Live Like a Monk
in the Kingdom of Bhutan
Authentic Monastery & Nunnery Stays · Tiger’s Nest · Phobjikha Valley · Face-to-Face with a Buddhist Master — the Bhutan journey that transforms a life.
Where Ordinary Bhutan Tours End, This Journey Truly Begins
Every Bhutan tour package will show you the same magnificent dzongs, the iconic Tiger’s Nest hike, and breathtaking mountain scenery. And they are all extraordinary — every single one of them.
But when the day’s sightseeing ends and every other traveller returns to their hotel room — your journey takes a turn that almost no travel itinerary in the world has ever offered.
This tour includes all the celebrated cultural sightseeing, scenic drives, iconic hikes, and authentic local experiences that make Bhutan one of the most extraordinary destinations on earth — woven together with two rare, profoundly life-changing overnight monastic experiences available on virtually no other tour in existence.
Not as a visitor. Not as a tourist. But as a respectful and welcomed guest — living, breathing, praying, eating, and simply being alongside the monks and nuns themselves.
2
Monastic Stays
10
Days of Discovery
1
Buddhist Master Session
Tour at a Glance
Everything you need to know about this Live Like a Monk tours
📅 Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
📍 Destinations
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Phobjikha
🧘 Tour Type
Spiritual · Cultural · Wellness
🏠 Accommodation
Monastery · 3–4★ Hotels · Farmstay
💰 Starting Price
USD 2,000 Per Person
5 Reasons Bhutan is the World's Most Transformative Spiritual & Cultural Destination
Reason 01
Overnight Inside Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery — Phobjikha Valley
Two extraordinary nights inside this serene and breathtaking nunnery, nestled within Phobjikha's pristine glacial landscape. Rise with the morning gong. Join the nuns for dawn prayers — ancient chants, butter lamps, incense. Share every communal meal with prayers of gratitude. Witness sacred thangka painting, Buddhist astrology, ritual instrument training, and meditation practice. Sleep in complete Himalayan stillness. This is real monastic life — not a show arranged for visitors.
Reason 02
Overnight at Dodey Drak Monastery — Perched Above Thimphu, Foot Access Only
Perched dramatically on a cliff above the Thimphu Valley, accessible only on foot, Dodey Drak Monastery is one of Bhutan's most extraordinary and least known sacred spaces. Two nights among the monks. Morning prayers in the grand hall as the valley glows far below. Witness Cham mask dance rehearsals, ritual instrument training, three sacred Lhakhangs. Shared meals in the communal hall. Evening conversation with senior monks — warm, effortless, genuine.
Reason 03
Private Face-to-Face Session with the Buddhist Master of Dodey Drak
Sit down, face to face, with a learned Buddhist master. No tourist script. No rehearsed presentation. Just you, the master, and an open and genuinely sacred space for real conversation. Ask the questions that have always lived quietly at the back of your mind: about happiness, suffering, impermanence, karma, meditation, and the true purpose of life. This is not a lecture. This is living Buddhist wisdom, offered with genuine generosity. One of the rarest experiences on any Bhutan spiritual journey.
Reason 04
Authentic Bhutanese Farmstay & The Ancient Hot Stone Bath (Menchu)
Stay overnight with a real DoT-certified Bhutanese family in Punakha. Cook Ema Datshi over a wood fire, share the family meal, milk the cow at dawn, play traditional archery. Then: the legendary Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath (Menchu) — river stones heated for hours and lowered into glacial water infused with artemisia mountain herbs. Practiced for centuries, believed to relieve joint pain, improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and restore the body's natural energy balance.
Reason 05
The Paro Taktsang Pilgrimage — Tiger's Nest Monastery at 3,120m
The hike every visitor to Bhutan dreams about. Perched impossibly on a sheer granite cliff, Paro Taktsang is where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated for three months. The trail ascends through ancient blue pine forests draped in prayer flags. When Tiger's Nest reveals itself for the first time across the cliff face — it will stop you in your tracks. Explore the sacred lhakhangs and meditation caves within. This is not just a hike. This is a pilgrimage.
