THE PROGRAM INCLUDES DAILY YOGA/MEDITATION SESSIONS

AUGUST 10
Bangkok arrivals
Arrival day. Meeting at the The Tawana hotel
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AUGUST 11
Bangkok
Enjoy Bangkok, have a massage, eat amazing Thai food and geet ready for tomorrow 🙂 Overnight at the The Tawana hotel.

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AUGUST 12
Bangkok to Bhutan
Our departure from Bangkok (flight not included) at 5:00 AM to arrive Paro, Bhutan at 7:00 AM. Upon arrival
we will be met by our guide and driver and transfer to Gangtey Palace Hotel, the former
home of a Bhutanese noble family. We’ll explore downtown Paro, have lunch in a local
restaurant, and have the afternoon to relax. Welcome dinner at Gangtey Palace Hotel.

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AUGUST 13
Explore Paro
Today we visit Paro town and explore its impressive 4-century old Dzong (fortified
monastery), the museum and the Paro Valley, including the ancient Kyichu Monastery.
Late afternoon free. Overnight at Gangtey Palace Hotel
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AUGUST 14
Paro to Thimphu
Breakfast at hotel, and then we prepare for 90-minute drive to Thimphu, capital of
Bhutan. We have the afternoon to a walk to get acquainted with some of the sights
of Thimphu. Friday evening is great night to observe in Thimphu’s fun nightlife, and
our Bhutanese friends will join us for the evening. Overnight at Druk Hotel.
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AUGUST 15
Explore Thimphu
Today we’ll visit several interesting sights in Thimphu, National Memorial Chorten, the
Folk Heritage Museum, a traditional paper making factory and Buddha Point Statue. Late
afternoon free to wander or relax. Dinner with Bhutanese friends. Overnight at Druk
Hotel.

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AUGUST 16
Hike to ancient Monastery, afternoon drive to Punakha
This morning we take an hour hike to the impressive Cheri Monastery in the hills above
Thimphu. After lunch in Thimphu we drive 3 hours, crossing the 10,300′ pass at Dochu-
La and then descend into sub-tropical Punakha. Overnight at Drubchhu Resort.

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AUGUST 17
Punakha Exploration
Punakha is home to Bhutan’s most beautiful Dzong and we spend the morning exploring
this 4-century old fortified monasterey, visiting the seldom seen chambers and temples
inside the dzong. Following lunch we have optional 1 hour hike across rice fields to
Chimi Lhakang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a beloved historical
figure in Bhutan. Overnight at Drubchhu Resort.

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AUGUST 18

River Rafting!
After breakfast we drive 20-minutes to the put in site for the river rafting. We float along
the gentle and safe Mother River. The trip takes about 90 minutes, passing small villages,
the Dzong and the confluence of the Mother and Father Rivers, shortly after which we
disembark, return to the hotel for change of clothes and lunch. Afternoon free. Overnight
at Drubchhu Resort.

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AUGUST 19
Punakha to Thimphu
Morning drive to Nalanda Monastery, meet with monks who make this their home, then
gentle downhill walk to Punakha town, lunch in town and then we drive back to
Thimphu. Overnight at Druk Hotel.

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AUGUST 20
Further exploration of Thimphu
The School of the 13 Traditional Arts and the National Textile Museum are on the
agenda today. You will also have time to wander around Thimphu on your own or with
the guides. As it’s Friday night, for those looking for nightlife, our Bhutanese friends will
be happy to join us. Overnight at Druk Hotel.

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AUGUST 21
Thimphu to Paro
Late morning departure from Thimphu to Paro. Lunch in Paro, and then afternoon arrival
at our hotel, the Zhiwa Ling Hotel, chosen by National Geographic Society as one of the
unique lodges of the world, this exquisite hotel makes a lovely venue for the final 2 days
of our Bhutan journey. Relax on the beautiful grounds, the tea house, meditation room or
spa.

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AUGUST 22
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After breakfast we drive 20-minutes to base of mountain where Taksang Monastery is
located. Also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this most iconic of all buildings in
Bhutan is perched on a cliff 2,700’ above the valley floor. Guru Rimpoche arrived here
on the back of a flying tiger in the year 746, and meditated in a mountain cave for 3 months. The
site has since been sacred and a monastery has been constructed to commemorate this
visit. It is a pilgrimage site for all Bhutanese who gain merit by making the ascent. You
too can gain merit while by making the 3-hour ascent and visiting the monastery
seemingly glued to the barest concavity of the cliff face. After descending we’ll have
lunch and you may opt for Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath or massage in hotel.
Farewell dinner at our hotel, the Zhiwa Ling Hotel.

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AUGUST 23
Farewell
Breakfast at hotel, free time at hotel or visit Paro town, then transport to airport for 1:50 PM
p.m. flight to Bangkok, arriving at 6:00 PM (flight not included)

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How do I get to Bangkok?

Meeting point is Bangkok, please check all the flight options at www.kayak.com

If I go alone Can I share room?
Of course! Most participants come on their own and share a room. The hotel has single and double rooms. Sharing room is an excellent opportunity to live with wonderful people.

What will the weather be like?
Hello summer! Average temperature flows from 60 to 80°F (15 to 26°C) and expect light showers . We can’t predict accurate weather in Himalayas but you will enjoy for sure.

What to bring?
Comfortable clothes for mild weather and a yoga mat (or thick pashmina).

Payments:
Trough Champaka Journeys (Cheque or credit card). Contact us and we will send you the details

Also:
-If you cancel more than 90 days before the retreat: you will be refunded minus a $300 USD penalty.
-If you cancel between 89 to 75 days before the retreat: 50% of your investment will be refunded.
– If you cancel 30 days or less prior to retreat, all your investment will be forfeited.

Limited spots!

We strongly recommed a TRAVEL INSURANCE
Please apply at https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Bhutan requires passports to be valid for at least 6 months after Bhutan’s departure date and requires a blank page for the Bhutanese visa.
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