Sacred Bhutan: A Buddhist Pilgrimage
Walk in the footsteps of Guru Rinpoche, from the Tiger's Nest to the temples of Bumthang, with teachings, meditation and a night in a monastery.
Guru Rinpoche, who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, left his mark across the country. This pilgrimage follows his path, from the cliff cave at Taktsang to the rock imprint of his body at Kurjey.
Along the way you'll meditate with monks, receive blessings and spend a night in simple monastic quarters.
Highlights
- The Tiger's Nest, where Guru Rinpoche meditated
- Cheri, the first monastery built by the Zhabdrung
- A night in a monastery
- Kurjey Lhakhang and Mebar Tsho
- A Thruesel purification ceremony
Day by day
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples.
Kyichu Lhakhang · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 2
The Tiger's Nest
Hike to Paro Taktsang, the cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated after arriving on the back of a tigress.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 3
Paro to Thimphu
Walk the kora around the Memorial Chorten with local elders.
National Memorial Chorten · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 4
Thimphu
Meet a monk at a monastic school, then hike to Cheri, the first monastery built by the Zhabdrung, in 1620.
Cheri Monastery · Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 5
Thimphu to Punakha
Punakha Dzong, winter home of the central monk body.
Punakha Dzong · Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 6
Punakha to Gangtey
Evening prayers at Gangtey Goenpa and a night in simple monastic quarters (subject to permission).
Gangtey Goenpa · Photo: Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 7
Gangtey to Bumthang
Over Pele La and Yotong La into Bumthang.
Pele La · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 8
Bumthang temples
Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang with Guru Rinpoche's body imprint, and Tamshing Lhakhang.
Jambay Lhakhang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 9
The Burning Lake
Mebar Tsho, where the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa is said to have found sacred texts, and a butter-lamp offering.
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) · Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 10
Bumthang to Paro
Domestic flight back to Paro (schedule permitting), and a Thruesel purification ceremony.
Paro valley · Photo: Doctor 17, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 11
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
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Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally