SACRED SPACES · BHUTAN · 2027
A seven day cultural and spiritual immersion into the Land of the Thunder Dragon, customized for your forum.
WELCOME TO BHUTAN
Here you find earthly pleasures: archery and age old crafts, dishes of home made cheese and fearsomely hot chillies, breathtaking treks and restorative hot stone baths. There is another Bhutan too, the one hinted at by the prayer flags strung across gorges and fluttering on every hillside. It is where irreverent humour meets deeply held beliefs, and epic landscapes and slow journeys create room for quiet awe.
More than 70% forested and the first carbon negative country in the world, Bhutan is also planting the seeds of science and tech innovation. There isn't just one Bhutan to discover. There are many.
Tourism Council Bhutan
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
The Kingdom's capital and home to roughly 100,000 people, including the Royal family. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Policemen direct traffic from decorated pavilions with exaggerated hand motions. Ancient tradition and modern life sit side by side.
The ethereal ancient capital, seat of the country from 1637 to 1907 and host of the 2011 Royal wedding. The Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest fort in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.
The highest motorable pass in Bhutan, with views over the Haa Valley and the peaks of Mt. Jomolhari (24,035 feet) and Jichu Drakey (22,930 feet). Bhutan's oldest nunnery, Kila, clings to the mountainside at over 9,800 feet and dates to the ninth century.
Bhutan's most iconic landmark, the Tiger's Nest, clinging to a sheer cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. First built in 1692 at the cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated for three years, three months, and three days. No trip to Bhutan is complete without it.
The Rock of One Hundred Thousand Foot Prints, where legend says a hundred thousand Dakinis descended 800 years ago. A roughly 3.5 hour uphill trek to one of the two most revered pilgrimage sites in the country.
The approach offers spectacular views of the great Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest (29,028 feet) and Mt. Kanchenjunga (28,169 feet). Sit on the left side of the plane for unobstructed views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01
Arrive Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu (1 hour). Explore town.
DAY 02
Morning hike to Cheri Monastery. Afternoon cultural exploration.
DAY 03
Thimphu to Punakha (2 hours). Hike to the monastery above Dochula Pass.
DAY 04
Explore Punakha. Morning hike followed by rafting. Afternoon cultural exploration, then return to Paro.
DAY 05
Hike to Bumdra (overnight) or explore Chelela Pass and Kila Nunnery.
DAY 06
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger's Nest.
DAY 07
Depart Bhutan.
PROPOSED HOTELS
Zhiwaling Ascent Thimphu (4 star). Uma Como Punakha and Uma Como Paro (5 star).
WALKS & TREKS
A short drive through the countryside brings you to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country, home to takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, and Himalayan black bear. From the village of Dodena the trail crosses a covered bridge and climbs steadily for about 45 minutes to Cheri Goemba, built in 1620, where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established.
From Dochula Pass, a three to four hour round trip of about 4.5 miles through rhododendron forest, with views of the Himalayas and the Punakha Valley below. Picnic lunch at the monastery.
Cross the Mo Chhu on a local suspension bridge, walk through paddy fields, and climb about 40 minutes to a four story temple built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother over nine years. Craftsmen consulted holy scriptures rather than engineering manuals. It is the only one of its kind in the world.
One of Bhutan's most beautiful short mountain journeys. Day one climbs through pine and rhododendron forest to the high meadows of Bumdra at around 12,500 feet, roughly 4 to 5 hours of walking (4 to 6 miles), overnighting in a comfortable wilderness camp. The next morning the trail winds downhill past small mountain temples and approaches Tiger's Nest from above, then continues to the valley, about 5 to 6 hours of walking (6 to 8 miles).
ACTIVITIES & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Try your hand at age old Bhutanese crafts, then learn to prepare the local cuisine. Chillis are essential to nearly every dish, and most Bhutanese would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy.
Archery (Dha) is the national sport and the bow appears throughout Bhutanese myth. Watch the locals play, take a turn yourself, and follow it with a game of Khuru, traditional darts.
Flags are raised on hilltops, bridges, and places of spiritual importance for happiness, long life, prosperity, and luck, offering karmic merit to all sentient beings.
A senior monk teacher at a Goenpa leads the ritual personally. The lamps represent relief from suffering and a guiding light toward enlightenment.
An early morning fumigation ritual with selected herbs, led by a senior monk from the Shedra, to clear surrounding spirits and invite good fortune.
The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and massage uses heated river stones that crack and steam in the water, releasing minerals that ease deep set aches.
A three hour mountain bike ride of roughly 40 miles through the rugged mountain landscape between the two valleys.
Time to explore Thimphu at your own pace and pick up handicrafts for family and friends back home.
GOOD TO KNOW
Bhutanese architectural masterpieces that served as administrative centers, houses for the clergy, and army garrisons. Communities gathered in their courtyards during festivities.
A monument of peace, harmony, and love, symbolizing the five elements and the qualities of an awakened mind. It holds Buddhist scriptures and prayers and is built for world peace.
A religious festival on the tenth day of a lunar month, marking the birthday of Guru Rimpoche. Entire communities gather for masked dances, blessings, and celebration.
A Buddhist place of worship and learning where monks reside and receive teachings.
On the cultural days altitude is generally not a concern, as nights are spent below 9,842 feet. On trek you are exposed to higher elevations, and the schedule acclimatizes the group gradually. If you have experienced altitude sickness before, consult your physician and let us know.
The day to day itinerary gives structure to the trip. Once in country, activities can shift toward more walking or more culture depending on what the forum wants. Night halts stay fixed, since hotels in Bhutan are paid in advance by local norm. Times and distances are approximate.
Mindful travel: "Bhutan is a small country with a colorful cultural tapestry and deeply rooted beliefs. Our genuinely hospitable and compassionate people will rarely refuse guests' requests. It's therefore useful to know our local customs so that, when we welcome you to our kingdom, you may tread lightly on our soil and sacred sites." Tourism Council Bhutan.
PRICING & INQUIRIES
Pricing is customized by forum size, length of stay, season, and selected experiences. Reach out and we'll set up a private video call to customize the experience for your forum, then follow up with full details.
GROUND OPERATOR: THE NOBLE TRAVELLER, BHUTAN