Journey to Bhutan 2023 | Wanderlust Entrepreneur

If you’re a hard-working, heart-based entrepreneur who’s craving time to unplug, clear your mind, refresh, and refill your spiritual cup – then join us for 10 days of deep immersion into the pristine nature of the Tantric Buddhist country of Bhutan. There you’ll have the time to connect with your inner compass and come back home with a renewed passion for all you’re creating in your life and business.

Steep forests decend into valleys coursing with crystalline rivers and pine-scented air. The wind rushes down the canyon, flapping prayer flags and setting the temple chimes to sing.

And as you’re relaxing, cocooned in the misty, marshy valley, you suddenly see them come into view!

An anticipatory and reverent hush comes over the land…

…as hundreds of graceful Black Neck Cranes give reverence to the Gantay Monastery by circling three times in a clockwise direction (as Buddhists do in all their ceremonies)…

…before gently touching down, and bringing blessings for the winter season and next year’s crops.

You can feel the mystical energy of these revered and endangered birds, and you feel grateful to be able to witness one of earth’s magical enigmas.

Stress melts away, peace envelops your busy mind, and your spiritual connection to Mother Earth becomes more deeply illuminated.

Welcome to Bhutan!

In all my travels, there’s nothing like the beauty and majesty of Bhutan. It’s as if you’ve come to another planet that’s moving at a slower pace, deeply aligned with nature and the spirit that lies within.

You can’t help but unwind, slow down, and breathe more deeply as you become one with Mother Earth.

Bhutan slowly grabs hold of you, and the busyness and stresses of your life melt away. You become fully present to the moment and an inner clarity starts to emerge that’s been hard to find in your life.

You finally have the time to just BE and allow “what’s next in your life and business” to gently reveal itself.

WHAT am I going to experience?

Through meditation, chanting, prayer, ceremony, and connecting the local people, you’ll expand your consciousness and practice cultivating the compassion and loving-kindness of the Buddha within (for others, and most importantly – for yourself).

This trip is designed to strengthen your connection to your inner wisdom, love, and compassion. In this challenging world of ours, learning to put the Buddha’s teachings into practice in our lives and businesses (in the most practical of ways!) is the focus of our group time together.

Attaining the highest level of Gross National Happiness in the world is the goal of the Bhutanese people (as opposed to Gross National Product), and we too will aspire to bring that attitude into our lives.

We also suggest honoring your body after our pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest (and yes, we ARE climbing up there – see the picture!) with a visit to the spa at the 5 star Zhiwa Ling Hotel (the last 2 days of our journey). Each of the treatment rooms are dedicated to one of the aspects of Tara, the radiant goddess who embodies the virtues of compassion, healing, wisdom and fearlessness. She is the most venerated female deity, representing the divine feminine of the Buddha Nature.

All healing goddesses are thought to be one of her many emanations and her healing blessings are bestowed on all who sincerely seek her out. All treatments begin with the therapist invoking the healing energy of Tara, and conclude with the balancing resonance of the Himalayan singing bowl. It’s not to be missed.

WHAT are the highlights?

  • Flying into Paro you’ll fly over eight of the ten tallest peaks in the world – including Mt. Everest.
  • See the 108 chortens or stupas built for the Gross National Happiness of Bhutan on the Dochula Pass.
  • Travel across the lush valleys of Bhutan – one of the ten most important bio-diversity hot spots in the world.
  • Enjoy some of the best Tantric art in Bhutan.
  • Visit the stunning Punakha Dzong – a magnificent architectural masterpiece nestled between two rivers.
  • Hike in the Black Mountains National Park and visit the rare Black Neck Cranes, a symbol of peace for the Bhutanese.
  • Attend the Black Neck Crane Festival with its sacred folk & mask dances.
  • Explore the capital of Bhutan, Thimpu – the only capital city in the world with no traffic lights!
  • Attend a prayer ceremony with monks followed by a teaching on Buddhism.
  • Visit a family home and taste Bhutanese tea with yak butter and salt.
  • Enjoy discussions on Bhutan’s “Vajrayana” Buddhism and “Bon,” their pre-Buddhist shamanic tradition.
  • Pilgrimage to the famous Takstang Temple (aka Tiger’s Nest) situated on a cliff edge, dedicated to the Guru Rinpoche (we’ll be using his mantra on the journey).
  • Two nights in the stunning 5 star Zhiwa Ling Hotel at the end of our trip to nourish ourselves on all levels!
  • Make friends for life with the other entrepreneurs you sojourn with.

