Insight Tours
Bhutan
7-18 March 2026
A Pilgrimage of Presence: Revisiting the Sacred Places of 2014
This journey is a deep homage to the pilgrimage made in 2014 with our beloved Master, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. We return to these sacred sites in Bhutan not only to retrace his footsteps, but to rekindle the blessings, transmissions, and profound sense of presence that arose during that time. We gather once again in the spirit of practice, awareness, and unity to honor the lineage, to deepen our connection with these powerful places, and to renew our commitment to the path of self-liberation.
Double or Twin Room: 4900 Euro
Single Room: 5500 Euro
Cost includes:
Travel Period: 7 - 18 March 2026
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Accommodation: 3 Star Class Hotels
Meals: All meals included
Guide: English-Italian speaking guide
All transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle during the tour
Included: All attraction tickets and guided Yoga and dance sessions.
Cost excludes:
Round-trip international flights to and from Bhutan are not included.
Any other services not specified above
Tips and other expenses of a personal nature
Travel Insurance
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Registrations close on January 1st, 2026.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro - A Warm Bhutanese Welcome
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted with a traditional Bhutanese welcome, marking the beginning of this spiritual journey. After checking into our hotel and some time to rest, we will visit Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique chorten-shaped temple built in 1421 by the great yogi Thangtong Gyalpo. This sacred site offers a beautiful introduction to Bhutan's spiritual heritage. In the evening, we will gather in the conference room for an introductory session and group orientation, setting our intentions and shared aspirations for the days to come.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 2: Pilgrimage to Kyichu Lhakhang
We begin our day with gentle yoga movements, designed to support altitude adjustment and harmonize body and mind. After breakfast, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Here, we will engage in a group spiritual practice on the sacred grounds. In the afternoon, we visit the National Museum for a brief but insightful exploration of Bhutanese history and culture. Later, back at the hotel conference room, we will receive an introductory session on Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Himalayan system of medicine. Each participant will also be offered a complimentary 5-minute wellness consultation. The day will conclude with our first Vajra Dance session, aligning body, mind, and energy through sacred movement.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 3: Scenic Flight to Bumthang
We take an early morning domestic flight to Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heart, known for its deep connection to Padmasambhava. After settling in and enjoying lunch at the lodge, we will walk to Chakhar Lhakhang, the main seat of Padmasambhava's Bhutanese consort. We will end the day with Vajra Dance.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 4: Bumthang
The morning begins with a yoga session to awaken and center our energy. Our pilgrimage then takes us to Padmasambhava Lhakhang, where we reflect on Guru Rinpoche's life and legacy. We continue to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by the great Terton Pema Lingpa. For lunch, we share a traditional meal at a local homestay, connecting with the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality. In the afternoon, we will visit Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on a rock. The evening concludes with a Vajra Dance session, deepening our practice.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 5: Journey to Trongsa via Tharpaling
After breakfast, we will travel to Trongsa, stopping at Tharpaling Monastery, associated with the great Dzogchen master Longchenpa. We'll engage in group practice and take a short contemplative walk to Longchenpa's meditation seat, a place rich with spiritual energy. A picnic lunch in Chumey Valley provides a moment of reflection and nourishment. On our way to Trongsa, we pause at Yotong La Pass (3425m) for stunning mountain views. We end the day with Vajra Dance.
Accommodation: Hotel in Trongsa
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Registrations close on January 1st, 2026.
Day 6: From Trongsa to Punakha
The day begins with yoga and breakfast , followed by a visit to Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan's largest fortress and a former royal residence. We also explore the Watchtower Museum to gain insight into Bhutan's royal and spiritual history. After lunch, we begin our scenic drive to Punakha, pausing for a panoramic view at Pele La Pass (3420m). The evening concludes with Vajra Dance and a shared dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha
Day 7: Punakha
We start with morning yoga before visiting the majestic Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This fortress is not only visually stunning but also deeply revered. After lunch, we visit the temple of Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman," whose unconventional teachings continue to inspire liberation. Later, we hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Lhakhang, a sublime example of Bhutanese sacred architecture, dedicated to peace and protection. The day closes with Vajra Dance and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha
Day 8: From Punakha to Thimphu via Dochula Pass
After yoga and breakfast , we travel to Thimphu, stopping at the Dochula Pass (3140m), adorned with 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views. Upon arrival in Thimphu, we check into our hotel and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is free for shopping, reflection, or informal group practice. In the evening, we gather once more for Vajra Dance.
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 9: Thimphu
Morning yoga and a hearty breakfast prepare us for a day of teachings or group practice, depending on conditions. In the afternoon, we visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck , followed by the Sowa Rigpa Museum, where we delve deeper into Bhutan's ancient healing traditions. The day ends with optional teachings and Vajra Dance.
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 10: Paro
We make our way back to Paro, with a stop at Tachog Lhakhang, a temple founded by the great yogi Thangtong Gyalpo, renowned for its spiritual significance and his legendary iron bridge nearby. After enjoying a picnic lunch , we will continue our journey with a visit to Paro Rinpung Dzong. The evening includes Vajra Dance and a shared meal, celebrating our collective journey.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 11: Pilgrimage to Tiger's Nest Monastery
We rise early for the ascent to Bhutan's most iconic sacred site - Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. The hike winds through pine forests and dramatic cliffs, offering moments of silence and reflection. After visiting the monastery and enjoying a viewpoint lunch , we will descend to Paro. The afternoon is free for shopping or rest. In the evening, we gather to share our reflections , followed by a farewell dinner and cultural performance.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 12: Departure! Tashi Delek!!!
We get ready to leave after breakfast. As we say goodbye, we take with us the blessings, practices, and deep connections we made on this sacred journey. Our minds are clearer, our hearts are more open, and our awareness is more stable.
BOOK NOW
Registrations close on January 1st, 2026.
For any questions or doubts, please feel free to write to this email: shangshunginstituteuk@gmail.com
About the Tour Guides
Tshering Choden
Tshering Choden was born in a traditional Vajrayana family in Orgyen Choeling, in the Bumthang region of Central Bhutan. She later studied in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, where she continued her training in Vajrayāna Buddhism. She completed the foundational practices of Ngondro during her early school years. In 2001, she relocated to Italy where she studied at Perugia University and continued her training in Vajrayāna and Dzogchen with her root teacher, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. She has conducted numerous trips to Bhutan including the two meticulously planned ones with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in 2014 and 2015. Her research interests focus on female lineages and yoginī practices in Vajrayāna Buddhism.
Jamyang Oliphant
Jamyang Oliphant studied Tibetan religion, language and culture at the University of Oxford. His doctoral thesis examined rejuvenating Tibetan medical practices. At Shang Shung Institute UK he runs the lecture seminars and conferences and coordinates the institute’s programs. He is co-editor of Sharro: Festschift for Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and of About Padmasambhava: Historical Narratives and Later Transformations of Guru Rinpoche. He has lived and traveled in Asia since his youth and continues to lead groups to explore religious sites in numerous Asian countries.