Bhutan is the perfect place for meditation. Bhutan is known as a bayyul or hidden land blessed by numerous accomplished Buddhist masters. The country not only has the right natural environment conducive for meditation and contemplation, it has the right spiritual aura.

Meditation is intensely spiritual practice to gather one’s wandering mind. To meditate is to look inward to find the true nature of one’s mind, which is vast and tranquil. If you are coming from an urban place where hundreds of worldly distractions make one’s mind restless, meditation provides an opportunity to tame one’s mind and regain the calm nature of mind which is a prerequisite for happiness.

Besides the perfect geographical and social environment for meditation, Bhutan has a rich tradition of meditation preserved and promoted over the centuries through a line of Buddhist masters.

The itinerary for a meditation includes a few days of meditation at highly sacred and spiritual places. You can choose the powerfully spiritual environs of sacred temples or hypnotically tranquil mountain sides.

If you are a beginner, we will arrange you medication masters who will guide you through the preliminary processes of meditation. Bhutan has a rich tradition of meditation practices.

If you wish to be part of the vibrant spiritual community, we will take you to temples and monasteries that are reverberating with religious ceremonies. You can be part of prayer ceremonies and rituals performed by Buddhist monks, nuns, and lamas who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practices and meditation.

Among the numerous places for meditation, two in the western part of the country include Taktshang Monastery in Paro and Tango and Cheri retreat centres in Thimphu.

Taktshang is the most famous Bhutanese monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) is a place blessed by a large number of enlightened masters. The foremost of them is Guru Padmasambhava (popularly known as Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan). Guru Rinpoche is believed to have flown to the place riding a tigress. Taktshang is among the most sacred places in the entire Himalayan Buddhist world.

Tango is Bhutan’s foremost college of Buddhist studies. It is also among the foremost meditation centres in the country. Tango, which means the horse-headed deity Hayagriva, was first recognised by Guru Rinpoche in the eighth century. In 1222, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, one of the most important Buddhist master from Tibet who visited Bhutan, visited the place and blessed it. In fact, it was Phajo who saw Hayagriva deity at the place prophesied to him that he would lay the foundation of Drukpa Kagyud tradition in Bhutan. Meditation is not only known to be a deeply experience but also practically helpful to the stress-ridden modern people, especially those living the busy cities.

Taktshang Meditation Tours
Six days/five nights

Day 1
Arrive in Paro
The beautiful valley of Paro perhaps presents the best introduction to Bhutan. As you fly into the valley, you will see the towering mountains surrounding the valley as if they were within arm’s length. Except for the small town, Paro valley is large dominated by paddy fields which offer a spectacular view at any time of the year.
If you arrive in Paro early in the morning, we will take you to the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the medieval watch tower or Tadzong. The circular building on the ridge overlooking Rinpung Dzong and part of Paro valley is a piece of Bhutanese heritage. We have lunch in the town. After lunch, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, the civil and religious administrative center of the Paro District. Rinpung Dzong is a historically important monument in the country. It was first built by Hungral Drung Drung, a descendant of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Later in the 1640s, the descendants of Hungral Drung Drung offered the dzong to Zhabdrung Rinpoche who demolished the old dzong and built a new one on the same spot in 1646.
We have dinner in the hotel.

Day 2
Paro to Taktshang
Today, after an early breakfast, we drive towards Taktshang Monastery with packed lunch. From the road-end, we have to walk about 2hours uphill. But the time we take depends on how fit we are. The road gently winds through pine forests. As you approach the monastery, you will come across forests of prayer flags. This sight will already prepare you for mediation at the holy place. After lunch, we start our first meditation. The place is naturally conducive for meditation having been blessed by several enlightened beings in the past. Taktshang, or Tiger’s Nest as it is popularly known to tourists, is 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. Dinner and overnight stay in camp at Taktshang.

