to write, draw, sketch and otherwise creatively express what meaning this travel experience has for you. Filled with thoughtful writing prompts, inspirational quotes and mindfulness-inspired ideas, we highly recommend using this journal to help you enhance your mindful running experience. Price includes shipping.
Bhutan 
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport, if you have not obtained your visa in advance you will need to pay for and receive your visa upon arrival. 
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will fly over the Himalayas to Paro, Bhutan (This flight is included in your retreat package.) On a clear day, you might be able to see Mount Everest. (Tip: the Paro airport is the most convenient place to exchange U.S. dollars for local currency). 
Our day will start with morning yoga taught by a Bhutanese instructor. Following yoga and breakfast, our guide and driver will take us to a nearby trailhead. Today’s hike is on a steep, rugged trail that ascends to the Dodeydra Monastery.
We will depart the hotel this morning after breakfast for Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park to run a trail that will take us by the Great Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking Thimphu. One of the largest Buddha statues in the world, it stands 169 feet tall and is gilded in bronze and gold. The gentle trails of the park offer stunning views of the Thimphu valley and the buddha itself. 
After breakfast, we will start our run through the Phobjikha Valley from the hotel. The Gangtey Nature trail will take you through the awe-inspiring valley, dotted with prayer flags. Here your retreat leader will lead you on a mindful running practice before continuing the run through the small village of Gangtey to catch a glimpse of rural life in Bhutan.
After breakfast there will be time for an early optional recovery (easy pace) run on trails around the hotel before we check out of our rooms and depart for the lush, fertile valley of Punakha. Upon arrival we will have a casual lunch at a local restaurant, check into our hotel, and change into our running clothes.
This morning we will check out of our hotel and begin the drive to Paro. En route, we will stop at a nunnery where we will meet the women and girls who are devoted to practicing Buddhism and learn more about their way of life and the differences between their male counterparts.
Today we will start our hike as early as possible to avoid the crowds, to one of Bhutan’s most sacred and revered sites, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Also known as “Paro Taktsang”, the iconic Tiger’s Nest is perched precariously on a cliffside at over 10,000 feet above sea level and is a highlight of any visit to Bhutan.
After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the Paro Airport where we will say goodbye to Bhutan and our guides and depart on a morning flight to Kathmandu. We will take care of booking and ticketing this short flight on your behalf. Flight time to be confirmed. .jpg)
