Spiritual Retreat in Bhutan: Solo Experience - 5 Days

The package comprises accommodation in a Bhutanese guesthouse, all meals with local food, domestic flights between Paro and Bumthang, private car, experienced English-speaking guide, entrance fees to monasteries, and government taxes. The price includes sessions of spiritual guidance, meditation practice, and cultural activities, but not international flights, personal expenses, and optional activities.

You do not need any prior meditation experience. The retreat is proposed both to beginners and to experienced practitioners. The guided instructions will be adjusted to the personal levels. We offer the basic methods of meditation and slowly progress through to advanced practices depending on the level of comfort and interest of the participant.

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm and cold weather clothing, a raincoat, a meditation cushion or mat, a journal to reflect, a camera, sunscreen, a hat, and personal medications. Bring warm clothing in layers since even in summer, the evenings in the mountains can be cold, and bring some modest clothing to visit the monasteries (shoulders and legs should be covered).

The itinerary has high altitude hiking and walking on rough surfaces, so moderate fitness levels are required. The Ura Valley hike is not demanding in terms of physical fitness, and it can be adjusted according to your personal abilities. The participants must feel free to walk 2-3 hours per day at altitudes up to 3,100 meters.

Yes, vegetarian and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Bhutanese food has a lot of vegetarian dishes as standard, and our guides discuss with local restaurants to make sure that there will be appropriate meal choices during the retreat.

This retreat is targeted at spiritual development and introspection as opposed to traditional tourism. The itinerary focuses on meditation practice, immersion in a monastery, and real cultural exchange rather than on tourist attractions. The smaller number of people will guarantee individual attention and closer spiritual experiences.

Bhutan is regarded as one of the safest nations where solo travellers, including women can travel. Respect and non-violence are key aspects of the Buddhist culture; there are very low crime rates, and residents are friendly to visitors. Additional security and cultural direction during the retreat are offered by our experienced guides.

Book 2-3 months before, preferably during peak seasons (March-May and September-November). Booking earlier will provide one with better accommodation choices and time to process visas. Your flexibility in terms of schedule should be taken into consideration since the weather, at times, delays or interferes with domestic flights and trekking.

You need a visa and all necessary permits for your trip. These documents can not be received on the day of your arrival, so they must be processed before coming here. After you book a trip with us, we will manage these papers for you. Your Bhutan visa is arranged by Orrog as part of the package.

The main way to come to Bhutan is through Paro International Airport, which is well-connected to cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore. Most people arrive by air, but if you plan to come via road, you can enter through Phuentsholing, located on the southern border with India, which is the most commonly used entry point. 

It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 20 days before your planned departure date so that there is enough time for processing your Bhutan visa, finalizing your itinerary, and arranging your guides and transportation. Although visa processing itself is relatively fast once payment is received, early preparation helps avoid delays and ensures availability, especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn).

You don’t require a passport-size photo for the visa, but it is wise to carry at least 2–4 recent passport-sized photographs during your trip. These may be needed for local permits, registration, or when applying for a local SIM card upon arrival in Bhutan.

Yes, you can lengthen your stay in Bhutan either before or after your trip. Bhutan’s tourism model requires visitors to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and a daily package cost, so any extra days will involve additional charges. Extensions are a great opportunity to explore cultural sites in Paro, Thimphu, or even add another short trip or day hike.

Yes, Bhutan requires full tour payment in advance before your visa can be processed and issued. The government of Bhutan regulates this policy to ensure that all travel arrangements are confirmed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. We are a licensed tour operator that ensures you have everything you need for a trouble-free trip.

Any personal expenses are not covered in the package like:

• Tips for your guide and other staff
• Bottled drinks and snacks(personal expense)
• Souvenirs or local crafts

Credit cards are easily accepted in major cities like Paro and Thimphu. But in remote areas, you may not have access to a card or an ATM. So, it is best to carry some cash before heading for the trip. 

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is a widely appreciated gesture and a customary way to show gratitude for good service. The tipping guideline would be to give USD 5-10 per day as a tip for the guides and other staff.

Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. It is well connected by flights from cities like Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore.

Yes, airport pick-up and drop-off are included in the package. We will have your guide and driver meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.

While Bhutan's roads are mostly paved, some parts are narrow, winding, and occasionally affected by weather. However, we ensure your travel is safe, well-maintained, and driven by an experienced professional throughout the journey.

The Bhutanese Ngultrum is used in Bhutan. All local transactions during the trip will be in BTN.

US Dollars (USD) are generally accepted at larger hotels, souvenir shops, and tour operators, particularly in Paro and Thimphu. However, it’s advisable to convert your currency to BTN for general purchases in rural areas. Other currencies like the Euro or the Pound are not commonly accepted directly.

No, credit or debit cards are not accepted on the trip, as it takes you through remote regions with no banking or electronic payment access. All trip-related payments like accommodation, meals, permits, etc, are paid in advance. 

You can exchange foreign currency at the Paro International Airport, at banks, or through licensed money changers in cities like Thimphu and Paro. It's best to exchange enough cash before heading out on the trip.

