Bhutan Cultural Immersion Retreat

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

• Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
• Meet with your guide and fellow participants for a briefing on the upcoming retreat.
• Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
• In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) Hike

• Start the day with an early morning hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest.
• Participate in a guided meditation session amidst the serene surroundings of the monastery.
• Descend back to Paro and visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.
• In the evening, engage in a mindfulness session led by a local monk.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

• Transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
• Visit the National Memorial Chorten and participate in a meditation session.
• Explore the streets of Thimphu and visit the Traditional Arts and Crafts School to learn about Bhutanese traditional arts.
• Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner and cultural performance.
• Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha

• Drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan.
• Visit the Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
• Engage in a meditation session in the tranquil surroundings of the dzong.
• Explore the Punakha Valley and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility.
• Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley

• Travel to the Phobjikha Valley, a designated conservation area and winter habitat for the endangered black-necked cranes.
• Visit the Gangtey Monastery and participate in a meditation session led by resident monks.
• Take a nature walk through the valley, observing the rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes.
• Overnight stay in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley – Trongsa

• Drive to Trongsa, passing through scenic mountain roads and traditional Bhutanese villages.
• Visit the Trongsa Dzong, an architectural masterpiece and the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.
• Participate in a meditation session in the dzong’s peaceful ambiance.
• Explore the Trongsa town and visit the Ta Dzong, a watchtower converted into a museum.
• Overnight stay in Trongsa.

Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang

• Journey to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan.
• Visit the Jakar Dzong and engage in a meditation session in the dzong’s serene atmosphere.
• Explore the sacred Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, two of the most important temples in Bumthang.
• Participate in a traditional Bhutanese weaving workshop and learn about the art of textile making.
• Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang Exploration

• Spend the day exploring the beautiful valleys of Bumthang.
• Visit the Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of religious artifacts and ancient murals.
• Participate in a meditation and chanting session led by resident monks.
• Trek to the remote village of Tang and visit the Ugyen Choling Palace, a historic manor house turned museum.
• Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang – Gangtey

• Drive back to the Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey.
• Participate in a meditation session at Gangtey Gonpa, overlooking the picturesque valley.
• Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and learn about conservation efforts for these majestic birds.
• Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner with a local family.
• Overnight stay in Gangtey.

Day 10: Gangtey – Paro

• Return to Paro, stopping at Dochula Pass for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang and participate in a meditation session amidst the mountain scenery.
• Explore Paro town and indulge in some souvenir shopping.
• Attend a farewell dinner with your fellow participants.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 11: Paro – Hike to Kila Goempa Nunnery

• Embark on a hike to Kila Goempa Nunnery, perched on a cliffside above the Paro Valley.
• Participate in a meditation and chanting session with the nuns.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the pristine mountain scenery.
• Return to Paro in the afternoon and rest.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 12: Paro – Cultural Workshops

• Participate in traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts workshops, including painting, woodcarving, and pottery.
• Engage in mindfulness activities such as yoga and guided meditation.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner with your hosts, featuring traditional Bhutanese dishes.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 13: Paro – Free Day

• Enjoy a leisurely day in Paro.
• Explore the town at your own pace, visit local markets, or simply relax and reflect on your retreat experience.
• Optional activities such as spa treatments or additional sightseeing can be arranged upon request.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 14: Departure from Paro

• Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
• End of Bhutan Cultural Immersion Retreat.