Peaceful Bhutan (Mindfulness Retreat)

Wednesday 04 July

Paro Valley to Thimphu Valley. (1 hr 30 mins)

After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred by car to Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside enroute to Bhutan’s capital.

All the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Thimphu, both by car and on foot. Your options include a visit to the national textile museum, the paper factory and the institute of the 13 crafts.

For the more energetic take a hike (or travel by road), up to the telecom tower via the Takin preserve to enjoy a stunning view of the valley.

Overnight Thimphu – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

Thursday 05 July

At leisure in the Thimphu Valley.

This morning travel up the Thimphu valley and hike to the picturesque Cheri or Tango Goemba’s.

As you travel back to Thimphu city view Tashi Chhoe Dzong, the seats of Bhutan’s government and the Royal offices and perhaps pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic trainging school for astrologers.

This afternoon your options include visiting the folk heritage museum, the handicraft centre or the national library.

Overnight Thimphu – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

Friday 06 July

Thimphu Valley to Punakha Valley (3 hrs)

This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards across the Dochu La (Pass) to the Punakha Valley. Pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 and once the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, and is today a theological university.

Stop at Dochu La to view 108 Stupas and on a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya depending on the time of the year that you are visiting the vista can vary from alpine snow to a profusion of blossoms splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees.

Enroute stop visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman), a 20 minute walk from the road at Sepsokha to the temple. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing). Enjoy an orientation tour of Punakha this afternoon.

Overnight Punakha Valley – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel

Saturday 07 July

At leisure in the Punakha Valley.

This morning visit the Punakha Saturday market where everyone goes to buy their fresh produce before visiting the Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan’s Dzongs which previously served as the seat of the government. Punakha Dzong is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body) and holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate.

This afternoon enjoy one of the short hikes ot walks on offer in this region or perhaps travel to the end of the valley and wander past the local village farm house and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten.

Overnight Punakha – Traditional Bhutanese Hotel.

Sunday 08 July

Punakha Valley to Paro Valley (4hrs 45mins)

This morning transfer westwards to the Paro Valley. Enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in the afternoon why not take a stroll up the Paro main street for some handicrafts or visit the Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge.

Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort

Monday 09 July

Day 1: Mindfullness Retreat- am mindful yoga & sitting meditation- pm restorative yoga & deep relaxation.

During your free time today tour the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong, the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory (14km from Paro) from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders.

On a clear day views of the 24,000 ft snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Jhomolhari can be seen.

Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort

Tuesday 10 July

Day 2: Mindfullness Retreat- am mindful yoga & sitting meditation- pm restorative yoga & deep relaxation.

Late morning being your hike to the Taktsang Monastery (5 hours) or (Tiger’s Nest) viewpoint. (2 hours.) The monastery clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 3000 ft above the valley floor.

Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort

Wednesday 11 July

Day 3: Mindfullness Retreat- am mindful yoga & sitting meditation- pm restorative yoga & deep relaxation.

If time permits today take a a picnic lunch and travel to Cheli la (pass) it is claimed that this is the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Perhaps hike to Kila Nunnery the oldest in Bhutan or try one of the mountain ridge hikes that can offer spectacular mountain views.

Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort

Thursday 12 July

Day 4: Mindfullness Retreat- am mindful yoga & sitting meditation- pm restorative yoga & deep relaxation.

Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in the Paro valley, why not visit Kichu Lhakhang built in the 7th century and see the amazing orange tree in the courtyard and enjoy a visit to Ta Dzong the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower & view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings and other artifacts.

Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort

Friday 13 July

Day 5: Mindfullness Retreat- am mindful yoga & sitting meditation- pm restorative yoga & deep relaxation.

Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in the Paro Valley & enjoy all the facilities that the Zhiwa Ling resort has to offer. Perhaps travel into Paro town and hire a bicycle there is some great sightseeing to do and riding tracks very close to Paro town and do some last minute shopping.

Overnight Paro Valley – Zhiwa Ling Resort

Saturday 14 July

Early morning transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.