The national language is Dzongkha, but many Bhutanese also speak English. If you speak English and are worried about communicating with the local people, you will have your guide as a translator. 

Yes, all licensed tour guides in Bhutan are required to speak fluent English. Many are also trained in other languages such as German, Japanese, or French. Communication during the trip will be smooth and clear in English.

Most signboards, tourist maps, and information brochures are written in English, especially in tourist destinations like Paro, Thimphu, and trailheads. Directional signs along routes are often labeled in both Dzongkha and English.

No, learning Dzongkha is not at all needed for the trip, but knowing a few basic words like "Kuzu zangpo la" (Hello) or "Kadrinche la" (Thank you) is a good way to interact with the locals.

Language barriers are minimal, as your guide will handle all communication with locals and support staff. Your guide will translate for you during your interaction with the locals.

To greet people, you can greet with locals “Kuzu zangpo la” (Hello) by performing a slight bow. Most common greetings include physical greetings, such as shaking hands less visible, especially in rural areas.

Yes, but remember to seek permission, especially when taking photos of monks, locals, or temples. Please note that clicking photos is not allowed at most religious sites.

Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. This means:

• Covering shoulders and knees
• Removing hats and sunglasses
• Not wearing shorts or sleeveless tops

 This applies to both men and women.

Yes, Bhutanese society is deeply rooted in Buddhism and tradition. Here are some key taboos:

• Do not point your feet at people or sacred objects
• Never touch anyone on the head, as it is considered sacred
• Walk clockwise around temples, stupas, and religious monuments
• Avoid public displays of affection

While gifts are not expected, they may be accepted graciously if given with respect. It is advisable to consult with the guide before giving out anything.

Bhutan typically uses Type C, Type D, and Type G electrical outlets. Standard safe voltage is 230V and frequency is 50Hz; therefore, ensure that your equipment is compatible with this voltage.

Indeed, it is highly advised to take along a universal travel adapter, particularly one to fit a variety of types of plugs, because plugs can be different in a hotel or a guesthouse.

Bhutan follows Bhutan Time (BTT), which is UTC/GMT +6 hours. This time zone remains consistent throughout the year.

No, Bhutan does not observe daylight saving time. The country maintains the same time year-round.

Bhutan is 30 minutes ahead of India. For example, 12:00 PM in India is 12:30 PM in Bhutan.

Yes, souvenirs can be bought in Paro or Thimphu before or after the trip.

Some popular souvenirs include hand-woven textiles (kira and gho fabric), prayer flags, thangka (religious scroll) paintings, handmade paper products, traditional masks, and Buddhist artifacts.

You can do some gentle bargaining in local street markets. However, in government-run shops and fixed-price stores, prices are usually non-negotiable.

Yes, you can easily purchase a SIM card upon arrival in Bhutan. We will assist you with the process, and you'll need a passport copy and a passport-sized photo.

No, internet access is not available during the trip. However, Wi-Fi is available in hotels in Paro and Thimphu before and after the trip.

Along our trip, we will go through different places. So, we will stay in accommodation that is available, ranging from boutique wellness resorts and eco-lodges to comfortable 3-star hotels and trekking campsites.

Yes, Bhutan has a growing number of wellness-focused retreats and luxury lodges that offer spa, yoga, and meditation programs. So, you will be staying in wellness resorts to lift your overall experience.

Yes, most accommodations provide hot water and heating. During treks, basic facilities are available, but comfort varies depending on altitude and remoteness. 

You need to be moderately fit for activities like hiking, cycling, and trekking. We can tailor itineraries based on your fitness level.

Absolutely, our programs suit all experience levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Our guides are trained in basic first aid and altitude-related issues. They will ease you, and an emergency evacuation will be arranged if necessary.

Depending on the tour, you experience yoga, meditation, traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths, herbal treatments, and spiritual rituals guided by monks.

Yes, our retreats include sessions with monks or lamas for mindfulness, Buddhist teachings, and guided meditations.

We provide nutritious, mostly organic meals, often prepared with locally grown ingredients. If you have any special diet plan, please inform us beforehand so that it can be accommodated.

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and detox-friendly menus are available on request, especially at wellness-focused properties

We offer trekking, day hikes, cycling, nature walks, rafting, bird watching, and cultural village stays, often integrated with wellness themes in Bhutan.

Yes, on multi-day treks, you’ll hike daily, typically 4–7 hours a day. However, routes can be customized with rest days.

You should bring layered clothing, hiking boots, sun protection, personal toiletries, a reusable water bottle, and any personal health or wellness items.

We provide yoga mats, but you can bring your own for comfort or hygiene. For treks, essential gear like sleeping bags and tents is provided.

The package includes accommodations, all meals, professional guides, entrance fees, wellness sessions, equipment (for treks/yoga), and all transport.

It’s best to book 2 to 4 months in advance, especially during peak trekking or festival seasons.

The Internet is available in most hotels and wellness centers, but connectivity is limited or unavailable during treks or in remote areas.