Ney Kor: Sacred Sites Pilgrimage
12 days · from US$3900 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
Follow in the footsteps of Guru Rinpoche. Visit the most important "Ney" or sacred sites believed to possess spiritual vibrations that aid meditation.
Highlights: Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) · Kurjey Lhakhang · Singye Dzong (optional) · Drakmar
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to sacred Bhutan. Begin your pilgrimage of "Ney" (sacred sites) associated with Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, one of 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo. The temple marks a sacred power spot. Evening orientation on Guru Rinpoche's life, teachings, and the significance of pilgrimage in Buddhism. Overnight: Paro
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu via Tachog Lhakhang
Morning visit to Dungtse Lhakhang, a temple built to subdue a demoness, and the National Museum. Drive to Thimphu stopping at Tachog Lhakhang, a power place built by iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. The temple sits beside an ancient iron chain bridge. In Thimphu, visit National Memorial Chorten where devotees circumambulate continuously. Join them in prayer wheel spinning and prostrations. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m). Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens - each a sacred monument built to expiate bad karma. In Punakha valley, walk to Chimi Lhakhang, blessed by the Divine Madman Drukpa Kunley. This fertility temple has unique phallus symbols and is a pilgrimage site for couples. Visit Punakha Dzong at sunset when golden light illuminates the fortress, showcasing Bhutanese craftsmanship. Overnight: Punakha
Day 4: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Morning hike through rice paddies to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built to remove negative forces from the world. The four-story temple exemplifies mandala architecture. Climb through the chorten's levels, each dedicated to different Buddhist deities. The top offers valley views and peaceful meditation spot. Afternoon visit to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and discussions on dharma. Overnight: Punakha
Day 5: Punakha to Trongsa
Drive east towards central Bhutan. Cross Pele La pass (3,420m) and stop at Chendebji Chorten, a large Nepalese-style stupa built to cover the remains of a demon spirit. Arrive in Trongsa, the historical seat of power. Visit the massive Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of architecture that seems to grow out of the mountain. Overnight: Trongsa
Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang
Short drive to Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland. En route, stop at Yutong La pass. Arrive in Jakar. Visit Jakar Dzong ("Castle of the White Bird"). Begin exploring the sacred valley with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 7: Kurjey Lhakhang - Guru's Body Imprint
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang complex, site where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint (kur = body, jey = imprint) in solid rock while subduing a demon. The cave with the body imprint is the most sacred shrine. Only accessible during special times, but the spiritual energy permeates the entire complex. Circumambulate the three temples, spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras with pilgrims who travel from across Bhutan to visit this Ney. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 8: Mebar Tsho - Burning Lake
Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) in Tang valley, where treasure revealer Pema Lingpa discovered sacred texts by diving into the gorge with a burning lamp. The gorge is considered a gateway to Guru Rinpoche's hidden paradise. Offer butter lamps at this powerful pilgrimage site. Visit Kunzang Drak monastery complex perched on cliffs. Meditate in caves used by Longchen Rabjam. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 9: Drakmar - Red Cliff Temple
Trek or drive to Drakmar Lhakhang beneath a dramatic red cliff face. According to legend, the cliff turned red when Guru Rinpoche transformed into Garuda (mythical bird) at this spot. The remote temple rarely sees visitors. Meditate in the cave and explore the hermitages where meditation masters practiced. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang to Paro (Fly)
Take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro (25 mins) offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas (subject to weather/schedule). If flight is unavailable, this will be a long drive day back to Wangdue/Paro. Arrive Paro. Visit Dzongdrakha Goemba, often called the "second Tiger's Nest", perched on a cliff above Bondey village. It's a serene, less-visited site ideal for meditation. Overnight: Paro
Day 11: Taktsang - The Ultimate Ney
Your pilgrimage concludes with the most significant site: Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress's back to subdue the local demon Singye Samdrup. The climb to 3,120m is a spiritual journey in itself. Explore the temples and the cave where the Guru meditated for three months. This site vibrates with spiritual energy. Offer your final prayers and aspirations. Descend with a heart full of blessings. Farewell dinner and final blessing ceremony. Overnight: Paro
Day 12: Departure
Morning at leisure. Transfer to airport. You've completed a powerful pilgrimage to Bhutan's most sacred Ney sites, following in Guru Rinpoche's footsteps. The blessings and merit accumulated during this journey will benefit your spiritual path for lifetimes. Tashi Delek!