Bhutan Meditation & Hot Springs Trek: Small-Group Spring Retreat

Our guide meets the group at Paro airport. After time to settle in, walk to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, for a quiet first visit in the late afternoon light. In the evening the group meets for a welcome circle: introductions, what each person hopes to find on the journey, and a short guided sitting to begin. Overnight: Hotel in Paro (2,250m)

A slow day to adjust to the altitude. Begin with an early morning meditation session led by a monk, followed by an introduction to Buddhist practice as it is lived in Bhutan. Visit the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower, then walk down to Rinpung Dzong, the monastery-fortress above the river, and cross the traditional covered bridge. Afternoon at leisure or a gentle walk among the farmhouses of the Paro valley. Overnight: Hotel in Paro (2,250m)

Drive to Thimphu (about 1 hour) and walk the kora around the National Memorial Chorten with local people at their daily prayers. After lunch, climb through blue pine and rhododendron forest to Phajoding, a cluster of temples and meditation retreats on the ridge above the city at about 3,640m. The walk takes 3 to 4 hours at an easy pace, with ponies carrying the bags. Join the monks for evening prayers and sit as the lights of Thimphu come on far below. Walking: 3-4 hours, about 1,000m ascent Overnight: Monastery guesthouse or camp at Phajoding (3,640m)

Wake for a sunrise sitting on the ridge, with the high Himalaya visible on clear spring mornings. After breakfast, walk down to Thimphu (2 to 3 hours). Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100m), past its 108 chortens, and down to the warm, green Punakha valley (about 3 hours). Settle in with a farming family for the night. Walking: 2-3 hours, descent Overnight: Farmhouse homestay, Punakha valley (1,300m)

Drive about an hour up the valley, then walk through farmland and forest to Koma Tshachu, a rustic hot spring in the hills above the Punakha valley (2 to 2.5 hours, about 350m ascent, with a few stream crossings). The crew sets up camp near the springs. Spend the afternoon soaking in the simple stone pools, then meditate by the fire under the stars. Walking: 2-2.5 hours Overnight: Camp at Koma Tshachu

An unhurried morning soak in the hot pools, then walk back down to the road (about 2 hours). In the afternoon, walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman, and visit Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers. Return to your host family for dinner. Walking: 2 hours, descent Overnight: Farmhouse homestay, Punakha valley (1,300m)

Drive into the Wangdue valley and up a rough side road to the foot of Beyul Langdra, "the hidden treasure of the Bull Cliff", where tradition holds that Guru Rinpoche subdued a local deity and hid sacred treasures in the 8th century. Monks and nuns still spend years in silent retreat in the huts below the cliff. Climb the steep path to the cliff temple (about 1.5 hours, around 2,500m), sit in meditation by the sacred rock, and see the ancient cypress said to have grown from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick. Walking: 3 hours return, steep in places Overnight: Farmhouse homestay, Wangdue valley

Drive up into the mountains to the wide glacial valley of Phobjikha (about 2 hours). Visit Gangtey Goemba, the monastery on the hill above the valley, and join the monks for evening prayers. Stay with a farming family: help in the kitchen and share dinner by the wood stove. Overnight: Farmhouse homestay, Phobjikha (2,900m)

A full day of meditation in the valley. Morning sitting at Gangtey Goemba, then walk the Gangtey Nature Trail across the valley, the first hour in silence, through blue pine forest and open meadows. Afternoon free to rest, journal or explore the village. In the evening, a traditional hot stone bath at the farmhouse: river stones heated in the fire and lowered into a wooden tub with medicinal herbs. Walking: 2-3 hours, easy Overnight: Farmhouse homestay, Phobjikha (2,900m)

Set out on the old Gangtey Trail, climbing out of Phobjikha through oak, pine and rhododendron forest, in flower through the spring, and over the ridge to the remote Khotokha valley, a quiet high valley of farms and pastures (5 to 6 hours at an easy pace, ponies carry the bags). The crew sets up camp in the meadows. Evening sitting by the fire. Walking: 5-6 hours Overnight: Camp in the Khotokha valley

A day with no travel. Sunrise meditation in the meadow, then a short walk to the village and its small temple, and time with the families who farm the valley. An afternoon of silence for those who want it, followed by a sharing circle in the evening. Overnight: Camp in the Khotokha valley

Walk the last section of the Gangtey Trail, mostly downhill through forest, to Nyenzergang Lhakhang above Wangdue (about 6 hours, ponies carry the bags and can carry walkers who prefer to ride part of the way). Meet the vehicle and drive a short way to your farmhouse for the night. Walking: about 6 hours, mostly descent Overnight: Farmhouse homestay, Punakha valley (1,300m)

An easy morning, then drive back over Dochula to Paro (about 4 hours with stops). Afternoon at leisure. Closing circle in the evening, sharing what each person takes home from the journey. Overnight: Hotel in Paro (2,250m)

Walk up to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), the monastery on a cliff 900m above the Paro valley where Guru Rinpoche meditated (about 5 hours return). Sit in the meditation caves before walking down. Farewell dinner in Paro. Walking: about 5 hours return, 520m ascent Overnight: Hotel in Paro (2,250m)

Our guide takes the group to Paro airport for your flights home. Tashi Delek!