8 Day The Way of Five Elements Tour in Bhutan

Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the elements - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water - while surrounded by serene monasteries, vibrant festivals, and the spiritual heartbeat of the Himalayas. Together, you will move, breathe, and reconnect amidst breathtaking beauty, guided by Bhutan’s timeless wisdom and gentle way of being. This retreat is suitable for beginners and fitness of all levels, even if you have never tried Qigong or never been on a retreat before. Your exciting journey awaits!

Benefits

1. Physical wellbeing

Rejuvenate through daily Qigong in nature, nourishing Bhutanese cuisine, and mindful hikes that harmonize body and breath amidst the pristine Himalayan air.

2. Mental and emotional growth

Find clarity and calm through sacred rituals, mindfulness practices, and the serene rhythm of Bhutan’s landscapes that gently quiet the mind and open the heart.

3. Spiritual and energetic renewal

Experience profound energetic renewal through cleansing ceremonies, Tsa-tsa making, and Dharma teachings that awaken the soul’s connection to the divine and the Five Elements.

4. Community and cultural enrichment

Immerse in Bhutan’s living heritage through astrology, incense-making, and shared moments with monks, families, and artisans who embody warmth, devotion, and simplicity.

5. Personal empowerment

Return home with lasting inspiration rooted in Buddhist wisdom, inner stillness, and practical tools for living with balance, purpose, and grace.

Daily Qigong

Start with the foundations of Qigong practice, which is steeped in 5000 years of lifelong health benefits. Qigong can be best described as a mind-body-spirit practice that has the limitless potential to improve one's mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent. You will begin by introducing five elements of Qigong and its history, practice guidelines, correct stances, and the opening and closing forms. Experience the practice incorporated with essential oils that correspond to each element and organs to enhance the energetic effects and support the natural healing processes of your body.

You will be guided through a sensory journey, where you will breathe in the aromas and feel the effects on your body and mind. You will be integrating the healing sounds and color that correspond with each movement and element, deepening the healing potential of the practice. You will also delve into the practice of the Dao Yin Zangfu organ system, a profound method that harmonizes the body’s internal organs with emotional well-being.

This will be accompanied by organ-emotional release guidance. Through proper postures and mindful breathwork, you will explore the deep connection between your physical health and the emotions stored within. Finally, you will be making history in Bhutan by practicing Qigong with the monks at Neyphug Monastery. Practices will be held in nature and hotel properties with the soothing sights of nature.

Other activities

During your time together in Bhutan, you will immerse yourself in meaningful cultural, spiritual, and nature-based experiences that invite presence, reflection, and connection. Each moment is curated to deepen inner stillness, expand awareness, and gently weave Bhutan’s spiritual essence into your personal journey, creating a retreat that nourishes the soul, awakens meaning, and lingers long after you return home.

1. Blessing and cleansing ceremony

A Bhutanese cleansing and blessing ceremony is a deeply spiritual ritual performed to purify negative energies, attract good fortune, and restore harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Guided by Buddhist monks or lamas, the ceremony often involves chanting of sacred mantras, burning of incense and juniper, sprinkling of blessed water (sang) or rice, and prayers to protective deities. Participants receive blessings through holy water or the touch of a ritual object such as a dorji (vajra) or pecha (scripture). Commonly held before important journeys, new beginnings, or after illness, this ceremony embodies Bhutan’s belief in spiritual balance and the power of blessings to renew one’s life energy and path.

2. Personalized astrology reading

Traditional astrology reading in Bhutan, known as “Tsip”, is an ancient practice rooted in Buddhist cosmology and Tibetan astrology. Conducted by trained astrologers called “Tsip Khenpo” or monks, it interprets a person’s birth chart based on the lunar calendar, planetary alignments, and elements such as earth, water, fire, air, and space.

The reading offers insights into one’s character, health, relationships, career, and spiritual path, while also identifying auspicious dates and remedies for challenges. Often consulted for major life events—births, marriages, journeys, or building a home—astrology readings in Bhutan reflect the nation’s deep integration of spirituality, destiny, and harmony with cosmic forces. You will also be given your Bhutanese name.

3. Incense-making workshop

An incense-making workshop in Bhutan offers a hands-on introduction to one of the country’s most cherished monastic and artisanal traditions. Participants learn how natural herbs, barks, roots, and flowers such as juniper, sandalwood, and saffron are ground, mixed, and rolled into aromatic sticks used for daily prayers and purification rituals. Guided by local artisans or monks, the process emphasizes mindfulness and intention, as each ingredient carries symbolic and healing significance. Beyond crafting incense, the workshop provides insight into Bhutan’s holistic approach to wellbeing, where scent, spirituality, and nature come together in harmony.

