A Mindfulness Journey to Bhutan

It's a long journey to Bhutan, so consider arriving in Asia a day or two early. The best flight connections from the US to Paro (Bhutan) are from Bangkok or Delhi. Each has a one-hour difference from local time in Bhutan. So take a day to rest and relax (in Bangkok, Delhi, or Paro).

See the FAQ section below for more information on getting to Bhutan.

Plan to arrive in Paro, Bhutan, in the morning. A driver will meet you at the airport, whisking you off to the hotel, The Zhiwa Ling Ascent, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The hotel overlooks Thimphu, the capital and largest city in Bhutan. After a refreshing lunch at the hotel, we'll wander into town to shop for custom “Kira,” the women's national dress, at one of our favorite local design shops, Kelzang Textiles. Historically, a Kira is woven by hand in intricate patterns and folded and pinned with silver brooches. Ms. Kelzang creates these exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces with the help of her two daughters. The family will warmly assist us in finding a special Kira, a unique trip keepsake.

After a short afternoon rest, we'll gather for a traditional dinner at the hotel.

This morning, we'll visit the Vast Art Gallery, where young artists learn traditional art forms.

Afterward, we'll proceed to the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center, known for creating ceremonial fabrics for the Bhutanese royal family. Watching these skilled artisans in their intricate work is fascinating.

In the early afternoon, we'll be welcomed by Aum Kesang, who will be our instructor for a traditional cooking class at her home. After our class, we will enjoy the fruits of our labor!

After a short afternoon rest, the group will gather to enjoy panoramic views from the hotel courtyard while tasting Bhutanese whiskey beside a roaring bonfire. We'll enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Today, we'll stand in awe of Asia’s tallest Buddha Dordenma Statue, sitting atop a gilded meditation hall with beautiful city views. The massive, golden Buddha is dedicated to bestowing blessings, peace, and happiness on the world.

After an opportunity to meditate or stare in awe at the gigantic statue, we'll savor lunch with members of BAOWE (Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs). This association promotes female entrepreneurs at the grassroots level. They reduce poverty by enabling women to gain self-reliance by operating businesses from a GNH (Gross National Happiness) perspective.

After lunch, we'll hike part of the Debsi Trail. The recently opened sacred Trans Bhutan Trial, of which the Debsi Trail forms part, has origins that trace back to when it was a part of the ancient Silk Road. The trail connected Dzongs (fortresses) of the nine Dzongkhags (districts) and served as a pilgrimage route for Buddhist monks.  We'll journey through Bhutan’s rich culture and history on this trail while enjoying picture-perfect panoramic views of lush valleys and the highest mountain peaks.

After exploring cultural heritage sites and pristine vistas, relax with a spa treatment at the hotel. We'll travel to a new hotel tomorrow, so tonight, we'll celebrate the time spent here with a large farewell feast.

Today, we'll carve our way over mountain passes to the majestic town of Punakha, situated at the juncture of two beautiful rivers (the Pho and Mo Chhu). We'll stop along the way to experience the meditation caves at Dochula Pass (3100m) and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas.

We'll enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch at the Lobesa Hotel perched on the slopes of plantations overlooking the Punakha Valley.

After lunch, we're off to the Chimi Lhakhang-Fertility Temple - a sacred Buddhist temple idyllically nestled atop a rotund hill in the Punakha District. Many newly married and childless couples from across the world visit Chimi Lhakhang for fertility blessings and to witness the unusual cultural ceremonies performed here.

After exploring the exquisitely built monastery, we'll end our travel for the day at the Dhensa Boutique Resort. This luxurious enclave, flanked by thick pine forests, overlooks the Punakha River and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor.

After a tranquil breakfast, we'll visit the rural home of Ms. Aum Karma Yangchen. Ms. Yangchen is one of the few female hand textile producers in Bhutan. Her passion and mastery of Bhutanese textiles are legendary. She was privileged to design the 5th King’s Coronation Gho (traditional Bhutanese men's attire). We'll spend the afternoon in the presence of this master craftswoman, witnessing a traditional dyeing demonstration as we enjoy a wonderful meal also prepared by her skilled hands. Ms. Yangchen makes some of the best and heartiest cuisine in Bhutan!

After lunch, we'll cross Bhutan’s longest Suspension Bridge, measuring 180 m. This bridge provides commanding views of the Po Chhu River and the surrounding valley, an ideal place for a one-of-a-kind photoshoot.

Afterward, we'll visit the historic Punakha Dzong. The most beautiful dzong (a complex of fortified buildings) in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong, is known as “The Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss.” Built in 1637-38,  Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. One of Bhutan's most majestic structures, the dzong houses the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan.

Take the remainder of the day to rest or go to the hotel spa with the group before dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we'll make our way back to Paro and trek to the famous Taktsang Palphug, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Clinging to a cliff, this is the ultimate Bhutan experience - a rigorous physical and spiritual journey. We'll start by joining the High Lama at the base of the monastery for a transformative meditation session. Then, we'll begin a glorious hike, stopping for lunch and some cold refreshments at a spectacular viewpoint. For those in the group who do not wish to complete the full hike, there's an option to return to the base camp at this point.

