Mindfulness Journey

Discover the harmonious tranquility of Bhutan, a mystical Himalayan kingdom where peace pervades the air and mindfulness is interwoven into the fabric of daily life. Our curated mindfulness journeys invite you on a transformative exploration of Bhutan's profound spiritual practices, delivering enriching experiences that replenish the mind, body, and spirit.

The journey commences as you settle into your accommodations, which perfectly balance Bhutanese tradition with luxury. Set against the dramatic backdrop of stunning valleys, lofty mountains, and lush forests, these sanctuaries provide an idyllic setting for rest and introspection.

Your introduction to Bhutanese mindfulness practices comes through guided meditation sessions each morning. Held in sacred monasteries and led by resident monks, these sessions help you harness the spiritual energy of your surroundings and learn to quiet your mind.

Your mindful exploration of Bhutan unfolds gently, with peaceful walks along verdant nature trails, serene ascents to remote mountaintop monasteries, and reflective strolls through aromatic rhododendron forests.

Immerse yourself in the profound philosophy of Gross National Happiness during engaging discussions with local scholars. This unique Bhutanese approach, focusing on sustainable development, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance, offers inspiring perspectives you can apply to your life.

Experience the therapeutic potency of traditional Bhutanese wellness practices. Soak in the restorative warmth of a hot stone bath, a centuries-old Bhutanese tradition believed to enhance overall well-being and alleviate various ailments. Participate in purifying and blessing ceremonies, designed to cleanse and renew your spirit.

Mindful culinary experiences complement your journey. Relish in the healthful, flavourful Bhutanese cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced produce. Savor these meals with full awareness, appreciating the symphony of flavors and textures, elevating your dining experience.

As your journey concludes, commemorate the transformative experience with a special farewell dinner. Reflect on your spiritual journey while enjoying a feast of Bhutanese delicacies.

Our mindfulness journeys in Bhutan aim to deepen your connection with your inner self, the surrounding community, and the natural world. Through immersive experiences that intertwine meditation, mindful exploration, traditional wellness practices, and insightful dialogues, we shepherd you towards a path of clarity, peace, and spiritual expansion.

Guide

Accommodations

Transportation

Meals and Drinks

Entry Fees

Permit Fees

Sustainable Development Fee

Hot Stone Baths

Spa Time

Meditation with Monks

Visa Processing

Day 1: Arrival & Mindful Beginnings

• Arrival at Paro International Airport

• Traditional Bhutanese welcome ceremony with offering of white silk scarves (khadars)

• Transfer to Thimphu (1.5-hour scenic drive)

• Check-in at accommodation and brief rest period

• Light lunch featuring local organic cuisine

• Gentle walking tour of Thimphu with mindfulness practice

• Opening circle: setting intentions for the journey

• Welcome dinner featuring traditional Bhutanese dishes

• Evening talk with Khenpo Tashi: "Introduction to Bhutanese Buddhism and Mindfulness"

• Brief evening meditation before rest

Day 2: Foundations of Mindfulness in Thimphu

• Sunrise meditation practice (optional)

• Mindful breakfast with instruction on eating meditation

• Morning workshop: "Essential Breath Awareness Techniques"

• Visit to Buddha Dordenma statue for guided meditation practice

• Lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant with cultural context

• Afternoon visit to Tashichho Dzong (fortress monastery)

• Free time for personal reflection or exploring Thimphu

• Group dinner at local restaurant with mindful conversation practice

• Evening meditation focusing on body awareness and relaxation

Day 3: Deepening Practice in Thimphu

• Morning meditation and gentle yoga practice

• Teaching: "Working with Difficult Thoughts and Emotions"

• Visit to National Memorial Chorten for circumambulation practice

• Vegetarian lunch with local monks at monastery

• Afternoon workshop on developing non-reactive awareness

• Individual guidance sessions with retreat teachers

• Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (optional)

• Dinner at hotel with silent contemplation practice

• Evening meditation on compassion and loving-kindness

Day 4: Journey to Punakha Valley

• Early morning meditation in hotel garden

• Mindful breakfast and preparation for journey

• Scenic drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass (3,100m)

