Overview
Bhutan has many activities available for those visitors seeking a place of solace, rest and recuperation. Whether it’s a session of peaceful, contemplative meditation, a relaxing soak in a mineral hot spring bath or the all natural remedies of our traditional medicine, Bhutan has just what you need to revive and rejuvenate your body and spirit.
Our many meditation and mediation retreats will provide you with places of respite from the cares and stress of everyday life. Many visitors come to Bhutan specifically for meditation and retreat tours. Additionally, most hotels also provide yoga sessions, retreats and meditation facilities within the hotel premises.
The traditional medicine of Bhutan is known as Sowa Rigpa and dates back to the 17th century when it first spilt from it Tibetan origins. Bhutan’s natural environment, with its exceptionally rich flora has enabled the development of an unparalleled pharmacopoeia. Indigenous medicine units have been established in all 20 Dzongkhags (districts) and can provide visitors with traditional remedies for any ailments they may have. 46 Hot springs or Tshachus as they are locally known can be found all over the Kingdom and their medicinal properties are known to cure various ailments ranging from arthritis to body aches and even sinuses.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
- Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
- Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the Paro International airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Paro.
Visit Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang in the afternoon.
Overnight in Paro.
After a visit to the Tiger’s nest, drive to Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.
In Thimphu, visit the National Memorial Chorten (stupa), and drive to Kuensel Phodrang where a large statue of Buddha Shakya Muni is being built. In the afternoon, visit Zorig Chusum (the Institute of Arts and Crafts) and the Craft Market for Religious items and souvenir shopping.
Overnight in Thimphu.
In the morning drive to the base of the Tango and Cheri monasteries. These monasteries are located about an hour and half away from Thimphu.
The Tango monastery was originally the residence of Phajo Drugom Shigpo (who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa School into Bhutan) in the 13th century. The monastery was rebuilt in its present form in 1688 by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan and 1st Tri rinpoche. The monastery was restored in the mid 1990s and is now the residence of the 7th Tri rinpoche, the young reincarnation of Tenzin Rabgye. It is also a Buddhist university.
Cheri monastery was built by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1620 who established the first monk body here. Today, these monasteries host retreat centres for many monks and other Buddhist worshippers.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive about two hours to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochula pass to witness the famous 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens (Stupas) and visit Chimi Lhakhang. Visit Punakha Dzong in the afternoon.
Overnight in Punakha.
Visit the beautiful Gangtey valley and the Gangtey monastery before lunch. Then drive to Bumthang via the Pelela pass. Visit Chendebji Chorten on the way. Built during the first half of the 18th century by a lama named Shida, in order to nail into the ground a demon who had been terrorizing the inhabitants of the Chendebji and Ada valleys, this Nepalese styled chorten has eyes painted at the four cardinal points.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Visit some of the holiest places such as Kurje Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho, Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Visit Tharpaling Monastery. Tharpaling meaning place of liberation, is located on a hillock overlooking the villages of Chumey and Gaytsa in Bumthang. It is about an hour’s drive along a dirt road which winds up from the village of Gaytsa.
Gyalwa Longchen Rabjampa, a 14th century Tibetan master visited Tharpaling and preached a dharma called Yodsel Dorji Nyingpo. In the course of his teaching he liberated many followers and gradually the place came to be known as Tharpaling or the place of liberation. Today, it is one of the important monastic bodies of Kagyu and Nyingma sects of Buddhism in Bhutan. Popularly known as the ‘Great cannon of Tharpaling,’ the Tharpaling cannon, is a massive phallus-carved of stone and cement. This seven foot wonder has a seemingly-strange but interesting history behind it. According to the curator of the temple, the massive phallus was erected with its tip pointed toward the valley. Legend has it that the valley facing the temple is in the shape of a female organ. As a result of this strange setting, it posed a threat to the sanctity of the temple and there were occasions when monks from the monastery gave up their monkhood which resulted in a decline in the number of monks there.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Drive back to Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Early morning drive to Paro International Airport where your guide will accompany you to bid you farewell.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
The Cost Excludes
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Travel insurance
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Tips for guide and driver
FAQs
Like other countries in Asia, Bhutan maintains its community traditions with a deep eastern culture and a special code of conduct that is very different from Western civilization. In addition, the close relationship with Buddhism has laid the ground rules for greeting locals in Bhutan.
In Bhutan, you should take into account that greetings in Bhutan are quite different compared to other countries, as hugging someone while greeting is very rare, especially avoiding kisses between men and women altogether. Usually, Bhutanese greet others with open arms and a slight bow to show respect. So far, the handshake is uncommon in Bhutanese tradition, but it can be accepted as the norm for communication.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
Yes, permits are required to enter National Parks in Bhutan. However the process can be done online and the permit should be issued quickly. Please visit this link for more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM4k5SPaGI_GnV6NJuQHstpS5ai9G4w
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees, please click here for more information. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am – 5pm each day. In June 2023 it was announced that foreign visitors can now visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions.
If it is related to your tourism experience, you can phone the Department of Tourism directly on +975 1712 2257 (or 2300 within Bhutan). If you require one of the emergency services, please telephone 110 for fire, 112 for an ambulance or 113 for police.
A permit, which must be applied for in advance, is required to fly a drone either recreationally or commercially in Bhutan. Please email media@tcb.gov.bt to find out more about the regulations.
Yes. A guide is required at all times for all guests who drive their own cars to Bhutan. It is highly recommended to pre-book guides before arriving at the borders. If you need help with arranging a guide, please contact our host services team here.
Route Permits are no longer required to move around Bhutan. However, anyone on a business visa or for an official purpose is required to have a Route Permit.