Reason 06
Phobjikha Valley — Bhutan's Most Pristine Glacial Wilderness
One of Bhutan's largest and most pristine glacial valleys at 3,000m — internationally celebrated as the winter sanctuary of the endangered Black-necked Crane, a bird considered sacred in Bhutanese culture. The Gangtey Nature Trail (4–5km) winds through pine forests, traditional villages, and open marshlands. October–November: the cranes arrive — the most moving time to be at the nunnery. The annual Black-Necked Crane Festival is extraordinary. An eco-tourism destination unlike any other on earth.
The Heart of This Journey
Two Sacred Overnight Stays — Available on No Other Bhutan Tour
Woven into the heart of this journey are two rare and profoundly life-changing overnight monastic experiences that elevate this trip from a holiday into something far more meaningful. Not as a visitor looking in — as a respectful and welcomed guest living alongside the monks and nuns themselves.
Night Stay 1 — Phobjikha Valley · Glacial Valley at 3,000m
Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery
- Rise with the morning gong and join the nuns for dawn prayers — ancient chants rising in the Himalayan dawn, butter lamps burning in quiet rows, the air heavy with incense and devotion
- Share every meal in the communal dining hall, seated alongside the nuns, receiving food with prayers of gratitude before the first bite
- Move quietly between the daily practice rooms: sacred thangka painting, Buddhist scripture recitation, ritual instrument training, meditation practice, and the ancient study of Buddhist astrology
- Attend evening prayers in the magnificent grand prayer hall — feel the rare peace that descends when an entire community turns its full attention toward the sacred
- Sleep within the nunnery walls in genuine, unhurried, complete Himalayan stillness — a quality of rest no five-star hotel can offer
Night Stay 2 — Above Thimphu Valley · Accessible Only On Foot
Dodey Drak Monastery
- Sit face to face with a learned Buddhist master in an open, unhurried, genuinely sacred one-on-one conversation — and ask the questions that have always lived quietly at the back of your mind
- Wander through the monastery’s living practice spaces — monks rehearsing the sacred Cham mask dances, ritual instrument training, meditation practice, and devoted study of ancient scriptures
- Visit three sacred Lhakhangs within the monastery — sit in their ancient stillness, offer your own quiet prayers, or simply allow centuries of devotion to heal, clarify, and expand
- Share every meal with the monastic community in the communal dining hall with the same prayers of gratitude and warm human companionship
- Evening conversation with senior monks — then complete, total, magnificent Himalayan stillness
Most Remarkable Destinations in Bhutan on This Sacred Journey
This 10-day journey takes you through four of Bhutan’s most culturally rich and naturally magnificent valleys — each with its own distinct character, history, and extraordinary experiences.
🏔️ Paro Valley
Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) · Rinpung Dzong · National Museum (Ta Dzong) · Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century) · Drukgyel Dzong · Chele La Pass (3,988m) — Bhutan's highest motorable pass
🌊 Punakha Valley
Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) · Chazam Suspension Bridge · Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten · Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) · Authentic DoT Farmstay · Hot Stone Bath (Menchu) · Optional river rafting
🦢 Phobjikha Valley
Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery (2 nights) · Black-Necked Crane Sanctuary · Gangtey Nature Trail (4–5km) · RSPN Crane Information Centre · Pelela Pass (3,420m) · Optional horseback riding
🏯 Thimphu
Dodey Drak Monastery (2 nights) · Buddha Dordenma (51.5m) · Tashichho Dzong · Simtokha Dzong · Simply Bhutan Museum · National Library (World's Largest Book) · National Institute Zorig Chusum · Centenary Farmers Market · National Memorial Chorten
5 Days Bhutan Birding Tour Itinerary
A carefully crafted Bhutan bird photography itinerary that balances early morning birding sessions, comfortable travel, and cultural exploration across Bhutan’s finest birding regions.