• Meditation and prayer flag offering ceremony at mountain pass

• Picnic lunch in nature with sensory awareness practice

• Arrival in Punakha Valley and check-in at accommodation

• Gentle walking meditation beside Mo Chhu (Mother River)

• Free time for personal practice and rest

• Dinner at hotel restaurant

• Evening dharma talk: "Mindfulness in Nature and Daily Life"

Day 5: Sacred Sites and Practices in Punakha

• Pre-dawn meditation (optional)

• Light breakfast followed by mindful movement

• Visit to Punakha Dzong (fortress) for meditation in ancient sanctuary

• Teaching on meditation in action and daily life application

• Lunch at local organic farm with farm-to-table experience

• Afternoon visit to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman)

• Forest bathing and walking meditation practice

• Traditional hot stone bath for mindful relaxation (if not taken earlier)

• Dinner focusing on mindful nourishment

• Evening meditation on interconnectedness

Day 6: Wisdom Practices and Return to Paro

• Morning meditation on impermanence

• Breakfast with mindful conversation

• Visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery for meditation

• Teaching on emptiness and non-attachment

• Lunch at the nunnery

• Journey back to Paro with mindfulness practice stops

• Arrival in Paro and check-in at accommodation

• Visit to Kyichu Lhakhang for meditation in Bhutan's oldest temple

• Special dinner with cultural performances

• Integration session with Khenpo Tashi

• Preparation and intention-setting for Tiger's Nest

Day 7: Tiger's Nest Pilgrimage

• Early morning meditation on courage and determination

• Light, energizing breakfast

• Departure for Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) trailhead

• Mindful hiking to the monastery with meditation stops along the way

• Lunch at the mountain cafeteria with panoramic views

• Exploration and meditation within Tiger's Nest Monastery

• Contemplative descent with awareness practice

• Rest and recovery time upon return

• Final teaching session: "Bringing Mindfulness Home"