Day 3
Taktshang to Paro
We meditate until lunch time today. After lunch, we walk back to the road point. On the way back to Paro town, we visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, Kyichu Lhakhang. The 7th century temple is one of the two in Bhutan built by Tibetan dharma king Songtsen Gampo as part of his grand project of the construction of 108 temples to suppress a supine demoness. Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang is believed to have been built on the demoness’s left knee and Kyichu on its left foot. The temple is small but very historic. Visiting it will take only a short time, but our guide will take some time explaining to you its historical and religious importance. We will have enough time in the evening to take a stroll around the town.
Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Paro town.

Day 4
Paro to Thimphu
Today, after breakfast, we drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which takes us across barren, rocky hillsides. Compared to Paro, Thimphu valley is much more crowded and grey. Thimphu valley is surrounded by blue pine and temperate evergreen forests.
We have lunch in Thimphu. After lunch, we go around Thimphu city. We go to the bustling Memorial Choeten, the beautiful structure built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, the Weaving Centre, the Bhutanese Paper Factory, and Post Office to buy the Bhutanese stamps.
We will take some time out to walk around the heart of the city.

Day 5
Thimphu to Paro
Until lunch time today, we go sightseeing around Thimphu. We visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Folk Heritage Museum, art emporia, and gift shops.
We have lunch at hotel in Thimphu. After lunch, we drive to Paro. On the way to Paro, we briefly visit Tamchog Lhakhang built by Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century. Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo was a Tibetan spiritual adept who is said to have spent 60 years in mother’s womb. He is a non-institutional practitioner devoted to building bridges. He built several bridges in Bhutan one of which is the approach bridge to the temple. Our guide will explain to you more about the temple and its great founder. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Paro.

Day 6
Town to airport
Our guide will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight. He or she will see you off in the traditional Bhutanese way by offering you a white scarf.

Bumthang Meditation Tours
10 days/9 nights

Day 1
Arrive in Paro
The beautiful valley of Paro perhaps presents the best introduction to Bhutan. As you fly into the valley, you will see the towering mountains surrounding the valley as if they were within arm’s length. Except for the small town, Paro valley is large dominated by paddy fields which offer a spectacular view at any time of the year.
If you arrive in Paro early in the morning, we will take you to the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the medieval watch tower or Tadzong. The circular building on the ridge overlooking Rinpung Dzong and part of Paro valley is a piece of Bhutanese heritage. We have lunch in the town. After lunch, we will drive to Thimphu, which takes about one and a half hours. We have dinner at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2
Halt in Thimphu
Today, we begin the day by visiting the Memorial Choeten in the heart of the city. The choeten was built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, who is fondly remembered as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Later, we visit Drupthop Lhakhang one of the few nunneries in Bhutan.
We then drive to the view point of Tashichodzong, the seat of the central government and the Central Monastic Body, or Sangay Gang to enjoy an expansive view of the Thimphu city. If we have enough time, we will also visit Folk Heritage Museum. We have lunch in the town. After lunch, we visit the Painting School where traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught and learned. Then we visit Handicrafts Emporium and gift shops Evening will be at your disposal.
Diner and overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3
Thimphu to Bumthang
Today, it’s going to be a long drive, about nine hours. But the journey is going to be filled with memorable sights. In early spring, we drive through rhododendron and magnolia forests in full bloom.
Today we cross two mountain passes, Dochula Pass at 3,150 m between Thimphu and Wangdue and Yotongla Pass at 3,400 m between Trongsa and Bumthang. Dochula Pass offers spectacular view of mountains on all sides. But we do not have luxury of time today since the journey is long and, for those who are not used to long road journeys, quite tiring.
We have lunch at a restaurant in Chendebji restaurant. After lunch, we resume our journey to Bumthang crossing Yotongla. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 4
Bumthang to Kunzang Drak
After our breakfast, we drive towards Kunzang Drak. From the road point, about one hour’s walk takes us to the temple. The temple of Kunzang Drak is one of the most sacred in the country. It was built by the great native treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa in 1488. The temple contains his sacred relics. His footprint can be seen on a gilded stone.
After having our packed lunch, we start meditation at the sacred temple.

