Gangtey Monastery Retreat and Nature Therapy

05 Nights/06 Days

Places Covered :

Paro
Punakha
Gangtey Valley

$2140

Package Description

This Gangtey Monastery Retreat and Nature Therapy itinerary offers a perfect blend of spiritual exploration, natural beauty, and holistic wellness, ensuring a deeply enriching and transformative experience.

Why Choose This Tour?

Spiritual Retreat: Gangtey Monastery is a center of Nyingma Buddhism, offering a deeply spiritual experience.
Nature Therapy: The pristine Phobjikha Valley provides the perfect setting for relaxation and connection with nature.
Holistic Wellness: Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul with yoga, meditation, and traditional therapies.

Package Highlights

Stay near Gangtey Monastery, a center of Nyingma Buddhism.
Explore the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley known for its pristine beauty and black-necked cranes.
Wellness Activities:
- Nature walks and forest bathing in the serene valley.
- Meditation and mindfulness sessions with monks.
- Traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths.

Best Time to Visit:

·October-December (crane season) or March-May (spring for blooming flowers).

Key Inclusions:

Accommodation in a boutique lodge or retreat.
All meals (Bhutanese, Indian, and continental cuisine).
Licensed Bhutanese guide and driver.
All entry fees to monasteries, temples, and cultural sites.
Wellness activities (yoga, meditation, hot stone baths, and sound healing).

Optional Add-Ons:

Extend your trip to explore Thimphu or Punakha for additional cultural and spiritual experiences.
Participate in a festival (if traveling during festival season, e.g., Gangtey Tshechu in autumn).
Include a day hike to remote monasteries or sacred sites.

Daywise Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Paro Transfer to Punakha

Activities:
- Arrive at Paro International Airport. Receive a traditional welcome with a khadar (white scarf).
- Drive to Punakha (approx. 4-5 hours) via Dochula Pass (3,100m). Stop to admire the 108 stupas and panoramic Himalayan views.
- Check into your hotel or retreat in Punakha.
Wellness:
- Evening meditation session to unwind after your journey.
- Monastery Stay (Nalanda Monastery) experience life of Bhutanese monks
Accommodation: Overnight in Punakha.

Day 2 - Punakha to Phobjikha Valley - Gangtey Monastery and Spiritual Exploration

Activities:
- Drive to Phobjikha Valley (approx. 3 hours). Enjoy the scenic journey through lush forests and rural landscapes
- Visit Gangtey Monastery, a center of Nyingma Buddhism and one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Participate in a prayer ceremony and learn about its spiritual significance.
- Explore the Gangtey Nature Trail, a scenic walk through the valley with stunning views of the monastery and surrounding landscapes.
Wellness:
- Practice yoga and meditation in the serene surroundings of the valley.
- Enjoy a traditional hot stone bath using medicinal herbs to relax and rejuvenate.
Accommodation: Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 3 - Phobjikha Valley Nature and Mindfulness

Activities:
- Take a guided nature walk through the Phobjikha Valley, known for its pristine beauty and as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes (October-December).
- Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center to learn about these majestic birds and conservation efforts.
Wellness:
- Participate in a mindfulness workshop led by a Buddhist monk, focusing on breathing techniques and inner peace.
- Enjoy forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) to connect with nature and reduce stress.
Accommodation: Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 4 - Phobjikha Valley Wellness and Relaxation

Activities:
- Spend the morning at leisure, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the valley.
- Optional visit to a local farmhouse to experience rural Bhutanese life and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Wellness:
- Attend a sound healing session with traditional Bhutanese singing bowls.
- Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage or herbal therapy session tailored to your needs.
Accommodation: Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 5 - Phobjikha Valley to Paro Reflection and Departure

Activities:
- Morning yoga session with views of the Phobjikha Valley.
- Drive back to Paro (approx. 67 hours). Stop at scenic spots for photos.
- Visit Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress with views of Mount Jomolhari.
Wellness:
- Final meditation session to reflect on your journey and carry the peace of Phobjikha with you.
Accommodation: Overnight in Paro.