9 Days Bhutan Meditation Tour to Gangtey

Highlights: Arrive in Paro and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma and Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will assist you in checking into the hotel. Later, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan, in 1974.

After that, you can explore Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

Thereafter, you will head to visit Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. Here, you can see the 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha, one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Visit Buddha Dordenma

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Simtokha Dzong

Highlights: Hike to Tango and Cheri Monastery and do meditation.

Today, you'll visit Tango and Cheri Monastery, which are located north of Thimphu on two adjacent hills.

First, you'll reach Tango Monastery, where you can interact with the English-speaking monks. The monastery, a Buddhist institute, is about an hour’s walk uphill along well-maintained paths. Founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanama in the 13th century, the current structure was built in 1688 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. Tango Monastery also includes meditation caves where saints meditated and performed miracles starting in the 12th century.

Next, you will visit the Cheri Monastery, another one and a half hour hike uphill. Also called Chagri Dorjeden, the Monastery was established in 1620 by Lama Zhabdrung. Cheri was the first of a series of monasteries built by Lama Zhabdrung, the saint who unified Bhutan. Presently, the Monastery serves as a major teaching, meditation, and retreat center.

Stay overnight at the meditation house above Cheri monastery.

Hike to Tango Monastery

Highlights: Meditate at Dochula Pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will start the journey from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it will take you 3 hours to get there.

On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the solemn Bhutan Himalaya Ranges and even take photos at the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m). You can also do self-meditation on the top of Dochula Pass, have hot tea at Dochula cafe, and then continue your drive to the warm valley of Punakha.

After arriving at Punakha, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It sits majestically on a ridge above Punakha valley with an amazing view of the countryside and the hills below.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Punakha Dzong

highlights: Visit Chimi Lhakhang, drive through Wangdue Phodrang, and cross Lawala Pass to get to Phobjikha Valley.

In the morning, you will start today’s tour from Chimi Lhakhang. Known as Chime Monastery, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. It stands on a small round hillock close to the village of Lobesa and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel.

Then, you will transfer to the Phobjikha valley (3,000m). The distance between Punakha and Phobjikha is about 80 kilometers, and it will take you nearly 3 hours to finish this driving journey.

En route, you will drive through Wangdue Phodrang and visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which was built in 1638 and sits on the ridge of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers.

Next, you will cross Lawala Pass (3,300m). You will be amazed by the beauty and serenity of the rich flora and fauna. And you may see some yaks grazing in high altitude bamboo shrubs along the road when you arrive at Lawala Pass.

After arriving at the Phobjikha Valley, you have your free time to stroll around to witness Bhutan’s unspoiled natural landscapes.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang

Highlights: Trek Gangte Nature Trail and visit Gangtey Goempa, and Black-Necked Crane Information Center

After breakfast, you will have a short morning trek known as the “Gangte Nature Trail”, which takes only about 1.5 hours, starting from the mani stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Monastery and ending in Khewa Lhakhang. This is a good chance to enjoy the enchanting natural scenery and breathe the incredibly fresh air in Phobjikha Valley.

After the the short trek, you will pay a visit to an impressive monastery called Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. It is a very important monastery of Nyingmapa school.

Then,you will pay a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Center. The center is situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha Valley. It has an observation room equipped with a high-power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. If you travel to Phobjikha in November to January, you can have a chance to view many black-necked cranes here.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Visit Gangtey Monastery

Highlights: Drive back to Paro and visit Simtokha Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong in Paro.

After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro. It will take you about 4 hours 20 minutes for the 125 kilometers.

On the way, you will encounter the Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.

After arriving at Paro, you will visit Bhutan National Museum - Ta Dzong. The museum houses a large number of valuable collections. A visit to the National Museum will deepen your understanding of this country in a whole and broaden your eyes with numerous pieces of Bhutan treasures.

Next, you will head to explore Paro Rinpung Dzong (also named as Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. However, it now serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Then, you will continue to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accident fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Visit Tamchog Lhakhang

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery and do meditation.

In the morning after breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. You will spend 5 to 6 hours on the hike.

As you approach the monastery, you will come across forests of prayer flags. This site will already prepare you for mediation at the holy place. After lunch, you can start today's first meditation. The place is naturally conducive to meditation, having been blessed by several enlightened beings in the past.

Then, you will continue hiking up to Taktshang Monastery, one of the greatest holy places associated with Guru Rinpoche in the entire Himalayan region. It's calm and tranquil, the physical environment most suited for meditation.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Meditation in Tiger's Nest Monastery

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.

The tour services end.