6 best spiritual exploration and wellness retreats in Bhutan

An ancient land of unrivalled beauty and deep spiritualism, a vacation to Bhutan is highly sought after for its unforgettable spiritual experiences, and eye-opening interactions with welcoming Bhutanese people.

Synonymous with colourful prayer flags and snow-capped mountain ranges, this landlocked nation with a population of about 740,000 is dedicated to facilitating quality experiences and providing good hospitality to its visitors. Bhutan emphasises both external journeys to discover its rich history and vast landscape, and internal journeys led by a variety of wellness retreats and spiritual experiences.

A trip to Bhutan is for you if you are looking to connect with nature or immerse yourself in wellness and spiritual experiences. Bhutan travel specialists like Druk Asia will be able to help you with tourist Visa applications, flights, itineraries and even provide personalised tour packages for Bhutan. Visiting Bhutan is now more affordable too, as the Sustainable Development Fee that supports environmental and cultural conservation, education and healthcare has been halved from USD 200 to USD 100 (S$135) per night since September 2023. This makes Bhutan an even more attractive option for travellers.

Ready to embark on a wellness and spiritual journey? Come soak in the untouched natural beauty of temperate forests in Jigme Dorji National Park and Royal Manas National Park, and discover Bhutanese culture when you visit historic monuments like Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest (an iconic monastery perched atop a cliff), the Buddha Dordenma Statue, and Punakha Dzong, and the famous Punakha suspension bridge.

Here are six highly recommended experiences that offer intimate encounters and authentic experiences with the wildlife, culture and spirituality of this paradise on earth.

1. Trek through Bhutan’s natural landscape

Slip on your most comfortable pair of shoes because the best way of experiencing the majesty of Bhutan’s wildlife is by booking a guided tour through its national parks.

You’ll get to relish panoramic views of beautiful ravines and valleys, camp in comfort under the stars, tuck into countryside delicacies, discover the diversity of Bhutan’s flora and fauna, and learn about Bhutanese culture from friendly locals.

One of the most magnificent hikes has got to be the one that will show you the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong that used to be a fortress and Buddhist monastery, and with unhindered views of ancient monasteries like Taktsang Monastery (also referred to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’) and temples like Kyichu Lhakhang. 

Perched on the edge of a 1,200-metre cliff, the Tiger’s Nest is perhaps Bhutan’s most iconic spiritual site. Embarking on a trek up to the monastery is often seen as a pilgrimage in itself, undertaken as a journey of purification and enlightenment. As you ascend through pine forests adorned with prayer flags, each step feels imbued with a profound sense of groundedness and connection to the world around you. Upon making it to the monastery, the breathtaking views and palpable sense of divinity seem to envelop you in a calming peace.

If you’re looking for a challenging hike, there is also the 11-day Jomolhari Trek where you will get to witness the awe-inspiring majesty of Mount Jomolhari, one of the highest mountains in Bhutan.

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, take on the snow-covered Snowman Trek that spans almost a month to complete, but it brings you to remote villages and hidden waterfalls.

Check out the range of trekking tour packages by Druk Asia here.

2. Rejuvenate with Bhutan’s hot stone baths

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Let Bhutan and its ancient therapies recharge you physically and mentally.

Experience a traditional menchu hot stone bath, where you will immerse yourself in a medicinal soak made with fresh water and wormwood leaves. River stones are then heated until they are burning hot, then placed into the bath without directly touching you.

These stones release a variety of minerals into the bath, which are believed to treat arthritis, hypertension, joint pain and stomach disorders.

If you’d like to enjoy a hot stone bath with a view, book a hot stone bath in Amankora Gangtey, Sherab Dema Farmhouse Homestay, Aum Choden Homestay or Uma Paro and Uma Punakha.

3. Be pampered with a traditional Bhutanese massage

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The Bhutanese believe that true wellness is achieved when a person suffers no pain in the body and no sorrow in the mind.

Bhutanese massage techniques are influenced by traditional Chinese and Indian ayurvedic medicine, and target trigger points across the body, to relieve stress. This tension is released through both deep tissue massage and Indian stretches. 

The traditional oils used are meant to soothe skin and muscle tissue, and their scents are meant to stimulate the olfactory sensors and bring about calmness and healing.

When balance is restored to the body, one’s immune system is stronger and one’s mind is more open to spiritual healing, the Bhutanese believe.

The country’s top-rated traditional massage establishments include the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro or the Terma Linca Resort & Spa in Thimphu.

Incidentally, Thimphu's National Institute of Traditional Medicine nearby offers free consultation and recommends different therapies and herbs for various ailments.

4. Embrace tranquillity in a Bhutanese monastery

Discover the wisdom and tranquillity of Bhutanese monks through a spiritual retreat in an ancient monastery.