Wouldn’t THAT be enough to join us?

Sounds amazing! Tell me the tuition & sign me up!

Our Venues

When traveling to Bhutan it’s normal to be assigned to a 3-star hotel as part of your package. Having been to Bhutan three times before, I’ve chosen to upgrade us for seven of our nine nights to 4- and 5-star hotels. I promiseit will be worth the extra cost!

When we’re in Thimphu we’ll be at the Termalinca Resort right on the river, slightly out of town. Bhutan is famous for it’s barking dogs (!!) and it’s much easier to sleep and relax when we are not directly in the city!

Then when we travel to Punakha and Wangdi, we’ll be staying at the Dhensa Resort. From there we’ll be attending the Black Neck Crane Festival. It is a stunningly beautiful area, so quiet and perfect for hiking.

And after our amazing hike up to Tiger’s Nest monastery, we’ll be staying at the beautiful Zhiwaling Hotel in Paro for our last two nights in Bhutan.

**Keep in mind that you NEVER know what’s going to happen in Bhutan and they may move us to another hotel. However, if that does unfold, we will move to a venue that is equal in value to what I’ve already chosen for us.

Dhensa Resort in Punakha/Wangdi

Zhiwaling Hotel in Paro

Termalinca Resort in Thimphu

Wow, I can’t wait. I’m joining now!

The Cuisine

Bhutanese cuisine is down to earth, heavily influenced by geography, cultural practices, and fresh ingredients that are locally available.

The staple food in Bhutan is rice, but not just any rice! The country is famous for its red rice, which is eaten at almost every meal. It’s typically accompanied by a variety of delicious side dishes, including meat, vegetables, and soups. And don’t forget momo’s! Momo is a dumpling dish popular throughout the Himalayan region including Bhutan. Yum!!

One of the most distinctive aspects of Bhutanese cuisine is its use of chili peppers (seriously!!). Chilies are not just a spice, but a vegetable in most Bhutanese dishes. They are often served as a side dish and can be found in almost every meal. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ll love the heat that the chilies bring to the dishes. Ezay is the ultimate Bhutanese chili sauce and a staple part of any and every meal. It’s served almost all the time with just about anything: momos, rice, noodles, etc.

Meat is also an essential part of Bhutanese cuisine, including pork, beef, and yak meat. The traditional dishes, such as Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew), are typically meat-based and bursting with rich and robust flavors. Bjasha Maroo (a spicy chicken stew) is a well-loved dish among the locals. It is a combination of leeks, garlic, onions, and ginger with, of course, green chilis!

Cheese is another essential ingredient in Bhutanese cuisine, with local cheese known as datshi. It’s made from cow or yak milk and is used in a variety of dishes, particularly in Ema Datshi. The cheese gives the dishes a unique and distinct flavor that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

Vegetables like potatoes, turnips, and radishes are also frequently used in Bhutanese cuisine.  They are typically cooked with chili peppers and cheese, creating a mouth-watering and flavorful dish. Lentils are very popular too, so no worries if you’re vegetarian – there are plenty of dishes and you won’t go hungry, that’s for sure!

If you’re a soup lover, Bhutanese cuisine has plenty of options for you. The soups are made with meat, vegetables, and noodles, and they’re incredibly hearty and filling. Thukpa is a popular soup made with noodles, vegetables, and meat that is not to be missed.

Finally, when it comes to beverages, tea is the most popular drink in Bhutan. It’s usually served with yak butter and salt, creating a unique and savory flavor that pairs well with the cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Ara, a local alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice.

Bhutanese cuisine is packed with unique flavors and ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. I recommend trying everything, it’s one of the ways to better understand the people of this very special country!

Sheri, take me to the registration page NOW!

WHY Bhutan you ask?

Because the first time I visited this remarkable country my experience was so life-changing, I wanted to go back from the very moment I left.

The only way I can describe it is to say that the country is so stunning and pristine, the people so heart-felt and remarkable, the philosophy so different from ours, and the location so remote – that I felt like I had wandered into an entirely different universe.

There’s something magical about traveling out of your comfort zone and into great beauty. A part of you breaks open when you’re awe-struck to the core – it sets off fireworks within your neurons, opening you to possibilities that you never could have imagined.

Ideas spark in your mind,
the world changes rotation,
hearts burst open,
strange birds rush across the sky,
and great mysteries are revealed…

You take a pilgrimage into your own soul and come out transformed, lighter, clearer, truer to your passion and purpose.

