8-Nights A Spiritual Adventure in Bhutan - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Paro, Bhutan

Thimphu is Bhutan's easy-to-explore, low-key capital. Dzong temples — adorned with traditional thangka paintings and colorful ritual cakes resembling Catherine wheels — create a serene atmosphere. Locals come daily to worship, spinning prayer wheels and walking meditative paths around celestial institutes and the National Chorten Memorial.

Behold the majestic Buddha Dordenma statue perched atop a hill overlooking the valley. Pay homage to the largest Buddha in the world and wander the peaceful grounds. Learn the healing properties of local herbs on a visit to the Traditional Medicine Institute. Stepping back in time at Pangrizampa, join monks for a guided meditation session and receive a personalized reading from a skilled monk-astrologer. If time permits, visit the Tashichho Dzong fortress, seeing the throne room and government offices.

On a scenic drive to Gangtey, pass through the breathtaking Dochula Pass with its panoramic views of the majestic Himalaya. Admire the 108 chortens, built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers, and visit a temple nestled atop the pass. Explore Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Then, experience Bhutan's national sport — archery — during a demonstration with a bamboo bow and arrow. Later, try your hand at the sport while donning traditional Bhutanese gho or kira attire.

Rise early and join monks in their morning prayers at Shedra. After accompanying one of the monks on his morning rounds, witness a tara ceremony and participate in a meditation session. On a scenic hike through pine forests and bamboo groves, enjoy vistas of the Phobjikha Valley. You can further explore the valley by mountain bike before visiting the Black-Necked Crane Center to see the creatures in their natural habitat. Returning to Shedra, meditate in a guided session with a focus on compassion and tranquility.

Make your way to Punakha, an ancient capital of Bhutan, and embark on a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman). Discover the unconventional teachings of Lama Drukpa Kinley, a revered Buddhist master.

Step into a piece of Bhutanese history at Punakha Dzong, the country's administrative center for centuries. Later, embark on a scenic hike or drive to Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang, a hilltop temple overlooking the countryside.

Descending from the Dochula Pass, enjoy a picturesque drive to Paro. Traverse the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu Rivers and visit Paro’s National Museum, featuring artifacts, religious Thangka paintings and natural history exhibits. Then, explore Ringpung Dzong, the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.

Set out on a challenging, rewarding hike to the cliffside pilgrimage site of Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). After a celebratory Champagne picnic with cultural show, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. Offer 108 butter lamps as a symbol of devotion and respect.