Meditation, Bhutan
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Paro – Thimphu
- After arriving & visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by our tour representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan.
- Check into your hotel in Thimphu. Free until lunch time for some rest from early morning flight, refreshment and lunch.
- Afternoon, you can choose to visit any or all of the following places:-
Tachogang Lhakhang
Tachogang Lhakhang is located in Paro district, on the way to Thimphu. It was founded by Thankthong Gyelpo after he experienced a vision of Guru Rimpochhe, Amitaba and Avalokiteshvara near site. The caretakers today are said to be descendants of Thangtong Gyelpo. Inside the temple one can see the master’s relics, including his walking stick.
Tashichho Dzong
The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer capital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan.
Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 2
Thimphu – Punakha
Post early breakfast, you will drive towards Punakha via Dochula Pass. We will stop over for tea at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a sunny day, you can get stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. Located at an altitude of 3150 meter above sea level, the Dochu La Pass is about 30 kilometer away from the capital city Thimphu and the road to Punakha.On a clear day the pass offers visitors a spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges.
Punakha Dzong
The Punakha Dzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dzhong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal Wangchuck in 1638 on the exact spot as prophesized by the Guru Rinpoche some 800 years ago. According to the prophecy of Guru Rinpoche “a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. And lo behold! Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal found that the peak of the hill was in the shape of an elephant’s trunk and built the Dzong at that very spot.
We will drive to Chimmi Lhakhang to start with. The Chimi Lhakang or the Chimel Lhakang is a Bhuddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch.
DAY 3
Punakha- Gangtey
We will drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha valley .When you reach Phobjikha valley you will visit Gangtey Gonpa/Phobjikha Valley. This valley is a broad glacial valley (10’000 ft) on the flanks of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha with it’s gently slope is a place of astonishing beauty described as” the most beautiful valley in the most beautiful country of Himalayas”. Every winter, the rare and beautiful black-necked cranes return from Tibet to the Gangtey valley where they are protected. Gangtey also has a very interesting and ancient Nyingmapa monastery, the only one of its kind west of the Black Mountain range. Visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery( more than 450 years old). Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.
Overnight in Gangtey-Phobjikha Valley
DAY 4
Gangtey- Phobjikha Valley
Early morning, 6:AM gather in the monastery’s main temple for the special Lhabsang Thruesel ceremony (long life and purification ceremony ).This Puja is a ceremony to celebrate new beginnings and special occasions with monks performing a 1 hr ritual ceremony & blessing.
After breakfast, introductory teaching by Khenpo and Sand Mandala building begins.The Tibetan mandala is a tool for gaining wisdom and compassion The Tibetan mandala is a
Lunch at 12 PM and afternoon at your own. At 4 PM, meet your yoga&meditation master for introduction session and briefing of your retreat in the yoga and Meditation room followed by welcome dinner at 6.30 PM.
Overnight in Gangtey Valley
DAY 5
Gangtey- Paro
After breakfast drive back to Paro.On the way visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley {popularly known as “The Devine Madman”} in the 15th Century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.The divine madman is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chhimi Lhakhang. The Divine Madman sits there though a statue this time. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children. Ask yourself, do I need this Fertility Tour or not?
Dinner at the restaurant followed by talk on The Divine Madman- Lam Drukpa Kuenlay.
Overnight in Paro
DAY 6
Paro – Taktsang Monastery
Morning Pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery
After breakfast drive through Paro valley-one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan with its slate-roofed farmhouses, graceful willow trees and rushing glacial river beneath snow covered peaks.
Take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, (one of the most sacred places in Bhutan due to its association with Guru Rinpoche). It is believed that Guru Rinpoche reputedly flew to Paro Taktsang cliff in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo, mounted on a flaming dakini-tigress in the 747 A.D., where he meditated and subdued evil spirits.
Take the rest of the day at leisure to explore Paro town
A farewell dinner with cultural programmes in the Restaurant at 7.00pm..
Overnight Paro Valley
DAY 7
Depart Bhutan
After breakfast an early morning transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight.
Thank you for joining us in Bhutan for this special Mindful Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Retreat
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