And NOTHING is ever the same again.

That’s WHY we go to Bhutan.

That’s WHY we wander.

And that’s WHY you must join us.

The people of Bhutan are Tantric Buddhists who have a Shamanistic background called Bon, and a fantastic history filled with strange legends and mythologies!

In fact, one of the highlights of our journey is a special pilgrimage up to the sacred site called Tiger’s Nest, which marks the spot where the beloved Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a flaming tigress! Indeed, the monasteries are magical and beautiful in ways that I cannot begin to describe.

You’ll have the opportunity to spend a day at the Black Necked Crane Festival, and you’ll also visit the very rare and endangered cranes in Phobjikha. The festival is held in the courtyard of the sacred Gangtey Gompa, the oldest and largest Nyingma Buddhist monestary in Bhutan, and this celebration is not to be missed!

The festival is a very special occasion for the people to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of the heavenly birds. You’ll see colorful masked dances, folk dances, and crane dances which are performed by the monks and school children.

The dances support the people spiritually and culturally because these dances communicate Bhutanese traditions and spiritual lessons. The best part is just being part of the everyday life of the people and experiencing their joy and delight.

And as a special gift, a Lama will be preparing a prayer and blessing ceremony just for us.

As service is an important part of our spiritual experience, you are welcome to bring children’s books, blankets or anything you would like to donate to the Bhutanese people during our visit.

Bhutan cannot be described in any way – you simply must visit and experience the beauty of the both the landscapes and the amazing people!

“Sheri helped me to cut through my stories, fears and strategies, getting right to the core of what was limiting me in my life and giving me the clarity I needed to take action to make the changes that I truly wanted in my life. With her unconditional love, honesty, lighthearted humor, crystal clear clarity and lots of patience, she has helped me to shed so many lies and take my power back to create my life.”
– Christine Vida

Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to the Himalayas as the abode of the gods and home to the immortals. Since time immemorial, ascetics, scholars, philosophers and pilgrims have been drawn irresistibly to the remote Himalayan mountain kingdoms in their personal search for wisdom, inspiration, solitude and happiness.

With the vanishing of the once-legendary kingdoms of Tibet, Sikkim and Ladakh, Bhutan remains the last Mahayana Buddhist country in the world. Bhutan is a spiritual nation, and the influence of Buddhism is highly visible in every aspect of Bhutanese life.

Countless sacred monasteries, temples, Stupas, prayer flags and prayer wheels which dot the countryside provide a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the living faith.

Red-robed monks preside over religious ceremonies and rituals, which might have as much to do with celebrating weddings and births and the consecration of monasteries as with exorcising spirits from village homes, appeasing the rain gods, or simply welcoming a guest.

On all auspicious days, Bhutanese families make pilgrimages to monasteries to offer prayers and butter lamps.

You’ll take part in special religious ceremonies and rituals being performed by Buddhist monks, nuns and lamas who live their lives in isolation, devotion and meditation. This is truly a special journey for your inner self.

 

Bhutan is calling my name. I’m coming!

Our Itinerary

Nov 5-7th - The Journey Begins!

Most folks will be leaving November 5th or 6th will meet in Bangkok November 7th in the evening. Depending on where you live, you may need to leave on November 4th or 5th to make the flight to Bangkok. When you take the transpacific flight from the west coast of the U.S. to Bangkok, you lose a day when you cross the international dateline. Don’t worry. You’ll get the day back when you fly home!

When you arrive I recommend staying overnight at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (we can match you with a roommate) near the new Bangkok airport (BKK) and wake up early for our flight on Druk airlines to Paro, Bhutan in the morning on November 8th.

Hotel: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Nov 8th - From Bangkok to Paro to Thimphu (altitude: 7,400 feet)

We’ll gather in the hotel lobby in the early morning and, as a group, proceed to the airport to check in with Druk Air. If we’re lucky, we’ll have glorious views of the snow capped Himalayas. On its way to Paro, Druk Air flies over eight of the ten tallest peaks of the world including Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to our adventure. Already you can feel the pace of life slow down.

After visa formalities and collection of baggage, at the airport exit door, we’ll meet our guide and the driver. We begin our adventure in Bhutan with a drive through the valley, past small farming villages. On a clear day, Mt. Jumolhari (24,000 ft), Bhutan’s most sacred mountain peak, which marks the border between Bhutan and Tibet, can be seen from here.