The programmes include calming daily walks, guided meditation sessions by experienced monks and hikes to stunning monasteries and temples.

You will also be introduced to local culture, beliefs and rituals, along with the monks’ and nuns’ practice of observing quiet time, a cornerstone of their inner peace.

Many monasteries welcome visitors who wish to meditate silently on their grounds, such as Gangtey Monastery, where you will often find both visitors and monks meditating in the monastery’s verdant surroundings. This monastery is also where the annual Black-necked Crane Festival takes place, which commemorates the country’s dedication to preserving the titular animal through performance arts and crafts.

Punakha Dzong, with its strategic location at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers, is one of the most beautiful and significant fortress-monasteries in Bhutan. Known as the 'Palace of Great Happiness,' this fine example of Bhutanese architecture serves as a spiritual centre for the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. The monastery’s intricate paintings and structures tell stories of Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage, making it a profound place for reflection and appreciation of Bhutanese traditions.

5. Relax and unwind with a Bhutanese hot spring experience

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Bhutan is also called Menjung, the “Land of Medicinal Herbs”, which reflects its deep connection to wellness. 

Ayurvedic principles—based on the belief that health and wellness is a delicate balance between the mind, body, spirit, and environment—influence many facets of the Bhutanese way of life, which is why you’ll notice droves of locals bathing in hot springs like Chuboog Tshachu, Dhur Tshachu, Duenmang Tshachu, Gasa Tshachu and Gelephu Tshachu.

A popular hot spring in Bhutan is the Gasa Tshachu located in Gasa district, extreme north west of Bhutan. It boasts a reputation to have healed many people of illnesses like gastrointestinal diseases, joint pains and other chronic ailments. Even if your itinerary doesn’t allow for a full-blown, totally-immersive spiritual retreat, spending just one day at a hot spring will be enough to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.

Duenmang Tshachu, located in the Zhemgang district, offers a quieter and more private hot spring experience. There aren’t any hotels near Duenmang Tshachu, but you can book a guesthouse or camp in this valley.

Soaking in a Bhutanese hot spring is akin to enjoying a mineral-rich hot tub while forest bathing —these popular hot springs are surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, and you won’t want to leave.

Hot spring water is heated by geothermal energy and rises from cracks in the earth, carrying with it nourishing minerals. Locals believe that this mineral-rich water, known as drubchu, also carries with it blessings from the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

6. Explore the untamed, natural wonders of Bhutan’s national parks

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Though there’s no shortage of natural sites across the country, there’s no better place to discover Bhutan’s pristine wilderness than through its most celebrated national parks. 

Jigme Dorji National Park, one of Bhutan’s most illustrious natural reserves, serves as a sanctuary not only for wildlife but also for those seeking a spiritual connection with nature. 

As you traverse the beautiful valleys of this vast landscape, you’ll encounter diverse ecosystems ranging from lush subtropical forests to stark alpine zones. The park is home to endangered species such as the snow leopard and the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, which are often seen as symbols of the region's untamed beauty and spiritual significance. 

Whereas to Jigme Dorji’s southeast, bordering Assam, Royal Manas National Park is renowned as the "Conservation Showpiece of the Kingdom" and is the oldest nature preserve in Bhutan.

The park's rich biodiversity includes exotic species like Bengal tigers, Asiatic elephants, and hundreds of bird species, making it a veritable paradise for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike. Exploring the Manas River by boat is particularly meditative, providing a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of life and all beings.

Together, these parks embody the heart of Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation and offer a profound connection to the natural world.

 

These captivating wellness and spiritual experiences are unique to Bhutan, and you have to experience it yourself to fully appreciate the rejuvenation and clarity it brings to your mind and soul. If you’re excited about planning a getaway to Bhutan, contact Bhutan travel specialist Druk Asia.

During your time in Bhutan, don’t forget to set aside some time to visit these five local Bhutanese gems (including food!) which will definitely be worth the trip. And if you really love adventure and the great outdoors, here are five cool Bhutanese escapades that will add a unique sense of adventure amidst the Bhutanese tranquillity. It’s truly a beautiful place to visit, a once in a lifetime experience for any traveller to immerse in.

Bhutan certainly offers an unforgettable experience for a journey of spiritual exploration and wellness. If you’re yearning to delve deeper and plan your Bhutan adventure, be sure to pick up a copy of ‘Bhutan Travelog (Edition 2)’ by Druk Asia to slip into your travel tote as your next plane read. It is a comprehensive guide for travelling to Bhutan and will equip you with everything you need to embark on your own Bhutanese journey. It is available at WHSmith stores in Changi Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

This story is written in partnership with Druk Asia.

 

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