Meditation and Wellness Tour to Bhutan

About Meditation and Wellness Tour to Bhutan

Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (dzongs), and dramatic landscapes ranging from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks like 7,326 m/24,035 ft Jomolhari attract trekkers. Paro Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.

Why Bhutan?

Perched in the Himalayas between India and China, tiny Bhutan, with cliff-hanging monasteries, golden-roofed temples, and colourful prayer flags strung along trails and peaks, stands as the last Buddhist kingdom on earth.

Its careful tourism policy has slowly opened the country to the outside world without compromising its culture and traditions or degrading its pristine environment – two pillars of Gross National Happiness (GNH), the unique philosophy guiding Bhutan’s government.

This guide navigates Bhutan’s cultural landscape, highlighting local customs and quirks as you plan your journey to the country known locally as Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Did You Know Bhutan is the World’s First Carbon-Negative Country?

Bhutan gained global attention for this achievement. Being roughly the same size as Switzerland, with only 10% of its population, a key factor in sustaining it is a landmark constitutional mandate requiring the country to maintain at least 60% forest coverage. This is supported by the environmental conservation pillar of GNH. Plastic has also been banned since 1999, though enforcement is irregular. Nevertheless, do your part to keep the environment clean. Plenty of signage reminds visitors along the way: “Clean & beautiful Bhutan is a feast for the soul,” reads one placard en route to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Mindful Travel

Our genuinely hospitable and compassionate people rarely refuse guests’ requests. It’s therefore useful to know our local customs so that, when we welcome you to our kingdom, you may tread lightly on our soil and sacred sites.

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate changes to the program and can affect the availability of the views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times stated are approximate and may vary with individual or group fitness, weather, trekking route, river level, and road conditions.

Trip Highlights

Sightseeing of Paro and Thimphu, including Buddha Dordenma Statue
Meditation and wellness retreat at Cheri Monastery
Peaceful Phobjikha Valley with Black-Necked Cranes
Visit Punakha Dzong and nearby hot springs
Easy hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten for panoramic views
Explore Bumthang and Tang Valley monasteries
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Daily yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices
Experience Bhutanese culture, festivals, and local cuisine
Breathtaking Himalayan landscapes from valleys to high peaks

Itinerary

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all time stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, Trekking route, river level and road conditions.

Day 1:Arrive At Paro Airport And Drive To Thimphu: The Capital City Of Bhutan

You’ll arrive at Paro by air and transfer to Thimphu. On arrival at Paro Airport (PBH), after immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will meet our Adventure Hub Nepal ground partner representative and then drive to Thimphu, with an en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. It is the center of government, religion, commerce, and tourism.

The capital combines tradition and modernity. Places to visit include temples, dzongs, chortens, museums, handicraft stores, nunneries, parks, and more. Three different styles of stupas—Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.

On arrival in Thimphu, we’ll check into the hotel. In the evening, we’ll take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area. Overnight, we’ll stay in Thimphu.

Day 2:Sightseeing Around Thimphu

Early morning after breakfast, we’ll move to Thimphu for sightseeing. Thimphu is situated in the western central part of the country. The surrounding valley is part of Bhutan's Dzongkhag, the Thimphu District. Thimphu sits at an average elevation of nearly 2,400 m/7,874 ft. Overnight, we’ll stay in Thimphu.

Sightseeing includes:

1) Buddha Point

2) Tashichhoedzong

3) Dzong

4) The Memorial Chorten

5) Small Bhutan, and

6) Changangkha Lhakhang.

7) The Buddha Dordenma Statue

About the Largest Sitting Buddha Statue in Bhutan: the Buddha Dordenma Statue

The Buddha Dordenma Statue, which stands 51.5 meters (169 feet) tall at Buddha Point in Thimphu, symbolizes peace, compassion, and enlightenment, conveying a message of harmony and unity to all visitors. Its presence reminds people of the importance of promoting peace and understanding.

How Was the Buddha Dordenma Statue Built?

The Buddha Dordenma Statue, an engineering marvel, was constructed in pieces and assembled on-site in Thimphu. Made of bronze and coated in gold, it was built with the help of skilled craftsmen.

The project was outsourced to China, where individual parts were crafted before being shipped to Bhutan for assembly. Its massive size, 54 meters tall, makes it one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world. The statue houses 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, each meticulously made from bronze and gilded in gold. The base contains a meditation hall, adding to its spiritual significance.

