A holistic Retreat Trip

Trip Duration:

5 Nights and 6 Days

Trip Type:

Spiritual and Mindfullness

Season:

All Seasons (Throuhout the Year)

Places Covered:

Paro, Thimphu and Punakha

Tour Code

S1012

Trip Style:

Customisable, flexible date, flexible number of travelers

Trip Components:

Buddhist, Culture, Religious Sites, Museums, Arts and Crafts, Nature, Hiking, Valley, River, Mountain, interaction with locals, Himalayan View, Villages, Wildlife

Price:

Price may differ if your requirement vaires from standard offer

Overview

The 5-Night, 6-Day Holistic Retreat package is designed to foster a deep sense of connection by giving back to the community and immersing yourself in the joy of sharing. This retreat offers the unique opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture, traditional livelihoods, and meaningful engagement with people from diverse backgrounds. You will discover the simple joy of living together, learning to rely on one another, and finding peace away from the distractions of technology and modernity. This retreat is a sanctuary from the complexities of life, where you can rediscover yourself, reconnect with your inner peace, and embrace a more balanced way of living.

Key Experience

Traditional Bhutanese cooking experiences.
Sound Healing or singing bowl meditation.
Overnight monastery stays.
Spiritual Outing to Dra-Karpo.
A vibrant experience of traditional Bhutanese village life

Journey Map

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Warm Traditional Welcome at Paro

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, guests will be greeted with the presentation of a Khadar (a traditional scarf symbolising purity and goodwill). This sets the tone for the spiritual and serene journey ahead
Settle into your scenic resort, nestled amidst lush green valleys with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
Spend the afternoon easing into Bhutan’s spiritual atmosphere with an introductory meditation session, learning basic Buddhist calming techniques to help you relax and connect with the peaceful environment.
Later, enjoy a leisurely tour through Paro’s vibrant handicraft shops, where you can explore traditional Bhutanese art, including textiles, thangka paintings, and locally-made crafts, giving you a taste of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 2: Spiritual Immersion at Dra-Karpo

Begin your day with a sound healing session or singing bowl meditation at sunrise, allowing the resonating vibrations to cleanse your mind and body, leaving you deeply relaxed and centred.
After a healthy breakfast, set off on a spiritual outing to Dra-Karpo, one of Bhutan’s most sacred and powerful meditation sites. It is known for its cliffs that are said to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche, this location holds immense spiritual energy.
Spend time connecting with this holy site, participating in a guided meditation to reflect and find inner peace among the serenity of the surrounding mountains.
After the spiritual experience, return to your resort for some relaxation. In the afternoon, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, known for its majestic river valleys and monasteries.

Day 3: Overnight Monastery Stay: A Deeper Spiritual Connection

For those seeking a deeper spiritual experience, you will have the unique opportunity to stay overnight at Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility,” revered for its blessings and spiritual significance.
Wake up to the peaceful sound of monks’ chanting and the gentle ring of a bell, creating a deeply spiritual start to your day.
Participate in the monastery’s early morning prayer and meditation sessions, immersing yourself in the monastic way of life and experiencing profound tranquillity in the sacred temple setting.
Later, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most stunning fortress, renowned for its intricate architecture and serene riverside location.
In the evening, head to a local homestay where you’ll experience an authentic Bhutanese cooking session. Learn how to prepare dishes using organic, local ingredients, and enjoy a delightful traditional dinner in a warm, local setting.

Day 4: Explore Bhutan’s Capital: Thimphu

After a relaxed breakfast, travel to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital city, where traditional culture and modernity blends perfectly.
Spend the day visiting key attractions, including the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, where you can practise mindfulness with sweeping views of the valley, and explore the National Folk Heritage Museum, which offers a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese village life.
Enjoy free time in the evening to wander through the streets of Thimphu, browsing local markets and shops, or simply relax at your hotel, soaking in the peaceful energy of Bhutan’s capital.

Day 5: Giving Back – Meal Donation and Monk Service

Begin your day with an act of compassion and generosity by participating in a meal donation to local monks. This sacred practice of serving food to monks not only honours the spiritual tradition of Bhutan but also allows you to give back and cultivate humility.
This simple act of service can be a deeply humbling and heartwarming experience, helping you connect with Bhutan’s spiritual and communal values
After the meal, join the monks for a brief meditation session, reflecting on the significance of giving and the interconnectedness of life. This experience will leave you feeling deeply enriched and connected to Bhutan’s spiritual essence.

