Experience the essence of Bhutan in our meticulously crafted 7-days Spiritual Retreat Tour, designed to immerse you in the rich cultural tapestry of this Himalayan kingdom.
Arrival by plane to Paro airport and drive to Thimphu or in case of arrival by land, crossing border from India in Phuntsholing/Jaigon and full day drive to Thimphu. Upon meeting with our guide, you will be given Buddhist rosary with 108 beads, which will help you in your Buddhist practice. 108 is holy number in Buddhism. visit to Tachog lhakhang: - to see traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains and visit temple of “Iron Bridge Builder” Thangton Gyalpo.
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Visit to Tashicho dzong: - the castle, which serves as seat of the king and government. If time permits, explore Thimphu Street.
also known as Thimphu Dzong, is a Buddhist monastery and fortress located in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Early morning you will start journey to Dodedra Shedra, the secluded monastery school above Thimphu. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill hiking to reach to the monastery, and you can take only basic needs for overnight with you. Here you will get lesson on Buddhism by accomplished monk teacher. Explore the monastery and see how the monks here live. This night will be spent in monastery guest house, and you will have opportunity to see monks' daily chores. You can also meditate in some of numerous monastery chapels or beautiful open spaces.
One of the most idyllic places to learn in depth and understand monastic life is to hike to the Dodeydrak Monastery located high in the mountains of Thimphu.
Around evening back to Hotel.
In the morning you will say goodbye to your monk hosts and descend back from the celestial heights of the monastery back to the vehicle. First, we will drive through the Thimphu town and then start ascending to cross 3100 m high Dochu-la Pass: - for 360-degree view of the Himalayas. Nearby landmarks include 108 stupas, or chortens. In clear weather the magnificent panorama of the snowy peaks towards border with Tibet is visible here. We will stop to enjoy the magnificent view (weather permitting) and also to hoist prayer flags which we acquired day before. This is traditional ritual performed for good luck and well-being of all sentient being, and it is often done by travelers and pilgrims in potentially dangerous places (mountain passes, bridges, etc.) to appease local deities. By wavering in wind, the prayers printed on the fabric are blessing all the surroundings. From the pass, we will start long descent to subtropical Wangdue in around 1400 m and again start ascending to the Phobjikha valley.
One of the largest Buddha statues in the world, the Buddha Dordenma is a majestic statue that overlooks the Thimphu Valley. It is a significant religious and cultural symbol, representing peace, happiness, and prosperity.
Built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is a prominent landmark in Thimphu. It is a sacred site for prayer and meditation, attracting both locals and visitors alike
Dochula Pass is one of the most breathtaking and memorable spots in all of Bhutan.
Long drive on winding road will take us to 3350 m high Lawa-la pass, from which we will reach Gangtey shortly. Check into the hotel. We will go directly to the Shedra (monastery school) where in 6.30pm evening prayer and puja (ceremony) starts. Local monk will be there to give you thorough explanation about the meanings of the whole ritual, which will take 45 minutes. Then drive to hotel and rest.
The Gangtey Monastery is located on a hill ridge overlooking the vast and beautiful Phobjikha valley.
Drive to Gangtey gompa located at the top of the hill with commanding view of the valley. The historically important monastery belongs to Niyngma school of Buddhism. Walk through village with lots of interesting handicraft shop. From here you will start 2.5-hour walk, one of the most beautiful and easy hikes in Bhutan. You will go around the buckwheat and potato fields to the mixed pine forest with trees decorated with old men's beard lichen, and finally you will reach to a view of marshland. Here, in the late autumn and winter, rare Black Neck Cranes can be seen. On the way we will stop on some nice and scenic place for meditation and relax to enjoy the valley's rich spiritual energy and calmness. Descend to valley bottom and visit Kewa lhakhang: - the newly established monastery on the place where the demoness was subdued in the past.
Gangtey Valley is a beautiful and picturesque destination.
Drive to local farmhouse to taste local kitchen and other delicacies like the salty suja tea and ara spirit. Also, you will visit the family prayer room, which is actually small temple itself, and you will get explanation about spiritual practice of lay Bhutanese. Drive back to Punakha or Wangdue through where you did travel day before. Reach to hotel in the evening.
Drive to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang: - nunnery to receive blessing for the long life. Ceremony specially conducted by nuns for our group will last about one hour. After that we will do Question & Answer session with nuns, who will try to satisfy your curiosity about women role in Buddhist practice and other topics. Nunnery itself has scenic location and nuns. Visit to Chimi Lhakhang: - Drive to Lobesa village and will walk through the paddy fields and rustic village to the Chhimmy lhakhang temple, devoted to unorthodox 15th century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as “Divine madman”, who taught Buddhism by singing, drinking and scandalous sexual exploits.
This is a neat little hilltop temple with a really interesting legend behind it
Drive back to Paro over the Dochu-la pass again. Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong):- Rinpung Dzong means 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,' and it houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. It was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the holder of Drukpa- Kagyu Buddhist School, and the unifier of Bhutan. This dzong has been used on various occasions to protect Paro from invaders. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge called Nyamai Zam. Check into the hotel and explore Paro Town. Paro Valley-The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. In the evening, we check in at our hotel and rest for our hike tomorrow.
Paro Dzong is one of the most iconic and beautiful sites in Bhutan, especially during its annual festival, which is famous not only in Bhutan but also abroad.
After breakfast, embark on a morning drive from your hotel to the base of the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang), one of Bhutan's most revered and breathtaking sites.
This sacred monastery clings to a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.
Begin your hike to Tiger's Nest, a challenging yet rewarding trek that takes you through pine forests and along rocky paths. Along the way, marvel at panoramic views of the Paro valley below and the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
Experience the spiritual ambiance of Tiger's Nest as you explore its ancient temples and sacred shrines. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the natural beauty surrounding Tiger's Nest, replenishing your energy for the descent.
Descend back to the base of Tiger's Nest, taking in the serene atmosphere and natural beauty of the surroundings. Return to Paro town by late afternoon, feeling accomplished and spiritually enriched.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Paro, savoring the flavors of Bhutanese cuisine. Return to your hotel in Paro for a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the day's memorable experiences.
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Drive to the airport for your flight to your onward destination. We bid farewell and wish ourselves in the hope to meet again.
We hope you cherish this special trip in your life and nourish yourself with all the positive energy accumulated through the journey.
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+975 77 94 08 59
+975 77 94 08 59
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