We’ll stop at a Buddhist temple for a welcome ceremony and butter-lamp offering and then we’ll have a home cooked Bhutanese meal at a farmhouse. From there we’ll travel from Paro to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Hotel: Termalinca Hotel in Thimphu

Nov 9th - Punakha (altitude: 4,500 feet)

This morning we’ll travel to Punkaha. The road winds through pine forests and small villages, and passes by Chortens (Stupas) and prayer flags before heading up to Dochula Pass (10,000 ft). Here we’ll see 108 special Chortens (Stupa) surrounded by thousands of prayer flags, dedicated to the Kingdom’s Peace and Gross National Happiness. The prayer flags on mountain slopes, bridges and high passes, transmit prayers to the Gods and keep up a constant communication with the heavens. In good weather, one can view the entire range of the Bhutan Himalaya from the Pass.Chortan, Dochu Pass, Bhutan

We continue our drive through a beautiful Himalayan Mountain forest. This is also a good bird-watching area. Bhutan has a stunning 770 bird species, including many that are globally threatened. The country has been identified as one of the ten most important bio-diversity hot spots in the world (those places that together constitute less than two percent of the globe’s surface area but contain more than 50 percent of its biodiversity). Its ecosystem harbors some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas with over 2000 varieties of flowering plants including 50 species of rhododendron.

We’ll also make a stop along the way to visit the Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the man who unified Bhutan. The Dzong lies between the Po Chu (male river) and the Mo Chu (female river), and is the winter home of the Central Monk Body. When the Shabdrung arrived in Punakha, he set up a camp at the confluence of the two rivers and that very night had a dream in which he heard the prophecy of Guru Rinpoche. He then built a Dzong on that spot and placed the Rangjung Kharsapani there, the most sacred relic that he brought with him from his monastery in Tibet.

A devastating flash flood in 1994 washed away a major part of the Dzong. His Majesty the King personally supervised the reconstruction of the Dzong, a project that has occupied thousands of skilled craftsmen and builders during the past twelve years. The results of the restoration are amazing. You will be seeing the most magnificent architectural and artistic masterpiece in the Kingdom consecrated in an elaborate ceremony in May of 2003.

Hotel: Dhensa Hotel in Punakha

Nov 10th - Punakha and Phobjikha (altitude: 9,000 feet)

Today, we’ll drive to Phobjikha enjoying magnificent views of small villages, terraced fields, diverse forests of exotic Himalayan plants, trees and wildflowers. As we climb higher up and above the cloud the forest gets more beautiful with big 30-40 feet rhododendron trees, and massive hemlock and fir trees. Near the Phobjikha Valley, we’ll see yaks in fields of dwarf bamboo.Prayer Wheels, Bhutan

The hidden valley of Phobjikha is located in the Black Mountains National Park. Circled by pine and rhododendron covered mountains, this is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. The rare Black Neck Cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan and use the swampy center of this valley as their winter residence from mid November to mid March. Considered a symbol of peace, black-necked cranes have been revered by Bhutanese people for centuries. While we are here, we’ll visit the Crane Information Center, run by a non-government nature organization, to learn more about the cranes.

Hotel: Kichu Riverside Hotel in Wangdi

Nov 11th - Phobjikha & Black Neck Crane Valley (altitude: 9,000 feet)

We’ll spend the day at the Black Neck Crane Festival and experience the mask dances, folks music, and dance at the Gantey Gompa, one of the most important private monasteries in the country. Perched atop the ridge overlooking the valley, the Gompa is directed by Gantey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a “tulku” is a reincarnate) of Pema Lingpa. According to the Buddhist tradition and as a mark of their devotion, the cranes circle the monastery three times on their arrival in November and before they fly back to Tibet in March.

We’ll get to watch the rare and globably endangered cranes in their natural habitat!  Plus we’ll visit the lowlands of the Wangdi Valley and stay there overnight.

Hotel: Kichu Riverside Hotel in Wangdi

Nov 12th - Sha Village

Today we’ll visit the villages of Sha and experience a full day of life in Bhutanese villages. We’ll be hiking though different villages, seeing farmers at work, and taking time here and there to visit local families as well as visiting a local temple. Then we’ll be back in Punakha for the night.

Hotel: Dhensa Hotel in Punakha

Nov 13th - Wangdi to Thimphu

We’ll start of the day visiting the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery or temple of the divine madman. In founding the site it is said that Lama Kunley subdued a demon of Dochu La with his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom” and trapped it in a rock at the location close to where the chorten now stands. He was known as the “Mad Saint” or “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism by singing, humor and outrageous behaviour, which was often bizarre, shocking and filled with sexual overtones.