4. Tsa-tsa making

Tsa-tsa making in Bhutan is a sacred Buddhist practice of crafting small clay votive tablets or miniature stupas that embody prayers and merit. Artisans and devotees mold purified clay (often mixed with holy substances like ashes or herbs) into sacred forms using traditional molds depicting deities or stupas. Each piece is consecrated with mantras and dried before being placed at temples, caves, mountain passes, or along trails as offerings for protection, blessings, and remembrance of the deceased. Deeply rooted in Bhutanese spirituality, tsa-tsa making reflects devotion, mindfulness, and the continuity of Bhutan’s living Buddhist heritage.

5. Foraging and natural dyeing workshop

A foraging and natural dyeing workshop in Bhutan invites participants to explore the country’s pristine forests and fields to gather wild plants, roots, barks, and flowers traditionally used to create natural dyes. Guided by local artisans or villagers, guests learn to identify dye-yielding species such as walnut, turmeric, rhododendron, and madder, and discover how these ingredients are boiled, blended, and transformed into rich, earthy colors. The experience continues with hands-on dyeing of textiles, reflecting Bhutan’s deep respect for nature, self-sufficiency, and the sustainable artistry woven into everyday life.

6. Sundowner with &Beyond

A sundowner by the Punakha River with &Beyond is a serene and luxurious experience set against the golden hues of the Himalayan dusk. Guests gather by the tranquil banks of the Mo Chhu River (or on a suspension bridge draped in prayer flags) to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and light bites as the sun sets over the lush Punakha Valley. The gentle sound of flowing water, flickering lanterns, and the soft evening breeze create a deeply peaceful ambiance. Blending Bhutan’s natural beauty with &Beyond’s signature elegance, the sundowner offers a perfect moment of stillness, reflection, and connection with nature.

7. Traditional Bhutanese cooking lesson

A traditional Bhutanese cooking lesson offers an immersive way to connect with the country’s rich culinary heritage. Guided by local chefs or home cooks, participants learn to prepare classic dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The session emphasizes Bhutan’s balance of flavor and nutrition, with techniques like stone-grinding spices and stir-frying over wood fire. More than just cooking, it is a cultural exchange: sharing stories, laughter, and the deep Bhutanese belief that food is an expression of warmth, community, and happiness.

8. Hike through Crystal Mountain

You trek through forested trails and serene mountain paths to reach the remote monastery, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valleys along the way. Along the hike, you can search for naturally occurring crystals, believed in Bhutanese tradition to carry protective and healing energies. The visit to Menchuna Goenpa includes quiet reflection, interaction with resident monks, and an understanding of the site’s spiritual significance, making it both a physically invigorating and deeply mindful experience.

9. Dharma talk by Rinpoche

Led by Rinpoche Neytrul, a revered Bhutanese Reincarnate (one of Buddha's 9th reincarnate disciples), the talk combines storytelling, practical guidance, and meditation, offering insights into how Buddhist principles can be applied to daily life. Attendees may also have the opportunity to ask questions, receive blessings, and engage in quiet reflection, making the session both enlightening and deeply personal.

10. Cooking for the monks

You learn to prepare simple, wholesome five-element dishes under the guidance of experienced cooks, respecting monastic dietary customs. The experience emphasizes mindfulness, intention, and gratitude, as each dish is made to nourish not just the body but also honor the monks’ daily practice. Sharing the prepared meal with the monastic community provides a meaningful connection to Bhutan’s culture of generosity, devotion, and communal harmony.

11. Tiger's Nest hike

The trail winds through pine forests, past waterfalls, and along cliffs offering panoramic views of the Paro Valley, gradually leading to the cliffside monastery perched 900 meters above. Along the way, hikers can stop at meditation caves and viewpoints to reflect and absorb the serene landscape. Upon reaching the monastery, visitors witness its stunning architecture, ancient murals, and sacred prayer halls, making the journey both a physically invigorating trek and a deeply spiritual pilgrimage.

12. Fire puja ceremony

A fire puja ceremony is a powerful Bhutanese ritual performed to purify negative energies, remove obstacles, and invite blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. Conducted by monks or lamas, the ceremony involves chanting sacred mantras, making offerings into the fire such as grains, incense, and symbolic items, and invoking protective deities. The flames are believed to carry prayers to the divine, transforming negativity into positive energy. Witnessing or participating in a fire puja provides a profound sense of renewal, mindfulness, and connection to Bhutan’s spiritual traditions.

Additional activities

In addition to your core retreat practices (morning Qigong, guided mindfulness rituals, meaningful cultural immersions, and nourishing wellness sessions), you will also explore some of Bhutan’s most cherished sites and traditions. Throughout your journey, you will visit sacred monasteries, walk ancient pathways, and participate in traditional healing experiences that offer a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage and way of life. These enriching experiences complement your inner work, allowing you to connect with the land, its people, and the profound wisdom that flows through Bhutan’s mountains, temples, and everyday culture.

