Arrival at the Sanctuary

Airport Road - The adventure begins as soon as you breathe in the fresh air while descending the plane’s stairs, enjoy a seamless check-out at Immigrations, and finally meet your cheerful 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 consulting with a traditional doctor to receive a comprehensive program for achieving a healthy balance of body, mind, and spirit. Indulge in a massage of your choice from their expert spa therapist, followed by a visit to the steam and sauna rooms and a swim in their indoor pool. With their own vegetable and herb gardens, the Sanctuary’s 4-course lunch and 6-course dinner are a highlight for every guest.

Day Two – Cultural Experience

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

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Located above Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum was once 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, suffered damage from three major earthquakes, the latest in 2011, and was renovated and reopened in June 2020 in its former architectural splendor.

The Museum showcases numerous unique religious and historical artifacts that tell the story of Bhutan’s traditional heritage and culture. These include festival masks, fine arts, paintings, textiles from across Bhutan, a collection of stamps, preserved specimens of exotic animals, and many 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. The temple is peacefully located away from the main town, and though its structure is simple, it is rich in tantric and mythical stories that transport you back to the times of demons and saints.

The temple was built in the early 6th Century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet. He 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 the Fortress of Victory, earned its name as a stronghold against the combined forces of Tibetan and Mongolian armies, commemorating the victory of the final battle with the Tibetans. Built in 1649, Drugyel Dzong served as a crucial defense base against Tibetan invasions, unlike other Dzongs in the country, which were built solely for administrative and spiritual purposes.

Located about 20 minutes’ drive from the main town, the Dzong is strategically positioned north of the valley near the Tibetan border. Although the Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1951, its ruins were preserved until recently when the Government decided to restore it to its former beauty and glory.

Paro - Paro valley is Bhutan’s aerial gateway and, being one of the widest valleys, is home to the only international airport, nestled among 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. It also contributes significantly to Bhutan’s fresh produce, including vegetables, rice, and dairy. The valley is dotted with hundreds of temples and monasteries, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a vertical cliff 10,000ft above the valley.

Well-Being Inclusive

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary - Today is dedicated to personal well-being and health at the Sanctuary. Enjoy unlimited services like themed massages, herbal compressions, traditional hot stone baths, Jacuzzi, beauty treatments, and more.

Combine these well-being treatments with hands-on activities like pottery classes in their 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 maintains its aesthetic architectural beauty in harmony with development and expansion, evident in all the buildings in and around the city. There are no skyscrapers, huge shopping malls, fast food chains, or international brand outlets, no homeless people, nor any slums. Instead, settlements follow the meandering river with high-rise mountains on either side.

The bustling capital city of Bhutan is home to just 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’s head office, with international offices of many development partners located in the valley. Thimphu is likely the only capital city in the world without a single traffic light, with traffic instead managed by policemen.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - Located in the heart of Thimphu city, the Memorial Chorten is a favorite spiritual gathering place for tourists and Bhutanese alike. The 3-story stupa houses prominent statues of Buddhist saints, figures, and relics, making it very auspicious for rituals and ceremonies. The main statue of the ‘Wish-fulfilling Buddha’ inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes to the earnest and honest-hearted.

Every day from dawn till dusk, people of all ages circumambulate the Stupa, with the elderly spending their day chanting prayers, sharing packed lunches, turning the huge prayer wheels, and socializing with friends. They look forward to sharing smiles and stories with visiting tourists, making the Memorial Chorten an interactive place for tourists to mingle with locals.

Buddha Dordenma - Overlooking the charming Thimphu city is one of the largest Buddha Dordenma Statues in the world. Standing 51.5 meters tall, made of bronze and gilded in gold, it is truly unique. Known as Buddha Point, it is a favorite among devotees from all over Bhutan. Like other religious sites in Bhutan, the construction of this gigantic statue was prophesied. The first prophecy was made by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century and later in the 20th century by Yogi Sonam Zangpo, predicting a Buddha statue would be built in this region for World Peace and Happiness.

Tashichho Dzong - Every Dzong in Bhutan houses district administrative offices and the Local Monastic Body, but Tashi Chho Dzong is significant as it houses the King’s office, the Throne room, and the Central Monastic Body. Tashi Chho Dzong, or the Fortress of the Glorious Religion, is located along the banks of the Thimphu river and is a prominent and spectacular attraction in the valley.

Though 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. Since visiting hours are after 5 pm, this is also the perfect time to witness the intimate ceremony of lowering the flag 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 the heart of Thimphu town lives up to this reputation with its display of ancient and unique stamps. Bhutan’s first postage stamps were issued in 1962, around the time motorable roads were opened. Before that, official mail runners literally ran through valleys and mountains delivering mail. 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 enjoy the unique experience of custom-making their own stamps with personal photos, which can be used to send postcards to family and friends worldwide.

Centenary Farmers Market - To mingle with Bhutanese people and experience the aroma of organic fruits and vegetables, the Centenary Farmers Market is the place to be. Tourists watch in awe as locals bargain with vendors, and you can even 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 all Bhutanese dishes. Photographs are allowed, and travelers can exchange a few words with some English-speaking vendors.

Hike to the Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Paro Taktsang - Begin your day with a well-being activity and enjoy 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 about 3-4 hours uphill, with the option of riding a pony halfway.

Perched on a steep cliff high above the Paro valley at an altitude of 3,120 meters above sea level, the Tiger’s Nest is an architectural and engineering marvel, captivating visitors with its spiritual ambiance and extraordinary history.

Enjoy a BBQ lunch at the base of the Monastery.

Explore Haa Valley

Chele La - As the drive descends from Chelela Pass, the air feels fresher and clearer, and the scattered settlements evoke a medieval Bhutan, a valley suspended in time and space. Located at an altitude of 2,670 meters above sea level, Haa is a quiet and peaceful high-altitude paradise in Bhutan, least visited by tourists.

Haa Valley - Haa means esoteric hiddenness, and some parts of this valley still practice Bon rituals (an ancient religion worshipping the spirits of nature, including the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, lakes, and sacrificing animals to appease deities). With a sumptuous picnic basket from The Sanctuary to enjoy at a scenic spot, optional sightseeing in the valley includes visiting Haa Dzong, a fishery where you can see Bhutan’s popular brown trout, and a stroll through the small town of traditional houses.

Enjoy Before Your Farewell

Airport Road - Depending on your flight time, your tour guide and driver will take you to the Airport, or if it’s an afternoon flight, you can indulge in more well-being activities and services.

• 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.