He’s also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and as flying carved wooden phalluses on house tops at four corners of the eaves. The monastery is the repository of the original wooden symbol of phallus that Kunley brought from Tibet. This wooden phallus is decorated with a silver handle and is used to bless people who visit the monastery on pilgrimage, particularly women seeking blessings to get pregnant. The tradition at the monastery is to strike pilgrims on the head with a 10-inch (25 cm) wooden phallus (erect penis). Traditionally symbols of an erect penis in Bhutan have been intended to drive away the evil eye and malicious gossip.

Hotel: Termalinca Hotel in Thimphu

Nov 14th - Thimphu

Thimphu is the only capital city in the world with no traffic lights! This morning, we’ll visit “Kuensel Phodrang” to see the world’s largest Buddha statue. It is located on a beautiful hill overlooking the entire Thimphu valley. The hill is covered with magnificent Himalayan blue pine.

Then we’ll attend a special prayer ceremony with a Buddhist Lama (teacher) and monks and/or nuns. The ceremony offers prayers and blessings to benefit all sentient beings. We then have a rare chance to receive a special blessing and a brief introductory teaching on Buddhism from the Lama or Chant Master.

We may also visit few interesting handicraft shops, where they sell masks, beautiful hand-woven textiles, carpets, jewelry, Bhutanese wooden products, and other gift items.

For the rest of the day, depending on the time, we’ll explore Bhutan’s exotic capital city—a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary life. A number of options include: the Farmer’s weekend market; the handmade paper factory along with some interesting handicraft shops, where they sell masks, beautiful hand-woven textiles, carpets and jewelry; a chance to see Bhutanese Archery Game – Bhutan’s national sport and an integral part of all festivities; and the Takin Preserve for a chance to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. We’ll see what the weather is like and how the day goes!

Hotel: Termalinca Hotel in Thimphu

Nov 15th - Thimphu to Paro

Today we’ll travel from Thimphu to Paro and visit some of the sites like the Drukgyal Dzong and perhaps watch an archery game (the national sport) – which is quite entertaining!

The ancient ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, considered as the most beautiful and famous archaeological sites in Bhutan, and is situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley. Since its construction in 1649, Drukgyel Dzong had been served as an important base for defense in the region until 1951 when it was destroyed by fire. Even after the destruction, the ruins of the Dzong continued to be protected as an important monument linking people of Bhutan with the great events that contributed in maintaining sovereignty of the country.

Hotel: Zhiwaling Hotel in Paro

Nov 16th - Paro – Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Hike)

After breakfast, we’ll hike to the magical monastery known as Taktsang (the “Tiger’s Nest”). Taktsang is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World. The monastery itself is perched on a granite cliff that drops 2,000 feet to the valley floor. The name is derived from a legend that Guru Rinpoche flew across the mountains to this spot on the back of a tigress, reaching a cave in which he meditated for three months, converting the people of Paro Valley to Buddhism during his stay.

The path starts with a gradual climb through a forest of oak and rhododendron. After crossing a small stream with two enchanting water-powered prayer wheels, the climb gets steeper arriving at a small chorten surrounded by prayer flags near a teahouse and a spectacular view of Taktsang. That will be our lunch stop. Then onward to the top to the sacred temple.

Hotel: Zhiwaling Hotel in Paro

Nov 17th - Paro to Bangkok (Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel)

Back to the airport to depart from the Land of the Thunder Dragon and return to Bangkok. Today we leave our hosts and make our way back to the airport and get ready for our flights home. We say our last goodbyes, hugs and kisses as we prepare to take our new dream of heaven back to our lives. We recommend that you stay overnight again in Bangkok at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel and book your flight home on November 18th.

Hotel: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

I’m ready to sign up for Bhutan NOW. Let’s go!

