Arrival at the Sanctuary

Airport Road - Your journey begins the moment you step off the plane, breathe in the fresh air, and smoothly pass through Immigration. You’ll be greeted by your friendly tour guide and driver at the airport gate.

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary - On your first day, take it easy and relax at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. Start your wellness journey by meeting with a traditional doctor who will create a comprehensive program to balance your body, mind, and spirit. Enjoy a massage from a professional spa therapist, followed by a visit to the steam and sauna rooms and a dip in the indoor pool. The Sanctuary’s vegetable and herb gardens provide ingredients for the 4-course lunch and 6-course dinner, which are highlights of the day for many guests.

Day Two – Cultural Experience

Rinpung Dzong - The impressive Rinpung Dzong, or Fortress of Heaped Jewels, is situated along the Paro river and draws admiration from all over the valley. Like other Dzongs in the country, Rinpung Dzong houses administrative offices as well as the district monastic body, including monks’ living quarters and learning centers.

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Located above Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum was originally a watchtower (Ta Dzong) built in 1649 to protect the valley from Tibetan invasions. Shaped like a conch shell, the tower was converted into a museum in 1968. After being damaged by three major earthquakes, the most recent in 2011, it was renovated and reopened in June 2020. The museum displays a variety of religious and historical artifacts that tell the story of Bhutan’s traditional heritage and culture, including festival masks, fine arts, paintings, textiles, stamps, preserved specimens of exotic animals, and antique collections. A visit to the museum offers insight into Bhutan’s ancient culture and traditions, revealing the beauty, mystery, myths, and legends that make Bhutan a hidden gem.

Kyichu Lhakhang - Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, has been visited and blessed by many renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. Located in a peaceful and serene area away from the main town, the temple is simple in structure but rich in tantric and mythical stories that transport you back to the times of demons and saints. Built in the early 6th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet, the temple is believed to be a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara), of whom the Dalai Lamas are also considered manifestations.

Drugyel Dzong - Drugyel Dzong, meaning Fortress of Victory, was named for its role in defending against Tibetan and Mongolian armies and commemorating the victory of the final battle with the Tibetans. Built in 1649, Drugyel Dzong served as a key defense base against Tibetan invasions, unlike other Dzongs that were primarily administrative and spiritual centers. Located about 20 minutes from the main town, the Dzong is situated at a strategic site near the Tibetan border. Although it was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1951, its ruins were preserved until the government decided to restore it to its former glory.

Paro - Paro valley, the aerial gateway to Bhutan, is one of the widest valleys and home to the country’s only international airport, surrounded by paddy fields and traditional Bhutanese houses. Paro valley is one of the most beautiful in the Kingdom, with most inhabitants relying on agriculture and tourism. The valley contributes significantly to Bhutan’s fresh produce, including vegetables, rice, and dairy. Hundreds of temples and monasteries dot the hills and valleys, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a vertical cliff 10,000 feet above the valley.

Well-Being Inclusive

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary - Today is dedicated to your personal well-being and health at the Sanctuary. Take advantage of various unlimited services, including themed massages, herbal compressions, traditional hot stone baths, Jacuzzis, beauty treatments, and more. Combine these treatments with hands-on activities like pottery classes in the art studio, cooking a local dish with the chef, traditional Bhutanese sports like archery and darts, or simply relax at the pool and open terrace overlooking the magnificent valley.

Thimphu Valley: Combination of the Ancient and the Modern

Thimphu - Thimphu blends modern technology and facilities with ancient culture and traditions. The capital has maintained its aesthetic architectural beauty in harmony with development, as seen in all the buildings around the city. There are no skyscrapers, large shopping malls, fast food chains, or international brand outlets, and no homeless people or slums. Instead, settlements follow the meandering river with high-rise mountains on either side. The bustling capital is home to over one hundred thousand people, including the Royal family, and is the most cosmopolitan city in Bhutan. It is the hub for commerce, politics, and the central government, as well as international offices of many development partners. Thimphu is likely the only capital city in the world without a single traffic light, with traffic managed by policemen instead.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - Located in the heart of Thimphu, the Memorial Chorten is a popular spiritual gathering place for both tourists and Bhutanese. The three-story stupa houses prominent statues of Buddhist saints, figures, and relics, making it an auspicious site for rituals and ceremonies. The main statue of the ‘Wish-fulfilling Buddha’ inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes to those with earnest and honest hearts. From dawn till dusk, people of all ages circumambulate the Stupa, with the elderly spending their days chanting prayers, sharing lunches, turning prayer wheels, and socializing with friends. The Memorial Chorten is an interactive place for tourists to mingle with locals and exchange stories.

