Bhutan Blessings: Wellness & Wellbeing
A land of spirituality, tranquillity, sublime scenery and the cleanest air anywhere in the world, Bhutan is an idyllic wellness destination for those looking to rejuvenate.
With visitors kept strictly to sustainable numbers, it’s a blessing to be able to discover Bhutan. Gross National Happiness is a guiding philosophy of life, prioritising self-development, sustainable growth, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance.
Lose yourself in Himalayan vistas, rhododendron forests, lush valleys and unspoilt rural countryside as you let Bhutanese spirituality cleanse you in centuries-old monasteries, secluded sacred temples, private meditation sessions, ancient purification ceremonies, and traditional treatments involving natural medicine, spring waters and hot stone baths.
Wellness Walks and Spiritual Sights
Walking in Bhutan is a joy. The magnificent Himalayas surround you, foregrounded by valleys and forests. The air is pure, and the gentle paths and steeper ascents are quiet, leaving you to contemplate in peace.
Gaze out on the world’s highest unclimbed peak at the sacred mountain of Gangkhar Puensum, or stay closer to sea level as you stroll through the lingering scent of rhododendron forests or drift down the Manas River with just varied birdcall to interrupt your thoughts.
Meditation: Moving and Serene
The power of meditation underpins Bhutan's healing practices, as does the moving mediation of yoga. Practice meditations under the guidance of experienced monks in ancient monasteries and salute the sun each morning beneath the benevolent backdrop of spiritual summits.
Hot Stone Baths and Hot Springs
Bhutan's hot stone baths have been used since the 7th century. A wooden tub is filled with water and heated river stones are placed in it. These infuse the bath with minerals which are supplemented by local healing herbs.
At the tsachus (hot springs) of Chuboog, Dhur, Gasa and Gelephu you can join locals bathing in the blissfully warm waters. These are one of the few places in Bhutan that can feel ‘busy’, so for a quieter experience head out to Duenmang for a quieter soak.
Traditional Healing
Many of Bhutan’s traditional healing ceremonies involve a bath of sound enveloping you from the resonant vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, and chants. Others involve purifying smoke released by fragrant herbs. During blessing ceremonies monks use prayer, mantras, and rituals to deepen your connection with the spiritual realm.
Spiritual Spaces in Bhutan: Temples, Monasteries and Dzongs
Gangtey Goenpa Monastery
The Gangtey Goenpa Mnastery in the Phobjikha Valley was founded by one of the most important ancient Buddhist Masters. Black Necked cranes can be seen here during the winter months, and you can practice yoga in the monastery’s ancient yoga room or take part in the revered Lhabsang Thruesel ceremony.
Punakha Dzong
Situated at the sacred confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu Rivers, the Punahka Dzong, or 'Palace of Great Happiness', is a spiritual centre for the Mahayana Buddhist tradition whose stories are told through intricate paintings and structures.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest’)
Clinging to the mountainside above Bhutan's Paro Valley, the Tiger’s Nest is where the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche, is said to have arrived on the back of a flying tigress. A pilgrimage destination since the 17th century, the monastery rewards the steep ascent, marked by fluttering prayer flags. Once inside, a labyrinth of small rooms and meditation caves peel off stone corridors filled with flickering butter lamps, the aroma of incense, and the chants of monks.
Spiritual Retreats in Bhutan
Six Senses Bhutan
The series of Six Senses Bhutan lodges are impeccably designed to immerse you in the country’s sweeping scenery and wellness culture. Traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths invite you for a rejuvenating soak, day beds on secluded balconies offer spirit-lifting views, while the spas are beautiful inner sanctums for restorative inner peace.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
Beautifully situated in the hills outside Paro, the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary resembles a traditional Bhutanese fortress (dzong) with its grand entrance framing views across the Neyphu Valley. A bespoke holistic wellness programme, in-house traditional medicine practitioners, mindful yoga, meditation, and hot stone baths will rejuvenate your senses.
Gangtey Lodge
The untamed hillside of Phobjikha Valley shelters both the monastery of Gangtey Goemba and the serenity of the Gangtey Lodge. The spa treatments and massages are brought to you in your suite, and the hot stone baths are perfect for relaxing as you take in the view of the valley and monastery.