What’s Included

  • ALL our amazing Bhutanese meals are included in this program starting with lunch on November 8th and ending with breakfast on November 17th.
  • Three nights at the beautiful 4 star riverside Termalinca Resort in Thimpu
  • Two nights at the 4 star Dhensa Resort in the heart of the tranquil and lush Punakha Valley
  • Two nights in the stunning 5 star luxury Zhiwaling Hotel the last 2 nights of our journey in Paro
  • Two nights at the charming 3 star Kichu Riverside Hotel in Wangdi
  • Your Sustainable Development Fee ($1800 USD) paid to the Bhutanese Government ($200 USD per person, per night)
  • All spiritual teachings, meditations, and ceremonies
  • All ground transportation in Bhutan with our amazing driver
  • Your local guides – and they are remarkable (I’m serious about this)
  • All admission fees to the temples, Tiger’s Nest, the Black Neck Crane festival: all sites and activities are included listed in our itinerary.
  • ALL tips for the drivers and bell boys (I’m including $210 USD per person for our guides and our driver)
  • Special blessing prayer ceremony with the Lama
  • Bottled water throughout our journey
  • A pre-trip Zoom class to teach the Guru’s mantra and to set the intent for our journey
  • Your roundtrip flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan on Druk Airlines ($1200.00 USD)
  • Your visa to enter Bhutan
  • Farewell dinner and celebration at a family farmhouse
  • And regarding who’s included, you are! ALAANA and LGBTQIA2S+ people are lovingly welcomed.

**Hotels are subject to change by the government, if so they will exchange for an equally rated hotel

What’s Not Included

  • Your round-trip airfare from home to Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (REQUIRED!)
  • Alcoholic beverages and sodas at our hotels.
  • Souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Any lunches and dinners you buy during your trip to and from Bhutan.
  • If you come early to explore Bangkok, that is not included in our trip, however our travel agency can plan all that out for you!
  • You will need to stay overnight in Bangkok at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel at least two nights, probably three nights to be safe (~ $170 USD per night).
  • Other non-included items would be excess baggage charges & airport taxes if applicable.
  • The incredible spa services at the 5 star Zhiwa Ling hotel, drinks from the tea house, or any extras that are not included in our package.
  • Tips for the maids (we recommend you leave $1-2 USD per person per day)
  • Any extra tips you’d like to give for your amazing local guides and our driver (beyond what I am gifting them)

Your Bonuses

  • Get to know your fellow travelers in our private retreat Facebook group. Receive up-to-date trip info, get tips on how to prepare and make the most of our time together.
  • Build a deeper connection with everyone on our pre-trip Zoom call. Get clear on what you want for yourself on this journey and how to set your intent and begin the process of the retreat before we leave.
  • Post-adventure group call. We’ll check in with each other and see how we’re doing post retreat, what has changed, and what new actions we’re putting into place in our lives and businesses. We’ll make sure we’re not getting pulled back into any old habit patterns, so we can move foward knowing we’re exactly where we need to be right now.

Register here for Bhutan! Count me in, Sheri!

Sheri should I join you? That’s a YES if…

  • You’re longing for an infusion of inspiration in your life and business.
  • Your soul is feeling a bit parched, and you need some spiritual juiciness and adventure.
  • You want to explore how you can serve more profoundly in your life.
  • You feel like it’s time to move the needle up a notch and challenge yourself more deeply.
  • You feel like you might need a reboot or major change in your life or business.
  • Your heart is ready to stretch its boundaries.
  • You’re open-minded and non-judgmental when it comes to different cultures and traditions.
  • You’d love to explore adding some of the Buddhist teachings to your life.
  • You want to travel with a group of entrepreneurs like yourself and share your challenges and blessings with folks who understand you.
  • You feel called to experience the magic and mysteries of Bhutan

What You’ll Take Home:

  • A more direct connection to your ocean of inner wisdom and inner guidance.
  • A rekindled energy and excitement for your business and your life.
  • A deeper sense of peace and calm that you can bring into everything you do.
  • A relaxed, rejuvenated and re-inspired body, mind and spirit.
  • An exciting sense of optimism and inspiration about your business and your life.
  • Deep connections with a dedicated group of heart-based entrepreneurs.
  • A newfound love Bhutan and its people.
  • Incredible memories (and pictures!) of your adventures and new friends.

Incredible! I can’t wait to join!

A little about Bhutan!

Magical Bhutan is a small landlocked country sandwiched between the Himalayas in the north, Nepal in the west, and India in the east. It’s often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” due to its dramatic mountainous terrain and stunning natural beauty. Even though Bhutan is the size of Switzerland, it’s blessed with:

  • Mountains and Valleys: Bhutan is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including the iconic Mount Jomolhari, which stands at 7,326 meters (24,035 feet). The country is also known for its deep valleys, such as the Paro Valley, which is home to several historic sites and monasteries.
  • Forests: Bhutan is one of the world’s most forested countries, with about 72% of its land area covered by forests. The forests are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, the snow leopard, and the black-necked crane.
  • Rivers and Waterfalls: Bhutan is crisscrossed by several rivers, including the mighty Brahmaputra and the Amo Chhu. These rivers give rise to numerous waterfalls, such as the spectacular Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is located near the Punakha Valley.
  • Lakes and Glaciers: Bhutan is home to several glacial lakes, including the stunning Gangtey and Phobjikha Valleys. These lakes are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and are home to a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife.
  • Hot Springs: Bhutan is also known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. Some of the most popular hot springs include the Gasa and Punakha hot springs.
  • Carbon Negative: Bhutan takes more greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere than it emits. The country’s commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation has been critical in ensuring that these natural wonders will be preserved for generations to come.