DAY 1
Arrival at Paro International Airport | Transfer to Punakha — Welcome to Bhutan, the Kingdom of Happiness
Your journey begins with one of the world’s most spectacular landings — breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, deep valleys, and lush hillsides. You will instantly sense this destination is unlike anywhere else on earth. Upon arrival, your Kingdom of Happiness Tours guide welcomes you with a traditional white Khadar, a sacred silk scarf symbolising purity and goodwill.
Scenic Drive to Punakha (115 km | 3–4 hours): The drive winds through peaceful traditional villages, terraced farmlands, lush forests adorned with prayer flags, and dramatic river valleys. En route: Dochula Pass (3,150m) — sweeping panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan range, the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, and the serene Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple. A perfect coffee break and unmissable photo stop. Evening stroll through Khuruthang Town along the Mo Chhu River. Check into your hotel or DoT-certified farmstay.
DAY 2
A Full Day in Punakha | Culture, Spirituality & Soft Adventure | Farmstay & Hot Stone Bath
Punakha — Bhutan’s former capital — offers a perfect blend of history, spirituality, culture, and gentle adventure in one extraordinary day.
Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) — the most beautiful fortress-monastery in Bhutan, majestically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Chazam Suspension Bridge — Bhutan’s longest traditional suspension bridge across the Pho Chhu River. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike — golden rice terraces, traditional villages, 360° panoramic valley views at the summit. Optional: white-water rafting on the Mo Chhu. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery — serene hilltop nunnery with magnificent valley views. Chimi Lhakhang — the beloved Fertility Temple of Bhutan.
🏠 Evening — Authentic DoT Farmstay & Hot Stone Bath: Cook Ema Datshi over a wood fire, share the family meal, milk the cow at dawn, play traditional archery. Then sink into the legendary Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath (Menchu) — river stones heated for hours, lowered into glacial water infused with artemisia leaves. One of the most uniquely memorable experiences on any Bhutan wellness journey.
DAY 3
Punakha to Phobjikha Valley | Gangtey Nature Trail | Sacred Night at Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery
Scenic 80km drive through dense ancient forests, crossing Pelela Pass (3,420m) — the natural gateway between western and central Bhutan, draped in sacred prayer flags. Primary habitat of the elusive and endangered red panda.
Welcome to Phobjikha Valley — one of Bhutan’s largest and most pristine glacial valleys, celebrated as the winter sanctuary of the endangered Black-necked Crane. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail (4–5km, 1.5–2 hours) through pine forests, traditional villages, and open marshlands. Visit the RSPN Black-Necked Crane Information Centre. Optional horseback riding.
DAY 4
A Sacred Morning Inside the Nunnery | Into the Heart of Monastic Life | Phobjikha Valley Afternoon
Rise with the morning gong rolling across the still valley air and join the nuns in the grand prayer hall for morning prayers — ancient chants, butter lamps, crisp Himalayan dawn. An atmosphere of profound peace that words genuinely fall short of describing.
• Buddhist Scripture Recitation — rows of nuns in focused stillness, voices in ancient rhythmic chant
• Ritual Instrument Training — ceremonial horns, hand drums, cymbals, sacred bells
• Meditation Practice — rooms of crystalline silence so calm it physically slows your breathing
• Buddhist Astrology Studies — one of the rarest monastic disciplines in the Himalayan world
• Sacred Thangka Painting — nuns in quiet concentration tracing intricate devotional figures
This is arguably the most rare, authentic, and undiscovered cultural immersion available anywhere in Bhutan today.
Midday: communal lunch with the nuns. Afternoon: guided hike through Phobjikha’s pristine glacial landscape — open marshlands, crane habitat, fragrant forests, traditional villages. Evening: return to the nunnery for a second sacred night.