Day 3:Drive to Chari Monastery

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Chari Monastery for a full day of meditation and hiking around Jigmi Dorji National Park, followed by a two-night stay at the monastery (camping).

Cheri Monastery – Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, also called Cheri Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery in Bhutan established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal. A short distance beyond the turn-off to Tango Goemba, the road ends at Dodina (elevation 2,600 m). A walk of about 1 1⁄2 hours leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen).

According to Bhutanese religious histories, the site was first visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the 13th century, it was visited by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the Tibetan Lama who first established the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan. Johnsingh (2005) describes the beauty of the site and the presence of the goral there.

Chagri Dorjeden was the first monastery established in Bhutan by Ngawang Namgyal in 1620, when he was 27 years old.

The Zhabdrung spent three years in strict retreat at Chagri and resided there at various times throughout his life. It was at Chagri in 1623 that he established the first Drukpa monastic order in Bhutan. In 1705, the 7th Druk Desi, Umze Peljor, retired to Chagri Monastery, where he lived until his death in 1707.

Day 4:Meditation at Cheri Monastery

A full day of wellness and meditation at Cheri Monastery, with a short afternoon hike around the National Park. Overnight, we’ll stay at Cheri Monastery.

Day 5:Chari Monastery to Thimphu

On the fifth day, we’ll trek from Chari Monastery down to Thimphu. After having lunch, we’ll drive to Phobjikha Valley (3½ hours), where we’ll stay for two full days of meditation and wellness programs (three-night stay in Phobjikha Valley).

Altitude: 2,900 m (9,514 ft).

About Phobjikha Valley

The Phobjikha Valley extensively cultivates potatoes — the region’s primary cash crop. Its secluded yet expansive pastoral environment makes it an ideal place for meditation.

Black-Necked Crane

In the Phobjikha Valley, Black-necked Cranes enjoy celebrity status, as celebrated by the annual Crane Festival on 11th November. The endangered birds arrive from Tibet toward the end of October. The Bhutanese call them ‘thrung thrung karmo,’ and as many as three hundred arrive in the valley each winter.

People have great affection for these winged visitors, and they feature in many folk songs. Local tradition holds that the birds circle Gangtey Monastery three times upon arrival and again when they depart. Their departure toward the end of

February is marked by songs of lamentation. The cranes have an elaborate mating ritual and mate with a single partner for life. According to locals, when one bird loses its mate, it remains in the valley desolate and heartbroken for a whole year.

Crane Information Centre

Details of their habits and habitats, supported by excellent photographs, are available at the Crane Information Centre. From here, you can observe and learn about these majestic birds. The facility operates under the aegis of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature. If the birds are in residence when you visit Gangtey/Phobjikha, you may get a close view from hides specially constructed for this purpose.

Day 6:Full Day Meditation and Wellness

Day 7:Meditation and Hike

On the seventh day, we’ll have Morning meditation and wellness at Gangtey Goemba (Monastery), followed by an afternoon hike around the valley for a few hours. Overnight, we’ll stay in the valley.

Day 8:Drive to Punakha Valley

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha Valley, a town in the eastern Himalayas. It lies at an elevation of about 1,500 m/5,000 ft, where several streams form the headwaters of the Sunkoshi River.

Founded in 1577, the town was once the capital of Bhutan. The old dzong (fortress or castle) sits on a promontory between the Pho and Mo rivers, tributaries of the Sankoshi. The population (2001 est.) of this place is 3,477.

After settling into our hotel, we’ll visit the famous monastery at the confluence of the two rivers, known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. After visiting the monastery, we head to nearby hot springs for the late afternoon.

Day 9:Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Trek

On this day, we’ll hike to the Khamsum Yulley trek, an easy 2.5–3-mile round trip that takes around 2 hours. The views from the top of the chorten are some of the best in Punakha—arguably some of the best in Bhutan.

Day 10:Drive to Bumthang

After a short drive from Punakha, we take a leisurely walk through paddy fields and villages, arriving at a hillock where Chimi Lakhang is situated. This Lakhang is dedicated to the popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. Afterward, we’ll continue driving to Paro via Dochula Pass. En route, you will visit Simtokha Dzong. Overnight, we’ll stay in Bumthang.