“Sheri is the gift who keeps on giving! Her insights and careful way of communicating them continue to resonate with me, a year after the our time together.”
– Steve Black

Sheri, I want to join you in Bhutan! Sign me up!

A heartfelt note from your guide: Sheri Rosenthal

The entrepreneurial journey is not an easy one. The tenacity required to make it through the day-to-day challenges is often extraordinary.

Because of this, I strongly believe that our business is an expression of our spiritual path. And whatever we haven’t resolved, healed or forgiven will resurface in our business so we can deal with those issues.

I have found in my own life, that unless I make the time to be with myself, away from my business, my home, and my family – that it’s easy to lose my way, get distracted, and get caught up in my mental processes. In other words, I move out of my heart and into my head.

That’s why I travel. Every time I’ve journeyed to Bhutan, immersing myself deeply in nature has been life-changing for me. It’s given me time to breathe, open my heart even wider, and go even deeper into what I want right now in my life.

And it’s my greatest desire to share that experience with YOU – my fellow heart-based entrepreneur. 

After I sold my medical practice back in 1998, I was blessed to become an apprentice of don Miguel Ruiz (author of The Four Agreements) for 8 years.  That experience taught me how critical making the time to feed myself spiritually is. It’s easy to allow this life to suck us dry leaving us thirsting for a deeper connection to our spiritual well.

This journey is an opportunity to be with like-minded people who are facing the same issues and challenges as you are – and who want to serve others, change lives, and make a difference in this crazy world of ours.

So if you’re feeling the call to fill your cup – then this is the journey for you and I invite you to join me for this very special adventure of the heart and soul!

 

Registration & details can be found here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is Bhutan so expensive?

To protect the country from being overwhelmed by mass tourism, the Bhutan government has adopted a “High Cost, Low Impact” policy. This means that they charge tourists a fixed travel fee per day.  Bhutan has raised its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to $200 USD per person, per night, which will fund projects that support Bhutan’s economic, social, environmental and cultural development and this fee does not include your hotel or food.

The fees raised will fund national investment in programs that preserve Bhutan’s cultural traditions, sustainability projects, infrastructure upgrades and opportunities for young people, and provide free healthcare and education to its population.

Also please know that payment plans are available, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Where do I fly into?

If you take a flight leaving the USA (for example) on Monday November 6th to Bangkok you should arrive in Bangkok on November 7th when you MUST arrive (having crossed the international date line). You will then overnight in Bangkok and together we will catch the Druk Airlines flight to Paro, Bhutan in the morning on November 8th when our journey begins.

Flying home you will catch Druk airlines flight on November 17th leaving Paro in the morning flying back to Bangkok. I recommend staying overnight again in Bangkok and catch your international flight in the morning of November 18th arriving in the USA in the morning on December 19th (you get your day back here). It’s no problem coming from another country – simply make sure you are in Bangkok the night of November 7th so you can meet the group at the Novatel Hotel in the airport.

Keep in mind that we did not include the hotel room in Bangkok because many of you will be arriving early to hang out in Thailand and different people will be staying a different amount of days.

Feel free to make your own flights, but please confirm them with us before booking! If you need help – no worries, Ales in Custom Travel is our travel guru – feel free to ring him at: 866-866-5566 or email him (the quickest option) and it will be his pleasure to assist you!

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, we’re happy to! Bhutan has many food options – they’re used to dealing with the requests of their visitors. You will eat well. We provide superb meals even in the most remote areas. Our selected hotels and restaurants offer delicious Chinese, Continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine buffet style with mostly vegetarian meals.

Please clearly state any allergies and intolerances you have, along with your dietary preferences on our trip forms when we send them to you. If the list of things you can’t eat is long, we may ask you for a list of things you can eat instead.

I need a roommate – how do I arrange that?

If you would like to be matched with a roommate, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to pair you with someone else who is also seeking a roommate. Then you’ll have a chance to meet and get to know your fellow traveler during our pre-trip online gatherings.