DAY 5
Farewell to the Nunnery | Phobjikha to Thimphu | A Goodbye That Leaves a Mark on Your Soul
A final breakfast with the nuns. The nuns, teachers, and staff gather to see you off — their smiles wide, their eyes carrying something quietly luminous. You will not want to go. And behind their bright, cheerful smiles — you will see it in their eyes too. A silent, mutual understanding that transcends language, culture, and distance.
💬 “Meeting is the hope of life. Departing is the way of life.” — Carry these words with you. They will travel further and last longer than anything else you bring home from Bhutan.
Drive via Dochula Pass (3,150m). Arrive in Thimphu: Simtokha Dzong (1629 — Bhutan’s oldest standing fortress), Tashichho Dzong (seat of Royal Government), Buddha Dordenma (51.5m — one of world’s largest Buddha statues, 125,000 consecrated statues inside), National Memorial Chorten (Thimphu’s spiritual heartbeat). Evening stroll through the world’s only capital without traffic lights.
DAY 6
Thimphu Cultural Immersion | Hike to Dodey Drak Monastery | A Night Among the Monks
Morning cultural depth: Simply Bhutan (living museum — try the Gho/Kira national dress, archery, Ara rice wine), Folk Heritage Museum, Royal Textile Academy, National Library of Bhutan (home of the world’s largest book — Guinness World Record), Centenary Farmers Market, National Institute for Zorig Chusum (13 traditional arts — thangka painting, wood carving, clay sculpting), National Institute of Traditional Medicine.
DAY 7
A Full Day Living the Monks' Life | The Buddhist Master Session | Three Sacred Lhakhangs
Rise with the morning gong — now beautifully familiar. Join the monks for morning prayers as the Thimphu Valley glows far below in the early light.
• What is the true nature of happiness?
• How does one find peace in a restless world?
• What does Buddhism teach about suffering, impermanence, and letting go?
• How does meditation truly work — and how do I begin?
This is a genuine, one-on-one encounter with living Buddhist wisdom — one of the rarest and most profoundly transformative experiences available anywhere on a Bhutan spiritual journey today.
Late morning: Sacred Cham mask dance rehearsals (extraordinarily rare to witness in raw, unperformed state), ritual instrument training, meditation rooms of crystalline silence, ancient scripture studies. Afternoon: visit the three sacred Lhakhangs of Dodey Drak — enter each with an open heart, sit in ancient stillness, offer prayers, or simply be present.
DAY 8
A Second Farewell That Feels Even Deeper | Dodey Drak to Paro | Cultural Exploration
A final breakfast at Dodey Drak — emotionally charged in a way the nunnery goodbye was not. This time, you are different. You have sat face to face with a Buddhist master and asked the questions that lived deepest in your heart. You have received wisdom about impermanence, emptiness, and the nature of suffering — teachings that have begun, quietly and irreversibly, to settle into something real within you. Every monk gathers to say goodbye with the same warmth that greeted you upon arrival.
Hike down from Dodey Drak. Drive to Paro: Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), National Museum of Bhutan / Ta Dzong (former watchtower — artifacts, thangkas, costumes), Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century — one of the oldest and holiest temples in Bhutan), Drukgyel Dzong ruins (views of sacred Mt. Jomolhari, 7,326m). Evening stroll through Paro town.
DAY 9
The Hike of a Lifetime — Paro Taktsang, Tiger's Nest Monastery | Grand Finale of Your Journey
The day every visitor to Bhutan dreams about. The trail ascends through ancient blue pine and oak forests draped in hanging mosses and prayer flags. At the cafeteria viewpoint, the full dramatic face of Paro Taktsang reveals itself across the cliff face for the very first time — and it will stop you in your tracks.
Paro Taktsang (3,120m) — perched impossibly on a sheer granite cliff. In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated for three months, transforming this site into one of the holiest places in Bhutanese Buddhism. Explore the sacred lhakhangs, meditation caves, and prayer halls. This is not just a hike. This is a pilgrimage. This is Bhutan at its most extraordinary.