1. Himalayan singing bowl therapy

In alignment with the metal element theme of the retreat, you experience a deeply restorative Himalayan singing bowl therapy session using handcrafted bowls forged from seven sacred metals. Each metal corresponds to a planetary energy, creating a symphony of pure, resonant vibrations that gently harmonize body, mind, and soul. As the sound waves ripple through the body, they help calm the nervous system, clear stagnant energy, and invite emotional clarity; embodying the metal element’s qualities of refinement, letting go, and returning to inner stillness.

2. Hanging prayer flags

You take part in a sacred Bhutanese practice by hanging multi-colored prayer flags in the mountains or near temples, carrying prayers for peace, healing, and protection into the wind. Each color represents one of the five elements, and each symbol and mantra is believed to uplift all sentient beings. Guided by local tradition, participants offer intentions or dedications—whether for loved ones, new beginnings, or global harmony. As the flags flutter, they become a living offering, gently blending personal prayers into the vast Himalayan sky.

3. Bhutan's longest suspension bridge

Suspended gracefully over the Mo Chhu River, Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge offers awe-inspiring views of lush valleys, terraced fields, and the flowing river beneath. Adorned with fluttering prayer flags, the bridge connects rural communities and symbolizes unity, resilience, and the balance between tradition and modern life. Walking across this gently swaying bridge invites a sense of adventure, grounding presence, and a unique connection to Bhutan’s natural beauty and harmonious rural lifestyle.

4. Meditation at Dochula Pass

Perched amidst the misty mountains and prayer-flag-lined ridges of Dochula Pass, the meditation caves offer a profound retreat into stillness. Hand-carved by monks and practitioners, these sacred spaces were created for deep contemplation and silent retreat, overlooking panoramic Himalayan peaks on clear days. Guests step inside to experience quietude, stone-cooled air, and the timeless resonance of meditative energy. Surrounded by the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, this moment invites inner reflection, peace, and connection with the spiritual essence of the Himalayas.

5. Memorial Chorten

The Memorial Chorten in Thimphu is a living shrine to peace, compassion, and enlightenment, constantly encircled by local devotees performing their daily circumambulation. Guests witness elderly monks, young children, and entire families spinning prayer wheels, reciting mantras, and offering butter lamps—an intimate window into the rhythm of Bhutanese spiritual life. Built in honor of the Third King, the Chorten represents the embodiment of “bodhicitta”—the awakened heart. The visit invites quiet reflection, presence, and a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s devotion to collective wellbeing and compassionate practice.

6. Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong, known as the “Palace of Great Happiness,” stands majestically at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Guests explore one of Bhutan’s most revered fortresses, rich with hand-painted murals, ancient relics, and sacred prayer halls that hold centuries of monastic history. As the former seat of Bhutan’s royal and religious authority, the Dzong offers a rare glimpse into the country’s spiritual and political legacy. Walking across the wooden cantilever bridge, surrounded by blooming jacaranda trees in season, guests feel the powerful harmony of nature, architecture, and devotion that defines Bhutanese life.

7. Chuni Dorji Privé collection

You will have the rare opportunity to meet the designer and explore a curated collection of traditional Bhutanese textiles, artifacts, and ceremonial objects, learning about their craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural significance. The session provides personal insights into Bhutanese traditions, artistic techniques, and the stories behind each piece, making it both an educational and intimate encounter with Bhutan’s rich cultural legacy.

Sample daily schedule

Day 1 - Monday, August 24

• Arrivals and Bhutanese welcome
• Opening circle
• Tsa-tsa making
• Astrology reading
• Group blessing by a lama

Day 2 - Tuesday, August 25

• Qigong practice
• Memorial Chortten
• Incense making
• Foraging and natural dyeing workshop

Day 3 - Wednesday, August 26

• Dochula Pass and hang prayer flags
• Meditation in man-made caves
• Qigong practice in the forest
• Longest suspension bridge
• Hot stone herbal bath
• Sundowner

Day 4 - Thursday, August 27

• Sunrise Qigong practice
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
• Punakha Dzong
• Bhutanese cooking lesson
• Hot stone herbal bath
• Sundowner

Day 5 - Friday, August 28

• Drive to Paro
• Secret Garden and Chuni Dorji Privé
• Explore Paro town
• Neyphug Monastery
• Menchuna Goenpa
• Evening puja at a monastery

Day 6 - Saturday, August 29

• Morning puja at a monastery
• Qigong practice with monks
• Dharma talk by Rinpoche
• Cooking for monks
• Evening puja at a monastery

Day 7 - Sunday, August 30

• Morning puja at a monastery
• Tiger's Nest hike
• Farmhouse lunch
• Fire puja

Day 8 - Monday, August 31

• Qigong practice
• Closing circle and reflections
• Check out and departure
• Explore town or enjoy COMO

The schedule is subject to vary slightly.