Quick Links: Travel Information | Payment Information | FAQ | Packing List | Staff | Schedule
What are the accommodations?
Bhutan’s government has rolled out a Star Classification System to accredit hotels and accommodation providers for visitors. However, it is important to note that the Star Classification is NOT at par with the international Star Accreditation System. Therefore, please do not expect a three-star or a four-star or five-star hotel in Bhutan to be the same as in a developed city in the world. Hotels and guest houses in Bhutan have comfortable rooms with basic amenities and a traditional ambience. Generally, hotels in western Bhutan are better appointed, while accommodation establishments in the central and eastern part of the country are more modest, with fewer amenities. The majority of hotels in Bhutan are three-star properties. Four and five-star luxury properties are available now in certain places. Accommodation in all resorts, hotels, lodges or inns, are standard double occupancy rooms. If you have special requests, we can notify the hotel — however, we cannot guarantee that it will be accommodated.
Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy a combination of premium accommodations that offer both comfort and authenticity:
- 3-star Bhutanese-style hotels that provide a cozy stay
- Farmhouse accommodations to connect with the rural Bhutanese way of life ∙ 5-star Zhiwa Ling Heritage: For the final two nights, stay at the luxurious Zhiwa Ling Heritage, an award-winning property recognized by National Geographic as one of the Unique Lodges of the World.
Single Rooms are available at an additional cost of $2000.
We recommend staying in the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel if you need accommodations before and after the retreat.
What will the food by like?
Food staples for the Bhutanese include rice. We will also eat beef, pork, poultry, goat, yak, and fish. Yak cheese is part of the diet of upland nomad. Meat soups, rice or corn, and spiced chilies comprise daily food.
Beverages include buttered tea and beer distilled from cereal grains.
Menus of restaurants in Bhutan are a fantasy concocted of the ingredients a restaurant would like to have and what is actually on their shelves.
As this is an all-inclusive Women’s Quest adventure, expect to eat most meals at our hotel (Buffet fans are in for a treat — and where not appreciated, al a carte meals may be provided.) The dishes of buffet usually are a soup, rice, noodles, seasonal vegetables, potato, dal (lentils), and some protein (Chicken/Pork/Beef).
This is followed by a sweet dish which is usually fresh fruits, fruit cocktail etc. Tea and coffee is served. These foods are tampered to western taste and therefore are not spicy hot as locals would eat. Your guide can arrange dinner at local restaurants but beware: traditional Bhutanese food always features chilies and the most popular dish is ema datse made with large, green hot chilies in a cheese sauce.
Though there is plenty of white rice, Bhutanese prefer a local, slightly nutty, red variety. At high altitudes, wheat is the staple. Several Tibetan-style dishes are common, including momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodles).
While touring, we will likely eat breakfasts and dinners in our hotel. In the countryside and on long drives, we will often have picnic lunches. In some cases, we will stop at roadside restaurants.
*Please be informed that Bhutanese culinary is limited in diversity owing mainly to the age-old isolation and lack of western ingredients and expertise BUT over the last few years, the food has greatly improved. Guests who are very sensitive about food are advised to notify us in advance so that we can try to cater to your needs wherever possible. Please make sure you tell us of your dietary restrictions.
Drinking Water
Avoid drinking un-boiled water or ice cubes at all times. Most water sources are untreated. However, many Bhutanese people drink it straight from the tap. All water sources are from mountain spring waters.
Mineral water will be provided but we do have a policy to reduce the use of plastic bottles on our trekking tours in order to be environmentally friendly. Unless explicitly asked by guests, we provide boiled drinking water on treks. Please bring your own water bottle.
What about the yoga?
We will wake in the morning to a gentle Yoga and meditation practice. Please bring your yoga mats.
What about the 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.
What weather can I expect?
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.
What is the average age on this retreat?
We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats, from 15-75 years young.
What if I am coming alone?
The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Bhutan is a safe and easy country to travel as a single female. English is spoken in most tourist areas and we are here to answer any questions about travel that you may have. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!
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.
Am I in good enough shape to do this retreat?
This is a retreat that everyone can do but you will love it even more if you are in good shape – please start your training program now.
How do I tip?
Below are the recommended tips. 11 days
– $10/person/day for Toby and Dawa – each
– $10/person/day for Jax
– $5/person/day for driver
Total tips for excellent service are approximately $385
Women’s Quest Cancellation & Travel Insurance Policy
Cancellation Policy
Because our vendors and partners require advance commitments we must adhere to the following cancellation terms. If you have to cance your retreat
• 91 or more days before the retreat start date
You will receive a refund of all payments minus your deposit which is non-refundable.
• 90 days or fewer before the retreat start date
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel a retreat due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, all retreat payments will be refunded. However, Women’s Quest is not responsible for any additional expenses you may have incurred, including (but not limited to) airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.
Travel Insurance
To protect your investment, Women’s Quest strongly recommneds all participants purchase travel insurance. This ensures you are covered if something unexpected arises before or during your retreat.
Travel insurance is especially important if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to:
• Illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19)
• Family or personal emergencies
• Travel delays or interruptions
• Medical treatment while traveling
• Emergency evacuation or trip interruption
We recommend a policy that includes coverage for:
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation
For maximum peace of mind, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy. While more expensive, this option offers the greatest flexibility if your plans change.
For all trips to Iceland involving horses (riding or otherwise), it is mandatory you secure travel insurnce that includes coverage for emergency evacuation and return to your home country.
To compare policies, we suggest using Squaremouth, the travel insurance comparison platform:
https://www.squaremouth.com/
Before purchasing, please review your policy carefully and consult a travel insurance agent if you have any questions about coverage.