Afternoon: optional Chele La Pass drive (3,988m) — Bhutan’s highest motorable pass. Final Paro town stroll — hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, carved wooden masks, prayer flags. A reflective final evening in the Kingdom of Happiness.
DAY 10
Departure Day | The Journey Home Begins — But Bhutan Never Truly Lets You Go
A final breakfast — perhaps the most bittersweet meal of the entire journey. The same warm Bhutanese hospitality. The same comforting butter tea. But everything carries a different weight this morning — the quiet, precious weight of something coming beautifully to its natural end. Eat slowly. Savour every last bite.
Transfer to Paro International Airport. In the terminal, pause for a moment. Look at the traditional Bhutanese architecture, the intricate mandala artwork, the cultural motifs — and notice how differently you see them now. Not as a first-time visitor, but as someone who has lived, however briefly, inside the soul of this remarkable Kingdom.
💛 “No one truly leaves Bhutan whole. A small and irreplaceable piece of your heart stays here. In the mountains. In the monasteries. In the warm smiles of the monks and nuns who welcomed you so genuinely into their world. And that is not a loss — that is an invitation to return.”
Package Details
What's Included & Excluded
Our Bhutan birding tour package is designed to be fully comprehensive so you can focus entirely on the birds — with no hidden surprises.
✅ What’s Included
- All Activities: Immersive Monastic Experiences, Cultural, Festival, Spiritual experiences, Sightseeing, Guided Hiking & Nature walks
- Accommodation: A delightful mix of comfortable 3-star hotels, one authentic night at a DoT-certified local farmhouse, and a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay living alongside monks and nuns at traditional Bhutanese monasteries
- Government Fees: Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — fully included
- One-time non-refundable VISA processing fees
- Private SUV Transport: Dedicated, comfortable SUV with a professional driver throughout your entire journey
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide for the entire trip
- All three daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Refreshments: Tea, coffee, and snacks during all travel breaks and excursions
- All monument and site entry fees
- All administrative and operational costs
- Full service and assistance before, during, and after your Bhutan trip
❌ What’s Not Included
- Optional Adventure Activities: River rafting in Punakha, riding horses during Paro Taktsang Hike & Phobjikha Nature Trail (can be arranged upon request)
- Unforeseen Costs: Expenses arising from flight cancellations, road blockages, landslides, or events beyond our control
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Beverages: Bottled drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and any other costs not mentioned under inclusions
- Tips & Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and trekking staff
- Buddhist Wisdom Session Fee (a modest separate fee that goes directly toward supporting the monastery and its monastic community)
- Personal Monastery Offerings: Optional — butter lamp donations, voluntary contributions from the heart
Starting From
USD 2,000
✔ All meals included
✔ Visa & SDF included
✔ Private SUV transport
✔ Licensed English guide
✔ Monastery stays arranged
✔ All entry fees covered
Best Time for Your Bhutan Monastery & Nunnery Journey
Bhutan is beautiful year-round, but these three seasons offer especially rewarding conditions for this spiritual journey — each with its own distinct character and magic.
🌸 Spring
March · April · May
Rhododendron blooms paint the hillsides. Crystal-clear mountain views. Warm, comfortable days — ideal for Tiger's Nest, outdoor monastery experiences, and Gangtey Nature Trail. The most photogenic time in Bhutan. Spring Tshechu festivals may coincide with your visit.
🍂 Autumn
August · September · October · November
Crisp, clear skies after monsoon. Golden forests and dramatic light. October–November: the sacred Black-necked Cranes arrive in Phobjikha — the most moving time to be at the nunnery. The annual Black-Necked Crane Festival in November is extraordinary. The most popular season for Bhutan travel.
❄️ Winter
December · January · February
Beautiful, serene, and significantly more affordable. Fewer tourists create a more intimate atmosphere — especially in the monasteries and nunneries. Snow-capped mountains. Golden winter light. Ideal for travellers seeking depth, stillness, and genuine connection over spectacle and crowds.