Day 11:Explore Bumthang (Tang )

Tang is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bumthang. It lies in the northeastern part of Bumthang Dzongkhag and covers an area of about 511 square kilometres. It is bordered by Lhuentse to the north and east, Ura to the south, and Chhoekhor to the west. The valley’s altitude ranges from approximately 2,800–3,000 m (9,186–9,843 ft) above sea level. It is higher than Chhoekhor, so agriculture is less prevalent here, although the area is fertile, with deep soil. The Arcadian scenery is picture-perfect.

In Tang Gewog, there are 32 villages with about 300 households, three schools, and one BHU. Tang has one Anim Dratshang, two Gomday, and one Drubdey. The livelihood of the people of Tang Gewog is mainly agriculture and livestock rearing. Food crops include wheat, barley, buckwheat, and sweet buckwheat, while cash crops include potatoes and apples.

The beautiful valley of Tang is one of the must-see valleys of Bumthang. Horse riding is available in Tang, but you must confirm with HBT (the provider) before planning the trip. Overnight, we’ll stay in Bumthang.

Day 12:Sightseeing: Hike Around Bumthang

The Kunzangdrak Goemba, or monastery, was built in 1488 by Pema Lingpa, Bhutan’s greatest treasure revealer. Some say it resembles a bodhisattva in the Tang Valley of Bumthang District, whereas locals believe it could only have been constructed by a superhuman being.

Since it is built into a cliffside, the hike up to the monastery is physically demanding but rewards trekkers with stunning views of the Tang Valley from the temple at the top. Holy water drips down from the cliff, and legend says its source was created by Pema Lingpa and Guru Rinpoche, then allowed to fall by the dakinis.

The complex consists of three buildings:

Wangkhang Lhakhang,
Khandroma Lhakhang, and
Oezerphug.

Pema Lingpa built Wangkhang, the main temple, while his consort and son built the other two. Wangkhang Lhakhang features statues of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Avalokiteśvara (the bodhisattva of compassion), and Namkhai Nyingpo (one of Guru Rinpoche’s disciples). Khandroma Lhakhang is where Yeshe Tsogyel meditated and features a copper statue of Pema Lingpa, said to grant long-term wishes to those who ask. Oezerphug is where Pema Lingpa’s son, Dawa Gyeltsen, meditated and received visions from Pema, giving his final teachings.

The complex also has a kora path, allowing visitors to circumambulate the temples to rid themselves of sin. Overnight, we’ll stay in Bumthang.

Day 13:Fly From Bumthang to Paro

After checking into the hotel, you can visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, and then descend to Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong.

Day 14:Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Last Minute Shopping

We’ll start with an early morning hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. In the afternoon, we can enjoy sightseeing around Paro township, do some last-minute shopping, and prepare for your flight home the next day.

Day 15:Fly Home From Paro: Say Goodbye to Lovely Bhutan!

It’s your last day in Bhutan! We’ll ensure you arrive at Paro International Airport with plenty of time before your flight home. Say goodbye to your guide and bid farewell to Bhutan, carrying warm memories and stunning photos to share with family, friends, and colleagues.

What's included

Included

A minimum of 3-star government-approved accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with evening tea, coffee, and snacks.
All transportation in our convoy of imported foreign vehicles: Toyota SUV cars for FITs, and Toyota H1, HiAce, or Coaster buses with drivers for groups, for all internal transfers and sightseeing (excluding internal flights).
All entrance fees to museums and cultural sites as per the program.
A licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide.
All local taxes and service charges.
Extra services: mineral water provided.
Parking fees.
Bumthang to Paro domestic flight included.
One-time visa fee included in your costing.
Cultural Program: A surprise program featuring Bhutanese dance.
Note: A single-room supplement will cost an extra $690 USD per person.

What's Excluded

Excluded

Round-trip airfare, train fare, and airport taxes
4- or 5-star accommodations and meals.
Travel insurance.
Luxury hotels and separate vehicles.
Tips for guides, drivers, and other staff.
Trekking accessories, such as sleeping bags and shoes.
Personal expenses, including calls, beverages, alcohol, laundry, donations to monasteries and temples, souvenirs, shopping, etc.
Tips for the support crew.

