Bhutan is the last surviving Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom. A place of retreat, and pilgrimage, for those wanting to experience the essence of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The very active part that Buddhism plays in Bhutan can be seen resonating throughout the culture - from the close interplay between political values and religion, to the daily rituals and pilgrimage one witnesses in the streets, Buddhism has created an ambiance of "open-heartedness" and "amicability" throughout the country.
With such a deep religious culture many visitors to Bhutan have left with a very real spiritual experience. A number of Buddhist pilgrimage sites are found in Bhutan, where the founders and propagators of Buddhism have left their imprints. Bhutan is also home to some of the most learned of Buddhist teachers and centers for Buddhist study in the world. Bhutan Trials has also designed a number of other optional possibilities for those wanting a more spiritual focus to their trip.
Spiritual Retreat
Bhutan Trails has designed several Spiritual Retreat facilities to cater for both individuals and groups wanting a more focused religious, and health experience. The retreats include separate and private retreat accommodation located on a private mountainside overlooking Babesa Valley rice fields. This can be combined with traditional health treatments such as personalized menus for organic / vegetarian or vegan diets, and hot rock herbal baths .
Personalized course of spiritual study
To further your insight into Buddhist teachings and the art of meditation - tutoring, and lectures from recognized teachers and authorities on Buddhism can also be arranged, Depending on your needs this can occur on a 'one on one' or 'group study' basis based around your own individual and personalized programs of study. As this needs time to arrange, a spiritual study program needs to be requested before you arrive. Also note that due to our desire to provide only true authorities on Buddhism as private teachers and tutors, some teachers may have to travel from remote parts of Bhutan. As this requires extra accommodation, and travel costs some study programs may attract an additional cost to the daily tariff.
OTHER POTENTIAL ITINERARY IDEAS:
Take a tour to remote mountain monasteries
Interact and share tea and biscuits with the resident monks and nuns, Tour and meditate in these ancient monasteries.
Pilgrimage to sacred Buddhist sites.
This could include visiting the Bumthang Valley area- a center of religious significance in Bhutan. The Bumthang area is home to many temples, relics, and places of pilgrimage, including many sacred sites linked to a visit in around 746 by Guru Rinpoche - the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan. Sites include meditation caves used by the Guru, and several sites created around the 15 th century by Perma Lingpa - one of the most important figures in Bhutanese religious history.
