Bhutan is the abode of gods and the home to the immortals in the Himalayas. Apart from the majesty and grandeur of the natural surroundings, it has a special environment where communion with the divine is possible through contemplation and meditation. And so since time immemorial, ascetics, scholars, philosophers and pilgrim have been drawn irresistibly to these remote and rugged mountains in their personal search for wisdom, inspiration, solitude and happiness. Over the centuries the place has been blessed by these people with an invaluable spiritual legacy that makes the place conducive for the meditations.
The itinerary includes three to four day meditations in sacred places with some cultural tours around the country. The company’s coordinator will try to arrange room inside the monasteries or temples for meditation, but wherever not possible the guests will have to meditate inside the camps.
# NOTE: To be part of this tour you must be a genuine Buddhist, and the letter of authentication must be produced from the concerned organization or the group to which you belong. |
Day 1: Arrive Paro from International Airport
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, representatives of Bhutan Travellers will receive you and escort to the Hotel.
Day 2: Excursion to Taktsang
Taktsang, which is located at 900 metres from the floor of the Paro valley, hangs precariously from the cliff. It is about 3-4 hours walk from the road point. Guru Padmasambhava meditated here for three months. Later on the place was also visited by Longchen Pelgi Singye, Phajo Drugom Shigpo, Tibetan Yogi Mache Lhabdenma, Thangthong Gyalpo and Drukpa Kuenlay (the Devine Madman). Lunch at the cafeteria. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Journey to Drakarpo
Afternoon drive to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, walk to Drakarpo which is about 2 hours walk from the road head. The place was blessed by Guru Rimpoche. Overnight in the camp at Drakarpo.
Day 4-10: Meditation starts
Day 11: Paro-Thimphu
This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 12: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Wander in the town; visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made. Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D.
Day 13: Thimphu-Paro Internationals Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport. See off by the representative of Bhutan Travelklers. |
