Nepal & Bhutan: Land of the Dragon

Day 1 · Kathmandu

We meet in the capital of Nepal. We get to know each other and the happiness program for the coming days — built on the science-based approaches of Lori Santos, professor of psychology at Yale University, and the research of Martin Seligman (positive psychology), Sonja Lyubomirsky (adaptation and happiness) and Albert Ellis. Then we go for a walk around the city: the majestic Boudha stupa, one of Nepal’s main Buddhist shrines; the Pashupatinath temple complex on the banks of the sacred Bagmati; and Swayambhu, an ancient hilltop temple. In the evening we have a welcome dinner. We recommend arriving a day early to rest after the journey and tune into the rhythm of the city.

Day 2 · Paro — Thimphu

After breakfast we head to the airport for one of the most beautiful flights of your life — over the Himalayas! From Paro airport we drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan: the road takes about an hour and a half and gives us our first look at the country’s mountain landscapes. The capital sits at 2,320 m. Today we visit the Kuenselcholing viewpoint over the city, the Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong — an impressive monastery-fortress. In the evening, the group explores why the brain tricks us with false goals, the difference between pleasure and well-being — and we do an exercise to assess our current level of happiness.

Day 3 · Thimphu — Cheri monastery

In the morning we leave the city for a short hike to Cheri monastery. The route crosses land linked to the Jigme Dorji nature reserve and takes about an hour each way. The trail leads to a monastery set among mountain forests above the valley. After the hike we return to Thimphu to discover traditional Bhutanese crafts: we visit a paper factory, stop by the weekend market and stroll through the craft bazaar. Today the group explores five evidence-based habits that steadily raise well-being.

Day 4 · Thimphu — Gangtey

We travel to the Gangtey valley at about 2,800 m. The drive takes 5 hours over mountain passes and through picturesque valleys of Bhutan. On the way we stop at Dochula pass (3,140 m) with views of the snow-capped Himalayas. In the afternoon we arrive in Gangtey: a valley among dense forests and mountain ridges, where the scale of Himalayan nature and the distance from ordinary city life are especially tangible.

Day 5 · Gangtey — Punakha

In the morning we visit Gangtey monastery — one of the main Buddhist monasteries of the valley: it stands on a rise surrounded by mountains, with beautiful views over the valley. Then we drive to Punakha — about two hours into a greener, warmer valley. We walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple: a trail through rice fields and small villages, along narrow paths between the fields, past traditional houses and the everyday life of local people. Harvard research has shown that the quality of relationships is the main predictor of happiness and health — it is not the number of friends, but the depth of connection. Today we have a deep practice on trust and building bonds.

Day 6 · Punakha — Paro

In the morning we visit the main landmark of Punakha — Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery built in 1637. The dzong stands at the confluence of two rivers — Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, symbolically called the female and male rivers. It was once the residence of the kings of Bhutan, and today it is one of the country’s most significant architectural and religious monuments: white walls, wooden galleries and richly decorated interiors are especially impressive against the mountains and rivers. Then we drive to Paro — about four hours. In the afternoon we visit Rinpung Dzong — another impressive Bhutanese fortress.

Day 7 · Taktsang monastery

Today we visit one of the main symbols of Bhutan — the famous Taktsang monastery, the “Tiger’s Nest”: it literally hangs on a sheer cliff about 800 m above the Paro valley. The round trip takes about 5 hours: the route is quite steep and rocky in places, but some sections are gentle and well equipped. On the way we climb through forest, and as we gain height the views of the valley and mountains become more and more impressive. According to legend, in the 8th century the great Buddhist teacher Padmasambhava, called the Second Buddha, flew here riding a tigress — the monastery was later built on this very spot. After returning, we visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse: we see how a local family lives, learn about traditions and relax in a traditional hot stone bath. In the evening we discuss why Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Viktor Frankl believed happiness is a by-product of engagement, and meaning matters more than pleasure.

Day 8 · Kathmandu

After an early breakfast we head to Paro airport and fly to Kathmandu. There is still time to explore the capital of Nepal, so we go to the ancient city of Bhaktapur: we stroll through its narrow lanes and squares, see old palaces, temples and carved wooden facades. In the evening we have a farewell dinner and bring the whole program together — honing happiness as a skill.

Day 9 · Until we meet again

Our journey comes to an end — we say goodbye, and everyone sets off on their own way. But perhaps something has changed inside. Memories of Bhutan’s mountains, quiet monasteries, the smell of incense and warm encounters stay with us. And, of course, a piece of the happiness we found in Bhutan travels home with each of us.