A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
​
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
​
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
​
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
​
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
​
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
​
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
​
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
​
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
​
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
​
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
​
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
​
Embark on a transformative journey from a serene retreat near an ancient monastery overlooking the lush Paro river valley. Our itinerary weaves a tapestry of spiritual renewal, guided by a qualified lama's "spiritual cleansing," insights from a traditional Dungtsho healer, and life-enhancing wisdom from a real-life astrologer. Delve into Bhutan's Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, visit sacred temples, and explore the pristine Haa valley. Each day unfolds with flexible activities, including yoga and meditation, allowing you to set the pace for your personal rejuvenation. We've carefully chosen every experience, unlocking the essence of Bhutan's hidden spiritual treasures. Welcome to a journey of self-discovery!
SHARE:
A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate body & mind, based on Bhutan's ancient wellness traditions
HEALTH & SAFETY
We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more.
UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request.
ITINERARY
Following your arrival at the Paro airport and reception, you are whisked away to a spritual retreat that blends highlights of the ancient and the modern in Bhutan. From this serene base, you get to choose how you structure each day with our proposed itinerary as a back-up. This way, you experience the best of Bhutanese wellness traditions from a restful space before your flight to central Bhutan and our overland signature rhododendron season journey from central to western Bhutan.
VIEW DAY BY DAY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Arrive in Paro to a warm welcome from our Wellness Guest Experience team. A unique journey begins with a Buddhist transformation ritual, followed by a tasteful 4-course lunch. Dive into Bhutanese wellness amid the sanctuary's gardens, and learn about its history over herbal tea. Unwind before dinner, a healthy farm-to-table six-course delight on the terrace.
DAY 2: ACCLIMATIZATION
Start your day with a personalized wellness program after a healthy morning shot. Relax with options like exploring the sanctuary library, a guided valley hike, a refreshing swim, or an "herbal walk" in the garden. Lunch and dinner, served at your chosen time, cater to your schedule.
DAY 3: TIGER´S NEST
Begin with tea, a fruit shot, and insights into the "Tiger's Nest" monastery. Embark on a 2-4 hour hike, pausing for breakfast at a scenic, well chosen spot. Return for a hot stone bath and a traditional Bhutanese dinner on the grounds.
DAY 4: CHELE LA & HAA VALLEY
Kickstart the day with yoga or meditation. Explore Chele La pass, hang prayer flags, and hike for breathtaking views. Continue to Haa for a homemade picnic, visiting a Bhutanese fortune teller on the way back. Dinner awaits at the sanctuary.
DAY 5: THIMPHU
Morning yoga or meditation, followed by a day trip to Thimphu. Explore key sites, savor a local restaurant lunch, and discover the Cordyceps tasting house. Return for a six-course dinner at the sanctuary.
DAY 6: EUTOK GOENPA MONASTERY
Enjoy a guided hike to Eutok Goenpa monastery, followed by spa facilities, traditional sports, or a cooking class in the afternoon. End the day with a six-course dinner on the terrace.
DAY 7: SOCIAL IMPACT
Start with yoga or meditation, followed by a visit to a local village. Experience a traditional Bhutanese lunch and explore social impact projects. Dress in traditional Bhutanese attire for a festive dinner with Bhutanese-inspired entertainment.
DAY 8: PARO
Begin with yoga or meditation, followed by a day exploring Paro's cultural gems. Discover Bhutanese local fare at lunch, and indulge in spa treatments or forest bathing in the afternoon. Visit Namgay artisanal beer brewery and enjoy a farewell dinner in the garden.
DAY 9: FAREWELL
After a healthy breakfast, indulge in a final mind and body treatment before embarking on a mountain flight to central Bhutan. This marks a fitting end to your immersive stay at the sanctuary, and the beginning of your exciting rhododendron season journey!
ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY
All aspects of this itinerary can be modified according to your wishes.
FLIGHTS
Flights connecting to this journey are available from Delhi and Bangkok.
PROGRAM ACCURACY
Please note that while we strive to maintain the highest level of program accuracy, actual program may vary reasonably depending on late-breaking changes on the ground, weather, and or last-minute changes or modifications that may result from forces beyond our control.