What Honeymoon Travellers Say About Bhutan
What Travellers Say About This Journey
“Professional, responsive, and very trustworthy” I was unsure about traveling to Bhutan at first, but the team made everything simple and clear. They customized our itinerary exactly as we wanted and were always available to answer questions. The trip went flawlessly.
“Stress-free travel with amazing local support” We didn’t have to worry about anything — permits, transport, hotels — everything was handled perfectly. The team was very supportive throughout the trip. Bhutan is magical, and this company made it even better.
Why Book With Us?
Why Book Your Bhutan Monastery Tour with
Kingdom of Happiness Tours?
Licensed, trusted, and deeply experienced — we specialise in rare monastic experiences, fast visa processing, and completely personalised Bhutan journeys. 24-hour response guarantee.
Book Your Bhutan Tour Today
Book Your Bhutan Monastery Journey Today
Monastery and nunnery stays in Bhutan are rare, deeply personal experiences — and our availability is intentionally limited to ensure every guest receives the full depth of this extraordinary journey. Reach out today and our team will respond within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and custom quote.
Whether you are a solo traveller seeking stillness, a couple ready for an unforgettable experience, or a small group looking for genuine cultural immersion — we will create the perfect journey for you.
📞Phone / WhatsApp: +975 16 10 87 30
📧Email: hello@kingdomofhappinesstours.com
📍Thimphu Babesa, Wangchuk Taba 1202, Serbi Lam Southeast, Thimphu Bhutan
Frequently Asked Questions — Bhutan Monastery & Nunnery Stays
Everything travellers ask before booking this journey — answered honestly.
Absolutely not. All participation in morning prayers, evening chanting, and religious activities is entirely voluntary and based entirely on your own personal comfort and curiosity. You are warmly welcomed to observe quietly, participate fully, or simply be present in whatever way feels natural and authentic to you. There is no pressure whatsoever. The monks and nuns hold no expectation — only genuine warmth and openness toward every visitor who arrives with respect.
Yes — with an open heart and genuine respect, this experience is suitable for travellers of all backgrounds, religions, and ages. You do not need to be Buddhist or have any prior knowledge of Buddhism to participate. The monks and nuns are extraordinarily welcoming, patient, and kind toward all respectful visitors regardless of their faith or background. This experience is especially created for those who seek to retreat from the noise and pace of modern life, find stillness and mental clarity, learn the beautiful basics of Buddhism, and experience an authentic overnight stay inside a living Bhutanese monastery and nunnery. If your soul is quietly calling for something deeper and more meaningful — this experience was created for you.
Monastery and nunnery night stays in Bhutan are extremely rare, deeply personal experiences that cannot be booked independently or through standard travel platforms. Kingdom of Happiness Tours specialises exclusively in curating and arranging these authentic monastic experiences with the greatest care, respect, and attention to detail. We handle everything — from monastery permissions and logistics to every last detail of your journey. Simply reach out to our team directly and we will take care of the rest.
Both Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery and Dodey Drak Monastery offer simple, clean, and comfortable guesthouse accommodation within their grounds. Rooms are modest and reflect the spirit of monastic simplicity — comfortable beds, clean basic facilities, and an atmosphere of extraordinary peace and stillness. This is not a luxury hotel experience — it is something infinitely more valuable. The intentional simplicity is not a drawback but an essential and beautiful part of the experience itself — gently removing material distractions and encouraging genuine inner rest.
Rather than rules — think of it as simply following the natural rhythm of monastic life out of genuine respect: Move quietly and mindfully through all monastery and nunnery spaces. Always ask your guide before photographing monks, nuns, or sacred spaces. Keep your phone on silent and embrace the extraordinary gift of being fully, completely present. Follow meal times and prayer schedules as naturally observed by the monastic community. Maintain respectful and mindful behaviour at all times within and around the monastery grounds.