In case there is no one to pair you with, your room will be considered a single, and an additional single-occupancy supplement will be added to your retreat fee.

Do I need travel insurance?

Absolutely, positively YES for this trip or you cannot travel with us. This trip is costly and you never know what can happen to you preventing you from traveling and losing your investment. We always recommend travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage. Be sure to read the fine print, as policies can differ greatly.

While you’re at it, be sure to confirm with your travel insurance provider what Covid-19-related issues are covered and to what extent.

Sheri, how fit do I need to be for this trip!

There is quite a bit of walking/hiking on this trip – but it is not for the exercise or speed, as much as for the spiritual experience and challenge of what we can and cannot do. Level 3-5 activity rating (out of 5) due to elevation and the hike to the Tiger’s Nest temple.

Bhutan is 8,000 feet (2438 meters) above sea level on average. The highest elevation we reach will be 11,000 feet (3353 meters).

If you have difficulty with altitude, speak to your doctor about getting a prescription for Diamox (Acetazolamide). I always carry it with me since I never know how I’m going to feel. And if I feel fine I don’t have to take it. Better safe than sorry is my attitude!!

What is the weather like?

November is a great time of year to visit Bhutan, especially during the first half of the month when we will be there. There are dramatic views wherever you cast your gaze in the mountains, and the autumn air is refreshingly crisp. The dry weather is ideal either for wandering around ancient monasteries, or trekking in the Phobjikha Valley to see the Black Necked Cranes.

Days are typically sunny and warm, with slightly cooler evenings. The average temperature of daytime is 19 degrees C (66.2 degrees F), the average nighttime temperature is 7 degrees C (44.6 degrees F). But it can be a lot warmer sometimes during the day and dressing in layers is the way to go!

What do I pack?

When you start packing for this incredible adventure, plan for comfortable, casual and laid back. You will not be needing anything dressy, so leave those beautiful stilettos and stylish tuxedos at home.

Think layers as you plan what to bring. Mornings and evenings can be cool, while the days can easily become tee shirt weather. Dressing in layers is also a good way to protect yourself from the sun since you will be at altitude.

You want to include something moderately warm, like a sweater and jecket for at night, and sturdy, water-repellent walking shoes.

Once you decide to join us, we’ll provide a more detailed list of what to bring and what not to bring.

Can you share EXACTLY what we're doing every day?

Travel to Bhutan requires patience and an open mind to cultural differences. Pack your curiosity and enthusiasm, and travel with an open mind. You will be richly rewarded. Bhutan is a place for adventure, Tantric Buddhist culture, a unique way of life, and the incredibly beautiful mountain landscape in the Himalayas.

The EXACT actual schedule of spiritual teachings and what we’ll be doing day to day is not published so we can be in the moment. Every day will be a magical experience for all of us, so keep your heart and mind open to the experience life brings us. Due to the remote areas we are traveling to, weather, bad roads and other unseen obstacles may cause us to make changes in our itinerary.

On this spiritual journey our intent is to create sacred space where we can learn and share in group for the purpose of deepening our spiritual connections and practice. The power of the Buddhist teachings and ceremonies comes from our combined energy and intent. If you cannot be open to the process and being in the moment, then this trip would not be your best choice.

How can I offset the impact of my traveling by plane?

You can purchase “carbon offsets” for your trip to neutralize your carbon footprint. We’ll provide information once you have decided to join us.

What about COVID-19?

Your safety and wellbeing are very important to us! We will adhere to all COVID-19 travel requirements at the time of travel and will keep you informed of any updates. The best way to avoid ruining your trip once you arrive is to wear an N95 mask in the airports while you are traveling to Bhutan!! 

At the time of this writing (February 2023), there are no requirements for vaccination or masks on this retreat, but you should make sure you have several masks with you just in case! We will be providing N-95 masks in case you forget. We also ask that you bring a couple of rapid Covid tests please.

If you’re concerned about rooming with someone who has made a different vaccination choice than you, please let us know your needs in the pre-event forms and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Will I have access to the Internet?

Yes, you will be able to stay connected with your loved ones. Wifi is available at most hotels but don’t expect high speed anything!

That being said, the more you can disconnect from your life back home, the better the impact of your experience, so please plan to be “off the grid” as much as possible.

CONTACT US

 

Got a question? Contact us directly at awesomeness@WanderlustEntrepreneur.com

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.
When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
~ the Buddha

Paro, Bhutan

Registration & details can be found here!

Copyright © 2023 Sheri A Rosenthal DPM Inc.