Day 6: Departure from Paro

Begin your final day with an early morning yoga and meditation session, allowing you to center yourself and reflect on the transformative journey you’ve experienced in Bhutan.
Afterward, enjoy a healthy breakfast, prepared with fresh, local ingredients, as you soak in the last moments of peace and serenity.
With a clear mind, newfound spiritual peace, and cherished memories of your time in Bhutan, you will depart for Paro International Airport.
Our team will bid you a warm farewell, hoping to welcome you again for another spiritually healing journey in the future.

Our Price

Included in the price

✓ USD 40 visa fee per person for a single entry.
✓ SDF (Sustainable Development Fees) & Taxes for the duration of trip in Bhutan
✓ Visa process and E-permits arrangement as per the itinerary
✓ All accommodations on twin/double sharing basis or as per the group size in three star hotel.
✓ Breakfast & your choice of lunch and dinner.
✓ Full-time English-Speaking License Guide
✓ Transfers and sightseeing as per your itinerary by comfortable imported vehicles, excluding domestice air travel
✓ Applicable entrance fees to those sightseeing indicated in the itinerary only.
✓ Farmhouse experiences for those interested guests.
✓ Cultural experiences and activities for those interested.
✓ Complimentary bottled water throughout the journey.

Excluded from the price

✗ Flight Fares (domestic & internationals), we can organize your flights
✗ Additional/Extra room supplement and room upgrade charges.
✗ Bank charges for payment transfers. Card payment charges are higher than wire transfer.
✗ Any alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages taken from the hotels/restaurants
✗ Personal expenses or shopping, phone calls, use business center in the hotels etc.
✗ Travel Insurance
✗ Unexpected cost resulting out of any circumstances
✗ Gratuities/tipping to guides and drivers.
✗ Activities like (Cycling, River Rafting, Motor Biking, Horse Riding, Cultural Program etc.).
✗ Anything which is not mentioned under included in the price.

Solo Traveler:

USD 1920 per-person

Tourism Policy of Bhutan

Bhutan’s tourism policy is guided by the principle of “High Value, Low Impact,” aims to preserve its natural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development. The country limits tourist numbers through a mandatory daily tariff/SDF (sustrainable development fee) ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and supports environmental conservation. The policy encourages quality experiences over quantity, attracting tourists who appreciate Bhutan’s unique landscapes, cultural festivals, and traditional way of life. By carefully managing tourism, Bhutan aims to maintain its distinct identity and protect its natural resources, aligning with its commitment to Gross National Happiness as a measure of progress.

Sustrainable Development Fee

Bhutan introduced the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as part of its tourism policy to support environmental conservation, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation. As of 2022, international tourists visiting Bhutan pay an SDF of USD 200 per person, per day. However, a 50% discount is granted on USD 200 until 31 August 2027. This fee is in addition to the daily package cost and is intended to ensure a minimal environmental footprint while generating revenue for sustainable projects across the country. Regional tourists from India, who previously had no SDF, now pay a reduced rate of INR 1,200 per person, per day. This fee structure reinforces Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Impact” tourism model, promoting responsible tourism that aligns with the country’s sustainable development goals.

Visa and Entry Requirement for Bhutan

To obtain a tourist visa for Bhutan, all tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must apply through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or an international partner, who will handle the entire visa application process. The steps to apply include selecting a licensed tour operator, providing the necessary documents to them, and paying the minimum daily package rate, which covers the visa fees. The tour operator will then submit your application to the Department of Tourism, and once it is approved, a visa clearance letter will be issued. Upon arrival in Bhutan, you must present this visa clearance letter at the port of entry, where your visa will be stamped into your passport.

Documents Required for Processing Visa

Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry.
Passport Size Photographs : Two recent photographs.
Completed Visa Application Form : Provided by your tour operator.
Travel Itinerary : Detailed itinerary arranged by the tour operator.
Proof of Payment : Confirmation of tour package payment.

Visa and Entry Requirements for Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian Nationals

Indian nationals visiting Bhutan can obtain an entry permit at the port of entry, which includes Phuentsholing, Paro, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar, by presenting a valid passport or voter ID card. Additionally, there is an option to apply for an online permit before arrival for added convenience.