Bhutan hiking and yoga vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Reaching Bhutan requires international flights to Delhi and a further flight to Paro. Once in Bhutan, the group travels together in two private vehicles rather than arranging individual transport. The itinerary follows a continuous route through Punakha, Phobjikha, Thimphu and Paro, avoiding repeated journeys between the same locations.

We provide guests with a careful packing list and practical advice to help them travel with only what they need. Drinking-water arrangements and limited use of single-use plastic are discussed with our local partner before each departure.

We measure the emissions associated with our retreats and use this information to identify where reductions can be made in future operations. We do not use carbon offsetting as a substitute for reducing the emissions within our control.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Bhutan regulates tourism to help protect its culture and natural environment. Every guest pays the country’s daily Sustainable Development Fee, which contributes to national priorities including environmental protection, infrastructure, healthcare and education. This fee is included in the retreat price.

Our Bhutanese partner works with accommodation and activity providers that follow local environmental regulations. The properties used across the itinerary report measures including renewable energy, responsible water use, waste management, reduced single-use plastics and locally sourced food, although standards vary between locations.

The retreat takes place outside Bhutan’s busiest visitor periods and includes established walking routes through protected mountain and forest landscapes. Our local guides brief guests on appropriate behaviour in monasteries, villages and natural areas, including waste, photography and respect for religious sites.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The retreat is created and delivered with a small, family-run Bhutanese tour operator. We have worked with the same local guides since 2023, building an ongoing relationship rather than appointing a new supplier for each departure.

The retreat uses Bhutanese guides, drivers, hotels, lodges, restaurants and activity providers throughout the journey. Guests stay in four locations, helping distribute spending across Punakha, Phobjikha, Thimphu and Paro rather than concentrating the whole visit in Bhutan’s best-known tourism centers.

Visits to monasteries, nunneries and cultural sites are arranged through our local team and conducted according to local customs. The itinerary has been designed to give guests time with knowledgeable Bhutanese guides who can explain the country’s history, Buddhist traditions and contemporary life.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

The majority of people delivering the retreat are Bhutanese, including the guides, drivers, hotel teams and activity providers. Our local partner confirms that staff are employed in accordance with Bhutanese employment requirements, with fair working conditions, employee benefits and opportunities for professional development.

We bring a yoga teacher and Reclaim Yourself retreat leader to accompany the group, while all guiding, transport and destination operations are managed locally.

The trip welcomes solo travelers, friends and couples, and is LGBTQ+ friendly. Yoga experience is not required. However, the mountain terrain, altitude, steps at religious sites and hikes of up to six hours mean this retreat is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.

Reclaim Yourself Retreats has been a certified B Corp since 2023.