Day 5
Kunzang Drak to Bumthang
Today we meditate until 12 pm and then return to Bumthang. On our way, we visit Mebartsho (Burning Lake), the sacred lake associated with great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have dived into the lake with a butter lamp in hand. After a while, he emerged from the lake carrying treasures with the lamp still burning bright. Thereafter, the lake came to be known as Mebartsho.
After lunch, we visit some of the oldest temples in Bhutan, Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Jampa Lhakhang is believed to have been built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo along with Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro to pin down the left knee and foot of a supine demoness respectively.
Kurjey Lhakhang closely associated with Guru Rinpoche in many ways. It is where he left his body print after subduing the malevolent local spirit, Shelging Karpo, who was harming the local king. Today, among others, we can see near the temple a huge cypress tree which is believed to have grown from the walking staff of Guru Rinpoche.
Tamshing Lhakhang was the seat of great treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. He built the temple in 1505. Today, among others, we can see at the temple iron chain jacket made by Pema Lingpa.
Whole evening is for your leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 6
Bumthang to Punakha
After an early breakfast, we drive to Punakha which takes about seven hours.
On the way, we visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa Dzong was the seat of Trongsa Ponlop, the governor of the east, before the institution of monarchy. It is one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. The crown prince of Bhutan symbolically assumes the role of Trongsa Ponlop before becoming the king.
We will have packed lunch or at a local restaurant. After lunch we continue our journey to Punakha. On the way, we take a look at the ruins of Wangdue Dzong which was lost to fire in 2012. Wangdue Dzong was built in 1638 by the founder of Bhutanese state, Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The dzong was once lost to fire in 1838.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.

Day 7
Halt in Wangdue
Today, we spend the day sightseeing in Wangdue and Punakha. We start the day by hiking to Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Choeten. This takes 45 minutes of uphill climb from the road point. On the return journey, we visit the grand Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 1637 between Phochhu (Male River) and Mochhu (Female River). The dzong is the medieval capital of Bhutan. The construction of the dzong was so prophetic that local deities are said to have help Zhabdrung Rinpoche built it by bringing stones and timber. Our guide will elaborate on the historical and spiritual significance of the dzong at a greater length. We have lunch at a hotel in Punakha. After lunch, we hike to Khyime Lhakhang which is about 25 minutes’ walk from the road point. This temple built by Tibetan lama Ngawang Chogyal (1465-1540) is today mostly associated with his cousin, Lama Drukpa Kunley, who was known for his outrageous behaviour aimed at ridiculing the hypocrisy of society. The temple is believed to have been built on the spot where Drukpa Kunley subdued a demoness fleeing in the form of a dog. It is today known as the temple of fertility. The temple is believed to bless childless couples with fertility. Evening is for your leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Wangdue.

Day 8
Wangdue to Paro
After an early breakfast, we drive to Paro across Dochula Pass which takes about five hours.
We halt for lunch at Dochula Cafeteria.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 9
Halt in Paro
After early breakfast, hike to the view point of Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The trail winds through pine forests. Taktshang is the most famous Bhutanese monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) is a place blessed by a large number of enlightened masters. The foremost of them is Guru Padmasambhava (popularly known as Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan). Guru Rinpoche is believed to have flown to the place riding a tigress. Taktshang is among the most sacred places in the entire Himalayan Buddhist world.
After enjoying the refreshing environment and sights, we walk back to the road point.
We go back to Paro town for lunch. After lunch, we visit National Museum of Bhutan and Kyichu Lhakhang. National Museum of Bhutan is housed in the medieval watch tower or Tadzong. The circular building on the ridge overlooking Rinpung Dzong and part of Paro valley is a piece of Bhutanese heritage. The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the two in Bhutan built by Tibetan dharma king Songtsen Gampo as part of his grand project of the construction of 108 temples to suppress a supine demoness. Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang is believed to have been built on the demoness’s left knee and Kyichu on its left foot. The temple is small but very historic. Visiting it will take only a short time, but our guide will take some time explaining to you its historical and religious importance.
We spend the evening strolling around Paro town.
Dinner will be served in a farm house if you so prefer.
Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 10
Paro town to airport
Our guide will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight. He or she will see you off in the traditional Bhutanese way by offering you a white scarf.

