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A Spiritual Journey Through the Land of Happiness

Young Buddhist monks laughing together in traditional attire, capturing the essence of Bhutanese culture.
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Bhutan’s beauty is truly breathtaking. It is a tapestry woven with majestic mountains, lush valleys, and vibrant cultural heritage. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, this enchanting kingdom boasts dramatic landscapes that range from soaring peaks to serene rice terraces.

The air is infused with the fragrance of pine forests, while the gentle sound of flowing rivers complements the stunning scenery. Traditional dzongs, adorned with intricate artwork, rise proudly against snow-capped mountains, creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture. Each season brings its charm, from the colourful blossoms of spring to the golden hues of autumn leaves.

Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its environment and culture only adds to its allure, making it a magical destination for those seeking adventure and serenity.

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A Spiritual Journey Through the Land of Happiness

I’m heading to Bhutan from August 21 to 27, and I’d love for you to come with me. This carefully crafted 7-day itinerary with Soul Trips takes you through Bhutan’s most spiritually significant locations:

Day 1: Welcome to the Kingdom of Happiness – Arrive in Paro, where the crisp mountain air and traditional architecture immediately transport you to another world. After meeting your fellow travellers, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Bhutanese cuisine while your guide introduces you to the concept of Gross National Happiness.

Day 2: Discovering Thimphu -Explore Bhutan’s capital, visiting the impressive Buddha Dordenma statue that stands 51.5 metres tall, overlooking the valley. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government, and experience an authentic meditation session guided by local practitioners.

Day 3: Sacred Sites and Living Traditions -Journey to Memorial Chorten, a sacred site where locals circumambulate in prayer throughout the day. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum for insights into traditional Bhutanese life, followed by a visit to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn 13 traditional arts and crafts.

Day 4: The Valley of Punakha – Travel across the breathtaking Dochula Pass with its panoramic Himalayan views and 108 memorial chortens. Descend into the warmer climate of Punakha Valley to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers and considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses.

Day 5: The Divine Madman’s Legacy – Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman, where blessing seekers from around the world come for fertility blessings. Explore the surrounding village with its unique artistic traditions, then return to Paro through spectacular mountain scenery.

Day 6: Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Experience the highlight of any Bhutanese journey—the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically perched on a cliffside 900 metres above the valley floor. This moderate trek offers not just spiritual significance but a profound sense of achievement that perfectly symbolises this stage of life’s journey.

Day 7: Farewell to Bhutan – After a final breakfast with your newfound friends, depart with memories and insights that will continue to resonate long after you’ve returned home.

Buddhist monks in red robes walking and interacting in a Bhutan temple courtyard.

Important Information

Expressions of interest for this trip can be submitted via [email protected] as soon as possible. As this is a small group tour, we will close booking reservations once we have 12 passengers confirmed. Full payment is required no later than twenty-one (21) days after we confirm the trip.

  • Price: US$ $2,150
  • Single supplement US$ $360
  • Inclusive of US$ $100 Sustainable Development Fee per night
  • Travel Dates: 21 – 27 August 2025
@trulyexpat

Interested in an all female trip to Bhutan in August? #bhutan #allfemaletour

♬ Travel The World – Anders Sohn

Why visiting Bhutan needs to be on your bucket list

In a world obsessed with bucket lists and Instagram moments, one destination stands apart—not for its crowds or convenience, but for something far more valuable: genuine happiness. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan measures its worth not in GDP but in Gross National Happiness. And for those in their prime years seeking profound travel experiences rather than mere holidays, this could be the journey that changes everything.

Little girl in Bhutan

7 Days of Spiritual Awakening with Soul Trips

While your twenties were for backpacking on shoestring budgets and your thirties likely revolved around family-friendly resorts, your forties and beyond deserve something extraordinary. This curated 7-day, 6-night trip to Bhutan, which I’ll be taking with 11 lucky people, offers precisely that—a spiritual journey among like-minded individuals who understand that the best adventures often begin after 45.

Why travel with others at this stage of life? Because there’s an unspoken understanding that comes with shared life experience. The conversations are richer, the laughter more genuine, and the freedom more complete. No one is checking their watch during temple visits or rolling their eyes at your desire to linger over tea with local weavers. These are travellers who, like you, have spent decades accommodating others’ travel preferences and are finally prioritising their own.

In Bhutan, where ancient traditions remain vibrantly alive and untouched by Western commercialism, every moment feels like a privilege. From the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched impossibly on a cliff…

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 A Spiritual journey through the land of Happiness

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  • Paula Barreca Barnes

    So 17 years ago, my husband and I set off with our little family in tow, embarking on a short-term assignment in Taiwan. Although without any knowledge of expat life or the Taiwanese culture, we took the chance and decided this would be an exciting little adventure; little did we know it changed the direction of our lives forever.

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