• Celebratory farewell dinner

• Evening blessing ceremony and gratitude practice

Day 8: Integration and Departure

• Morning meditation on gratitude

• Final group breakfast and closing circle

• Personal meditation plan development with teacher guidance

• Free time for last-minute shopping or reflection

• Check-out and transfer to Paro International Airport

• Departure with mindfulness tools for continued practice

Day 1: Arrival & Mindful Beginnings

• Arrival at Paro International Airport

• Traditional Bhutanese welcome ceremony

• Transfer to Thimphu with mindful observation practice

• Check-in at comfortable accommodation

• Light lunch at hotel

• Introduction to Bhutanese mindfulness traditions

• Opening circle: setting intentions for the journey

• Gentle mindful movement practice to release travel tension

• Welcome dinner featuring local cuisine

• Evening orientation with Khenpo Tashi on foundational principles

Day 2: Foundations of Mindfulness

• Morning meditation instruction with Khenpo Tashi

• Breakfast with mindful eating practice

• Workshop on essential breath awareness techniques

• Walking meditation in sacred garden

• Traditional Bhutanese lunch

• Afternoon visit to Buddha Dordenma for guided meditation

• Discussion on applying awareness to daily life

• Personal reflection time

• Dinner at local restaurant

• Evening meditation focusing on breath awareness

Day 3: Working with Thoughts & Emotions

• Sunrise meditation practice

• Silent breakfast with mindfulness exercise

• Teaching on working with difficult thoughts and emotions

• Mindful movement practice in temple grounds

• Lunch with local monks

• Afternoon meditation in ancient monastery

• Workshop: developing non-reactive awareness

• Individual guidance sessions with Khenpo Tashi

• Group dinner with mindful communication practice

• Evening meditation on compassion

Day 4: Deepening Concentration

• Extended morning meditation session

• Light breakfast

• Advanced concentration techniques with Khenpo Tashi

• Practice session in secluded temple

• Vegetarian lunch in silence

• Visit to National Memorial Chorten for circumambulation practice

• Teaching on obstacles in meditation and their antidotes

• Mindful tea ceremony and discussion

• Dinner focusing on mindful nourishment

• Evening meditation on the four foundations of mindfulness

Day 5: Journey to Punakha & Nature Mindfulness

• Morning meditation at sunrise

• Breakfast at hotel

• Mindful journey to Punakha with awareness practices

• Mountain pass meditation and offering ceremony

• Picnic lunch in nature with sensory awareness practice

• Arrival in Punakha Valley

• River meditation beside Mo Chhu

• Free time for personal practice

• Dinner at hotel restaurant

• Evening dharma talk: mindfulness in nature

Day 6: Heart Practices

• Pre-dawn meditation (optional)

• Morning yoga and mindful movement

• Breakfast in silence

• Visit to Punakha Dzong for meditation in ancient sanctuary

• Teaching on loving-kindness and compassion

• Lunch at local organic farm

• Compassion practices at riverside meditation spot

• Advanced heart-centered meditation with Khenpo Tashi

• Traditional hot stone bath for mindful relaxation

• Dinner with contemplation on interdependence

• Evening meditation on the four immeasurables

Day 7: Mini-Retreat Day One

• Extended pre-dawn meditation

• Light breakfast in silence

• Morning teaching on insight meditation

• Extended practice session with minimal guidance

• Simple vegetarian lunch in silence

• Afternoon walking meditation in nature

• Sitting practice in temple

• Individual guidance sessions with Khenpo Tashi

• Light dinner in silence

• Evening meditation on emptiness

• Continued noble silence throughout the day

Day 8: Mini-Retreat Day Two

• Pre-dawn meditation

• Light breakfast in silence

• Morning session on subtle body practices

• Meditation in sacred cave

• Simple lunch in silence

• Afternoon practice focusing on spacious awareness

• Tea and teachings with Khenpo Tashi

• Evening practice with chanting and visualization

• Continued noble silence throughout the day

Day 9: Mini-Retreat Day Three & Journey to Paro

• Pre-dawn meditation

• Light breakfast in silence

• Final retreat session with Khenpo Tashi

• Closing ceremony and breaking of silence

• Mindful integration discussion

• Journey to Paro with awareness practices

• Lunch en route

• Arrival in Paro Valley

• Visit to Kyichu Lhakhang for meditation in Bhutan's oldest temple

• Personal reflection and journaling time

• Special dinner with discussion on integration

• Evening preparation for Tiger's Nest pilgrimage

Day 10: Tiger's Nest & Wisdom Practices

• Early breakfast with mindful preparation

• Departure for Tiger's Nest trailhead

• Mindful hiking to Taktsang Monastery with meditation practices

• Extended meditation session in monastery cave

• Special blessing ceremony in sacred inner temple

• Contemplative lunch with panoramic views

• Descent with awareness practice

• Final teaching session on wisdom and emptiness

• Integration circle: sharing insights and experiences

• Special farewell dinner

• Evening meditation on impermanence and gratitude

Day 11: Integration & Departure

• Sunrise gratitude meditation

• Breakfast at hotel

• Individual meetings with Khenpo Tashi for personalized guidance

• Integration workshop: creating your personal practice plan

• Formal commitment ceremony for ongoing practice

• Traditional blessing ceremony

• Final lunch and reflections

• Transfer to Paro International Airport

• Departure with renewed mind and heart

Note: Throughout the retreat, sessions may occasionally be led by another venerated monk when Khenpo Tashi is unavailable.

Choose from Comfort Comfort Accommodations at no additional cost or Luxury Accommodations with an added supplemental cost per night.

After booking, we will send an email requesting a copy of your passport page. Processing takes just a few days.

There are only two airlines, DrukAir and Bhutan Airlines, which fly into Bhutan and only from specific connecting airports (Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi, Dubai, Kathmandu, Kolkata and a few others). If you would like us to arrange your flight into Bhutan from these connection points, please email us. It is your responsibility, however, to book your flight to one of the connecting airports. From there we handle the rest.