Tango/Cheri Meditation Tour
6 days/5 nights

Day 1
Arrive in Paro
The beautiful valley of Paro perhaps presents the best introduction to Bhutan. As you fly into the valley, you will see the towering mountains surrounding the valley as if they were within arm’s length. Except for the small town, Paro valley is large dominated by paddy fields which offer a spectacular view at any time of the year.
If you arrive in Paro early in the morning, we will take you to the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the medieval watch tower or Tadzong. The circular building on the ridge overlooking Rinpung Dzong and part of Paro valley is a piece of Bhutanese heritage.
We have lunch in the town. After lunch, we will drive to Thimphu, which takes about one and a half hours.
We have dinner at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2
Thimphu to Tango/Cheri
After breakfast, we drive towards Tango and Cheri monasteries. From the road point, about one and a half hours’ walk takes us to Tango.
After having packed lunch, we begin our meditation.
Tango is Bhutan’s foremost college of Buddhist studies. It is also among the foremost meditation centres in the country. Tango, which means the horse-headed deity Hayagriva, was first recognised by Guru Rinpoche in the eighth century. In 1222, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, one of the most important Buddhist master from Tibet who visited Bhutan, visited the place and blessed it. In fact, it was Phajo who saw Hayagriva deity at the place prophesied to him that he would lay the foundation of Drukpa Kagyud tradition in Bhutan. Our guide will elaborate on the significance of Tango Monastery.
Dinner and overnight stay camping in Tango.

Day 3
Tango to Thimphu
Meditate in Tango until 11 am and then walk down to the road point where we will have a picnic lunch.
After lunch, we hike up to visit Cheri Monastery which takes about 45 minutes.
We spend the evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4
Thimphu to Paro
Until lunch time today, we go sightseeing around Thimphu. We visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Folk Heritage Museum, art emporia, and gift shops.
We have lunch at hotel in Thimphu. After lunch, we drive to Paro. On the way to Paro, we briefly visit Tamchog Lhakhang built by Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century. Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo was a Tibetan spiritual adept who is said to have spent 60 years in mother’s womb. He is a non-institutional practitioner devoted to building bridges. He built several bridges in Bhutan one of which is the approach bridge to the temple. Our guide will explain to you more about the temple and its great founder. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Paro.
Day 5
Halt in Paro
Today, after early breakfast, hike to the view point of Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The trail winds through pine forests. Taktshang is the most famous Bhutanese monastery perched on a cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley. Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) is a place blessed by a large number of enlightened masters. The foremost of them is Guru Padmasambhava (popularly known as Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan). Guru Rinpoche is believed to have flown to the place riding a tigress. Taktshang is among the most sacred places in the entire Himalayan Buddhist world.
After enjoying the refreshing environment and sights, we walk back to the road point.
We go back to Paro town for lunch. After lunch, we visit National Museum of Bhutan and Kyichu Lhakhang. National Museum of Bhutan is housed in the medieval watch tower or Tadzong. The circular building on the ridge overlooking Rinpung Dzong and part of Paro valley is a piece of Bhutanese heritage. The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the two in Bhutan built by Tibetan dharma king Songtsen Gampo as part of his grand project of the construction of 108 temples to suppress a supine demoness. Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang is believed to have been built on the demoness’s left knee and Kyichu on its left foot. The temple is small but very historic. Visiting it will take only a short time, but our guide will take some time explaining to you its historical and religious importance. We spend the evening strolling around Paro town.
Dinner will be served in a farm house if you so prefer.
Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 6
Paro town to airport
Our guide will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight. He or she will see you off in the traditional Bhutanese way by offering you a white scarf.