TRIP CHECKLIST

Purchase travel insurance
Send a scanned copy of your passport and travel insurance to

info@adventurehubnepal.com or ramkayak13@gmail.com

Meet with your GP or doctor to receive advice about vaccinations
Make your flights and hotel reservations in anticipation of your arrival in Delhi (India)
Complete the Adventure Hub Nepal (AHN) booking, health, and waiver forms, and sign then release them to AHN
Final payment for the trip is due 90 days before your trip departure date

REQUIRED TRAVEL INSURANCE

You are required to purchase travel insurance that includes, among other things, an evacuation benefit. Your trip insurance should cover the trip cost, Druk or Bhutan air flight, since there are no refunds once you book your space. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

The Rendezvous – Meeting Place	Flight Times	After the Trip
Paro Airport	Will be announced	You’ll fly back to
Paro, Bhutan	2 weeks before the trip	Delhi on the last day

PASSPORT AND VISAS

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your travel date. Digital copies of your Bhutan visa and Druk (Bhutan) airline ticket will be emailed to you two weeks before your trip. A paper copy of your ticket and visa is required to check in at the Delhi airport.

BEFORE YOUR TRIP, YOU HAVE OPTIONS.

The easiest way to fly to Bhutan is from Delhi on your Druk or Bhutan Airlines flight. You will arrive at Paro Airport, where everything, including your visa, will be arranged for you. We will meet you at the airport in Paro when your flight lands.

Arrive in Delhi a day or two early to explore the city and recover from jet lag. This is highly recommended, as you’ll want to be well rested when you arrive in Bhutan.
If you arrive in Delhi the day before your Paro flight, make sure to stay at a hotel near the airport.

FLYING FROM DELHI TO PARO, BHUTAN.

At Delhi airport, check in at the Druk or Bhutan Airlines counter. Be aware that baggage over 30 kg may incur additional fees. Please arrive at least two and a half hours early to check in. If you miss your flight to Bhutan, we may not be able to get you on another flight the same day.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

The weather in July is typically pleasant, warm, and humid. Even though the weather is generally good, be prepared for cold and rain, as we travel between 4,000 and 11,000 ft, and temperatures can vary throughout the trip.

CLOTHING

The best clothes for Bhutan are practical and comfortable travel clothes. Most days, we will be meditating, walking through towns and national parks, and visiting cultural sites.

Ideal clothing consists of functional layers that look nice. Short sleeves are appropriate unless we are in a monastery, where long sleeves and long pants are required. Women can wear either pants or skirts that at least cover the knees for daily activities and full-length garments in monasteries.

PRO TIP

Bring a Ziplock bag with toilet paper in your daypack, as some public bathrooms don’t stock toilet paper.

WATER PURIFICATION

We will always have plenty of bottled purified water available, but the empty bottles add up, and it’s nice to purify your own water when possible.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels vary in style and quality from town to town, but are generally considered one of the welcome surprises for visitors to Bhutan. During the colder months, hotels are heated, and extra blankets or comforters are provided in each room. Hotel staff are exceptionally accommodating and will do whatever they can to make guests feel comfortable. All hotels have their own restaurant, and some also have a bar.

BEING IN BHUTAN

The inhabitants of Bhutan are gracious, gentle, and very hospitable. They are peace-loving and possess a lively sense of humor. This is adventure travel, and sometimes traveling in a developing country can be both fascinating and frustrating—the goal is to maximize the former and minimize the latter. With respect and an open mindset, a “roll with the punches” attitude will go a long way in making your trip fun and memorable.

LOCAL CUSTOMS

There are many local customs, and the Bhutanese are typically understanding if we don’t follow them. Even so, we always do our best to be respectful.

CURRENCY OF BHUTAN

The national currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (NU). US dollars in crisp 100-dollar bills can be exchanged upon arrival at the airport or in Thimphu. There are ATMs in Thimphu, but they are not reliable, so please do not depend on them. The nicer souvenir shops in Thimphu, often associated with hotels, accept credit cards and can also exchange dollars.

All normal expenses during the trip are covered, except for drinks at mealtimes. Most people bring between $700 and $1,200 USD in cash for shopping, drinks, miscellaneous items, and tips for guides, drivers, and others.

FOOD

The Bhutanese typically eat a spicy dish called Ema Datshi, a zesty combination of peppers and cheese served with rice. During the trip, we will generally eat Western-style food served buffet-style at our hotels and restaurants. A variety of meat and vegetable dishes will be available, along with rice, noodles, tea, coffee, bottled water, and soft drinks. Beer will be available at an extra charge.