For those who wish to venture on, the second half of the hike ends with a visit to the sacred cave where the tigress slept and practiced meditation. We're also privileged to visit the resident monks at one of the four main temples, inaccessible to the public. 

After the Tiger’s Nest experience, we'll check into our next hotel, The Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. Here, we'll find a balance between body, mind, and spirit and experience the essence of Bhutan. Dinner tonight is at the fabulous Sanctuary restaurant. Boasting its own greenhouse and vegetable-herb garden, the restaurant uses as many local products as possible.

Today, we'll join the annual Paro Tsechu Festival - one of the largest festivals in Bhutan. The Paro Tshechu is held at Rinpung Dzong to celebrate the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Here, you'll discover the unique Bhutanese dance form known as the mask dance.

You'll have time to wander, explore, shop, and enjoy the festive atmosphere before gathering for lunch at a charming local café.

After the festival, we'll reconvene at the Sanctuary, where we'll meet with a traditional Bhutanese medicinal herb expert. Bhutan is well known for harnessing the power of natural herbs and is often referenced as the ‘Land of Herbal Medicine.’  This expert is one of the most respected in Bhutan. We'll each receive an individual health consultation and a rejuvenating herbal treatment. 

Tonight, we'll enjoy a celebratory farewell meal held outside at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary overlooking the glorious Neyphu Valley. After dinner, we'll continue to enjoy Bhutanese hospitality with a bonfire and beverages under the stars.

After a final breakfast, it's time to say our goodbyes (unless you're joining the trip extension to Bumthang). You'll be privately transported back to Paro International Airport to catch your flight home and to dream of the cherished friendships and memories created during this adventure of a lifetime.

For those joining the trip extension, onward!

If you're joining us for the trip extension, you'll board an hour-long flight to Bumthang, revered as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries stand as a testament to its sacred past. Verdant valleys, pristine forests, and majestic mountains beckon nature enthusiasts.

Upon arrival, we'll stop for a traditional Bhutanese lunch at the Dorjibi Farm Home, nestled in an idyllic apple orchard.

After lunch, we'll enjoy a hands-on textile weaving lesson. Bumthang is famous for its locally produced hand-woven woolen cloth known as Yathra.

The afternoon includes a local honey, apple wine, and beer factory visit. It's called “The Red Panda”.  We'll cap off a peaceful, beautiful day in rural, authentic Bhutan with a spirit.

This evening, we'll check in to The Mountain Lodge in Bumthang’s highlands. Settle in and relax before we meet for dinner at the hotel restaurant. Here, everything on the menu is locally produced. For those with adventurous palates, the mushroom-infused twist on the fiery national dish, Ema Datsi, with red rice and jambuley gnocchi, is a must-try.

Today, we'll head out for a spiritual pilgrimage with a High Lama. In the Buddhist tradition, a High Lama is an important spiritual leader from the community who will be our "spiritual guide" for the day. The High Lama will provide insight into the type and style of Buddhism practiced in Bhutan.

We'll stop at a holy site for Buddhist devotees, the Mebar Tsho, which translates to “the burning lake.” The Mebar Tsho is revered as the place where Pema Lingpa, Bhutan's greatest tertön (“treasure discoverer”), found several of Guru Rinpoche's terma in the 15th century. Terma are hidden teachings about certain spiritual traditions, including Buddhism.

After experiencing the burning lake, we'll tour the Ogyen Chholing Museum with special host Ashi (Princess) Kunzang. The museum holds great significance to both Bhutanese and Tibetans. It's a wonderful place, preserving and showing the rich history and values of Bhutan.

In the early evening, we'll engage in a spiritual meditation session with the High Lama.  After the meditation session, we'll freshen up and meet for another fabulous dinner at the lodge.

After breakfast, we'll fly back to Paro and check into the Tashi Namgay Resort. Then, we'll head out to explore the local handicraft markets in Paro. The Sunday market is a delightful place to shop for authentic Bhutanese handicrafts like prayer wheels, handmade Bhutanese boots, dried yak cheese, and woven goods. If you come across any interesting Bhutanese stamps, buy them! Bhutanese stamps are known as collector’s items.  

We'll enjoy lunch at a local Bhutanese restaurant after shopping.

After a busy day, we'll head to a traditional Bhutanese home for a hot stone bath. Bhutanese hot stone baths are a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where water is heated by depositing red hot fire-roasted river stones into a chamber of a large wooden tub. The bath is sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt flakes, various colorful wildflowers, and green Artemisia leaves. The tub itself is commonly made of oak, as oak is said to hold the water’s heat better than pine.

We'll meet later for dinner at the resort's multi-cuisine restaurant.

Sadly, our trip must come to an end. We'll savor our time in Bhutan and celebrate our new friendships. After one final breakfast together at the resort, you will be privately transferred to the airport to catch your flight home. You will undoubtedly dream of your rich Bhutanese experiences taking lessons from a culture that should remain with you for a lifetime.