# Bhutan 2026: Hiking and Yoga Adventure with Matthew Shaw > A yoga and meditation adventure with Matthew Shaw in the kingdom of Bhutan. Visit monasteries, hike in the mountains and embrace your inner happiness. - URL: https://reclaimyourself.club/our-holidays/bhutan-hiking-and-yoga-retreat-2026/ - Published: 2025-03-23 - Updated: 2026-08-22 - Author: Jools Sampson --- Cradled in the soaring Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a mystical kingdom where time slows down and nature reigns supreme. This land of prayer flags and ancient temples, of dramatic landscapes and warm-hearted people, is a sanctuary for the soul. As one of the world’s top ten biodiversity hotspots—with over 70% of its land blanketed in pristine forest—Bhutan is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also the world’s first carbon-negative country. Here, people are not just residents—they are stewards of some of the planet’s most sacred and untouched wilderness. Our journey begins in the lush, emerald valley of **Punakha**, where we settle in for three nights surrounded by the serenity of rice paddies and riverbanks. We’ll begin our days with a yoga practice before we set out on soul-stirring hikes—one to **Chimmi Lhakhang**, the “Divine Madman’s” temple, a place of legends and fertility blessings, and another to **Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel**, a golden spire of peace that watches over the valley from its hilltop perch. Along the way, we’ll explore Punakha’s grand **Dzong**, an architectural marvel where Bhutan’s spiritual and historical tapestry comes to life. From here, we venture deeper into the mountains to the tranquil **Phobjikha Valley**, a remote sanctuary where time seems to stand still. For three nights, we’ll immerse ourselves in quietude—practicing meditation and mindfulness, unwinding with massages, and soaking in the untouched beauty of this sacred land. We’ll visit the awe-inspiring **Gangtey Monastery**, founded in the 1600s, and walk the valley’s serene nature trail, a gentle hike through forests and meadows. Our next destination is **Thimphu**, Bhutan’s charming capital. Nestled among pine-cloaked hills, it blends ancient tradition with modern life. We’ll stay here for two nights, with time for yoga, city exploration, and hikes into the surrounding countryside. Trails take us to the panoramic viewpoint of **Sangaygang**, a gentle two-hour walk, and to the secluded **Dodeydra Monastery**—a more demanding five-hour trek through forested hills to a serene retreat where monks live in quiet devotion. The journey is challenging, but the reward is profound stillness and sweeping views few ever get to experience. We end our journey in **Paro**, embraced by forested mountains and the hush of ancient stories. Our final two nights are spent in a beautiful nature resort, a place to unwind and reflect. But before we rest, one final pilgrimage awaits: a legendary ascent to **Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)**. Perched on a sheer cliffside 900 metres above the valley floor, this sacred site is said to be where Guru Rinpoche, the 8th-century mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed on the back of a flying tigress to tame evil spirits. The four-hour hike is both a physical challenge and a spiritual odyssey—rewarding us with awe, perspective, and an unforgettable farewell to this extraordinary land. --- Site index for agents: https://reclaimyourself.club/llms.txt