Bhutan Buddhist Tour
In A.D. 747, a Buddhist saint, Padmasambhava (known in Bhutan as Guru Rimpoche and sometimes referred to as the Second Buddha), came to Bhutan from India at the invitation by the king of Chakar Valley, in Bumtha. The king was bed ridden cursed by the local deity after he forgot to worship him. Guru Rinpoche subdued the deity, returned the king’s vital power, and was cured from his illness. After reportedly subduing eight classes of demons and converting the king to Buddhism, Guru Rimpoche has left for Tibet. Today one can still visit the cave where he meditated and left his body print on the rock where kurje temple stands today.
Bhutan is a land blessed by Guru Rinpoche and he hid many treasures to be revealed in future by the treasure discoverer, known as Tertons to help sentient beings. Bhutan has one of the most revered pilgrimages sites in the Tibetan Buddhist world referred as Baye-yul. Paro taksang temple known as the Tiger’s Nest, hanging on the face of a cliff, 3000mts high where it is believed that Guru Rinpoche came flying on the back of Tigress from Khenpa jong, kurtoe and meditated in order to subdue the demon known as Pado. Almost all the famous Tibetan saints visited this site and still today the living Buddhas from all over the world visits Bhutan to vist Paro taksang temple.
Top Activities to Experience
| Activity |
Description |
Location |
| Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery |
A spiritual trek to Bhutan's most iconic monastery perched on a cliffside. |
Paro |
| Guided Meditation with Monks |
Participate in silent or guided meditation sessions in a tranquil setting. |
Bumthang / Thimphu |
| Attend Monastic Rituals |
Observe sacred chants, prayer ceremonies, and butter lamp offerings. |
Various Monasteries |
| Explore Dzongs (Fortress Monasteries) |
Visit historic Buddhist fortresses like Punakha Dzong and Tashichho Dzong. |
Punakha, Thimphu |
| Festival Participation (Tshechu) |
Witness vibrant mask dances and rituals during local Buddhist festivals. |
Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang (seasonal) |
| Prayer Flag Hoisting |
Raise colorful prayer flags on mountain passes for blessings and peace. |
Dochula Pass / Chele La |
| Visit Buddhist Schools |
Interact with young monks and learn about monastic education in Bhutan. |
Phobjikha, Bumthang |
| Cultural Village Walks |
Explore traditional Bhutanese villages and experience local lifestyle. |
Haa Valley, Phobjikha |
| Butter Lamp Offering |
Make a spiritual offering and prayer inside sacred temples. |
Any Major Monastery |
| Local Herbal Hot Stone Bath |
End your day with a relaxing spiritual and therapeutic bath. |
Bumthang, Paro |
Must-Visit Spiritual Places
| Place | Spiritual Significance | Highlights |
|---|
| Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) |
Believed to be the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche. |
Cliffside monastery, panoramic views, hike |
| Punakha Dzong |
Winter residence of Bhutan’s central monk body. |
River confluence, historic murals, rituals |
| Buddha Dordenma |
Symbol of peace and happiness, contains 125,000 smaller Buddhas. |
Giant bronze statue overlooking Thimphu |
| Kurjey Lhakhang |
Spiritual power spot where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint. |
Sacred caves, ancient relics |
| Chimi Lhakhang |
Fertility temple associated with the Divine Madman. |
Unique blessings, folklore, childless couples visit |
| Gangtey Monastery |
Peaceful setting for meditation in the Phobjikha Valley. |
Black-necked crane center nearby |