GRATUITIES

We are often asked if tipping is appropriate. Tips are certainly appreciated by your guides and are usually around 10% to 15% of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the trip leader, who will distribute them among all support crew on the trip.

SNACKS

Sharing makes the trip more social. We’ll provide ample snacks, but it’s always nice to bring something from home to share with the group. Feel free to share your favorite candy or mix bars with the rest of the group. Just be mindful that some people have allergies to nuts, so keep those to yourself.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan states in its directive:

While tourism is an important source of revenue, Bhutan sees no gain in succumbing to over-commercialism. It recognizes that a small country emerging from isolation must do so in its own time and at its own pace. The Tourism Council of Bhutan is clear that its policy of high value, low volume is the right approach, as Bhutan is simply too small for mass tourism. As the world begins to discover the Land of the Thunder Dragon, many visitors leave with a sense of having been in a special place, far from the insanity of modern life. Here is a land where life may not be materially luxurious, but it offers much that is good for a society not yet caught up in the global rat race.

VISA FORMALITIES

All visitors MUST obtain Visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan; otherwise, you cannot enter Bhutan.

Visas are processed through an online system by Adventure Hub Nepal’s ground partner in Bhutan, either directly or through AHN.

You are required to send a copy of the photo page of your passport to AHN. We will then apply for your visa. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will process the visa once full payment for your holiday—including the USD $40 visa fee—has been wired and received in the AHN’s bank account. Once received, visa clearance is typically processed within 72 working hours.

At your point of entry, you must show your visa clearance letter. Your visa will then be stamped into your passport upon arrival at Paro Airport in Bhutan.

Important Note:

A scanned copy of your original passport with clear details should be sent to us in advance.
Visitors must bring 3 copies of the latest color Passport with six photos for a visa.
For processing a Visa, we should receive your details at least three months in advance, because the time taken to process a Visa is almost 3 to 4 weeks.
All passengers are advised to check their passport validity, which should not be less than 6 months from the date of travel.
A Bhutan Visa will be issued and stamped in your passport only when you arrive at Paro airport in Bhutan.

Prior to your arrival in Bhutan, AHN will be asked to make the full payment (in terms of US Dollars) for the final trip balance of your trip.

GENERAL REMARKS:

- The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.

- An extra supplement will be charged if the rooms are to be upgraded.

The complete tour payment must be made no later than 90 days prior to your trip in the US$ as per the wire payment instructions. This is to ensure that we secure visas, hotel reservations, transportation, and guides.

HOW TO GET TO BHUTAN

There are only two ways to enter Bhutan – by air and by road/ land.

Entering by Air: Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan. It is situated at a height of 2,250 m (7,382 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,876 m (approximately 16,000 ft).

Domestic airports are located in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bathing in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate regularly to and from India (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gaya, Guwahati, and Bagdogra), Thailand (Bangkok), Singapore (Changi), Bangladesh (Dhaka), and Nepal (Kathmandu).

Entering by Land (Road): Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar are the only land border areas open to tourists. If you wish to travel overland, you can enter and exit Bhutan through its southern gateway, Phuentsholing, from the Indian state of West Bengal. It is approximately a six-hour drive from Thimphu. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, about 170 km (106 mi) from Phuentsholing. This border point is an ideal junction for those wishing to combine their exploration of Bhutan with the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal (Darjeeling District).

Gelephu, in south-central Bhutan, is another entry point. It is approximately 250 km (155 mi) from Thimphu. The journey passes through Bhutan’s sub-tropical areas before entering the alpine zone and finally reaching Thimphu. Travelers will traverse three districts, and the travel time is about nine hours.

Samdrup Jongkhar, in south-east Bhutan, borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam, and is approximately 150 km (93 mi) from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. It is a three-hour drive from Samdrup Jongkhar to the Indian airport at Guwahati. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar can continue to Trashigang and then travel over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang, and finally Thimphu. The total distance is about 700 km (435 mi) and typically takes a minimum of three days. This route is usually preferred by those flying into Paro in the west and touring eastern Bhutan without backtracking.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy

We genuinely hope that you will successfully complete your Bhutan trip, creating the most enjoyable memories of Bhutan. We assure you that we will make every effort to ensure your experience in Bhutan is memorable. We do recognize that, at times, due to unavoidable circumstances, a trip to Bhutan may need to be canceled or postponed. In such situations, AHN strongly recommends that you read through the AHN cancellation policy to protect both parties.