Bhutan Happiness & Meditation

BHUTAN HAPPINESS & MEDITATION TOUR

7 days

Known as the land of happiness, Bhutan continues to inspire the world with its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness. It emphasizes on wellbeing, spirituality and happiness of the people and not just material growth. GNH is the development philosophy that guides the development efforts of Bhutan and acts as “our national Conscience guiding us towards making wise decisions for a better future”.  

GNH simply propounds that development must be guided and lead to a higher vision of happiness. It is, therefore, the responsibility of governments to create the conditions for its people to pursue happiness.  

As a public policy, GNH development framework is based on the four pillars:

1. Sustainable and Equitable Socio-economic development;
2. Conservation of environment;
3. Preservation and promotion of culture;
4. Good governance.

Within these pillars, poverty eradicating forms an overarching objective.

Today, GNH is embedded in Bhutan’s Constitution. The preamble contains a pledge to enhance the unity, happiness and wellbeing of the people of Bhutan for all time and Article 9.2 states: “The State shall strive to promote those conditions that will enable the pursuit of Gross National Happiness”.

Bhutan’s development efforts are based on GNH and the pursuit of the four pillars. GNH and its four pillars are operationalized through the national development process. The GNH policy framework recognizes the importance of effective institution. The Gross National Happiness Commission was formed as the nodal agency to coordinate all policy formulation, monitoring and implementation of development plans and policies.

A GNH Policy Screening tool has been put in place since 2008 to screen all policies to ensure that they are GNH compatible. A GNH Index has also been developed to measure happiness of the people based on a holistic framework made up of 9 domains and 33 indicators.

Bhutan’s modest economic success, an intact environment and its smooth and successful transition to a democracy are the result of the development approach based on GNH.  

Bhutan might be small in size, but the sparsely populated country offers an incredible array of activities. From rare mammals roaming natural sanctuaries to secluded monasteries tucked among emerald slopes and rocky cliffs, there’s a magic to Bhutan that can make visitors feel like they’re exploring a mythical place untouched by time.  As a Buddhist nation, the Bhutanese society is deeply spiritual. In fact Buddhism pervades all forms of life and human activity. This Happiness and meditation tour provides the ideal opportunity to reconnect with your inner self in a tranquil environment, such as Bhutan.

Itinerary Summery 
Days: 7 days Night: 6 nights  
Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu

Your journey by flight to Kingdom of Bhutan offers remarkable views of the world highest mountains including Mount Everest, additionally, landing in the heart of Himalaya is like nowhere in the world. On arrival in Paro international airport PDT representative will receive you and transfer to Thimphu, Capital City around an hour drive. Upon arrival in Thimphu we will check into the hotel, after check in Your journey by flight to Kingdom of Bhutan offers remarkable views of the world highest mountains including Mount Everest, additionally, landing in the heart of Himalaya is like nowhere in the world. On arrival in Paro international airport PDT representative will receive you and transfer to Thimphu, Capital City around an hour drive. Upon arrival in Thimphu we will check into the hotel, after check in we will visit many monuments and attractions of Thimphu, including Tashicho Dzong, the farmers market, Gaint Buddha Statue, Memorial Chorten, Traditional Art School where 13 different arts are practiced and learnt, Indigenous Hospital, Textile museum, Handicraft workshops and more. Thimphu offers the best opportunity to do your own thing in the evening. It’s relaxed, friendly and pretty informal, and is most rewarding if you can be the same. Overnight in Thimphu. Atltitude 2,400m.

Day 2: Thimphu

 Our meditation instructor will introduce you to basic forms of Buddhist meditation. After breakfast, you will be driven to north of Thimphu and then hike to Cheri Monastery, which is one of the leading meditation centers in Bhutan. Here, you will interact with Buddhist monks and learn from them the techniques and benefits of meditation. You will also meditate in the inner sanctum of the temple for a while. Return to Thimphu in the afternoon following a picnic lunch by the riverside. You will spend the evening circumambulating the National Memorial Chorten. Meditation before dinner. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. At Dochula, you will visit the Druk Wangyal temple and stroll arond the 108 chortens. On a clear day, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. From there, you will drive downhill for another two hours. On arriving Lobesa, you will take a short hike to the Temple of Fertility or Chimi Lhakhang. The temple is built in memory of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a 15th century Buddhist monk. He is popularly known as the Divine madman for his crazy wisdom and explicit teachings using sex.

In Punkha, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, located amid Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). The Dzong is called Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4: Kabesa, Punakha

After breakfast, you will visit  Kabesa, north of Punakha and hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Chhorten. The fascinating 45-minute hike takes you through terraced paddy fields splashed in gold and rural villages. Once up there, you will get to see the spectacular view of the valley. The four storeyed temple located on a tranquil hill of Sirigang enshrines several Buddhist treasures believed to consolidate peace and harmony across the world. In the afternoon, you will walk through the village and interact with local Bhutanese. If you are interested, you will be able to help local villagers in their day to day farming life. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha to Paro

Today we will drive to Paro. In Paro, you will spend the entire afternoon learning meditation techniques. An accomplished meditation expert will teach you the methods. In the evening, you take a short hike around Paro, reconnecting yourself with nature.Overnight in Paro.

Day 6: Tiger’s Nest Hike

Today, you will hike to the famous Taktshang or The Tiger’s Nest. Taktshang, one of the most sacred sites of Bhutan, is perched at a precarious 1000 meters cliff above Paro valley. The gentle hike of about three hours offers a panoramic view of the valley. In the eighth century, Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated there for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the eighth century. To Buddhist pilgrims, this is one of the most sacred sites in the Himalayas, to anyone it has to be one of the most spectacular. At Tiger’s Nest, you will also visit the inner sanctum of the temple. In the evening, you can take a hot stone bath at a local farmhouse to relax your tired muscles. Overnight in Paro.

Day 7: End of your tour in Gross National Happiness country, Bhutan.
Our Tour guide will drop you in Paro airport for departure.