11 Days West to Central Bhutan Meditation Tour

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.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten

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

Today, you will visit the Tango and Cheri Monastery. The two monasteries are located north of Thimphu on two adjacent hills.

First, you will head to the Tango Monastery and interact with the monks who all speak English. The Tango Monastery for Buddhist Institutes is an hour walk uphill through well-maintained pathways. It was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanama in the 13th Century and its present structure built by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye in 1688. The Tango Monastery covers the caves where originally meditation and miracles were performed by saints from the 12th Century onwards.

Next, you will visit the Cheri Monastery also another one and a half hour hike uphill. Also called as Chagri Dorjeden, the Monastery was established in 1620 by Lama Zhabdrung. It 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 at 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: Cross two mountain passes with scenic views and visit Chendebji Chorten.

Today, you will set out after breakfast in the early morning and travel to Bumthang (2,700m). Covering 197 kilometers, it will take you 7 hours to get to Bumthang from Punakha. The on-the-route scenery is amazing. En route, you will get a fantastic panoramic view from the Pele La Pass (3,300 m).

Next, you will get to Chendebji Chorten, a large Nepalese-style chorten that sits quietly by the side of the road. The chorten is modeled after the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. It is said that Chendebji Chorten was built in the 19th century by Lama Zhida to cover the remains of an evil spirit who was killed at this spot.

Continue your drive to Bumthang by passing through Yotong La Pass (3,400 m). The route during this section takes you to the Yathra Waving Center at Zugney village, where you can witness the locals waving Yathra, a name that refers to the colorful and woolen cloth with a geometric design in Bhutanese.

Finally, you will get reach Bumthang Valley. After arriving in Bumthang, your guide will help you check in at the hotel.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Chendebji Chorten

Highlights: Explore the cultural heritages in Bumthang, such as Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba.

In the morning, you will first visit Jakar Dong in Bumthang Valley. With a circumference of more than 1,500 meters, Jakar Dzong is one of the most majestic dzongs in Bhutan and is widely accepted as a wonderful piece of architectural art all over the country.

Then, you are going to worship the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, which was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life with his magical powers.

After that, you will continue to visit the nearby Kurjey Lhakhang. It houses the imprint of Guru Rimpoche who meditated in a cave where the monastery was built.

Finally, you will explore Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba, a large Nyingmapa monastery located on a hill to the east of Jakar. Built in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, it offers a serene and spiritual experience.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Kurjey Lhakhang

Highlights: Hike to Tharpaling Monastery or Petsheling Monastery to do meditation.

After breakfast, you will hike to either Tharpaling Monastery or Petsheling Monastery for a meditation.

Founded by Longchenpa, the Tharpaling Monastery was used as a meditation place by Jikmé Lingpa, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Petsheling Monastery was founded in 1769 by Drubthob Namgyel Lhendup, a spiritual master from south of Thimphu who spent part of his life in Tibet and became known for his strong meditative powers.

You can meditate or simply relax at one of the monastery, surrounded by a deeply peaceful atmosphere.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Highlights: Explore Phobjikha Valley and visit the ancient Gangtey Monastery and the Black-Necked Crane Information Center in Gangtey.

After breakfast, you will start your journey to Gangtey (2,890m), located 163 kilometers from Bumthang. Famous for the Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey is one of Bhutan’s most stunning destinations and serves as the winter home for a group of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate annually from the Tibetan Plateau.

Upon your arrival, you will visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley.

Next, 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: Enjoy a special spiritual experience in Gangtey.

In the early morning, you will visit Gangtey Shedra, a monastic school, for Morning Prayer. After that, you go back to the hotel and have breakfast.

Then, 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.

Later, you can make time to meet the Khenpo/trulku to discuss and ask for some clarification about your spiritual quest.

In the afternoon, you have your own free time to stroll around the valley.

In the evening, you will visit Gangtey Shedra again for a meditation class and evening prayer.

Stay overnight in Gangtey.

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 and 20 minutes for the 125 kilometers. On the way, you will encounter the Simtokha Dzong en route. 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 the 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 as a whole and broaden your eyes with numerous pieces of Bhutanese treasures.

Next, you will head to explore Paro Rinpung Dzong (also known 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 accidental fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Simtokha Dzong

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

In the morning after breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang 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.