Why go for Bhutan spiritual retreat? 4 Reasons that Inspire you to Book a Bhutan Meditation Tour

One of the popular reasons for tourism in Bhutan is to take part in meditation retreats, and Bhutan has plenty of those for aspiring Buddhists. Meditation is a more common practice in western countries now, and is often used in treating stress and other health problems.

So why would people head to this small isolated Himalayan country just for meditation? There are 4 possible reasons that might inspire you to take a meditation tour to Bhutan.

There are plenty of retreat centers and hermitages located all over the country

With dozens of meditation retreats spread across the country, it is small wonder that this isolated Himalayan kingdom has become popular for meditation tours. Meditation has become much more popular in today’s world, and the practice of meditation techniques is common among many of the millennium around the world. Meditation is a way of remaining calm in difficult situations, as well as a relief from the stresses of daily life in the rat race, and Bhutan offers the perfect opportunity to spend time meditating in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Bhutan is one of the last strongholds of Vajrayana Buddhism

As one of the last vestiges of true Vajrayana Buddhism in the world, it is said that the Bhutanese people have Buddhism in their very blood. Introduced to the religion in the 8th century by the Indian sage, Padmasambhava, this isolated Himalayan kingdom is one of the last remaining strongholds of true Buddhist practices. Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is the national religion of Bhutan, and this unique religion can be found in every aspect of the lives of the kingdom’s devout people.

Bhutan offers many retreat centers and hermitages for monks and Buddhist practitioners

Bhutan meditation tour has a huge number of meditation retreats to offer, many of which are centered in the Dzongs and monasteries across this ancient nation. There are even 35 centers dedicated to meditation and learning that have been initiated under the famous Gangtey Goemba, the monastery in Phobjikha, the valley of the black-necked cranes. Even the king spends time in meditation retreats, and previous kings have promoted the use of such retreats, as well as building several over the past century.

Tiger's Nest Monastery is one of important sites for Bhutan spiritual retreat.

Bhutan is a land blessed by many Rinpoche

Bhutan is a country that has long been a major destination for meditation, and not just for the more recent monks and Buddhist practitioners from around the globe. In the past, some of the greatest masters of Buddhism have spent time in this unique kingdom on the southern slopes of the Himalayas.

Buddha

While there is no evidence that Buddha actually visited Bhutan himself, his travels while studying brought him all the way to Bihar, the region of India closest to the modern borders of the kingdom. And the influence of Buddha has long been felt in Bhutan, with images of Sakyamuni Buddha found in every Dzong, Lhakhang, and temple across the country.

Guru Rinpoche

In the 8th century, Buddhism was more fully introduced to Bhutan by the Indian sage, Padmasambhava. Known in Bhutan as guru Rinpoche, he arrived in Bhutan from Tibet in around the latter part of the 8th century, flying in from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress that was reputed to have been his former consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, who had already reached Buddhahood. Legend tells how Guru Rinpoche spent three years, three months, three weeks, and three days meditating in the caves where Taktshang Monastery now sits. He then subdued the deities of Bhutan and chased out the demons inside the Bumthang king, where he also meditated, leaving his body imprint in the rock.

Guru Rinpoche introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and once meditated in the caves where Taktshang Monastery sits.

Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

Known as the Bearded Lama, Ngawang Namgyal was a Tibetan lama who fled to Bhutan in the 16th century to escape arrest after a misunderstanding with the Karma Kagyu lama. After arriving in Bhutan, he founded the Cheri Monastery at a place where he spent months meditating, and was responsible for the unification of the country under one ruler, himself. A proponent of intense meditation, Bhutan is filled with sites where he is said to have spent time in meditative contemplation, many of which are now sacred sites and monasteries.

You will be surrounded by unspoiled landscapes and well-reserved nature environment

Bhutan is renowned as one of the most beautiful countries in the world and when touring the kingdom for meditation, you will find yourself surrounded by the stunning natural landscapes of the Himalayas and the lower valleys and mountains.

Over 70% coverage of forest

Bhutan has a policy of ecological and environmental protection, and most of the country is dedicated to remain in its natural forested state. Around 70 percent of Bhutan is still covered with natural forests of juniper, pine, rhododendron, and a plethora of other trees, which is protected for future generations.

Bhutan's well-preserved nature environment is the icing on the cake for your spiritual retreat.

Sustainable development of Bhutan tourism

Bhutan also operates a policy of sustainable tourism, whereby only natural products can be used in the tourism industry, and there is no damage to the environment and ecosystem. Tourism also funds much of the country’s environmental protection, with a large percentage of the cost of a tour going to maintain the stunning natural landscapes.

Picturesque landscapes and peaceful surroundings are rewards for both of your eyes and mind

So when you travel to Bhutan for your meditation tour, you can relax in the knowledge that your tour is helping to ensure that the beautiful landscapes and scenery that your eyes and mind are enjoying remain for others to see and enjoy too. And there is nowhere better for a relaxing atmosphere and tranquil surroundings than the beautiful forests and hills of Bhutan.

Bhutan monks' meditation retreat is surrounded by tranquil landscapes.

The Bhutanese live a simple and satisfied life, untouched by the modern industrial world

Life in Bhutan has changed little over the centuries, and the majority of the people still live in much the same way as their ancestors did a thousand years ago. A simple life is a major part of the belief of the people of Bhutan, something their devout Buddhist beliefs help them to relish. A simple life is the life of a true devotee to the teachings of Gautama Buddha.

Bhutanese dress in national dress in their daily lives

The national dress of Bhutan, the traditional gho for men and the kira for women, are worn daily by much of the adult population. The color and texture of the cloth used is determined by their social status and class, a major part of the previous feudal society of Bhutan. And to strengthen the identity of the people of Bhutan, as well as its national identity, it is required under Bhutanese law for all government employees to wear the traditional dress at work, and for all other citizens to do so when visiting schools and government offices. However, aside from the legal requirements, majority of Bhutanese adults still choose to wear the traditional dress daily, and are proud of their national heritage.

The Bhutanese dress in national dress in their daily lives.

Bhutanese live in traditional-style houses and cottages

The houses in Bhutan are also strictly adhering to the traditional styles of Bhutanese architecture, something that helps to preserve the ancient and unique culture of this beautiful kingdom for future generations. And many of the people of Bhutan live in rural areas of the country, with few cities and large towns. Bhutan is not a large country, but due to the lack of major highways in the kingdom, much of the more isolated parts of Eastern Bhutan are still areas of rural living, with small farming villages of traditional houses located in the multitude of valleys across the eastern areas.

A large number of Bhutanese people live a rural life

As most of the population are farmers and herders, the simple country life is common in Bhutan. And the country is happy in its ways and traditional values and heritage, so much so that the country values Gross National Happiness above industry and development.

Conclusion of the Reasons to Go for Bhutan Spiritual Tour

Bhutan is renowned for its stunning landscapes, beautiful scenery and tranquil mountain vistas. With such an outstanding natural beauty prevalent across the entire country, it is small wonder that many people choose Bhutan as their go-to place for meditation tours. And with lots of Dzongs, Lhakhangs, and goembas to visit and explore, a trip to the Land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most peaceful and relaxing tours you can find.