Buddha Dordenma - Overlooking Thimphu is one of the largest Buddha Dordenma statues in the world. Standing 51.5 meters tall, the bronze statue is gilded in gold, making it unique. Known as Buddha Point, it is a favorite among devotees from all over Bhutan. The construction of the statue was prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century and Yogi Sonam Zangpo in the 20th century, who foretold that a Buddha statue would be built in this region for world peace and happiness.

Tashichho Dzong - Tashi Chho Dzong, or the Fortress of the Glorious Religion, houses the King’s office, the Throne room, and the Central Monastic Body, in addition to district administrative offices and the Local Monastic Body. Located along the banks of the Thimphu river, it is one of the most prominent attractions in the valley. While travelers are restricted from entering the offices or the Royal office, a walk through the beautiful flower garden, glimpses of the architectural structures, and visits to some auspicious temples are well worth the visit. Visiting hours are after 5 pm, making it the perfect time to watch the flag-lowering ceremony and the majestic march of the policemen as they carry the flag to the interior offices.

Bhutan Postal Museum - Bhutan is renowned among stamp collectors for its beautiful and varied stamps, and the Bhutan Postal Museum in Thimphu lives up to this reputation with its display of ancient and unique stamps. The first postage stamps in Bhutan were issued in 1962, around the same time motorable roads were opened. Before that, official mail runners delivered mail through the valleys and mountains. The museum offers a glimpse into the history and evolution of communication systems in Bhutan, with amazing stories of legendary mail runners. Tourists can also create personalized stamps with their photos and use them to send postcards to family and friends around the world.

Centenary Farmers Market - To experience local life and mingle with Bhutanese people, visit the Centenary Farmers Market. Here, you can observe locals bargaining with vendors and stock up on organic fruits for the coming days. The market is one of the busiest places in the valley, with farmers from all over Bhutan selling their organic produce. A stroll through the market provides insight into Bhutanese food habits and cuisine. One widely seen ingredient is dried and fresh green chilies, essential in Bhutanese dishes. Photographs are allowed, and travelers can chat with some English-speaking vendors.

Hike to the Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Paro Taktsang - Begin your day with a wellness activity and a hearty breakfast before hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, locally known as Taktsang Goemba. The hike and excursion to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a full-day activity, typically taking 3-4 hours uphill, with the option to ride a pony halfway. Perched on a steep cliff high above the Paro valley at an altitude of 3,120 meters, the Tiger’s Nest is an architectural and engineering marvel that captivates visitors with its spiritual ambiance and extraordinary history. Enjoy a BBQ lunch at the base of the Monastery.

Explore Haa Valley

Chele La - As you descend from Chelela Pass, you’ll notice the air becoming fresher and clearer, and the scattered settlements will evoke a sense of medieval Bhutan, suspended in time and space. Located at an altitude of 2,670 meters, Haa is a quiet and peaceful high-altitude paradise in Bhutan, rarely visited by tourists.

Enjoy Before Your Farewell

Airport Road - Depending on your flight time, your tour guide and driver will take you to the airport. If you have an afternoon flight, you can enjoy more well-being activities and services before your departure.

• Bottled mineral water throughout
• Cooler box for cold water/beverage in the vehicle
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• SDF / Government Royalty of 100 USD per night in Bhutan
• VISA and VISA Processing Fee
• Bhutan Tourism Development Fee

• Gratuities
• International Air fare
• Bottled drinks and alcohol
• Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
• Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost

The Signature Retreat provides a multitude of wellness amenities and services such as consultations with a conventional Bhutanese medical practitioner, yoga and meditation sessions, an indoor temperature-controlled pool, sauna and steam room facilities, limitless spa and beauty procedures, a wholesome dining experience from farm to table, and a range of outdoor activities and brief hiking expeditions.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.