Bhutan Spiritual & Wellbeing Tour

Experience the breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro valley (2,200 meters). After the visa formalities at Paro airport, meet your personal guide and driver. On the way to Thimphu stop at Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River).

Upon arriving in Thimphu (2,300 meters), check in and freshen up before visiting the exquisite Tashichho Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture, where the assembly of monks performs daily prayers before the enormous statue of the Buddha. Visit the Memorial Chorten, where devotees circumambulate the white washed stupa throughout the day, and the local archery ground where locals celebrate the national sport with dance and song. Take an evening stroll around Thimphu town.

Drive via Dochu-la pass at 3,100 meters, stopping to take in the mesmerizing view of the Himalayan peaks and admire the 108 Chortens, Mani wall and prayer flags. Make merit by hoisting prayer flags and making an incense smoke offering. After lunch in Punakha / Nobding, proceed to Phobjikha, one of the most serene glacial valleys of Bhutan, and pay your respects at Gangtey Goenpa, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition established in 1613.

Gangtey Valley Exploration: the most beautiful and shortest of the nature trails in Bhutan, starting from the Mani stone wall north of Gangtey Goenpa and ending at Khewa Lhakhang (about 1.5 hrs through pine forest). In the evening take part in evening prayer or discuss Buddhism with a learned teacher of Gangtey monastery, and join dinner with the monks. Overnight in Phobjikha (or optionally in the monastery guesthouse).

Rise early to the sound of the bell summoning the monks for morning prayer. The day’s program, designed by Gangtey Shedra (Buddhist college) to help visitors overcome day-to-day stress and glimpse the Buddhist way of life, can include:

• Morning prayer (5:30 – 6:15 AM) • Evening meditation class on Samatha, loving-kindness or Vipassana (5:30 – 6:30 PM) • Evening prayer (6:30 – 7:30 PM) • Astrological reading (Mo), hoisting prayer flags, smoke, wine and butter lamp offerings • A picnic with monks, a Dharma talk and a private meeting with the Khenpo (abbot) • Making a meal donation and serving food to the monks • A spiritual cleansing bestowed by a Trulku

The program is supervised by an authentic Buddhist master, with an English translator where needed. Overnight in Phobjikha (or the monastery guesthouse).

Journey to the ancient capital, Punakha. Walk through the traditional houses of Sopsokha village amidst fields of rice and mustard to the hillock temple of the Divine Madman. Visit Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, located between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Built in 1637, it houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the Rangjung Kharsapani. Cross the Pho Chhu on the 160 meter suspension bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, for spectacular views of the Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.

Take a scenic drive to Paro, a beautiful valley where breathtaking lhakhangs and monasteries are perched on mountain hills. Set out to the sacred Dra Karpo, whose name means ‘split rock’, one of the holiest sites in Bhutan, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have split the rock and subdued a demon. As you circumambulate you can see foot and hand prints and other auspicious signs. It is believed that even the deadliest of sins will be washed away if you circumambulate Dra Karpo 108 times. Take a stroll through Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery resting on a cliff, one of the holiest and most beautiful sites of Bhutan. Taktsang, or Tiger’s Lair, acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress. Visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century. Later in the evening soak in a traditional hot stone bath and try your skills at archery, Bhutan’s national sport. Overnight in Paro.

Chumphu Nye is located on a hilltop, completely isolated from town, and the 7 to 8 hour return hike is mesmerizing and full of divine tranquility. You will walk the path once traversed by Guru Rinpoche, Khandro Mandarava and Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal, past stones, caves and waterfalls that each have a story to tell. You can sit beside the cave where Guru and his consorts meditated, and witness the famous floating statue of Vajravarahi (Dorji Phagmo). Please be gentle on this pristine place and careful with waste. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast your guide and driver will drive you to the airport and bid farewell. By now you might have made many Bhutanese friends and have good memories of Bhutan. We look forward to seeing you again, there are many magical places to walk and explore and festivals to attend in this land of happiness. Ka-drin-chey la and Tashi Delek.