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Monastic Life Experience

Monastic Life Experience

Duration

11 days

Group Size

12

Difficulty Level

Fully Guided

Overview

This spiritual tour offers an immersive experience into Bhutan’s monastic life and Buddhist heritage. The journey takes you through sacred monasteries like Tango, Cheri, Gangtey, and Tiger's Nest, where you’ll engage in guided meditation sessions with monks and spiritual masters. Highlights include a nature trail hike in the Phobjikha Valley, a visit to the Gangtey Crane Centre to learn about black-necked crane conservation, and a full day spent experiencing monastic life at Gangtey Monastery. You'll also visit Bhutan’s iconic Punakha Dzong, the serene Dodeydra monastery, and experience quiet reflection in the peaceful valleys of Bhutan. This tour offers a deep spiritual connection to the sacred traditions and natural beauty of Bhutan.

Tour Highlights:

  • Tango and Cheri Monasteries: Spiritual hikes and meditation with monks.
  • Dodey Dra: Hiking to a remote monastery with guided meditation and teachings.
  • Punakha Dzong: Visit one of Bhutan's most iconic dzongs and experience its spiritual energy.
  • Gangtey Monastery: Full-day immersion in monastic life, with meditation alongside monks.
  • Nature Trail Hike: Walk through Phobjikha Valley to enjoy the serene landscape and observe wildlife.
  • Gangtey Crane Centre: Learn about the conservation efforts for the endangered black-necked crane.
  • Tiger's Nest Monastery: Spiritual hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred and iconic sites.
  • Tashigang Goenpa: Interaction with monks and immersion in Bhutanese spiritual practices.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Paro to Thimphu – Spiritual Exploration

  • Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu (1.5-2 hours).
  • Visit Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Tashichho Dzong.
  • Experience the peaceful atmosphere of these sacred sites, reflecting on their spiritual significance.
  • Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2: Spiritual Hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries

  • Drive to the trailhead of Tango Monastery (30 minutes).
  • Hike (2 hours) to Tango Monastery, a sacred site for Bhutanese Buddhists.
  • Continue to Cheri Monastery, the founding site of the Drukpa Kagyu school.
  • Engage in meditation and reflection at both sites.
  • Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Hike to Dodeydra and Meditation Session

  • Drive to the trailhead for a spiritual hike to Dodeydra, a remote monastery.
  • The hike offers peace and solitude, allowing deep reflection.
  • Evening: Meditation session at Dodeydra under the guidance of a resident monk.
  • Overnight at Dodeydra Guest House.

Day 4: Guided Meditation Session with a Buddhist Master

  • Spend the day at Dodey Dra with a Buddhist master who will guide you through spiritual teachings and a meditation session.
  • Experience monastic life and teachings firsthand.
  • Overnight at Dodeydra Guest House.

Day 5: Return to Thimphu and Drive to Punakha

  • Early morning drive back to Thimphu.
  • Continue the journey to Punakha (2.5 hours).
  • Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most iconic monasteries.
  • Reflect on the spiritual significance of the site.
  • Overnight in Punakha.

Day 6: Gangtey – Nature Trail Hike and Crane Centre

  • Drive to Gangtey (3-4 hours).
  • Visit Gangtey Monastery and the serene Phobjikha Valley.
  • Embark on a Nature Trail Hike through the valley, which offers beautiful views and a chance to observe local wildlife, including the endangered black-necked cranes.
  • Visit the Gangtey Crane Centre, where you can learn about the conservation efforts for the black-necked cranes and their importance to the region.
  • Participate in meditation sessions at the monastery and experience the peaceful environment.
  • Overnight at Gangtey Monastery Guest House.

Day 7: Whole Day Experience of Monastic Life at Gangtey

  • Spend the day fully immersed in monastic life at Gangtey Monastery.
  • Sit with the monks, observe their daily prayers, and meditate with them.
  • Engage in spiritual discussions and reflect on the monastic lifestyle.
  • Overnight at Gangtey Monastery Guest House.

Day 8: Drive to Tashigang Goenpa and Interaction with Monks

  • Drive to Tashigang Goenpa (4-5 hours), a lesser-known but spiritually significant monastery.
  • Spend time with the monks, learn about their teachings, and engage in reflective meditation.
  • Overnight at Tashigang Goenpa Guest House.

Day 9: Paro Sightseeing

  • Drive to Paro (5-6 hours).
  • Explore the town and visit Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and National Museum.
  • Reflect on the cultural and spiritual history of Bhutan.
  • Overnight in Paro.

Day 10: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

  • Early morning hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang).
  • Take time to meditate and reflect in the monastery, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bhutan.
  • Experience the serenity of the surroundings and the beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
  • Overnight in Paro.

Day 11: Departure

  • Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure.

Included

  • Visa Fee
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
  • All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
  • Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Airport transfer and all transportation
  • Bottled water during the tour
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Excluded

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and specialty beverages
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)

Good to know

We currently offer two payment methods for tourists to transfer payments for Bhutan tours: Wire Transfer and Wise. However, both methods incur a wire transfer fee of $40 to $50, as Wise payments also require a final transfer to Bhutan via wire.

  • More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
  • Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
  • Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
  • No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost

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Maebar Travel offers personalized Bhutan trips with a focus on authentic experiences. 

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Address

Doebum Lam P. O Box 1650. Thimphu Bhutan. 11001

Phone

+ 975- 17834844

Email

info@maebartravel.com

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